Making The Case: An M-Rated "Zelda"

When The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was released, it got massively positive reviews, with critics praising the tried-and-true formula that had worked for so many years. But critics and fans agreed that the new graphics style, which was much more realistic and less-fantasy based than previous games, was absolutely astounding.

In fact, the new graphics brought upon something that, in my eyes, could be seen as a milestone in Nintendo's game development. It was the first Zelda game to receive the "T for Teen" rating, with the ESRB citing "fantasy violence and animated blood" as the reason for the new rating. But why stop there? We already know a new Zelda game is coming (it's been confirmed to include Wii MotionPlus), so why not push it a little farther: a Zelda game rated "M for Mature"?

Nintendo has been repeatedly criticized for not catering to their hardcore audience, and while they have revealed an impressive line-up of games that fit this requirement at this year's E3 (which included the aforementioned Zelda game), this could be a perfect opprotunity for Nintendo to step up to the plate with a truly gory Zelda game.

Link's weapons are famously his Master Sword and bow (the former oddly missing in a recently released image of him), which would easily translate into a game heavy on blood. Sure, there are problems with the idea; potential backlash at Nintendo for straying from being "family-friendly", less of an audience able to buy the game, but could the benefits outweight these risks? Possibly.

Link, seen without his iconic Master Sword

A quick glance at sales figures for the three warring consoles - Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 - will show that the Wii is dominating, hands-down. But a closer look suggests that the Wii isn't winning anything - in fact, it's not even competing. Games like Wii Play and Wii Fit destroy all competition, even first-party Nintendo franchises such as Super Mario Galaxy.

Which is exactly why an M Rated Zelda would work perfectly with the Wii's upcoming strategy to catch the hardcore gamer. Some could call such violence in the classic series "gratuitious", but would it not be more realistic? As graphics increase exponentially each generation, it may be time to re-tool this classic franchise for the upcoming years.

In other Wii news, many fans are pushing for a price cut for the Wii, despite it still being the cheapest console available. With the recent announcement of the PS3 and Xbox 360 dropping their prices to $299, it's the perfect time for Nintendo to do the same, only at a lower price: $199. Coupled with the release of games such as Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M, it could strongly increase sales of the Wii and it's games.

Image credit: computerbild.de (here), GCN (here).

Post E3: Metroid: Other M

Probably Nintendo's biggest shocker at the event, a new 3D Metroid game can get anyone excited - but will this game be even better than the previous ones?



As seen in the trailer, "Other M" could mean a few different things, though the rumors flying around the internet claim it means "Mother", and that the mysterious female character Samus speaks to in the trailer is her mother.

It appears in the trailer that the player will switch between a third-person and first-person point of view - and that's true. Nintendo has claimed that this transitions will be quick and seamless, and I'm not arguing - if anyone can do it, it's the combined team of Nintendo and Team Ninja.

The game takes place before Metroid Fusion, and promises to be heavy on story-telling and action - a big claim, but one that the Metroid series could definitely accomplish. And with both nintendo and Team Ninja (the developers of the Ninja Gaiden series) backing this game, it seems like it can't possibly fail. Now we'll just have to wait for the Metroid Prime Trilogy to whet our appetites.

E3 Recap - Day 1

Nintendo: Wow! Nintendo's Conference was a big one, with many big titles announced that will carry us into 2010. Strangely enough, the one "big" title that many had expected information on, The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, was hardly mentioned - fortunately, they made up this is small error with many game announcements.

New Super Mario Bros. (Wii): Rumors were already flying about this, possibly because of a leak on Nintendo's part, but that won't be stopping the hype for this game. Focusing on a multi-player aspect, the game allows players to play as Mario, Luigi, and two different Toads (one blue, one yellow). The game also includes a new "Propellor Hat" - a hat that allows temporary flight for the user. Simply shake the Wii Remote to begin flight.


Metroid: Other M: This is, for all intents and purposes, the "big one". Being developed by Ninja Team (the makers of the Ninja Gaiden series), this promises to be a darker, more mature Metroid game. The images promise that this game will have intense action, just like the previous games in the series. No word on what that title means, though...


Super Mario Galaxy 2: The first time there has been two major Mario platformers on one console, this sequel to Super Mario Galaxy includes some epic boss battles, as well as the ability to ride Yoshi. Little information has been released so far.


Golden Sun DS: Finally! For so long, fans have waited for the sequel to the last Golden Sun game, and it's finally here! We've seen a trailer and multiple images, and we can now expect some serious 3D action! Prepare for what will definitely be one of the greatest role-playing games of this generation.


Reports on other conferences will be posted later today, or possibly tomorrow.