Hello Hidden Triforce fans! As we are in the video game community, we are all aware of what happens next week: The Electronic Entertainment Expo – E3! This is the week where not only Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft show up to display the coming future for their companies, but software developers show up to display what they’ve got in the works and we the fans geek out.
With Nintendo declining to do a press conference, the rumor mill has been swirling from the Xbox & PS4 fanboys that it’s because Nintendo is throwing in the towel. I think the opposite – I think Nintendo really aims to wow everyone and save face this year.
That being said, here’s my list of what I want to see from Nintendo this year.
#1 – The Legend of Zelda Wii U title revealed with a trailer/possible game play.
Though Mario might be the poster child for Nintendo products, if there is one franchise that has stood the test of time and that can bring millions of faithful players back to Nintendo, it is the Zelda franchise. If we look exclusively at what we know, it’s that one of two things will happen at E3 regarding Zelda.
– Hyrule Warriors will get top billing for the Zelda title to come out Q4 from Nintendo and that we can expect Zelda U early 2015.
OR
– Hyrule Warriors will be teamed with the heavily rumored Majora’s Mask 3D remake, with the announcement of Zelda U for early 2015.
Mock up of Majora’s Mask 3Ds
That’s my thought process regarding Zelda U. Nintendo knows there is a lot riding on this title in particular, so why not port Majora’s Mask over to the 3DS and give the loyal Zelda fans some table scraps until this new, potentially epic HD Zelda title is ready? To me, there’s no shame is saying “hey guys, we know you want Zelda, but we really want to give you the best – so hang on with us, but for the time being enjoy playing these games!”
#2 – A new Star Fox title.
Star Fox to some gamers is a love it or leave it game series. A spectacular opportunity to show off the Wii U’s hardware would be to give us a graphical adventure reuniting the Star Fox crew for a mission that takes us through the Lylat System again.
Could we see a Star Fox for Wii U?
Building upon the previous titles in the series, this game could, and should incorporate all features previously used. Though not a heavy fan-favorite, Star Fox Adventures is definitely another way to incorporate the Wii U pad into the game play. Design something for Fox or Falco to wear on their wrist a la Batman: Arkham City and team that with space and land combat and you’ve got a game that can actually be fun for everyone across the board.
Batman using the Wayne Tech device
The Wii U gamepad for Arkham City
Star Fox is one of the franchises from Nintendo that could deal with a Twilight Princess style story: make it a little darker, a little grittier.
And if you can get Nathan Fillion to voice a captain that helps Fox on his mission, I’ll buy five copies.
#3 – A new Mario Paint
OK. Hang with me on this.
The Wii U is full on interaction, and there is some incredible artwork displayed from people I don’t even know. So why not work this a little more and really push the barrier.
Drawing Link on the Wii U Gamepad
Remember the animator? Could you imagine if you teamed an animator with something like the Mario Kart TV replay, only with your favorite Nintendo characters? Think of the interesting fan stories that could be told and watched.
The touchpad could add some great features to the Mario Paint experience, especially with the fly swatter game.
And in an age with these music apps and what not that allow you to create your own beats, why not let your artists create some sweet new tunes with the Mario Paint music maker?
Scoff at me all you want – Mario Paint is definitely something the Wii U should add to its arsenal.
#4 – Reveal secret partnership with Blizzard and release Hearthstone for the Wii U & 3D/2Ds
OK – this is even a stretch for me. As a former WoW player, I know what it’s like to see my credit card be at the mercy of Blizzard – but this would be an interesting way to take something that Microsoft and Sony can’t really do on their game systems right now.
Blizzard’s Hearthstone
If you are unsure of what Hearthstone is, it is a strategic card game from Blizzard that takes champions and abilities from their Warcraft lore. So basically, think of it as like Pokémon or Magic: The Gathering: You build your deck and play others and gain cards and abilities.
That being said, Hearthstone is the game that Blizzard is releasing for the mobile device markets (iOS & Android platforms). So why not use the touch feature from the Wii U gamepad to the mix?
Mock up of Hearthstone for the Wii U
Blizzard and Nintendo are not partners. Granted, StarCraft did make its way to the N64 and wasn’t actually that bad for a game that went from keyboard and mouse to controller – but Hearthstone would be a great game to add to the eShop for both hardware systems.
#5 – Announce new hardware for 2015/2016
Nintendo Revolution – A fan mock up
First, I’m not saying they need to produce a new complete system yet – but Nintendo needs to think about software for the Wii U to determine if the system has longevity or if a new system needs to be released sooner rather than later.
Sadly, in today’s age it’s not as simple as adding an expansion pack to the system to up its specs.
If Mario Kart 8 is any indication of the software sales for the remainder of 2014, then the Wii U definitely still has some life left. And with at least two Zelda related titles coming out this year alongside fan favorite Super Smash Bros., then why not wet our appetite with some ideas you guys are kicking around for the future.
Remember Virtual Boy? Well, Oculus Rift is very much the future of full immersion in video games. Why not give this another shot? This could even be a possible add on for the Wii U – but I’d rather see a new hardware spec get this toy to play with.
Past meets present
Again – this is not a confirmation of what Nintendo is bringing to E3 this year, but based on Reggie’s recent videos, Nintendo of America definitely looks to be bringing their game faces and I hope that this is what we see.
Don’t forget to follow The Hidden Triforce for everything E3 next week! Site owner Noah Glaser will be reporting live from the showroom floor with the newest innovations coming our way.
What are your thoughts, fans? What do you want to see Nintendo bring to the table at E3?
