A Look Ahead: Nintendo in 2011 (by Carl B. and Robbie P.)
January 5, 2011, by Carl B. and Robbie P. - 2010 was a great year for Nintendo, with many of their flagship titles releasing on Wii, along with several high-profile third party franchises hitting the system as exclusives. With 2010 out of the way we can look into the big releases of the new year. Carl B. and Robbie P. have put together a list of their most anticipated releases of 2011 on the Nintendo Wii, DS, and 3DS.
Nintendo Wii
The Last Story
Release Date: TBA 2011
Other than The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and obviously the Nintendo 3DS, The Last Story is my most anticipated game in 2011. Exclusively for Wii, The Last Story is being developed by Hironubu Sakaguchi, the creator of Final Fantasy, and is being published by Nintendo themselves. The Last Story takes place entirely on Ruli Island in a 100 percent medieval theme; Sakaguchi wanted to minimize the influence of science fiction in the game. Players take control of the mercenary Elza as he and his band of friends look for work on the island. Combat is truly unique with a "Gathering" and "Focus" systems. There's also a cover system in the game, which is almost unheard of for action-RPGs, and the story promises to be highly emotional and compelling. - Carl B.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Release Date: TBA 2011
Gamers will always look forward to the release of any Nintendo franchise, but none will ever be as highly anticipated as the Zelda series. While we don't know a lot about the next iteration in the Zelda franchise, gamers all over the globe will be sure to purchase this game on day one. One thing in particular that I'm looking forward to is the shift in game play for Skyward Sword. Gamers can expect the traditional formula of field, dungeon, town, and dungeon, and field, and dungeon to be expanded upon and changed around to make the series feel fresh. We could potentially start the game off within a dungeon, actually that would be pretty exciting. This isn't the only new thing to get excited about. Motion Plus will play a big role in how the game is controlled. We have already seen how the sword and various items will work, but we won't be able to feel how satisfying it is to clunk Moblins upside those big heads of theirs until we get our hands on the game. What other aspects of the game can we look forward to learning about? The story is fairly vague at the moment, and the roles of some characters haven't been clearly defined as of yet. Although I wouldn't expect this aspect of the game to stray much from the series, however, it will be great to see any changes Nintendo makes to what seems like a tradition. It is also interesting to note the change in the art style. We have graphics that are inspired by impressionist art, which takes the concept first seen in Wind Waker and adds a sophisticated layer of paint to make the title look like it never has before. Overall this game is probably the most anticipated game for Nintendo fans worldwide in 2011. - Robbie P.
Conduit 2
Release Date: Febuary 15, 2011
I was a big supporter of the first title, even though it fell flat of some expectations I garnered from all the hype. Regardless of that, High Voltage Software made a valiant attempt at creating the best FPS experience on the Wii and that is something to be commended. It had good graphics, a great weapon selection, a very robust control customization, and online multiplayer. These were some of the things to get excited about when the game first released, but instead we gamers ran into a few disappointments. The Conduit had a very broken multiplayer experience, although very promising, mainly ruined by hackers and the lack of a patch system. When players weren't getting hacked and frustrated in the online multiplayer they were wandering around the single player campaign. The campaign felt a little flat due to bland environments, uninspired level design, and repetitive actions. Conduit 2 looks to correct some of those mistakes with mentions of a patch system used to fix bugs and stop hackers, inspired levels that have branching paths, better bosses, new weapons, vehicles, and of course the changes being put forth for the multiplayer portion of the game. Multiplayer will be offered both offline and online, and will also introduce for the first time Co-op play. Also being introduced in the multiplayer is the class system. Character classes will offer varying attributes and a customizable appearance. Customizing the appearance will also improve some attributes, and this is done by equipping some of the unlocked suit upgrades. With the improvements listed above, Conduit 2 is aiming to please fans of the first game and the first person shooter genre. - Robbie P.
Mario Sports Mix
Release Date: Febuary 7, 2011
With Nintendo just recently releasing New Super Mario Bros Wii and Super Mario Galaxy 2 it is time to release another sports title. Mario Sports Mix is different than the traditional gold or tennis game. This game is different because it offers four different sports titles to play. These sports are as follows: Volleyball, Basketball, Hockey, and Dodge ball (which I'm personally most excited about). Not only is Nintendo offering four sports games, but they make this game feel like a 4-in-1 package. Each game has its own individual set of rules and there are plenty of arenas in which to battle it out. Some arenas are shared between sports, but there are some sports specific arenas as well. Arenas are in the same vein as previous Mario Sports titles in that they are a frantic twist on the sports normal rules. For example, in the Hockey game, circles with multipliers show up in varying areas of the rink allowing players to demolish their opponent. What else can you expect from this title? Well, there is bound to be a large selection of characters to use, with some likely appearances from certain Square-Enix franchises, seeing as Square-Enix developed the title. However, Nintendo is adding online multiplayer as well. This is nothing new to the Mario Sports franchise, but bashing gamers worldwide is certainly a welcome addition. - Robbie P.
Lost in Shadow
Release Date: January 5, 2011
Lost in Shadow may already be released, but it is still a noteworthy game for 2011. Released on January 4th, Lost in Shadow is a game about a boy, rather the shadow of a boy, navigating in the background of the environments. It is a 2D platformer game which offers the normal enemy bashing, run and jump affair we have become accustomed to, but brings a unique gimmick. Gamers will navigate the protagonist along the shadows instead of the environment. Players will also be given the opportunity to manipulate objects and the lighting to change the shadows in the background. Manipulating the environment will allow the player to progress further in the levels. There is no doubt that this aspect of the game really adds a neat puzzle factor to overcome and will definitely keep things interesting. - Robbie P.
Retro City Rampage
Release Date: Fall 2011
One of the years more anticipated WiiWare releases hands down. Retro City Rampage is a parody of modern gaming, and most noticeably the Grand Theft Auto series, all simmered down into a complete authentic 8-Bit experience. An open world experience awaits gamers and wreaking havoc will never be simpler with a variety of different vehicles to cruise around in and weapons to shoot the crap out of things. Along with the arcade style action, gamers will also follow along a story completing mission based objectives. While this all sounds incredible, it gets even better. After watching the trailer it is evident that Retro City Rampage will also parody games from the 8-bit era of gaming as well as anything that was relevant in pop culture during that period of the late eighties. One particular scene that stuck in my mind was a parody of the Dam level from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This indie title seems to cater to those of us whom are from that era and the nostalgic game play is worth getting excited. I will be downloading this game without a doubt in my mind when it arrives on the WiiWare service. - Robbie P.
Wii Honorable Mention: I would love to say Xenoblade, but that might not be localized for a Western release in 2011. Someone needs to start a petition. - Carl B.
Nintendo DS
Pokemon Black and White Versions
Release Date: March 6, 2011
I didn't get into Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum version due to the game being more of the same and the Pokemon designs being extremely unimaginative. I have very high expectations for Pokemon Black and White; the latest iterations of Nintendo's addictive RPG series look to be a near reinvention of the franchise. The top-down view every other Pokemon game had is scraped, the world is larger and more technologically advanced, visuals and story-telling have been refined, but more importantly, there are over 150 new Pokemon in the game. Players will see only these new Pokemon until they beat the Pokemon League and their Pokedex is expanded, making the game feel even more fresh than it already would. - Carl B.
Okamiden
Release Date: March 15, 2011
I for one was surprised to see Okami land a sequel, and honestly it is one of the few upcoming Nintendo DS games that I am excited to play. Okamiden picks up the story only nine months after the events of Okami. Demons have come back to the land of Nippon, despite Amaterasu having banished them previously. This time around, however, Amaterasu will not be the main game's protagonist. Instead, Chibiterasu, child of the sun goddess Amaterasu, will travel the land much like his mother and banish the demons for good. Celestial Brush abilities make their way into Okamiden and really fit the Nintendo DS touch screen well. It seems to be a more efficient way of controlling the brush then in the Wii port. It is expected that characters and areas from the first game will make respective appearances, as well as the offspring of various main characters. Most noticeably is Kuni, son of Susano, whom will travel with Chibiterasu and be an integral part of the game. Okamiden will also bring back the cel-shaded art that made Okami stand out. The game is shaping up to be a nice adventure that will no doubt compliment its predecessor well. - Robbie P.
Dragon Quest VI
Release Date: Febuary 14, 2011
Square-Enix continues to pump out its Dragon Quest series on the Nintendo DS. This remake will land in stores on February 14th despite already being released in Japan a year ago. Fans of the series will finally be able to play an updated version of the previously Super Famicom only game, unless they already played a translated copy. Regardless, there is a market in North America for Dragon Quest games and the trend from Square-Enix is continuing. This game has been given a face lift with graphics that are more detailed than the sprites of the Super Famicom version. World maps are now viewed on the top screen of the Nintendo DS. Other changes include the missing monster recruitment; instead Slimes will join you after certain points in the game. Speaking of slimes, a Slime Curling mini-game was added as well. The biggest addition comes in the form of wireless features which will allow communication and data transfer between two Nintendo DS handhelds. - Robbie P.
DS Honorable Mentions: Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective from Capcom.
Nintendo 3DS
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS
Release Date: TBA 2011
The only thing better than a new Nintendo handheld being launched is a Zelda game being launched alongside it. With The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS, Nintendo fans may get exactly that (and the game has even been rumored to be bundled with the 3DS at launch). Ocarina of Time 3DS is a remake of the N64 masterpiece, only with a new art style, updated textures thanks to the power of the 3DS, and the glasses-less 3D effect of the handheld. Other refinements to the game include a touch screen based inventory system that will surely make the Water Temple more enjoyable to play through. - Carl B.
Resident Evil: Revelations
Release Date: TBA 2011
Resident Evil: Revelations is just one of the many flagship franchises third parties will be gracing the Nintendo 3DS with. Revelations plays in the same style as Resident Evil 4 and 5, and takes place shortly before the 5th game. Admittedly, not much is known about Revelations other than it looks absolutely fantastic in the visuals department and that it's only 20 percent complete. Due to this last fact, don't expect to see Revelations as a launch title. - Carl B.
Kid Icarus: Uprising
Release Date: TBA 2011
Kid Icarus: Uprising was probably the biggest surprise reveal at E3 2010. Rumors were floating around for years about a Kid Icarus revival hitting the Wii, but nothing materialized and they were dismissed. Kid Icarus: Uprising is a fresh take on the classic Kid Icarus franchise, moving away from its side-scrolling platforming roots and into an on-rails, third person shooter and third-person action/adventure game. Blending the two genres will be a hefty task for Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai, but early gameplay clips are promising. - Carl B.
Animal Crossing 3DS
Release Date: TBA 2011
Animal Crossing: City Folk on the Wii was a major let down. The game was practically a port of the DS version with a decent Wi-Fi mode and dull city mode thrown into the package. With the 3DS' more online-centric nature, Animal Crossing 3DS can become what everyone hoped City Folk would be: a massively multiplayer, "second life" experience. Animal Crossing 3DS also features a modified visual style compared to its Wii, DS, and GameCube counterparts, and overall looks far more polished than the previous entries to the series. Animal Crossing 3DS is rumored to be a launch title. - Carl B.
Paper Mario 3DS
Release Date: TBA 2011
Paper Mario 3DS is the next entry in the series that started on the Nintendo 64, and it's really a no-brainer for the 3DS. With the 3D effect, Nintendo will be able to more perfectly display depth of the backgrounds for the game's many environments. Expect the same type of gameplay the N64 and GameCube entries had, but I wouldn't be surprised if Nintendo incorporated the same 2D to 3D mechanic seen in Super Mario Mario for Wii. - Carl B.
Star Fox 64 3DS
Release Date: TBA 2011
Star Fox 64 3D is a remake of Star Fox 64 on the Nintendo 64, but now with updated visuals and stereoscopic 3D to make the aesthetic that much better. Star Fox 64 3D isn't just a standard remake of a classic N64 title; the 3D depth effect will allow for a far more immersive gameplay experience than can be found anywhere else. - Carl B.
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition
Release Date: TBA 2011
Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition is basically a port of Super Street Fighter IV for the HD consoles. SSFIV3DE will benefit greatly from the handheld's 3D effect, much like all games on a 2D plane. Backgrounds will appear to be more distant than a regular console or handheld could provide and the system's touch screen controls can make it easier for casual gamers to get into the action. SSFIV3DE is rumored to be a 3DS launch title. - Carl B.
3DS Honorable Mentions: Too many games. Seriously, I tried to mention all my most anticipated 3DS games that are likely to come out in 2011, but there are still many more that were left out. Ubisoft is developing a new Assassin's Creed for the platform, Capcom is said to be working on a new Monster Hunter for 3DS, Square-Enix may be releasing a new Final Fantasy on the handheld along with a new Kingdom Hearts game, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. - Carl B.
