Nintendo Direct at E3 2015: Hits and Misses.

The E3 Nintendo Direct was broadcast on Tuesday May 16^th, 2015 at 5pm (BST).

Nintendo Direct Hits

Starfox Zero: The interview with Shigeru Miyamoto in the shrine was informative. We finally got details about vehicle transformations, cast members and a vague release date. Graphically, it wasn’t astonishing but they have five months to add polish and tighten the interesting controls. Barring a surprise announcement, Starfox will likely be the major swansong on Wii U so fingers crossed it doesn’t disappoint.

Yoshi’s Woolly World: Another developer interview, except this one was a touch overlong. Regardless, my partner and I can’t wait to play this fluffy 2d platformer together. The gameplay and colourful, woollen art style are expertly blended. With different difficulty levels and modes this is sure to offer hours of fun, whatever your skill level.

Mario Maker: I can’t believe that in the 1980’s Miyamoto designed the original Mario levels on graph paper. Technology has progressed at an alarming rate; we will soon have a course editor in the palm of our hands. With endless creative possibilities and four game palettes, this should have been released earlier in the Wii U lifespan. A bittersweet hit, can Mario Maker get the recognition and support it deserves?

Nintendo Charm: Puppets? Check. In-jokes? Check. Nostalgia over substance ending? Moving on …

Nintendo Direct Misses

Lack of surprises: Nobody realistically expected news on ‘Nintendo NX’, Nintendo’s mobile developments or Legend of Zelda. Even so, with no major shocks it feels like they’re treading water until the make or break announcements of E3 2016. Which leads me onto …

Filler games: Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival, Mario Tennis and Metroid Prime Federation Force were the worst offenders. The first one annoyed my partner immensely. She lamented, “Why did they make a stupid board game instead of a proper Animal Crossing!” My cynical head reckons it’ll be a shameless cash in like Mario Party. We’ll probably have to wait until NX now for a proper Animal Crossing along with countless other franchises. What a waste.

Too many Amiibo: A fool and his money are easily parted. Unless you’re a dedicated toy collector Amiibo are useless because their only function is unlocking features unfairly trapped behind paywalls. With new Smash Bros, Animal Crossing and Skylanders Amiibo announced this fad will unfortunately continue.

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