Official E3 2011 thread

Okay, the stream isn't even working atm. Maybe Capcom are late.

But it's not a conference like the others. Just revealing all the games they have on the shop floor - Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Devil May Cry, etc.

Nothing new will be revealed, I don't think.

Also, September for SF64? Even OOT3D won't last you till then. End of the year for 3DS should be good though.

( Edited 07.06.2011 20:18 by Azuardo )

Not really sure what to make of it all, I feel like I’m always one of the pessimists when it comes to Nintendo at E3, wading in spreading my negativity, but after all that build up this seems like a bit of a disappointment. The controller itself looks like a handheld, and placing it alongside the 3DS, in my opinion, is only going to confuse people. The name is a major disappointment (what real similarities does this have to the Wii in a world where almost every tech device has gyroscopes, touch screens and mounted-cameras?) and I just feel like Nintendo are going to fall into old traps.

Okay, HD is a great addition, but it was totally necessary. They didn’t choose to go HD so much as they had every third party developer and consumer screaming it at them. The way they introduced it in those videos too - after claiming they were going to focus on the hardcore again, it just seemed like a really confused and contradictory sales pitch. Most of the things taking place in that video were gimmicky and casual. Draw Link? Play an up-scaled version of Wii Sports with the added addition of a small screen imitating the sand? I’m not saying it’s not all extremely clever, but it definitely lacked that Nintendo edge that I haven’t seen since the days of the Gamecube and further back.

Also, no HDD? That’s not a good sign, does not indicate an extensive fully-featured online world similar to XBL and PSN. And I’m not going to say it looks ugly, but it doesn’t exactly look good. Overall I’m just a bit... meh about it all right now. The PSV looks ace, it’s competitively priced with the 3DS - considering MS didn’t really show anything that exciting I think Sony take it for me this year. The 3DS coverage was great and that got me excited but, the N6 promised big things and I’m definitely setting up camp as a cynic until I see otherwise.

Fortunately, Nintendo could make it all up with a good list of quality titles. Zelda HD? Yes. Mario HD? Yes. Smash Bros HD? Most definitely. Much like the Wii, I could easily be roped into buying a product I never thought I’d actually want by the end of year one/two. I just prey for Nintendo’s sake that their third party philosophy pays off otherwise this system will reek of casualness and I’ll go back to spots of CoD and Fifa on my 360.

( Edited 07.06.2011 20:36 by Soundworks )

Pretty much how I feel too. All I really wanted to see was triple A Nintendo titles being confirmed with a quality online setup in place. Nothing of the sort was confirmed. Do we have to wait till TGS for us to see Metroid, Zelda, Mario, F-Zero, Star Fox, Pikmin? These are the things they should have shown today.

I'm a little sceptical. If there's a solid online with games that interest me at launch, I might buy. But at the mo, I'm happy with my PS3 for Uncharted and Final Fantasy.

After watch all Nintendo's stuff again, the Wii U is actually quite awesome. So many possibilities. Everyone who I've shown it too have been amazed.

Official specs:

Size: Approximately 1.8 inches tall, 6.8 inches wide and 10.5 inches long.

New Controller: The new controller incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 touch screen and traditional button controls, including two analogue Circle Pads. This combination removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the
video game world.

The rechargeable controller includes a Power button, Home button, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. It includes a built-in accelerometer and gyroscope, rumble feature, camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, a sensor strip and a stylus.

Other Controls: Up to four Wii Remote (or Wii Remote Plus) controllers can be connected at once.

The new console supports all Wii controllers and input devices, including the Nunchuk controller, Classic Controller, Classic Controller Pro and Wii Balance
Board.

Media: A single self-loading media bay will play 12-centimeter proprietary high-density
optical discs for the new console, as well as 12-centimeter Wii optical discs.

Video Output: Supports 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p and 480i. Compatible cables include HDMI, component, S-video and composite.

Audio Output: Uses AV Multi Out connector. Six-channel PCM linear output through HDMI.

Storage: The console will have internal flash memory, as well as the option to expand its memory using either an SD memory card or an external USB hard disk drive.

CPU: IBM Power-based multi-core microprocessor.

Other: Four USB 2.0 connector slots are included. The new console is backward compatible with Wii games and Wii accessories.
Note: Details are subject to change.

Confirmed games
Assassin's Creed
Darksiders II
Ghost Recon
Dirt
Aliens: Colonial Marines
Metro II
Batman: Arkham City

Prototypes/Yet to be confirmed
Battlefield
New Super Mario Bros Mii

RESIDENT EVIL REVELATIONS - Looks awesome.

Tiny bit more information on hardware from IBM:

The all-new, Power-based microprocessor will pack some of IBM's most advanced technology into an energy-saving silicon package that will power Nintendo's brand new entertainment experience for consumers worldwide. IBM's unique embedded DRAM, for example, is capable of feeding the multi-core processor large chunks of data to make for a smooth entertainment experience.

[...]

IBM plans to produce millions of chips for Nintendo featuring IBM Silicon on Insulator (SOI) technology at 45 nanometers (45 billionths of a meter). The custom-designed chips will be made at IBM's state-of-the-art 300mm semiconductor development and manufacturing facility in East Fishkill, N.Y.

[...]

Built on the open, scalable Power Architecture base, IBM custom processors exploit the performance and power advantages of proven silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology. The inherent advantages of the technology make it a superior choice for performance-driven applications that demand exceptional, power-efficient processing capability �" from entertainment consoles to supercomputers.

[...]

IBM's embedded dynamic random access memory (test chip shown here) will help deliver a thrilling new game experience to Nintendo fans. The new memory technology, a key element of the new Power microprocessor that IBM is building for the Nintendo Wii U console, can triple the amount of memory contained on a single chip, making for extreme game play.

http://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/34683.wss

Unreal Engine 3 also runs on the console.

Here's some off-screen footage of the HD Zelda tech demo. Basically an upgraded Twilight Princess. Looks fucking beautiful. I want my Zelda games like this please, Nintendo. Also a proper Wind Waker sequel. Both types of Zeldas would look beautiful.

THIS is the kind of shit that gets me excited for the console. THIS is what I want to see more of. Just thinking of Zelda and Metroid in these graphics makes me excited.

SONIC GENERATIONS - City Escape Level Trailer

I think an upgraded Twilight Princess is an understatement considering how breathtaking this looks.

The thought alone of Nintendo's artstyles with such power and in HD is making me explode.

TEKKEN HYBRID (PS3) - Tekken CGI Movie + Tekken Tag Tournament HD in one package.

DEVIL MAY CRY Trailer

RESIDENT EVIL OPERATION RACCOON CITY Trailer

Link's Awakening DX is up on 3DS Virtual Console now I believe?

Can play in a more stretched view, or original view with GB Color border. The game itself is not 3D, but the GBC border IS. This is not an updated 3D version; just a Virtual Console release of LADX.

Images:

Show Spoiler

The guys over at Zelda Reorchestrated (DON'T click the second player in this link, it has the single orchestrated song of Ocarina of Time 3D so if you don't want spoilers don't click on the second player) cleaned up the Zelda Overture from Nintendo's conference and have made it available for us to listen or download.

It really sounds amazing! Makes my hopes for Skyward Sword's soundtrack skyrocket!

Judging from what the developers said at E3, and the fact that Ghost Recon Online is announced for the console, I doubt the Online is bad.

Still, we'll just have to wait and see, the controller will be expensive though.

that little snippet of zelda shows me that this system is more than capable. that controller is genius. the possibilities r endless. its definitely more powerful than the ps360, by how much, we don't know yet. EA seem excited, battlefield for wiiu is going to be amazing.

i can understand that people r a bit sceptical of the new controller, they were with the wiimotes, but look how that turned out. im 28 years old and in my 28 years every console controller i have touch has been inspired by nintendo in some way. so to the sceptics i says embrace it because this will become the norm. Nintendo are control kings.

New Iwata Asks about the console:

http://e3.nintendo.com/iwataasks/

Iwata: The other things is, shortly after the Wii console was released, people in the gaming media and game enthusiasts started recognizing the Wii as a casual machine aimed toward families, and placed game consoles by Microsoft and Sony in a very similar light with each other, saying these are machines aimed towards those who passionately play games. It was a categorization between games that were aimed towards core, and casual. I've been having a sense of disagreement as I personally think the definition of a core gamer is much wider, namely, someone who has a much wider range of interests, someone who enthusiastically plays many types of games that challenges different creative directions.

On the other hand, I certainly do not think that Wii was able to cater to every gamer's needs, so that's also something I wanted to resolve.

The keyword for our presentation at this year's E3 is "Deeper and Wider". With Wii U, I would like to offer this proposal with that concept.

Of course, with the Wii console I'm sure everyone would agree that we tried really hard to go wider, but even though we worked aggressively to go deeper in certain areas, the general public's impression that Nintendo was casual grew as time went by.

But first of all, your works have definitely laid the structural foundation of games that are considered core today, Miyamoto-san.

Miyamoto: Well…people in the media tend to categorize into different genres, the core and casual because it's easier to characterize it that way. But as you can see with games like The Legend of Zelda, Nintendo is fully staffed with members who are into working on a very core level of detail. And because we know that, we haven't really taken those accounts seriously.

But one of the key reasons that such things as the core and the casuals exist today is that we decided not to adopt HD on the Wii console. Of course, besides that there are things like issues with the controller and the challenges that it brings, network functionalities and many other things, but I think HD was the biggest factor that everyone was able to clearly understand the difference.

In terms of the HD capabilities, Wii U can do something similar, and on top of that, it is equipped with this new controller that adds an entirely new structure to games. I think this is an opportunity for those games that were considered to be core up to now, to evolve into something even more interesting structure. In that sense, I do wish all kinds of games would be released, regardless of the debate over core or casual. That core vs. casual debate seems like something that can never see a resolution, but with Wii U, I have a feeling that it all may change. I even feel that the barrier that separated the two genres was only something psychological, just an impression that people had towards them. For example, The Legend of Zelda games were something geared towards the toughest audience, and it has been so from the beginning. So it's not like Nintendo doesn't have it in us. But there are quite a number of people who assume that Nintendo is the equivalent of being casual.

If we are able to break those psychological barriers with Wii U, I feel like we will be able to take our goal of expanding the gaming population even further to the next step. It would even be possible to expand our customer base and bring in more people, and out of those new people, there will be those who will find certain controls or elements of deeper gameplay intriguing, and eventually will become passionate game fans. That was the way the history of video games has been, and I want to keep the tradition going so it doesn't fade away. That, I think is the true meaning of "a game for everyone". A game for everyone isn't just wide, but also very deep. That's how it will become everyone's game.

Miyamoto: I agree. I feel like it's becoming a device where it can perform really well whether it goes in the living room or in a bedroom.

Great to read Iwata and Miyamoto saying that the whole "Hardcore and Casual" debate is a load of BS.

In Reggie's GT interview he said there's still 3 more days of E3 left; they'll have the online box checked by the end of the week. More info to come then.

LUIGI'S MANSION 2 - Looks good!

I'm getting a job just so I can afford all 5.

Having had some time to dwell on today's conference - Which I think was not as well presented as it could have been:

1. What happened to the Wii - I mean seriously? There 's one year from today leftof the Wii's life and obviously games yet to come out. Although they announced Kirby Wii.. what about Last Story and Xenoblade? That would have made me happy - as opposed to what it seemed - lets ditch the Wii now

2. Wii U- I still hate the name. Who came up with it? They could have used NES2 or Wii 2. Wii U - just sounds naff.

3. Wii U- ok I like the concept BUT- if they want to attract the hardcore, then we'll need more details. I dont know how good the tablet controller will be - but what about a normal controller for games like COD/ BF3?

4. Where are the first party games for Wii -u... I mean Fzero? Starfox? etc...?

5. When they release it - I hope they'll chang the name and release it in black as well. A price point of 199 would be max/reasonable. Otherwise I dont see the point of upgrading to it when I can play nmy PS3. Besides surely those consoles will drop in price too.

6. ZELDA -25TH anniversary? WTF... THERE WAS NOTHING TO CELEBRATE THIS SERIES!?!?! No special promo pack, nothing.. I was like.. and is there more Nintendo?

Thoughts?

Re: Sherwiinator

1. There's only really Skyward Sword for North Americans to look forward to now. Maybe Kirby if that's your thing too. Hell knows what's going on with Xenoblade and The Last Story. The Wii's been dying out for a good while now, but it's strange that they don't seem to be giving as many hardcore titles as possible to the console in its final stages.

2. Well personally I'm glad they haven't gone with a numbered name. Wii 2 would have just as many complaints. It's more that 'Wii' is a shit name in itself that 'Wii U' is automatically worse. I liked the idea of just calling it 'Nintendo', or at least something more akin to the Nintendo Entertainment System.

3. Um, you will easily be able to play traditional games like COD with the Wii U controller. It has all the buttons of a PS3 for starters, minus likely the clicky control sticks. This thing IS a traditional controller, just with a screen in the middle.

4. This is what I wanted, and expected, to see. F-Zero, Star Fox and Pikmin were the games that we all wanted and haven't been seen since the GameCube. I can only imagine Nintendo will be attending the Tokyo Game Show this year to reveal first party titles.

5. Name won't change. Price is likely going to be on par with the PS3 in my opinion. Sell it higher than a PS3 and people will buy a PS3.

6. Miyamoto said to look forward to more announcements this year regarding what they'll be doing with Zelda's 25th birthday. So don't panic. I'll definitely be looking into those CDs anyway!

Thanks for that Azuardo

BTW.. I live in Europe and was really looking forward to some Wii news.

Heck... They could have had a clever spin on the Wii name... i.e. W II (roman number 2) or Wiii ...

WiiU ... just soundslike F...U

Dear God. Have literally just finished doing all the E3 newsies with the rest of the crew, time to catch up with what's been said over the last few pages! *Yawn*

Hah, congrats Echoes.

Azuardo said:
Hah, congrats Echoes.

Nintendo developer roundtable beginning in 30 minutes!

Possible new game reveals and info?

IGN doing live blog.

Nintendo's not done talking yet. Join us as we sit in and live blog from tonight's developer roundtable, starting at 5:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

This is the place where Mr. Miyamoto games like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Pikmin 3 and Super Smash Bros. Brawl were first revealed in years past -- could Nintendo have another surprise up its sleeve tonight?

Satoru Iwata and Shigeru Miyamoto will be scheduling interviews and developer round tables featuring their following producer and team managers:

Mr. Hideki Konno
Manager / Producer of Software Development Group No. 1
EAD Software Development Department
Entertainment Analysis & Development Division
Nintendo Co., Ltd
To talk about Luigi's Mansion 2 and Mario Kart 3D

Mr. Katsuya Eguchi
Manager/Producer of Software Development Group No. 2
EAD Software Development Department
Entertainment Analysis & Development Division
Nintendo Co., Ltd
To talk about Animal Crossing 3D (Star Fox 64 3D?)

Mr. Eiji Aonuma
Manager/Producer of Software Development Group No. 3
EAD Software Development Department
Entertainment Analysis & Development Division
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
To talk about his games, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and The Legend of Zelda Skyward Swords

Mr. Yoshiaki Koizumi
Manager / Producer of Tokyo Software Development Group No. 2
EAD Tokyo Software Development Department
Entertainment Analysis & Development Division
Nintendo Co., Ltd
To talk about his games; Super Mario 3DS

Mr. Masahiro Sakurai
Director of the Board
Project Sora Co., Ltd.
To talk about Kid Icarus. [and maybe Smash Bros. 4 wishes]

I must say, fair play to the C3 team for getting all the news up! And the same to the posters here, such as Azuardo. It's handy not having to look so hard, so thanks!

Also, this roundtable sounds interesting, Ocarina of Time 3D was announced at last years so it could be promising.

( Edited 08.06.2011 02:14 by Angus )