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Editorials 
E3: What's Missing?
- By Andrew
Weatherton
Is Nintendo’s E3 showing a disappointment, or is it simply a sign that they are still withholding additional information from us? Travis and Andrew discuss the issue.
Andrew: If you look at the games that Nintendo is showing at E3 this year, you see a lot of software that is not necessarily entirely new. Smash Brothers Melee, for example, is simply an update to Smash Brothers for the N64, it even includes many levels from the original.
Travis: Wave Race is also an excellent example of this. All three of the levels shown were nothing more than graphical updates. The control of the game is almost an exact replica of the original as well. There is nothing new here despite the stunning visuals. As a counter point however, Eternal Darkness was something entirely fresh even though it was originally shown as a N64 title.
Andrew: Yes, Eternal Darkness looks fantastic, but you’re right, the game was already seen last year for the N64 and, as far as gameplay goes, it remains largely the same. StarFox Adventure too is essentially the same game that we saw at last year’s E3 for the N64 (though I think the control isn’t quite as good). Even Donkey Kong Racing (which wasn’t playable) is based on a previous N64 game.
Travis: Another N64 update came in the form of Rogue Squadron II: Rogue Leader. While the game is unbelievable, once again it is the same principle only better. While there is nothing wrong with improving upon an established franchise it would be nice to see something entirely new.
Andrew: Something new like Pikmin? Pikmin is certainly an innovative title, something I was surprised to see touted by Nintendo as their exciting new game concept. However, Pikmin doesn’t seem like the type of product that will garner mass-market appeal. This leaves me wondering what Nintendo is keeping from us. Do they honestly expect to launch their baby without a true Mario game? I have a feeling that, perhaps, Lugi’s Mansion is simply a façade. The game really doesn’t seem capable of containing any sort of deep or varied gameplay.
Travis: Indeed you are correct on that. Luigi’s Mansion seems to be nothing more than a showcase of the GameCube’s power. An interactive technical demo if you will. I for one would be surprised if Nintendo attempted to market and sell this title as it is. For Nintendo to win this generation’s console war, new franchises and innovative ideas will be required. Pikmin is a good example of this, and as long as Nintendo and its second parties create more games such as this, they will have a much better chance of returning to their former glory.
Andrew: I’m not sure that I agree about there being a need to market additional games in the realm of Pikmin. I see Pikmin as a representation of the type of innovation we can expect from Nintendo, while other games are demonstrations of what the GameCube can do aesthetically. Perhaps I am wrong in my assumption that Nintendo is still hiding something from us, but I feel that they must be. Why else would Miyamoto spend five minutes talking about Luigi’s Mansion and then rush into talking about Pikmin for twenty minutes. Shouldn’t a Mario game be their flagship title? Pikmin is not going to have the same sort of mass-media appeal as Mario.
Travis: Perhaps, but the same had been said of Pokemon when it was introduced, and we all know how that turned out. As for Mario, I agree that it will be needed as the GameCube’s premier game, it simply doesn’t make any sense for it not to be. In fact, I am expecting a new Mario game to be announced at SpaceWorld this August. I am of the mind, however, that Pikmin will be more successful than may be expected.
Andrew: Would I be disappointed if I discovered that my assumptions about Nintendo hiding something are incorrect? Yes. However, I’m still excited about the GameCube. Most of the games shown at this year’s E3 have been impressive in one way or another. Rogue Squadron II looks incredible, Pikmin is extremely innovative, and Wave Race has excellent graphics and animation. There was a lot to get excited about at Nintendo’s booth, not only for the GameCube, but also for the GBA.
Travis: On that we certainly agree. Despite certain small exceptions the GameCube made an excellent first impression. In light of all that was shown Nintendo truly does have what it takes to return to number one. Here’s to even more information and exclusive games at SpaceWorld.
Andrew: Perfect Dark 2 anyone?
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| "Do they honestly expect to launch their baby without a true Mario game? I have a feeling that, perhaps, Lugi’s Mansion is simply a façade." |
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