Five Things I Want To See From Nintendo At E3 2014
This year's E3 is crucial for Nintendo. The Wii U has floundered and calling the release schedule for upcoming games "sparse" is being kind. Unfortunately, Nintendo has, yet again, opted out of having a press conference to deliver it's announcements through a special Nintendo Direct like they did last year. Without the pomp and glamour of an E3 presser, it's even more vital that Nintendo comes out swinging with a slew of exciting and meaningful announcements so that they aren't an afterthought to Sony and Microsoft's presentations like they were in 2013. Here are five things I hope they do that would help with that.
New IP
This is an issue that's been brought up numerous times throughout the years but it bears repeating. I'll always love Mario and Zelda but it's time to see some fresh ideas from the big N - and I don't mean original ideas implanted in established franchises. I want brand new characters, worlds, and design ideas. Preferably, an IP built from the ground up with the Wii U's unique capabilities in mind.
Release Dates for Long-Announced Titles
We've known that games such as Bayonetta 2 and Monolith Soft's "X" were coming to Wii U since the beginning of the system's life-cycle but still have no concrete release dates on these titles. I'm tired of vague launch windows. These are huge exclusives and it's about time players found out when these discs will be spinning in their consoles; especially those holding off on a Wii U purchase until then.
The Resurrection of Dormant Franchises
Nintendo boasts the most iconic stable of first-party franchises but has only utilized about half of them in recent years. The Metroid series has been quiet since 2010's underwhelming Other M. Star Fox hasn't had a proper console entry since Star Fox 64. Let's not forget F-Zero and even Punch-Out!. These franchises have passionate followings begging for their return and it'd be wonderful to see at least one of them make a comeback on current generation hardware
More Worthwhile Third-Party Exclusives
Sadly, this one isn't likely to change anytime soon, considering the mass exodus of third-party support in the last year or so. Once Bayonetta 2 and X hit, there really isn't anything on the horizon in terms of big-time third-party exclusives - that we know of, at least. Still, Nintendo has maintained solid relationships with the likes of Konami and Square Enix, so a new Contra, Castlevania or Final Fantasy exclusive to Wii U would be a slam dunk for the struggling console.
Zelda Wii U
According to Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto, we were THIS close to seeing this game at last years E3, but Nintendo decided to save the unveiling for a later date. With sales lagging, there isn't a better time to debut the title that will definitely spike Wii U sales.
What do you want to see from Nintendo at E3?