Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Unbeatable

Everything at once maddening yet undeniable about Nintendo's dual-existence as a corporate entity and Colonial Governor of a generation's memories; summarized in a single image:


Giving the keynote at GDC, President Satoru Iwata focused heavily on the upcoming 3DS handheld and dropped the customary not-in-any-way-shocking announcement that a new Mario title was in-production for the system. No screenshots or even title were given, save for the detail that it's being developed by the "Galaxy" team. Oh, and the "Super Mario" logo's shadow... has a familiar-looking TAIL.

And... there you have it. Waaaay more than half of any fans "on the fence" about the 3DS just made up their mind. That's another several-million systems presold, regardless of price or availability. Not because of a feature, or because of a full-lineup, or even because of a tangible game... but because they've vaguely intimated that we might at some point see Tanooki (re: Raccoon) Mario again after a 22 year absence.


THIS is why everyone else whose ever tried to sell a handheld console went bald early.

16 comments:

Smashmatt202 said...

I freaking FLIPPED OUT when I saw that raccoon tail! O_O

The Almighty Narf said...

And now I'm not on the fence about a 3DS anymore.

Here's hoping it's not just the Wing Cap with a tail but actually plays into the mechanics of the game as much as it did with SMB3.

Andrew said...

I am really excited about the 3DS....
I'm kind of annoyed with myself for buying a DSI just a month ago. What was I thinking?

ThatFellowWithTheHat said...

I'm getting kinda confused why all these gaming news outlets are sort of just forgetting that there were screenshots shown.

But anyways here they are, and they look glorious.

http://img856.imageshack.us/img856/1231/mariooo.png

ScrewAttackSamus said...

no kidding, a Mario game is always a guaranteed killer-app for Nintendo. I wonder how the level design would be since it's by the Galaxy team.

Roger said...

This makes me wonder if first party Wii titles won't be coming out this year. I feel like so much of Nintendo's marketing will be focused on the 3DS its going to delay anything for the Wii. I won't be surprised if they delay Skyward Sword till next year.

NathanS said...

Interesting note on the pic provide by ThatFellowWithTheHat, look at the lower left image, that's small Mario, an aspect of Mario that has never been in a 3D Mario before. The Galaxy games already did a lot to bring 2D Mario sensibilities to 3D mario, it looks like this is going to try and push that even further.

Oh and given the tail, the possibilities of making 3D Mario even more like 2D Mario and the platform this is being released on, the 3DS they may very well be going for a spiritual follow up to SMB3.

JodeciDeion:TheWon said...

It's still sad that there is a corner of the internet! Where so called Nintendo fans are crying about this announcement! The want Nintendo to drop current Mario games for classic 2d ones. Despite that the series has seen more innovation in his 3D games.
I believe all types of Mario games can coexist! Still others it to be only one!

Renan Greca said...

@TheWon Indeed. A New Super Mario Bros. 3DS is very likely, so there's no need to worry about the lack of 2D action.

smile said...

Sensationalized, but I agree nonetheless.

Whip out the same old crew and a passing reference to someone's childhood and you'll have customers lining up asking for more.

I'm proud to be one of those saps.

Unknown said...

Bob is such a huge defender of the god damn wii and other nintendo products, i can't stand the things. While i often agree with his what he says about most topics it irritates me when he defends the peace of junk. I would love to see Bob dedicate an episode where he only discusses good wii games that were THIRD PARTY DEVELOPED.Then again the episode would only be like 1 minute long... Better yet, post a list i will be shocked if he finds over 4 titles xD

Smashmatt202 said...

@ Jason

Okay, then.

-Tatsunoko vs. Capcom
-No More Heroes
-Muramasa: The Demon Blade
-Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure
-A Boy and His Blob
-Klonoa
-Disney Epic Mickey (well, I enjoyed it anyway)
-Okami (although it was released for the PS2 before that, you weren't specific when you said third party developed Wii games)

Also, make sure you learn how to spell before you call out someone, because it only makes you less credible and more stupid.

RocMegamanX said...

@Smashmatt202

Don't forget Madworld.

Smashmatt202 said...

Right, sure, that too, even though I haven't played it...

Rusty said...

yeah...Im not in the least interested in another mario game, save of course another Paper Mario RPG. Nintendo presentation was lack luster as hell.

Rusty said...

yeah...Im not in the least interested in another mario game, save of course another Paper Mario RPG. Nintendo presentation was lack luster as hell.