Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Ignored Signs of Life

In 2010, the Wii had one of the best software line-ups that I can ever recall. 2011, on the other hand, has been dry to say the least. With Nintendo shifting efforts to the 3DS and the upcoming Wii U, and third parties continuing their policy of minimum risk and minimal effort, many have proclaimed the Wii as good as dead ... except for Zelda.

As much as I feel it is foolish to view game platforms with the "what have you done for me lately" mentality (games don't have expiration dates!!!), I can see why many gamers are feeling the Wii is dead.

However, I felt compelled to write this little post to remind our vast small audience and anyone that they might communicate with not to ignore the signs of life the Wii is showing for the future ...

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Goes without saying.

Kirby Returns to Dreamland - Having a major console release of Zelda and Kirby still on the calendar for 2011 proves Nintendo is not completely abandoning the Wii like some believe.

Bit.Trip Complete - Yea, it's technically a re-release of games already available. But for some gamers (like me) putting the entire series on one disc was the only way I ever intended to invest money in the franchise. Now that is happening, and since the franchise is fairly awesome, we should be excited!

Rayman Origins - Like NSMBWii? Like Rayman? Like amazing 2D artwork? Then get excited about this game!

Rhythm Heaven Wii - The whole world seems to love this series. I keep hearing that this game is coming to the states but no one is confirming it or giving release dates. Assuming it's on its way, it shouldn't be passed over!

Dragon Quest X - Some media would really help people realize that this game is coming, but for now we only have the word of Nintendo and Square Enix CEOs to go on - and that should be enough to keep the game from getting forgotten about entirely!! We know nothing about the game ... except that it will be awesome.

~

So hey, I know these games aren't all going to appeal to everyone, and I know that it's always hard for gamers to look on the bright side of anything, but they are likely going to be quality experiences and no one is talking about them. Heck, even Nintendo Power's online poll for next month forgot to list Bit.Trip Complete. So, let's take the blinders off, people!

3 comments:

coffeewithgames said...

I think the issue is that the first half of this year, more like 8-10 months, are pretty much empty of "big" releases.

Also, Rayman Origins is a multi-console release, and as you said with Rhythm Heaven there's not even a release date...same with Dragon Quest X.

The fact Nintendo has games they could be releasing(Operation Rainfall), and aren't in North America I think says a lot about the situation...

I don't know, it just seems like Nintendo is making some really stupid business decisions lately...

NinSage said...

As far as OpRainfall, yea that is a foolish choice. Those games probably wouldn't turn much of a profit, but it would be an INVESTMENT towards NoA's future in terms of customer faith. Which, right now, has been shaken a bit.

As far as the rest of the Wii's games, I think Nintendo is getting all the blame while 3rd parties are (again) being ignored. Nintendo still has a few big games coming. But many third parties have entirely given up.
... which isn't saying much since most third parties never tried on Wii to begin with!

But, as far as the games on this list, I just think a lot of conversations act like they don't exist at all. That's all I was trying to say =)

Mop_it_up said...

Funny how you mention Nintendo leaving off Bit.Trip.Complete, and you didn't even mention the game to which I am most looking forward! Mario Party 9 is currently my most anticipated upcoming release. Fortune Street looks pretty interesting as well. There is a lot to look forward to, but unfortunately not really anything leading up to it.