GDC - Iwata keynote Wednesday @9AM PST *Live stream over, replaying now, OP summary*

[Strell]

Nintendo's president Satoru Iwata will be delivering a speech entitled “Video Games Turn 25: A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future."

Nintendo has just tweeted that they will be providing a video stream of the speech. It's been reported here. (http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=151659#comment-section) When it comes up, I'll place it in this post.

The general consensus is that there won't be much Iwatadroppenzalbomben. He'll be talking about the 3DS and Nintendogs at the least. The other thing that is known to be addressed is Zelda, so there will probably be a Skyward Sword trailer of sorts. He'll also address the future of Metroid, so take that as you will.

A video stream suggests that at least one surprise is in store, but GDC isn't historically known for shattering announcements.

Still, fun to look forward to.

Link to video stream of speech incoming: BAM (http://gdc2011.nintendo.com/)

http://gdc2011.nintendo.com/ for those of you that would prefer to know it offhand.

Summary:
"Super Mario" logo shown for Mario 3DS, has a clear Tanooki Tail shown in it
New Zelda Skyward Sword footage shown with emphasis on combat; new enemies shown with lots of emphasis on slash direction
Netflix partnership announced; 3D movie trailers can be downloaded and watched; can watch one thing on 3DS and another on Wii simultaneously
The above suggests 3DS-Wii connectivity
Zelda 25th Anniversary...."something" is happening; Miyamoto is working on it in addition to Skyward Sword
AT&T hotspot partnership in the US with over 9,000 10,000 locations ready (joke stolen from Cao Cao)
Game population in major markets (US and European) is growing
May 2011 update for 3DS will have DSiware, DSiware transfer tool, "3D Classics," Virtual console, and new content
Game Gear and Turbografix-16 games will be part of the virtual console offerings
"Nintendo Video Channel" will be available on 3DS, allowing people to watch unique content
3D video recording should become available in the future
Possible allusions to game interfaces utilizing multiple screens (i.e., conjunction between TVs, tablets, laptops, phones, etc); this is only pure speculation
Iwata> PS3 has no gaemz lol
Iwata> What you people did to Kirby's color? I SAW IT.


Zelda footage that was shown:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZw7YQnl4V4

Stolen from neogaf user The Dutch Slayer:

http://i52.tinypic.com/t4vbj9.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/umu5u.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/a07wi0.jpg

I think that's it.

You mad?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Einzell/1299089640932.jpg

[Strell]

Link to video stream of speech incoming: BAM (http://gdc2011.nintendo.com/)

http://gdc2011.nintendo.com/ for those of you that would prefer to know it offhand.

[soonersfan60]

..."address the future of Metroid." ? What does that mean? Sounds almost like foreshadowing the end of the franchise. :-( I would think "announcing a game" wouldn't be stated the way it was said in the press release. I hope I'm over-reacting.

[Altanis]

It sounds like they might finally give us a release date for Skyward Sword (this would go hand-in-hand with Best Buy having a July 1 release date, except that Nintendo does Sunday releases- not Monday, especially after the DQ6 fiasco), as well as possibly the release dates of more 3DS titles (not launch, but probably between then and E3).

As for the whole "future of Metroid" thing... It's possible that they would announce the cancellation of the series, but I doubt it. They might announce that they have a new team working on a new game, and that Other M will just be forgotten from here on out.

I'm probably 100% wrong, of course.

[KingBroly]

Wait, is he really going to talk about Metroid?

[dothog]

I'm probably 100% wrong, of course.
100% wrong about the cancellation of Metroid? Nope, you're on to something there.

Iwata's known for eradicating well-known creations at the drop of a hat. Remember the Pikmin games? Iwata couldn't get past that huge daddy longlegs at the end of Pikmin 2. He said, to hell with it, no more of this bullshit, Pikmin's done, go cry about it in your precious garden, Miyamoto, maybe pluck a banjo while you're at it.

So it's possible the controls in Other M got to Iwata, too.

[KingBroly]

Iwata was too busy with the gwasses fwee Nintendo 3DS to play Other M.

If I had to just throw out a guess if Metroid would be mentioned it would be that Other M was intentionally designed to resonate anger within the user and that a new Metroid game is coming out this fall and it'll be completely open planet.

[TheLongshot]

Not sure why anyone would think that there would be an announcement to "cancel" a series, when there haven't been any more games announced. There would be no point in making such an announcement.

No, if they are making an announcement, it is probably for another game.

[Strell]

Predictions:


New Skyward Sword trailer. Failing that, a demonstration of new mechanics.
Trailer for Pandora's Tower (1st party announced a few weeks ago; only one piece of art out so far)
3DS talk; perhaps talk about the internal stuff (3DShop)
Maybe one new 3DS reveal
Metroid stuff (probably the lukewarm reception to Other M/future titles)
Vitality Sensor update
No localization announcements (Xenoblade, Last Story)

[KingBroly]

Predictions:
- Skyward Sword Trailer, Date
- Talks about 3DS, how they're approaching the digital marketplace with it
- Metroid Dread for Wii - 2011 The trailer will show KG and/or Adam being alive

Strell, you never mentioned where you heard that Iwata was going to talk about Metroid. I'd appreciate a source. Also, I doubt he's going to talk sales numbers when it comes to Other M as they never mention numbers at GDC.

But I VAGUELY remember a rumor from a couple of years back stating 2 2D Metroid games were in development for Wii. I know Other M was originally 2D, and that'd fit with the rumor, but I can't remember where I heard it from.

[Strell]

You go to the same sites as me AND you are generally more up on this stuff than I am.

Lemme see if I can find it. Almost positive it was over at GN.

Edit 1: Metroid turns 25 soon. That's part of it.

Edit 2: Not finding it, but I'm fairly certain I read that somewhere. Maybe I'm getting it mixed up with the Iwata Asks features.

[KingBroly]

Well I've haven't heard anything definitive other than Zelda and 3DS. I know Kid Icarus turns 25 this year as well as Zelda and Metroid. But given the state Other M was released in, if Other M was supposed to be the grandiose Metroid title, it would've been delayed until this year for the Anniversary because it certainly needed it. That's probably where the quiet but logical speculation comes from.

If they announced a new Metroid game at E3, an August release would be too soon for hype to build for it and to market it. If they announced it here, you get that proper amount of time to build up hype for a typical August release; Nintendo has recently been known to announce titles 5-6 months before they release. Metroid's 25th Anniversary comes on August 2nd, 2011; coincidentally enough, that's a Tuesday, so 5 months from today. But it just seems too perfect to me.

But yeah, if there was a time to talk turkey about Metroid, it'd be now. Good or Bad.

[foltzie]

Prediction, Wrecking Crew 2011 Motion+ required!

[utopianmachine]

Prediction, Wrecking Crew 2011 Motion+ required!

In for 1!

...

I hate the Wii sometimes. :cry:

[Strell]

15 minutes to go. Though it will probably start late.

[KingBroly]

Stream page went up. It's rated E for everyone, meaning no Zelda or Metroid probably.

[Strell]

Steam is live. No speech yet, but music is playing.

[Strell]

Presentation has begun. GDC coordinators are introducing him.

[Strell]

And he's on.

[ROB64]

Damnit, I thought it was supposed to be at 13:00 (9:00 PST).

NVM, I'm thinking of PDT...

Haha, just noticed the GDC logo is in red/cyan 3D.

[Strell]

Just so anyone wants an update:

He's just been talking about the social aspects of gaming and how they and other developers have contributed to it over the years. Also had a graph citing the gaming populations at large in the US and European markets.

I.e. no "news" so to speak.

[Strell]

Satoru> When they brought Kirby over to the US, they changed the color of him from pink to white on the box. I guess they thought I wouldn't notice.

Fixed quote:

"Maybe they thought I not notice. ... I did."

[ROB64]

And here's the 3DS, hopefully we get some new news.


"In the area of wireless communications, Nintendo can do better"

[Strell]

My body isn't ready.

[KingBroly]

I don't think Reggie should be there.

EDIT:
OH SHIT, NETFLIX!

[ROB64]

Netflix on the 3DS! Pretty cool.

[Strell]

Double Netflix? I am THERE.

[TheLongshot]

Talking about Netflix on 3DS

3D trailers as well.

[Strell]

I've said there needed to be a "Nintendo video" channel for years now, full of fan made projects and the like. Sweet.

[TheLongshot]

I've said there needed to be a "Nintendo video" channel for years now, full of fan made projects and the like. Sweet.

Combine with recording 3D videos, it could get interesting...

[TheLongshot]

10,000 AT&T wifi hotspots for 3DS.

Spotpass "push" content. Sounds like game demos and ads. Not sure if I like that.

[ROB64]

Over 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots available to 3DS owners.
EDIT: too slow...

[Cao Cao]

Over 9000 10,000 AT&T wi-fi spots.

[Strell]

Game gear is on board, ninjas.

[TheLongshot]

Talked about GameGear and Turbo Graphix 16 games availablity.

Iwata back on, talking about new games.

[Strell]

Mario 3DS "example" incoming.

[Snake2715]

cool

[Strell]

IS DAT SUM TANOOKI TAIL?

ohyesitis

[ROB64]

Super Mario Bros 3 in 3D maybe???
To be announced at E3.

[ROB64]

WOOOOOOO!
25th Anniversary of Zelda logo! Among other news incoming...

[Strell]

Hmmm. Zelda 25 Anniversary Compilation confirmed? Iwata suggested something is coming and Miyamoto is working on it.

[TheLongshot]

New Zelda scenes.

[foltzie]

Talked about GameGear and Turbo Graphix 16 games availablity.

Iwata back on, talking about new games.

well the 3DS does have Game Gear like battery life. *RIMSHOT!

[ROB64]

Epic looking new enemies (or at least revamps of old ones) in Skyward Sword.

[Strell]

I hope someone screenshotted the closeup of the new bad guy lookin' all emo.

[Strell]

Iwata> PS3 has no gaemz lol

[Cao Cao]

The Dutch Slayer posted some screencaps of the Mario game and the Zelda 25th anniversary logo, for those who missed it:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=26248206&postcount=1898

[ROB64]

Chart isn't accurate, really. Wii has about as many as PS3 if you count the crapware.

[Strell]

And we're out.

[TheLongshot]

And that's it.

[foltzie]

So to recap, Netflix, and hey, Zelda is 25. wink wink.

[Strell]

Put up a summary in the OP.

Video stream is replaying in case anyone is interested.

[soliddragon]

Seems pretty Meh to me

[ROB64]

This wasn't a humongous conference to start with.
New mario and zelda announcements are more than enough for me. :D

[Strell]

And my prayers are answered.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Einzell/1299089640932.jpg

[Strell]

Zelda footage shown:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZw7YQnl4V4

[foltzie]

And my prayers are answered.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v297/Einzell/1299089640932.jpg

Kefka?

[dothog]

I heard the man say June on OOT 3D in the video, but did he mention anything on the SS release date after the preview?

[Cao Cao]

EDIT: Also worth noting that they are giving a June release date for Ocarina of Time 3D, and there are some new screens of it:
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=423235

The press release:

NINTENDO PLANS NEW 3D SUPER MARIO GAME, ANNOUNCES AT&T, NETFLIX COLLABORATIONS

Upcoming Nintendo 3DS System Will Expand the World of Nintendo Entertainment

SAN FRANCISCO, March 2, 2011 – A new 3D game from Nintendo's iconic Super Mario series is in the works for the Nintendo 3DS™ portable system. Nintendo also announced two upcoming collaborations: Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to connect automatically to the Internet at more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, while Netflix members will instantly stream movies and other content on their Nintendo 3DS systems. These features were announced today at the Game Developers Conference during Nintendo President Satoru Iwata's keynote address, titled "Video Games Turn 25: A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future."

During his speech, Iwata said Nintendo 3DS gives developers new tools to create games and experiences never before possible while enabling them to reach the public in new ways.

"There is great potential to increase the number of people who enjoy video games by opening up new game-play opportunities that are only available through the use of 3D." Iwata said. "Nintendo 3DS will be the most connected Nintendo device ever, with its ability to link people via local wireless connections, while at the same time connecting them to people and content worldwide via hotspot connectivity."

Nintendo 3DS launches March 27 in the United States at a suggested retail price of $249.99. It lets users view 3D content without the need for special glasses. The announced 3D Super Mario game will feature traditional Mario™ game play and will fulfill the dream of Nintendo video game designer (and Mario creator) Shigeru Miyamoto to bring true depth and distance into the game's mechanics. The game is being developed by the same Nintendo team that created the Wii™ console hits Super Mario Galaxy™ and Super Mario Galaxy 2.

At the end of May, Nintendo will provide Nintendo 3DS owners with a wireless system update that will activate the Nintendo eShop and give users access to a number of features:

* A short-form video service will let people view trailers for Hollywood movies in 3D and access video game trailers, screen shots, background information and links to publishers' websites. Content will include short video clips, such as comedy shorts or music videos, selected by Nintendo and delivered to Nintendo 3DS users who choose to receive them.
* Downloadable classic games via the portable Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console™ service will include Game Boy™ and Game Boy Color games, as well as those from the Game Gear and TurboGrafx-16 systems.
* "3D Classics" will introduce select classic video games remastered in 3D.
* Games currently offered as Nintendo DSiWare™ and an Internet browser will be available.

The system update will also provide a solution for Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ owners to transfer their Nintendo DSiWare games to their new Nintendo 3DS systems.

To help make the wireless features of Nintendo 3DS as smooth as possible, Nintendo has collaborated with AT&T to provide Nintendo 3DS owners with automatic and free access to more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide with the May system update. Nintendo's aim is to make getting connected easy for everyone, so people who opt in to the system's SpotPass™ service will tell their Nintendo 3DS systems to automatically connect to AT&T Hot Spots at restaurants, book stores, coffee shops and airports across the country.

This summer, Nintendo 3DS will incorporate Netflix functionality. Netflix members who have an unlimited plan starting at $7.99 a month can access a broadband wireless Internet connection and instantly stream movies and TV shows directly to their Nintendo 3DS systems, similar to how the service is used on the Wii console. This means people can start watching a movie via Netflix on their Wii systems at home and then pick up the same movie later from a different location using their Nintendo 3DS systems.

For more information about Nintendo 3DS, visit http://www.nintendo3ds.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.5 billion video games and more than 577 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company's website at http://www.nintendo.com.

[KingBroly]

Calling it now: That dude is Majora and he'll probably infect the ancestor of Ganondorf somehow, turning him evil.

Also, Skyward Sword will be coming out no earlier than July. If I had to guess...August considering they're planning a Zelda 25th Anniversary Collection it seems. You'd have to wonder what the big Holiday game would be then.

[utopianmachine]

I don't think Reggie should be there.

EDIT:
OH SHIT, NETFLIX!

My mind exploded when I read that edit.

Game gear is on board, ninjas.

Game Gear? So we can play ... eh, who cares. Game Gear. I had one as a kid. Played Ecco, Columns, and Sonic. Whee.

Hmmm. Zelda 25 Anniversary Compilation confirmed? Iwata suggested something is coming and Miyamoto is working on it.

I'd be in for a 25th anniversary compilation. Did they say which games would be in the compilation?

well the 3DS does have Game Gear like battery life. *RIMSHOT!

:applause:

That reminds me that I never once put batteries in my Game Gear. I saw other kids at my daycare doing it, but they all complained that the thing devoured batteries.

And when I say daycare, I mean 6th grade. My mother babied me.

[pete5883]

Listened to this this afternoon. I'm not sure I follow their logic that the 3DS shop is a good promotion tool, because consumers will come to it "looking for your content." I obviously don't have any numbers to back this up, but I'm under the impression that not too many consumers visit the DSi shop, so I can't see the 3DS shop being as popular as Nintendo is billing it to be. I am tentatively excited about getting PC Engine games, though.

That said, Zelda looks hoooooooooot.

[KingBroly]

So...3 Zelda games this year? Really? OOT3DS, SS and 25A? Seems a bit overkill if you ask me. Almost Mario-style overkill. Also, it sorta kinda maybe confirms that Skyward Sword's not going to be releasing in the fall because of the 25th Annviersary thing if it happens since they haven't shown anything. Basically they'd have to release them extremely close together.

So my guess:
- OOT 3DS in June
- Skyward Sword in September
- 25th Anniversary Collection in December

[spmahn]

I don't get it, the Virtual Console already has TG16 games, and nearly all the games released on Game Gear were watered down ports of Genesis games, who would want to play that?

[ChibiJosh]

Did they actually say they were making a Zelda Compilation? I think they just said they were working on something for the 25th anniversary, not necessarily a game. (Although, the whole Mario All Stars thing would lead one to assume...)

[KingBroly]

Game Gear games were ports of Sega Master System games actually.

^^^
Considering Nintendo is a game company, I highly doubt they'll release something that isn't a game.

[moothemagiccow]

Did they actually say they were making a Zelda Compilation? I think they just said they were working on something for the 25th anniversary, not necessarily a game. (Although, the whole Mario All Stars thing would lead one to assume...)

skyward sword and oot 3d. those are the things.:booty:

[Strell]

Game Gear games were ports of Sega Master System games actually.


That's...not wholly accurate.

[TheLongshot]

Listened to this this afternoon. I'm not sure I follow their logic that the 3DS shop is a good promotion tool, because consumers will come to it "looking for your content." I obviously don't have any numbers to back this up, but I'm under the impression that not too many consumers visit the DSi shop, so I can't see the 3DS shop being as popular as Nintendo is billing it to be. I am tentatively excited about getting PC Engine games, though.

That said, Zelda looks hoooooooooot.

I think he was talking about this in combination with the push stuff that they were going to do on the DS, which would make the DSi Shop more visible.

[ROB64]

Did they actually say they were making a Zelda Compilation? I think they just said they were working on something for the 25th anniversary, not necessarily a game. (Although, the whole Mario All Stars thing would lead one to assume...)They didn't really do much "working" on Super Mario All Stars, did they?? They just put a ROM on a disc and then added a cd to the package to jack up the price a bit.

[cochesecochese]

was really hoping for a new Tinkle PoPo announcement but i guess this will do. skyward sword is looking like the first home console Zelda i'll ever skip.

3DS Mario looks amazing and the wait for it is going to be excruciating.

[dothog]

skyward sword is looking like the first home console Zelda i'll ever skip.

3DS Mario looks amazing and the wait for it is going to be excruciating.
I'm exactly the opposite.

May I ask why SS doesn't hold your interest? While I'm no fan of forced motion control, I respect that SS has been built around the motion plus in such a way that the control is central to the game itself. I'm very excited to experience a Zelda that has been honestly built for the Wii.

And just to note, I mean "forced" in the sense that easily implementable alternative mechanics aren't provided -- e.g. waggle up for spin attack is just as easily executed with B+down or some such thing, the use of waggle doesn't add anything thematically to the game itself.

Maybe I missed better video, but 3DS Mario resembles stuff I've seen before. Though, I gotta admit, that bastard Iwata really hooked me with the E3 tease for the logo. Is it a tail? Or possibly some other appendage? Perhaps a lucky rabbit's foot? Or cotton candy? STATE FAIR MARIO??? HOLY SHITBALLS Nintendo, you've done it again!

[Strell]

STATE FAIR MARIO???

Oh god I needed that laugh.

[KingBroly]

It will probably be called Super Mario Galaxy 3D. Of course I wish they'd just call it Super Mario and keep it simple.

[Javery]

The Zelda 25th Anniversary better be a top-down 2D adventure for the Wii or DS/3DS with updated graphics like they did for DKC, NSMB, etc. I don't even care if it is a remake of the original Legend of Zelda or Adventure of Link but I want something. My dream would be an all-new adventure in that style or a compilation of remakes in that style that included:

- Legend of Zelda (both quests)
- Adventure of Link
- A Link To The Past
- Link's Awakening
- Oracle of Ages
- Oracle of Seasons

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:

[cochesecochese]

May I ask why SS doesn't hold your interest? While I'm no fan of forced motion control, I respect that SS has been built around the motion plus in such a way that the control is central to the game itself. I'm very excited to experience a Zelda that has been honestly built for the Wii.

SS doesn't hold my interest because I played through the last three Zelda games. To be honest I'm not really that crazy about any of the 3d Zeldas as a whole and Wind Waker really only gets a pass because of the awesome characters and Link's animations, Majora's Mask gets a pass because of the awesome world as well.

TBH, there's a lot of good with SS. For one, the new inventory system looks to be pretty enjoyable and should keep the game 'in motion' instead of having to constantly fiddle with the menu to get the item I want. I'm also intrigued by the comments during interviews about dungeons not necessarily taking the form of traditional dungeons; some dungeons may more be like the snowpeak ruins or take place in an open field without necessarily feeling like a dungeon.

I think what's missing, for me, is Miyamoto's touch. It's almost like Team Zelda has been so intent on refining the gameplay that they forgot to focus on building a truly engaging world. Even though the semi-cel shaded graphics look nice the monsters are all just so damn generic. The trailers show extremely simple puzzles even in what looks to be a dungeon area and that HUD (yes I know you can turn it off) is terrible. What we've seen so far just reeks of hand-holding and I've got a funny feeling you'll be able to just rip through the dungeons after you get through the inevitable tutorial section.

So what could make it more appealing to me? Man, I really don't know. I think some of the hand-holding has to be done away with and I could stand to deal with better designed characters and monsters. I'll wait until the reviews start to trickle in but I'll be passing for now.

[dothog]

The Zelda 25th Anniversary better be a top-down 2D adventure for the Wii or DS/3DS with updated graphics like they did for DKC, NSMB, etc. I don't even care if it is a remake of the original Legend of Zelda or Adventure of Link but I want something. My dream would be an all-new adventure in that style or a compilation of remakes in that style that included:

- Legend of Zelda (both quests)
- Adventure of Link
- A Link To The Past
- Link's Awakening
- Oracle of Ages
- Oracle of Seasons

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool:
While we at Nintendo appreciate your enthusiasm, on the matter of your expectations, you're at a 9, and we'd prefer you at a 1 or 2 ahead of the ROM dump...er, "25th ANNIVERSARY EXTRAVAGANZA WITH LIMITED ART BOOKLET AND SOMEWHAT INTERESTING COVER ART."

[Javery]

While we at Nintendo appreciate your enthusiasm, on the matter of your expectations, you're at a 9, and we'd prefer you at a 1 or 2 ahead of the ROM dump...er, "25th ANNIVERSARY EXTRAVAGANZA WITH LIMITED ART BOOKLET AND SOMEWHAT INTERESTING COVER ART."

:-( I know... but still - it's nice to dream.

[ananag112]

The Zelda 25th Anniversary Edition will probably be the exact same as the Zelda Collector's Edition disc with the Windwaker demo removed.

[dothog]

SS doesn't hold my interest because I played through the last three Zelda games. To be honest I'm not really that crazy about any of the 3d Zeldas as a whole and Wind Waker really only gets a pass because of the awesome characters and Link's animations, Majora's Mask gets a pass because of the awesome world as well.
. . .
I think what's missing, for me, is Miyamoto's touch. It's almost like Team Zelda has been so intent on refining the gameplay that they forgot to focus on building a truly engaging world. Even though the semi-cel shaded graphics look nice the monsters are all just so damn generic....
I don't want to nitpick at this, or threadjack this into a Zelda push and pull, but you're aware that Miyamoto's touch has been relatively light post-OOT? And that his touch isn't going to be any heavier on this or future titles?

I don't think the production credits can be used for or against any of the Zeldas. For instance, the stuff that was predominately Capcom's work (the Oracles, Minish Cap) rates pretty highly among Zelda fans. There's a lot of cooks in that kitchen, so much so that it doesn't form a valid basis for criticism. It's another way of saying the production behind the handheld 2D stuff are the same go-getters behind the 3D bidness. IMO it's easier to avoid mostly faceless, meaningless names and talk about game play, game mechanics, content, etc.

And since when do MM and WW "get a pass" from anyone? Either you take yourself far too seriously or I am being masterfully trolled. If the only thing you took away from WW was "awesome characters" and MM an "awesome world," holy dogsballs, cochese, I'm pretty sure the reason you're not interested in SS is just because you don't like Zelda.

[KingBroly]

Nintendo's keeping Skyward Sword pretty close to the chest. Twilight Princess was out and about a lot and the release dragged on and on and when it finally came out a lot of people were disappointed. Along with Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, Zelda ain't looking too hot. I personally think this will be better than Twilight Princess. You just have to keep the faith.

I'd like to see some more puzzles. The door puzzle seems cool but I feel like I could do that with a regular controller. If it's just going to be a Combat Heavy Zelda game, it's going to suck because Zelda games have excellent puzzles.

[Javery]

Along with Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, Zelda ain't looking too hot. I personally think this will be better than Twilight Princess. You just have to keep the faith.

I'm hopeful as always but the last 3 Zelda games (the ones you mentioned) are easily the worst in the series, IMO. I still think Skyward Sword is going to be great though - it's about time - for me there hasn't been a GREAT game since Wind Waker (although all of them are good - it is Zelda after all).

[cochesecochese]

I don't want to nitpick at this, or threadjack this into a Zelda push and pull, but you're aware that Miyamoto's touch has been relatively light post-OOT? And that his touch isn't going to be any heavier on this or future titles?

I don't think the production credits can be used for or against any of the Zeldas. For instance, the stuff that was predominately Capcom's work (the Oracles, Minish Cap) rates pretty highly among Zelda fans. There's a lot of cooks in that kitchen, so much so that it doesn't form a valid basis for criticism. It's another way of saying the production behind the handheld 2D stuff are the same go-getters behind the 3D bidness. IMO it's easier to avoid mostly faceless, meaningless names and talk about game play, game mechanics, content, etc.

And since when do MM and WW "get a pass" from anyone? Either you take yourself far too seriously or I am being masterfully trolled. If the only thing you took away from WW was "awesome characters" and MM an "awesome world," holy dogsballs, cochese, I'm pretty sure the reason you're not interested in SS is just because you don't like Zelda.

Touched a nerve much? You're the one that asked for my opinion and I gave it to you. You say you don't want a push and pull yet you make a whole post to split hairs. What's also funny is that you brush aside my criticisms because, in your opinion, those types of criticisms are not valid. Funny, how that opinion thing works.

[foltzie]

Nintendo's keeping Skyward Sword pretty close to the chest. Twilight Princess was out and about a lot and the release dragged on and on and when it finally came out a lot of people were disappointed. Along with Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, Zelda ain't looking too hot. I personally think this will be better than Twilight Princess. You just have to keep the faith.

I'd like to see some more puzzles. The door puzzle seems cool but I feel like I could do that with a regular controller. If it's just going to be a Combat Heavy Zelda game, it's going to suck because Zelda games have excellent puzzles.

I must be weird, I loved Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks. Granted I wish they were as expansive as Links Awakening, but PH and ST were both interface experiments so I understand them being shorter.

[soonersfan60]

I agree with ananag... When I saw Zelda 25th Anniv., I immediately thought they'd just re-release the compilation disk from GameCube. That seems to fit there pattern with Mario 25th Anniv., and I must say I wouldn't complain about that (even though I still have my GC disk).