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).

'Super Mario Galaxy 2' To Be "Bright And Fun"

According to Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, the upcoming Super Mario Galaxy 2 won't be heavy on story-telling, and will simply be a fun and vibrant game.

Miyamoto claimed he would like "as little story as possible" in the recently announced sequel to Super Mario Galaxy.

Personally, I think this is a wise decision - since the origianl Super Mario Bros., the Mario series has never had a big focus on story-telling, unlike the Zelda series. Miyamoto's decision may help the game have a better focus on gameplay and graphics.

In other Wii news, Miyamoto has stated that the next Wii Zelda game will have Wii MotionPlus as a requirement - while this may not seem like a large shock, fans are unhappy at having to spend even more money to enjoy the next installment in the Zelda series.

Quotes credit to IGN. Image credit to MyWii.com.au.

Post E3: Super Mario Galaxy 2

Nintendo has never released two major Mario platformers one a single system before, so this sequel to smash-hit Super Mario Galaxy came as a big shock to fans. Although it is still set in space, it will be much different from the original, with supposedly, "90% new content".



Undoubtedly the biggest Mario announcement (New Super Mario Bros. for the Wii, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, and Mario VS. Donkey Kong: The Minis March Again were all announced at the same conference), this game has the potential to rock Wii owners' worlds. Every 3D Mario platformer to date has been a smash-hit, and a second for the Wii, in retrospect, seems like an obvious decision.

I'm so glad that they have retained some of the features introduced in Super Mario Galaxy, like the Bee Suit, while still adding new content, such as the ability to ride Yoshi. Although the game has a 2010 release, so we won't get more information for the time being, we can expect that it will be even better than the original.

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.