After about an hour and a half of the same 30 trivia questions on infinite repeat, the Nintendo logo finally appears on the four giant monitors around the stage. Reggie comes out to welcome everyone, and begins to talk about technologies. He says that while the buzz of E3 is all about technology, how it is implemented is what matters. Zelda and the Skyward Sword is the first game to be debuted. Miyamoto shows up on the screen, wielding a shield and sword and talking about how the new controls will work. The shield is controlled with the nunchuk, while the Wii Motion Plus will allow for more precise swordplay. A demoer appears on stage and begins playing the game poorly. So, to assist him, Miyamoto breaks through a wall in the middle of the stage. He explains that the gameplay is all done through realistic motions. Holding the sword in the air (or skyward, as the title suggests) allows it to charge and perform a more powerful attack. Miyamoto fights familiar foe octorok, and moves the nunchuk forward to deflect the rocks back at him. The slingshot is back, with more simplistic controls and no need to point the remote at your target. He next shows off the bombs, and after initially blowing himself up, Miyamoto shows the various ways to use them, including rolling them like a bowling ball. He next tries to show off the bow, but severe controller issues don't allow that to happen. so they move on to deployable beetles, which allow you to collect items that are slightly out of reach. The whip is then drawn, allowing smaller enemies to be taken out with a simple flick of the wrist. Graphically, the game looks like it could be a direct sequel to Twilight Princess, which is somewhat disappointing that they couldn't improve the graphics of a launch title. The new Zelda is expected to launch in 2011.
Reggie comes back on stage, talking about games that have universal appeal (read: casual games). First, he announces a Wii exclusive NBA Jam. Then, on the topic of sports, Fils-Amie shows a video in which Mario and the gang are playing volleyball, basketball, hockey and dodgeball. It is called Mario Sports Mix, and it will debut in 2011. The title looks loaded with various power-ups in the vein of previous Mario-based sports titles.
He then goes into how the Wii is holding it's ground among other systems. That it is played more than the other current-gen systems and that more people plan to purchase a Wii in the next 6 months than the 360 and PS3 combined.
Next, Wii Party is shown. Their next foray into family games has 13 different game modes, including a Mario Party style board game, and 70 various mini games. It will debut this holiday.
Afterwards, a Just Dance 2 trailer is shown.
Then, Reggie moves on to the new Golden Sun game coming to the DS. It is subtitled Dark Dawn. It will hit store shelves Christmas of this year.
Next, video from a focus group is shown where they discuss what they think defined the multiplayer shooter genre. The answer, obviously, is Goldeneye. It is being rereleased (with Daniel Craig now as Mr. Bond) with 16 different multiplayer modes. It is also slated for a winter release.
Afterwards, Warren Spector comes out to discuss Epic Mickey. During a live demo, Mickey talks to Smee from Peter Pan, from whom he is assigned a quest to complete through the new Wasteland world. Mickey uses a paintbrush and paint thinner to erase and restore Wasteland however players see fit. How the world is changed makes a difference on how the game is played out in a concept that seems very “Fabley.” Afterwards, Mickey enters a side-scrolling black and white level based on “Steamboat Willie.” Pete and Clarabelle Cow are are within the level, looking like they were just ripped from 1928.
They next put Kirby up on the screen, discussing how he hasn't been on a major console for 7 years. Now it is time for his return. Kirby: Epic Yarn has him in a world made out of fabric while he is just a little pink outline of yarn. Because of his construction, Kirby is able to contort into a variety of new objects. The Wii game is due out in fall.
Next, Dragon Quest IX and Metroid: Other M demos are shown.
Then, as a complete surprise, a new Donkey Kong Country trailer is shown. It stays true to it's roots with all the blast barrels, train karts and “Kong” pieces you would expect. For fans of the series, like myself, it looks like a great return of one of Nintendo's best franchises. Donkey Kong Country Returns will be out in time for Christmas.
To wrap up the presentation, Reggie begins discussing the 3DS. They show ridiculous pictures on the main screen of people wearing silly glasses, but Reggie says Nintendo does not need them. A platform raises from the corner of the smokey stage and Iwata comes out to show off the 3DS that has appeared. The 3DS will have 3.5 inch wide screen. It has an sliding analog stick, a D pad,and two cameras on the front allowing for 3D pictures as well as one on the inside. The 3D can be turned off or adjusted, depending on your preference. The graphics have been improved and a motion sensor and gyroscope have also been added. The 3DS will also be able to display 3D movies such as How to Train Your Dragon. A trailer for Kid Icarus Uprising is then showed. It is graphically comparable to the Wii. Iwata then talks about how the depth perception is enhanced. Also, asleep 3DS's will be able to communicate, even when software is being played. The 3DS will also use wifi to proactively download new levels and scores without the need to do anything or a monthly fee. A 3D version of Nintendogs and Cats is announced to be in development from Miyamoto. They then bring up a screen of many 3rd party publishers making games for the 3DS, including 3D versions of Kingdom Hearts, Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, Batman, Madden and Professor Layton. Around 50 girls then come on stage from both sides, 3DS's in hand, allowing those in attendance to see the 3D firsthand. Then, Wii demo units come rising up from the floor so that those waiting to see Nintendo's latest handheld can occupy themselves with the latest Zelda while waiting.
