This E3 was a very different E3 for the other consoles as their lifecycles are coming to an end and transitioning to the next generation, but for Nintendo they were able to hit their full stride. The PS4 and Xbox One are running out of steam as they near their end and as a result fewer big game’s are coming out and a dry season is coming over them, as for Nintendo some of their best and most surprising game’s have been announced. This E3 direct has met gamers expectations and even surpassed them.
There were many announcements that were expected but many doubted Nintendo would be able to fit them all in, but somehow they were able to do it. Microsoft’s press conference was full of “stuff”, mainly CG cinematics and 2020 release dates with almost no gameplay, but with Nintendo’s direct it was the opposite, mostly gameplay of game’s coming out soon and few cinematics. They gave gamers what we wanted.
Fan favorites such as Pokemon, Links Awakening, Animal Crossing, and Luigis Mansion were shown with new gameplay and release dates. Links Awakening got an impressive long gameplay reel with a release date this year and so did Lugi’s Mansion. Animal Crossing was short but we did get a confirmed set release date and not a vague “Spring 2020”, and as for Fire Emblem we got a cinematic but no delay in release and a lengthy gameplay demo will be shown at the Treehouse at E3 live.
Nintendo could have spent the whole direct on just those four main games, but they went the extra mile and gave us some surprises and some confirmations. We were pleasently surprised with a new Contra, Panzer Dragoon, Trials of Mana and No More Heroes 3. These game’s weren’t just fancy cinematics, but also included actual gameplay and soonish release dates! We also got confirmation of ports of popular games such as the original Ni No Kuni and The Witcher 3, also an in game trailer of Mario & Sonic Olympics and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3. These and many more were shown and announced with most or almost all coming out this year!
They focused on showing lengthy trailers of games that gamers have been anticipating or hoping for and a short sizzle reel of upcoming indie games, and that’s exactly how it should be. Indie game’s have a place with gamers, but we expect “Big” announcements as we wait a whole year for this special event, and this did not disappoint. Nintendo is successfully becoming a console for hardcore gamers of all types and not just their fanbase or casuals.
Now that’s not to say that Nintendo has forgotten about their loyal fanbase, because they definitely didn‘t. What many have been pleading Nintendo for has come true, Banjo Kazooie is coming to Smash Bros Ultimate! What was thought impossible became possible. We are also somehow getting all the main heroes of Dragon Quest! Insane! To top it all off, the biggest surprise is that we’re getting the 1st ever proper official sequel in the Legend of Zelda series, a direct sequel to Breath of the Wild! There couldn’t have been a better way to end it!
Other games such as Daemon x Machina and Astral Chain were shown with release dates this year and demos at the E3 Nintendo Treehouse. This direct was showing gamers that Nintendo is listening. For many years they seemed to ignore our wishes and feedback, but now they’re giving us what we want. With this strong E3 Direct and the upcoming E3 Treehouse showing more gameplay of most of these games, Nintendo is showing how E3 should be done.