How Nintendo Can Restore My Interest at E3

In his biweekly column, "Down. Right. Fierce.," Chris Holzworth explores gaming topics from alternative approaches.  This time, he zeroes in on Nintendo at E3.

"What Nintendo Needs to Pull Out At E3 To Restore My Interest"

So E3 2009 is less than a week away, and you've no doubt read your share of E3 predictions by now. The Wiire is releasing an E3-centric podcast in a few days. Over at Kotaku, Stephen Totilo reflected upon Nintendo's E3 2008 promises, and the "expert editorial staff at IGN.com" released a Public Relations email that included Matt Casamassina's predictions.

Speculation over what Nintendo will bring to E3 is all well and fine, but I'd rather talk about what I want Nintendo to unveil at this year's E3. Anyone who knows me knows that Nintendo and I don't exactly see eye to eye, but there are a few things Nintendo could pull out at E3 that would restore my interest in Wii.

For starters, some Role Playing Games would be nice.

Okay, the Wii isn't exactly bereft of Role Play Games, but it's no treasure trove either. Nintendo consoles have been seriously lacking in the RPG department since Nintendo 64, and Wii's no exception. The system needs a Final Fantasy or Mass Effect to call its own. The Wii's graphical limitations aren't really a crutch, especially when it comes to Role Playing Games. Wild ARMs (PlayStation) was considered ugly even for its time, yet it continues to appear on plot twist top lists.

Why? Because Role Playing Games are all about heart, something that has taken a backseat ever since graphics became the focus during game development. By making RPGs for the Wii, companies would save a bundle by not having to invest so heavily in graphics. Instead, they could pool their time and resources into what really matters: story and character development that charms the pants off players. Plus, considering the Wii's immense install base, it's the perfect platform to indoctrinate introduce a new generation to Role Playing Games.

While you're at it, how about more platforming games?

Super Mario Galaxy sold over 8 million copies worldwide, which is kind of impressive. So why aren't there more titles like Super Mario Galaxy? Games like Sly Cooper, Jak & Daxter, and Ratchet & Clank would be right at home on the Wii. Developers are leaving money on the table by not cashing in on Galaxy's success. The Wii has a huge install base, and their core adore platforming games.

Just like Role Playing Games, developers wouldn't have to fuss over bump mapping or dynamic lighting or whatever else and instead could produce platform titles that truly push the envelope. Just one thing: learn from Nintendo DS. Not every game needs to be tailored to the Wii's unique controls. Super Mario Galaxy wouldn't lose a thing if you stripped it of any waggle-daggle, and neither would any future platforming games.

See what you did with the new Punch-Out? Yeah, go ahead and do that for every classic Nintendo/Super Nintendo game.

Nostalgia sells. Big time. Go check out the sales figures for New Super Mario Bros. if you don't believe me. Older video game players like myself never grow tired of reliving the glory days of video gaming. Can you imagine the splash jazzed-up versions of Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, or Super Metroid would make?

I can, and it tickles my nerd fancy. I'd rather Nintendo modernize these beloved classics than risk what happened when Sonic made the jump from 2D to 3D, or when Star Fox became whatever the heck Star Fox Adventures was. Besides, if there's one thing Nintendo's good at it's sticking to their guns.

Sure, Nintendo is making money hand over fist with the Wii. I couldn't tell you if they should thank the soccer moms or grandmas or what. I can tell you that, despite the success, I still hear phrases like "dust off the ol' Wii" every time a major title hits shelves. If Wii systems are gathering dust from disuse with those of us most dedicated to playing video games, then Nintendo really ought to show up at this year's E3 with a better game plan than the one they had in 2008. If they don't, then sooner or later you'll all be wearing the same frowny face as I am. Remember GameCube? Yeah, thought so.

Chris Holzworth is the creator of new game + and a contributor for Geekadelphia. Feel free to passively stalk him via Twitter.