Last second guesses: Chris Evans
E3 has begun and Nintendo’s press conference is just hours away. That leaves us just enough time for some final guesses on what they will announce.
With the Wii MotionPlus already unveiled in a sneak preview on Nintendo’s website, they are bound to have a game to go with it, much like they did with the Wii Zapper and Link’s Crossbow Training. It could be another simple game bundled with the device (Link’s Sword Training perhaps?) or we could have the dream announcement of a brand new full Zelda title that uses the MotionPlus for true 1:1 sword control. They may also have a new version of the Wii Remote that has the MotionPlus built in, but that will more likely be something for the future.
It’s widely believed that a new Animal Crossing is on its way, with some speculating that it will have MMO elements. Personally though, I think it is more likely to be an evolution of the previous games, but with the ability to send gifts and visit other players’ villages online. I’m also expecting this to be the first retail title to feature downloadable content, as Nintendo have already used with Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles on WiiWare.
I think we can look at Super Smash Bros Brawl for clues to returning franchises (no, they aren’t going to bring back R.O.B.). Kirby has suddenly been joined by two other main characters from the series, along with Captain Olimar from Pikmin, despite neither having a home console release in four years. Rumours of an unreleased Kirby title on Gamecube being moved to Wii have been around for a long time, and the Wii Remote seems perfect for controlling Pikmin, so either could make a comeback.
Something I’m not expecting is different coloured Wiis. As much as we may want them, Nintendo won’t waste them while the Wii is still selling as well as it is. They will probably be at next years E3 when sales have started to slow.
Finally, there has to be a solution for the storage problem, especially as E3 is bound to see a barrage of new WiiWare titles. My gut feeling is that they will use SD cards, but there is still a chance they will go for a hard drive. If they do, I picture it being a similar size and shape to the Wii itself, and that it would come with a new silver base to replace the one you get with the Wii, that would hold the console and hard drive next to each other.
Ultimately though, I’m expecting the unexpected. Nintendo have a habit of blindsiding us with products that no one saw coming (who predicted the Wii Remote or Wii Fit?) and there’s no reason why this year should be any different. Tune in later for all the news from the show.
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Chris | July 14, 2008
