Pikmin 3 and the Nintendo E3 2012 Press Conference
The conference started off with a bang with Miyamoto and Pikmin. They had a bit of a strange sequence where they were putting the Pikmin over people. Their main point of promotion is the Wii U, of course. It is looking good with the additional controls of the Wii U. Apparently Olimar can also have them split off from him in a huge way and control other groups. There is also a top-down view in this edition.
Reggie
Reggie was there, because it would not be acceptable for him to not be. His body was ready. He told us about Netflix and Hulu, etc. Kind of knew that was coming, but hey, we got to see Reggie. Social Media is also a big deal, it is clear that Social Media is here to stay. The Wii U controller itself has multiple Z buttons and shoulder buttons. We are happy to see double Z.
Asymmetric Gameplay
Apparently they are going to have games where the person with the Wii U screen controller gets a special game mode. They are going to use it to create a varied game experience. Will this work out? No telling so far.
Mii Verse
They are going to be competing with PS Home. The Nintendo Mii Verse will allow people to interact with people in a shared mini-universe.
New Super Mario Brothers U
This game features some serious multiplayer action. Although it also features a very strange capability where one player can use the remote to create platforms. It looks quite good so far, but it would be odd to have a really bad Mario game.
Batman Arkham City gets an Armored Edition
Basically they are doing an extended cut for the Wii U. They will be adding new features for use with the remote. You apparently get an armored suit with a B.A.T. meter and special mode. Apparently there is also a remote-control Batarang. Batman also apparently will set explosives to blow people up. Kind of, strange.
Scribblenauts Unlimited
This game is looking great. Multiplayer and the ability to create and share your own items. Scribblenauts is a great series that has just become amazing, and this is something we are going to be all over.
Other Games
There were many other games featured as well including:
- Tekken Tag Tournament 2
- Shoot Shoot Shoot, Tank Tank Tank
- Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge
- Aliens Colonial Marine
- A Castlevania side story
- A Kingdom Hearts side story
- Assasin’s Creed 3
- Rabbids Land
- Rayman Legends
Wii U and Fitness
We don’t really care for Wii Fit, etc, but it is worth mentioning. Wii Fit U is coming out, and will have new activities. It will also take advantage of the controller, like pretty much everything else.
Wii U Sing
Sing is a, well, singing game. Not very impressed with this. Apparently you dance and sing along to some terrible pop songs. Moving right along.
No 3DS show
It is happening later on. The day after this one. We are getting a new platformer, and a new Paper Mario game. There is also going to be a new Luigi’s Mansion for 3DS, with multiple mansions.
A Lego City Sandbox Game
There is also a Lego City sandbox game where you go around solving crimes. You play as a detective with X-ray vision. If you’re a Lego fan, you might enjoy this.
Ubisoft with Nintendo
They didn’t have Reggie dance, but they also did not bring out Usher. So we will be calling this one even here. Zombi U is on Wii, and they revealed more information. Apparently if you get bit once, you are dead, since that is what the rep said. It appears to have a variety of challenges that work with the controller. Reggie used it to become a zombie and tell us he likes… French…. food?
NintendoLand
Nintendo is making a theme park game. Nintendo Land is apparently a collection of minigames that use the Wii U pad. The minigames will be themed along other games such as the Legend of Zelda and Luigi’s Mansion. It also interacts with the Mii Verse. We are skeptical but hopeful on this game.
Together Better
It ended with a cheesy new slogan. Together. Better. Sigh. There was also no big, new Zelda game. That is too bad. Ubisoft is probably still the winner since Nintendo was such a mixed bag. There was also an after-show for those watching online. The Wii U controller has a geomagnetic sensor which you can use to take over the world.
