Nintendo appeases core Wii gamers with wealth of flagship titles
by Stevie Smith - Jun 3 2009, 17:05
We can't be certain, but we reckon ALL these guys are currently buzzed. Image: Tostie14/Flickr.
With Microsoft and Sony using their high-profile E3 Expo keynote addresses to jostle for position in terms of upcoming gaming titles and new motion-sensing technology, market leader and motion-sensing pioneer Nintendo has emerged from the fray as something of an also-ran.
However, that being said, the Japanese gaming titan’s innovative Wii console has certainly made more of a discernible impact at this year’s E3 than it did in 2008.
For example, while its two market rivals used basic motion-sensing tech demos to vie for consumer attention, Nintendo added further weight to its new Wii MotionPlus system, which will be released this month and should greatly enhance the motion control strengths already attributed to its Wii home console.
Specifically, upcoming Wii MotionPlus titles such as Grand Slam Tennis, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2010 and Wii Sports Resort have all been given time in the expo spotlight, thus increasing the exposure of Nintendo’s small dongle attachment, which fits flush to the base of the existing Wii Remote wand.
But, beyond adding more intuitive muscle to its groundbreaking control system, Nintendo also used E3’s global platform to make a more concerted effort to appease the needs of its (somewhat disgruntled) core gaming demographic.
During its keynote address on Tuesday, the company looked to “create [and] surprise” as it unveiled new series entrants for a variety of its flagship Wii franchises, including action title Metroid: The Other M, adventure sequel Super Mario Galaxy 2, and retro platformer with co-operative play through New Super Mario Bros.
Another new leading title rolled out by Nintendo, and sure to further bulge its coffers, is Wii Fit Plus, a revamped version of the massively popular interactive gaming and exercise package.
And, while the keynote is long over, even more ‘hardcore’ goodness is seemingly inbound for Nintendo’s dedicated fan base, following news that renowned videogame director Shigeru Miyamoto has said a brand new, as-yet unnamed Zelda title will be coming to the Wii in 2010.
Speaking during a recent developer roundtable, Miyamoto revealed he had been targeting E3 2009 for an official debut, but 1UP reports that details and a first look were held back after the software development team opted to keep focus on defining the game’s overall concept.
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