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).

Gamescom 2009: PS3 Slim Unveiled

Everybody already knew that the PS3 Slim was coming out - fans were just waiting for Sony to officially reveal the thing. Fortunately, they did just that at this year's Gamescom in Germany, and it looks quite impressive. The price will be set at a meager $299, and will be released September 1, 2009.

The side-by-side comparison of the original and the Slim is astounding. With this new price and new size, the sales of the console could definitely soar - I am even considering getting a PS3 Slim of my own.

In other Sony news, the PSP and PSPgo will be getting a sort of App store. Basically a smaller version of the PlayStation Network (PSN), "PSP Minis" will allow downloads on both models of the PSP, though it will certainly be more useful on the PSPgo, which lacks a UMD Drive. No prices have been released, though it is likely most downloads will be around $10 or less.

Image credit: Kotaku (here and here).

Activision Wary Of Playstation's Future

Activision, undoubtedly the biggest independent publisher in the world of video games, may no longer be showing support for the Playstation 3, and perhaps even the PSP. In an interview, Bobby Kotick, the CEO of Activision, said "They have the cut the price, because if they don't, the attach rates are likely to slow. If we are being realistic, we may have to stop supporting Sony."


Since the Playstation 3 launched, thus beginning the console wars for the seventh generation, it has fallen far behind both the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. But despite this, it seemed like it was always a true competitor. Are we going to have to accept that it may "fail", just as the Sega Dreamcast did before it? While Sony has a loyal fanbase, without Activision supporting it, it seems that they have no shot.

Kotick went on to explain when the might stop supporting Sony. "When we look at 2010 and 2011, we might want to consider if we support the console - and the PSP, too." Kotick went on to explain that a "physical interface", such as the Wii, could be good for Sony. But is Activision gaining too much power? Console developers have long since been the most powerful figureheads in the gaming business. Will Activision become just as powerful, bending console developers to fit their needs?

Image credit: That Videogame Blog (here). Quote credit: TimesOnlines (here).