For those who didn’t stay up last night, the Wii U is Nintendo’s next generation home console. It’ll come with HD graphics and a powerful but slightly ugly-looking controller that has the ability to play fully-fledged console games.

During this morning’s press conference, Nintendo showed us how the Wii U controller’s built in camera worked, how the gyroscope functioned and how the billion other features within it would be able to take video gaming to the next level.

As a developer in one of the trailers shown at the press conference said, “it’s like the Swiss army knife of controllers”.

The controller includes built-in rechargable batteries, a Power button, Home button, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons. On top of this, it also features a built-in accelerometer, a rumble feature, a microphone, stereo speakers, a sensor strip, a stylus and the all of those other things mentioned earlier on in this post.

In fact the Wii U controller was so mind blowing that Nintendo didn’t even bother to mention or show the actual Wii U console at their 2011 E3 press conference. Luckily Nintendo has now released information, screenshots and video footage of it on their offical E3 network site.

This official Nintendo site reveals that the system will be able to run games in 1080p via HDMI and feature flash based storage internally with upgradable memory thanks to the assistance of USB and SD cards. The games for Wii U will also be shipped on iDensity discs.

The final few things known about the new Nintendo system are that it will be backwards compatible with Wii games and the controller will give be able to give players different camera perspectives in certain games.

Stay tuned to TNB for more Wii U and E3 updates soon. Also be sure to check out our Live blog of Nintendo’s 2011 E3 press conference from earlier today here.

The conference will kick off on Wednesday, June 8 at 2:00AM for VIC, TAS, NSW, ACT and QLD, 1:30AM for SA and NT, and 12:00AM for WA. It should also run for roughly 2 hours. Below are links to various E3 affiliated sites that’ll be live streaming the event. An official Nintendo one is even there for those who would like to see more footage of the new Nintendo stuff after the conference is over.

Offical Nintendo live stream, GameSpot live stream, Game Trailers live stream

The beauty of this live blog is that it’ll still be here after the conference is over, so if any of you don’t want to stay up late, or just can’t afford to, then don’t worry about it. All of the announcements made at Nintendo’s E3 2011 press conference will be here in the morning for you to check out when you do eventually wake up. So all you’ll have to do is turn on your computer, go to this page, and hopefully there’ll be a tonne of info, screenshots and video links here about all of the fantastic announcements made during Nintendo’s E3 2011 press conference.

On top of this, I’ll also be tweeting the entire event from the official TNB Twitter account. So keep your browsers on these two pages and get ready for Wednesday morning.

In the meantime you can also use this page to chat about anything in relation to Nintendo and the announcements they may make at this year’s E3.

LIVE BLOG:

1:50am
Nintendo’s 2011 E3 press conference is about to kick off! Hold up, Nintendo is apparently running late.

2:05am
Alright folks, the one we’ve all been waiting for has finally started.

2:06am
The show seems to be starting off with a trailer of the Zelda series. It’s probably for Skyward Sword. Oh wait, it’s for the 25th anniversary of course.

2:10am
Shigsy has just walked on stage. The translator Bill Trinen is now up there as well.

2:12am
This Zelda sound stuff going on with the orchestra is pretty funny. They’ve just recreated the noise that plays when Link opens a chest.

2:14am
Shigsy and Bill announce that Link’s Awakening will be the first Game Boy Colour title for 3DS. We’ll also be getting a free four player co-op Legend of Zelda on the DSiWare service.

2:17am
They’re now announcing an exclusive Zelda Wii Remote launching alongside the release of Skyward Sword. A Zelda Symphony will also be travelling around the world. It will go be playing in Japan, Europe and the US. No Australia dammit. Woo, it seems we’ll be getting two Zelda soundtracks as well.

2:19am
They just thanked all of the Zelda fans for sticking with the franchise over the years and have now finished their little segment.

2:21am
Satoru Iwata has now come up on the stage and is talking about expanding the marketing. He just teased the crowd and viewers at home about a little surprise.

2:26am
A teaser trailer of Mario Kart and more is currently being shown off. Luigi’s Mansion 2 seems to also be on the cards?

2:27

Reggie is now on stage. Pretty sure he always delivers. The new console confirmed again.

2:28am
A trailer for Mario Kart 3DS is being shown off. This version will feature submarines, hang gliders and buggies. Gawd, what have they done?!

2:31am
Starfox 64 3D shown off. Reggie says it will be instores this September. Presumbably for America.

2:33am
Super Mario for 3DS is announced for this year again. Looks fantastic so far. Very similiar to Super Mario 64.

2:34am
A new Kid Icarus: Uprising trailer is now on display. Looks like multiplayer is confirmed. Seems like we’ll also be getting Kid Icarus AR Cards that can battle each other.

2:37am
Luigi’s Mansion 2 officially announced. It’s an entirely new game for the 3DS.

2:39am
A tonne of game trailers for upcoming third party 3DS titles are now being shown off. Reggie announces demos for the 3DS as well.

2:42am
Pokedex 3D is being discussed. Kinda boring since I actually own it now. Jokes.

2:48am
And here it is! Nintendo’s next console is announced/revealed. It’s called the Wii U. The controller for it looks ugly but powerful.

2:50am
The Wii U controller is being shown off in a trailer. It has a touchscreen in the center of it.

2:52am
The trailer shows off what could possibly be a new Zelda for Wii U and various other titles.

2:54am
Iwata is now back on stage. Yet another trailer is shown. This one features Shigsy and Iwata discussing the potential of the Wii U with built in features such as a web broswer and more.

2:57am
Smash Bros. announced for the Wii U and the 3DS. They’ll work side by side with each other!!!

2:58am
Iwata has now left the stage and Reggie is back on. He’s showing us a trailer of what the system can do.

3:00am
New Super Mario Bros Mii revealed. Looks pretty similiar to the previous entries in the series. Reggie has just randomly announced that Nintendo will also be publishing Lego City Stories by TT Games. It will be on Wii U and the 3DS.

3:03am
A trailer is being shown of the developers interested in the Wii U. One of them just said that it was like the Swiss army knife of controllers. I laughed pretty hard at the comment. So true.

3:06am
A tonne of great third party games are announced for the Wii U: Assasin’s Creed, Batman, Darksiders II, Metro, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon, Aliens Colonial Marines, Ninja Gaiden, Tekken… the list just keeps going!

3:10am
An Electronics Arts spokesperson is now dicussing the potential of the Wii U. He reveals Battlefield 3 will be coming to the Wii. Hmm… interesting.

3:11am
John Riccitiello I think his name was. Reggie is now back on stage and is concluding the conference. He’s talking about how a tonne of developers are already working on games for the Wii U and a bit of other stuff.

3:15am
The Nintendo E3 2011 press conference is now officially over. Thanks to everyone who followed my live blog or tweets during the show. Stay tuned to TNB over the next two weeks for a full wrap up of Nintendo’s 2011 E3 press conference and more.

kksl1der
liam@thenintendobasement.com
__________________________________________________________________________

Many thanks to oodark, Akavashi and Oh_Man for providing me with screenshots of the conference, extra information and also the names of certain presenters.

Most gamers have such fond, and dare I say, rose-tinted memories of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time that they’d probably kidnap Shigsy, Iwata and Reggie if the 3D remake of the game failed to meet their lofty expectations. Thankfully though, from what I’ve played of it, it’s pretty much the same outstanding video game that it was during the Nintendo 64 years with a few appropriate changes here and there.

It seems Nintendo has put a lot of love and care into the development of OoT3D. Besides the visual make-over, minor adjustments to the controls and new touch screen inventory, the 3DS version is really just a high-quality port of the original game. You still play as Link, you still have the lovable but annoying Navi by your side and you still have to save the princess and land of Hyrule from the evil Ganon.

During the demo, players were given access to Kokiri Forest, the Great Deku Tree and also the first boss, Gohma. With all this on offer, I had plenty of time to test out the new controls, enjoy the updated visuals and check out the effectiveness of the 3D and touch screen inventory.

The first point of interest, for me, was Link’s character model. It resembles the young and adult versions of Link featured in Super Smash Bros. Melee on the Nintendo GameCube. An appropriate choice by Nintendo. Along with the new character models are graphical updates of the old environments and obviously the addition of 3D. The overall face lift OoT has received and the addition of 3D will really help reassure those who are a bit concerned about re-purchasing/playing Ocarina of Time for the millionth time.

The new control system throughout the three scenarios felt great. The R button is used to lock on, the L button refocuses the camera, the X, Y, A buttons are allocated to items and the B button makes Link slash his sword. There’s also the option of aiming Link’s slingshot with the 3DS Gyroscope which at this stage seems to be a nice and non-intrusive idea. Fighting and puzzling are still the same and newcomers to Ocarina of Time should have no troubles with them. Overall, everything felt great.

People who haven’t played this game should rush out and buy the 3DS version of it the day it’s released if they own a 3DS. Those who have played it before should also do the same thing as well because it’s just that good. This legendary Nintendo 64 title had already aged brilliantly and thanks to the minor but effectively refreshing touches from Nintendo, Ocarina of Time looks as if it is now going to be more magnificent than ever before. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is due out in Australia June 30 so be sure you don’t pass up this golden opportunity to relive the greatest video games of all time on Nintendo’s latest system.

By Liam Doolan (kksl1der)
liam@thenintendobasement.com

Likely to be a:

Great 3DS game

Don’t know what the heck kksl1der is on about? Check out what’s going on here.

If you’re willing to actually give Steel Diver a chance, you’ll find an engrossing submarine game. Players must guide a sub of their choice through a stack of levels while blowing up a variety of enemy vessels, shooting down rock walls obstructing their path and weaving in and out of highly-explosive sea mines – all with the assistance of the 3DS’s touch screen.

Although this game is played out in real time, the true charm of it comes from the fact that players have to think a few steps ahead of the current on-screen action. By this I mean that players have to start firing torpedos at an enemy or altering their sub’s direction usually a good 4 seconds or so before whatever it is on-screen actually occurs. Last minute reactions aren’t going to pay off in this game. You’ll find yourself regularly punished if you start altering your sub’s direction just a second before a rock wall. Once you get the hang of it though, Steel Diver is quite a rewarding, and as previously mentioned, engrossing experience.

The other game play modes on offer are time trial and a ‘tower defence’- style game. Thankfully they were both available to play through at 3DS tour. The time trial mode simply let’s players race against the clock on any of the main game levels they’ve unlocked. On the other hand, the ‘tower defence’- style game is a bit different. It involves the player controlling the sights and torp barrels of a surfaced and obviously, stationary, submarine out in open waters. This side mode is similar to an FPS survival mode with waves of enemies. So the player in control of the submarine sits there shooting torpedo after torpedo at wave after wave of boats etc until they’re finally taken down. It’s a very neat mode overall.

Something that isn’t so neat about this particular mode in Steel Diver, though, is its simultaneous use of 3D and gyroscope. It just doesn’t mix. The 3D in the 3DS is good, but it’s still just the beginning of things to come at the end of the day. If your eyes lose focus on the 3DS’s sweet spot then all you’ll see half the time when viewing games in 3D is a lot of blurred images, and the reason this mode in Steel Diver is such a problem is because it relies on gyroscope movement (and therefore on movement of the 3DS itself) to move the sights around, meaning players will constantly lose focus of the 3D if they’re playing this particular mode. I found it was actually best to just turn the 3D off in this mode. The 3D in this mode does actually look impressive, but it’s almost impossible to keep up with it if you want to play the mode properly.

Conversely, the 3D featured in the main mode of Steel Diver was quite subtle. The 3DS’s main selling point just doesn’t seem like it is going to be that impressive when it comes to 2D side-scrollers. Hopefully, the upcoming Paper Mario can redeem the genre on the system. The 3D in Steel Diver was barely noticeable throughout the main game. It didn’t help that the backgrounds, enemies and rock wall obstructions within the game were also quite bland as well. Honestly, the main mode in this game looks like something the DS could have easily produced. Then again, this title was originally a tech demo for the DS, so it would have helped if Nintendo could have perhaps updated the visuals in it just slightly. The sound effects are on a similar level, though it’s quite fitting. The music goes well with the sea battles, and the constant yell of “FIRE!” is also strangely appropriate.

Besides the minor graphical issues and downright stupid combination of 3D and gyroscope in one of the game’s side modes, Steel Diver is currently shaping up to be a top 3DS title. Though this game probably could have been released at the beginning of the DS’s life (yes, the DS’s life) it’s still a lot more impressive than the majority of 3DS titles coming out in the first half of this year, and most of all, it’s an entirely new experience. Not another Nintendogs or Pilotwings entry, or Rayman port from 10 years ago. Keep your eye on this one and brace yourself for its May 12 release down under.

By Liam Doolan (kksl1der)
liam@thenintendobasement.com

Likely to be a:

Great 3DS game

Don’t know what the heck kksl1der is on about? Check out what’s going on here.

Since then, there’s been a divide amongst old school Nintendo gamers about the merits of Nintendogs. Many fans believe it’s a great and innovative game, but there are just as many die-hard enthusiasts out there who absolutely hate the digital doggies because they just aren’t ‘hardcore enough’ and are supposedly the origins of Nintendo’s casual side.

Personally, I’m one of the Nintendo fans who actually liked the original Nintendogs. I admired it for being such an original title and utilising pretty much of all of the DS’s capabilities. About the only disappointment for me at the time was that it didn’t feature online play, and really, that can be forgiven considering the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection wasn’t even up and running back then. So as I said, when it was announced that Nintendogs would be coming back to the 3DS I got quite excited. I had high hopes that the new version of the game would show off the potential of the 3DS just like the original game did with the DS. My expectations were high – in retrospect, probably too high – because when I finally did get my grubby little paws on the demo version of the 3DS version I felt completely letdown.

Out of all the 3DS demos on display, Nintendogs + Cats was easily the worst one. I was limited to patting, dressing-up and throwing a few items at my cats and dogs, and that’s about it, really. It just seemed too familiar. In general, the title really just felt like the original with some updated graphics, some tacked-on 3D and some crummy new features such as cats. I wasn’t impressed. Nintendo should be making leaps and bounds with new IP like this, but instead all we’re getting is a situation similar to Animal Crossing – a relatively new series with a lot of potential going nowhere fast.

On a more positive note, what was actually available to me in the demo looked great. The dogs look a lot more detailed this time around, and the environments and items were also far better looking. The controls were the same as the DS version, and just like the old one you could even yell insults at your pet through the 3DS microphone.

At this point, there isn’t really much else to say about the 3DS version of Nintendogs. Overall, it feels like a more refined version of the original game. If you’ve experienced any one of the DS Nintendogs then you should feel right at home or completely bored by this new entry in the series. It’ll be a hit or miss for most, but definitely one of the safer 3DS launch titles to go with.

By Liam Doolan (kksl1der)
liam@thenintendobasement.com

Likely to be a:

Good 3DS game

Don’t know what the heck kksl1der is on about? Check out what’s going on here.

It seems like Capcom pump out new Resident Evil titles all time; however, the truth is that the majority of these are actually just spin-offs or re-releases. Nintendo gamers have become particularly familiar with Capcom’s RE spin-offs and re-releases over the years.

The Nintendo 64 was graced with an updated version of Resident Evil 2, the GameCube received the stunningly good-looking Resident Evil Zero, the Wii got some more light-gun action with Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles and on the portable front, the Nintendo DS played host to Resident Evil: Deadly Silence. Enter the 3DS and the latest RE spin-off/re-release (in some sense), Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D.

The playtime I had with RE:TM3D was remarkably awesome.  It was like having a copy of the best Resident Evil game ever created in the palm of my hands. Personally, I’ve only just finished playing through Resident Evil 5, so you can probably imagine the kind of expectations I had prior to my play test of this game, but boy did this game deliver. I knew as soon as I saw this game that the future of portable gaming had arrived. The title looked so ‘next generation’ it was freaking me out, and better yet, it was running smoothly as ever on the 3DS hardware. Capcom has always known how to push Nintendo systems to the limits with their games, and Mercenaries is no exception.

The 3D/graphics I witnessed while playing this new RE title were the best I’d seen out of any of the games on display. I’m sorry Nintendo, but you’ve already had your arse handed to you in these departments. One area that could probably use a little work though was the controls. To me they came across as a little muddled-up (the touch screen was relatively fine, just the actual button controls were a bit questionable), but perhaps it’s because I just finished playing RE5.

The main focus in RE:TM3D is the Mercenaries mode. You can control characters from the RE series such as Chris, Claire, Hunk and Krauser and compete to defeat as many enemies (zombies, of course) as you can within a set time. It’s the addictive ‘I’ll just have one more go’ style of game play that really sucks you in. Simply trying to outdo yourself is very satisfying, and if that’s not enough, you’ll be pleased to hear that RE:TM3D has multiplayer offerings as well. There’ll be local wireless play, and of course, co-operative play over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Through these modes, mates, or a bunch of strangers, will be able to fight off the never-ending zombie hordes together and see just how long they can last.

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D easily has one of the most basic game play concepts, yet somehow managed to be the most next-gen out of all the 3DS titles I played. The controls were really the only gripe I had with this title, but as I said, it was probably because I’d just finished RE5 with a regular game pad. I’m sure everyone will adapt to the 3DS RE controls over time, and in hindsight they did seem to function just like the controls in most other RE games – appropriately well. This game is definitely a title to keep your eye on. Sure, it doesn’t have that overly-happy vibe like majority of the other 3DS games announced so far, but it does have awesome gameplay, graphics, 3D and multiplayer in it.

By Liam Doolan (kksl1der)
liam@thenintendobasement.com

Likely to be a:

Great 3DS game

Don’t know what the heck kksl1der is on about? Check out what’s going on here.

Alright, I’ll admit it, I suck at fighting games. Street Fighter, Tekken, King of Fighters, you name it and I’ve probably sucked at it. Sadly, about the only fighting game I don’t suck at is Smash Bros. and from what I’ve heard, most fighting fans don’t even consider that to be a real fighting game.

For years now I’ve tried to train myself in the art of 2D and 3D fighting games but I still just suck at them. And do you know why I still suck at them? It’s because the companies who create these intense fighters just don’t cater to amateurs like me, simple as that. Well, maybe I should say that was the case until I checked out Super Street Fighter IV 3D the other day. Finally, the people who aren’t so great at fighting games have been noticed.

Street Fighter now caters to those who have never been any good at fighting games and those who have never played a fighting game in their life before. How has Capcom managed to do this, you ask? Well, it’s quite simple, really. Each character’s mega-awesome combo moves in SSIV3D are split into four large squares on the touch screen, meaning all the average Joe has to do to perform a special move is mash one of these squares on the touch screen with his left or right thumb. There’s no skill involved at all.  What’s even better is that you can also hit the A, B, X, Y, L and R buttons simultaneously for the high, low or medium punches and kicks, making SSIV3D the ultimate button masher!

It’s amazing, really. I looked like a Street Fighter veteran after 5 seconds. The only thing that worries me about this is the fact that first timers might get over the whole experience very quickly once they’ve witnessed all of the special moves in action.

I’m sure those of you who have ever performed a special combo in a fighting game will remember just how rewarding it felt the first time you managed to pull it off. It’s a truly satisfying experience that people who press large square buttons on touch screens will probably never understand. And seriously, that really worries me.

On top of this easy control system, there are smaller than usual buttons. So either way, those experienced enough to play in the most hardcore way possible are going to be tempted by the large touch squares or disadvantaged by the 3DS’s small buttons – which can become quite bothersome when attempting to execute some of the more advanced combos. The only other gripe I had with SSIV3D was the graphics. They weren’t actually that stunning to me, even with the 3D. It was definitely watered down in comparison to its console counterparts, but that can only be expected.

At the moment, Super Street Fighter IV 3D looks and plays decent enough. Besides the addition of easy touch controls, which could drastically shorten the life of the game if there isn’t a way to disable them (though I’m sure there is), there’s not much else new going on here, unless you’re absolutely excited about the Street Pass mode and the new unlocks. Honestly though, it plays just like a Street Fighter game should, and probably already has fans of the fighting genre, or should I say Street Fighting-genre, frothing at the mouths with excitement. 

By Liam Doolan (kksl1der)
liam@thenintendobasement.com

Likely to be a:

Good 3DS game

Don’t know what the heck kksl1der is on about? Check out what’s going on here.

So if you haven’t figured it out by now, this new entry in the Pilotwings franchise is entirely based on Nintendo’s latest intellectual property – Mii. The cheeky little buggers started out on the Wii and soon they’ll be invading the 3DS (when it’s finally released) in their first 3DS retail game, Pilotwings Resort. 

The brief amount of time I had with this title was… how do I say it? Interesting. First of all, it seems like this 3DS game is having a bit of a personality clash. Honestly, if the Pilotwings series hadn’t been around for the past 20 years or I’d never played the previous entries in the series before, I’m sure I could have passed this off as a ‘better than usual’ Mii game. However, because I’m quite aware of the Pilotwings series’ notable place in gaming history and this particular title features the Pilotwings name and its trademark logo before the Wii Sports Resort ‘Resort’ logo I have to mainly judge it based on how good it is as a Pilotwings game.

And to be honest, from what I experienced, it seems like the final product could end up being quite dismal. You’d think Nintendo would have come up with some new ideas for the series by now, considering we haven’t seen it since the 64 era, but I guess I got my hopes a little too high. This Pilotwings seems to feature too much of the ‘same old thing’ if you’ve played any of the previous games in the series.

The demo gave those (arguably) fortunate enough to experience it access to the same old stuff, but I’ll go on for the three of you who haven’t played a Pilotwings game before. There was access to three forms of flight that the series is well known for – the gas guzzling rocket belt, the smooth flying plane and the environmentally-friendly hang glider. It also offered mission or free flight mode to be undertaken in the morning, afternoon or evening, and then before you could scream ‘I love Pilotwings!’ you’re surrounded by nothing but thin air, flying over Wuhu Island.

The mission mode consisted of flying through rings, hitting balls, taking photos, target jumping and performing perfect landings. At the same time you have to deal with wind directions, time limits and point score objectives. It’s entertaining for sure, but it’s all the same old stuff we’ve seen about a bazillion times before.

The notable difference with the objectives is that they seemed much easier this time around due to the control technology featured in the 3DS, and also possibly even the association the game has with Mii… just kidding. Seriously though, the controls felt quite nice. Stylus control isn’t really involved at all, but the touch screen is still there to help players work out the direction they need to head in next.  The analogue stick guides the Mii in the selected craft and the A,B, X and Y buttons execute the accelerating and landing actions. The second mode, free flight, is very straightforward. You fly around freely just as you could in the past Pilotwings games.  

All of this flying is supported by some truly impressive 3D. Though I must say, the 3D in this title is sadly one of the few reasons for long-time Pilotwings players to even consider playing it. As I found with other 3DS games, the 3D featured in Pilotwings Resort adds plenty of depth to the game. And in this situation it’s much appreciated when attempting precise landings and difficult manoeuvres.  With 3D off though, the graphics aren’t so impressive. You’ll notice a lot of jaggies and a far less stunning Wuhu Island overall.

If Nintendo had have called this new title something like ‘Mii Flight’ I might have expected far less, but because they’ve decided to attach the Pilotwings trademark to the series I, as a long time follower of the Pilotwings series, was hoping for a bit more from this new entry in the previously beloved franchise, not just a mere graphically update with a bit of 3D tacked on. Hell, even Nintendo’s newer fans might feel like that they’re getting a bit screwed over here with the recycling of Wii Sports Resort’s Wuhu Island, finished off with a dash of Mii.

To conclude, the title seems good, believe me, I just fear Nintendo may have overstepped the mark with some of its long-time fans who have always had a lot of respect for the Pilotwings series. Then again, maybe the Mii template over this new Pilotwings’ game has just brought out a few aspects that have always been hiding away in the series – simplicity and repetition.

By Liam Doolan (kksl1der)
liam@thenintendobasement.com

Likely to be a:

Good 3DS game

Don’t know what the heck kksl1der is on about? Check out what’s going on here.

There’s no doubt that 2010 was one of Nintendo’s best years ever. The Wii had an excellent line-up of titles that saw many people dusting off their Wii console and rediscovering the joys of waggling a controller. The DS had a very good year as well, with a solid line-up of games that spanned many different styles and genres. Plus, if the announcements made throughout the year are any indication, Nintendo’s great run of form will continue deep into 2011, thanks to the announcement of a brand new handheld system (3DS) and a list of potentially great titles already confirmed for the two existing consoles.

With that in mind, the TNB staff members have gathered together to share their thoughts on the highlights (and lowlights) of the year, and what they’re most looking forward to next year. And in case you’re already sick of hearing our opinions in podcasts and forum posts, we’ve also brought in some special guests to provide their own unique take on this year and the next!

Please keep in mind that no-one got to play every single game released this year, and the following opinions are based solely on the games that those individuals played. Well, that was the idea anyway. The point is, if your favourite game didn’t get mentioned, it could be because no-one got a chance to play it. Or maybe they just didn’t like it. Either way is fine.

Here are the staff members who took part in this year’s feature.

Matthew Williams (PrattP)- He is the creator of this very website, and a regular contributor/website manager for Pixel Hunt e-zine. He rarely posts anything on this site anymore, which is why we’re so glad to find out what he’s been up to for the last 12 months. Rumours that he ran away and joined a cult are currently unconfirmed.

Michael Henderson (punkgorilla)- He is a contributor of news and reviews, and is currently an admin. Basically, he kept things running smoothly while Matt was joining a cult (unconfirmed). His number one pet peeve is when Kirby doesn’t inhale enemies.

Liam Doolan (kksl1der)- He is a contributor and an admin for the website. His love of Nintendogs raised suspicions that he was a casual gamer (not that there’s anything wrong with that!), but those suspicions were dashed when he started winning games of GoldenEye and Mario Kart.

Mark Vellios (Mr_M)- He is a TNB contributor and a forum moderator. He recently did a series of articles called ‘Nostalgic Eyes’ (a look back at Nintendo’s forgotten gems) to show those darn kids that things actually were better back in his day.

Ben Hauser (BB2K)- He contributes reviews and is also the guy who plans, records, and edits the podcasts. Thanks to him, the TNB staff members have discovered just how much they hate the sound of their own voices.

Of course, this is a ‘TNB and Friends’ article, so we had to come up with some friends. They are as follows:

Maude Garrett- Maude is the celebrity of the group, having appeared in various TV shows, magazines and websites. You may have seen her in TV advertisements for Monster Hunter Tri and Goldeneye, as well as various videos on the Nintendo Channel. She’s also done an interview for TNB, which is why we have her contact info. It’s not because we were stalking her or anything. Honest.

James O’Connor- One of Australia’s most prolific gaming journalists, he is a regular contributor for Hyper magazine, Pixel Hunt e-zine, and the IGN AU website. He is probably best known for his ‘Bottom of the Barrel’ series of articles that featured in Hyper, where he tried to find good things about the worst games ever made (usually in vain). He also wrote a couple of reviews for TNB, which means we own his soul for the forseeable future. Should’ve read the fine print, dude.

Ken Lee- He is a contributor for Pixel Hunt and has taken part in a TNB podcast. He’s also quite popular in Bulgaria for some reason…

So, without any further ado, let’s let started!

Section 1: Wii

First things first- what do you think was the best Wii game of 2010?

Matthew: Epic Mickey

I honestly think I knew this game was going to take this spot at the beginning of the year. Mickey, the hero of a steampunk Disney universe? Yes please.

Michael: Monster Hunter Tri

It’s slow, it’s clunky, it’s brutally unforgiving. But that feeling, that sense of accomplishment that comes with finally taking down a towering monster, that’s what it’s all about.

Honourable Mention: No More Heroes 2

Liam: Super Mario Galaxy 2

I like my video game characters fully dressed. I’m really tired of certain individuals, or should I say apes, who think they can run around wearing only a tie with their initials on it. That’s as bad as one of those shirts that has “I’m a sex offender” written across it. Since I’m so offended by Donkey Kong’s antics this year, I’ve decided to nominate Mario’s game, Super Mario Galaxy 2, as “Best Wii Game of 2010” instead because 1. Mario is fully clothed in it and 2. it was a truly amazing 3D platformer from start to finish.

Mark: Super Mario All-Stars 25^th Anniversary Edition

The Wii was loaded with great original titles this year, but in the end, I have to give the award to a port of a compilation of remakes. The original Super Mario All-Stars is my favourite game of all time, and this new version is… well, it’s exactly the same. Even today, the games featured on this disc are as challenging, balanced, unique and fun as when they were first released decades ago. I suppose it’s true what they say- you can’t improve on perfection.

Honourable Mentions: Super Mario Galaxy 2, NBA Jam, Donkey Kong Country Returns, Monster Hunter Tri, Epic Mickey

Ben: Super Mario Galaxy 2

Admittedly, I played very few Wii games that came out this year, but if I had to pick the best it would have to be Super Mario Galaxy 2. I didn’t like the first Galaxy game when I first played it, but I loved the sequel from the start.

Honourable Mentions: Monster Hunter Tri, No More Heroes 2.

Maude: Monster Hunter Tri

Sure, it should probably be Super Mario Galaxy 2 but to me MH3 wasn’t as head-scratching and frustrating. It was quite linear, allowing me to know which direction to go and what I needed to progress. The most important knee-up this game gives to score it best Wii game is the multiplayer option- not only can you join a group of 3 others at any stage to help with the quests, but you can collect a whole bunch of different and rare items to help improve your weapons and armour, making it easier to get through solo games. The graphics were exceptional for the Wii, giving it a real Final Fantasy feel without overdosing it with cheese.

Honourable Mentions: Super Mario Galaxy 2, Donkey Kong Country Returns

James: Super Mario Galaxy 2

Honestly I’d be surprised if anyone didn’t pick this. They’ve both garnered so much acclaim that there’s not really much left to say about the Mario Galaxy games at this point. They’re the best games on the system, and if you own a Wii, you should buy them both.

Honourable Mentions: Donkey Kong Country Returns, NBA Jam

Ken: Monster Hunter Tri

I never expected to like a game like this- endless grinding, no real overall narrative, and unconventional control schemes. I’ve seen friends play this on the PSP before and I never understood the appeal… that is, until I actually got my own hands on the game. I finally understood the underlying nature of the game and why it’s so addictive. Throw into the mix my excellent online multiplayer experience, and this was a winner for me.

And what was the worst Wii game of 2010?

Michael: Batman: The Brave and the Bold.

It’s not a bad game exactly, but certainly the worst that I have played this year. Moving right and spamming the A button doesn’t make for compelling gameplay.

Liam: Wii Party

Now, I never actually played the game (try to overlook this), but I’m positive any REAL Nintendo veteran would have considered the game a joke. The only good thing about this title was the fact Nintendo finally decided to stop abusing the hell out of Mario and co and replace them with Mii. Ever wanted a party with Spider-Man, Hitler, Jesus and Shigsy? Well now you can with Wii Party.

Mark: Metroid: Other M

When I first heard of this game, I was thrilled at the prospect of the Metroid franchise going in a bold and exciting new direction. When I played the final game, however, I didn’t find any of it to be bold or exciting, let alone fun. What I did find was a horrible mish-mash of 2D and 3D Metroid gameplay that simply didn’t work, combined with some of the cheesiest cut-scenes ever seen on the Wii. When fleshing out a character makes them less likeable than before (as it did with Samus), that’s a sure sign that something’s gone wrong.

Ben: Toy Story 3

I can’t actually say that any of the Wii games I played from this year were bad. I’d say the worst was probably Toy Story 3, even though it was actually rather good.

Maude: Dance On Broadway

There have been a lot of get up and jam kind of games out there– some do well like Just Dance 2- but this one unfortunately bombed badly. I played it for my Dolly gaming column… the songs were horrid, the dance moves laughable and the wii-waggle so feeble that I was able to play the game lying down in bed while randomly flicking my wrist. DOES THIS MEAN I’M MADE FOR BROADWAY? Unfortunately, it does not.

James: Toss up between That Game Set At A Carnival (The Name Of Which I’ve Forgotten), Crappy Water Sports Game That I’ve Again Forgotten The Name Of and The Saddle Club (my copy remains unopened).

(Self-explanatory)

Ken: Red Steel 2

Red Steel 2 was bad, just plain bad. I have never gotten as frustrated with a game before, and it hasn’t happened since. While the game was a dramatic improvement over the original, and actually had a really interesting premise, much of the game was badly executed. The controls were lacking in precision and responsiveness despite the addition of the Wii MotionPlus, and the level design was bland and one-dimensional.

Which Wii game was the biggest surprise?

Michael: Toy Story 3.

I had the pleasure of reviewing this for TNB. I went into it expecting a run-of-the-mill movie tie-in at best. Instead, what I found was a solid platformer with some really great ideas that I’d love to see expanded upon in the future.

Liam: Super Mario All-Stars 25^th Anniversary Edition

Wow, Nintendo actually did something to commemorate 25 years of Mario? I thought they’d just overlook it and wait till he was 30.

Mark: Rugby League 3

I’m not sure why I had such low expectations for this game, since the previous games on PS2 were really good. Nonetheless, Sidhe Interactive delivered once again with a game that will appeal to NRL fans and non-fans alike. Just make sure you’re playing it with a GameCube controller.

Honourable Mention: Red Steel 2

Ben: Toy Story 3.

I was expecting it to be one of those crappy movie tie-ins made for no reason other than financial gain, but what I found was a fairly solid adventure/platformer game with a Toy Story aesthetic.

James: Sonic Colours.

And here I was thinking that Sonic died about 9 years ago….

Ken: Sin & Punishment: Star Successor

I’ve heard good buzz about this game and its predecessor, but I never truly expected it to live up to the hype, or that the game would be one that appeals to me. But the non-stop action and ample challenge has me hooked.

Which Wii game was the most disappointing?

Michael: Metroid: Other M

Remember everything that was good about every previous Metroid game? Well, this game got rid of all of that.

Liam: GoldenEye 007

The game was fantastic in terms of a Wii FPS, but the way Activision/Eurocom marketed it prior to its release made it seem as if it was a remake of the original GoldenEye on Nintendo 64, when in fact it was a re-imagined GoldenEye based on the 1995 movie. Way to piss off the people expecting a remake. Besides that, the game was fine.

Dis-Honourable Mentions: Metroid Other M, Epic Mickey

Mark: GoldenEye 007

As much as I disliked Other M, it didn’t really have that much fanfare and I didn’t have very high expectations for it anyway. My least favourite game that was hyped to the moon and back ended up being a remake of one of my favourite N64 games ever. The reason why I disliked Goldeneye Wii was due to the archaic stealth mechanics, where Ouromov’s super-soldiers would use their X-ray vision to spot you through metal/concrete walls, the dodgy Russian-built security cameras didn’t always work, and manipulating the environment while staying hidden (a useful way to distract the guards in the DS version) would instantly reveal your location to every henchman in the whole world. What makes it even more disappointing is that the game also has a lot of good ideas, and with a bit more polish it could have been amazing.

Dis-Honourable Mentions: Sonic Colours, Metroid: Other M

Ben: Metroid: Other M

To be fair on it, I didn’t actually play Metroid: Other M, but the reception it’s gotten from the gaming community, as well as all of the comments about what they have done to the character of Samus, have ensured that this will go down as the most infamous game in the Metroid series.

Maude: Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands

Great idea by changing up the gameplay for Wii users… but it was just so much better on Xbox!

James: GoldenEye 007

I need to spend more time with it, but Goldeneye hasn’t blown me away.

Ken: Super Mario Galaxy 2

This was not a bad game, and I wouldn’t even dare to suggest so. But considering the amount of time I spent with the original, I was hoping for a palette cleanser when I popped this game into my Wii. The expectation was probably unrealistic, but I felt that the sequel didn’t offer enough diversity for fans of the original. Still a great game, but not enough of a game-changer for me.

Finally, which Wii game made the best use of motion/pointer controls?

Matthew: Epic Mickey

The painting aspects were executed brilliantly with the Wiimote in-game.

Michael: Red Steel 2

The only game to truly make the most of Wii MotionPlus (if you don’t count Wii Sports Resort, of course). Using the Wii Remote to cut down waves of enemies felt just as visceral as it should.

Liam: Super Mario Galaxy 2

Once again, Nintendo showed everyone just how fun motion control can be when it is properly incorporated into a game. Unlike the majority of Wii games out there, the motion control in Galaxy 2 is so good that it becomes part of the whole gameplay experience. It doesn’t limit or distract the player; all it does is enhance the overall experience so they can have an absolutely super time, all the time!

Mark: Red Steel 2

This is the game that really justified the existence of the Wii MotionPlus, because it features the most accurate and intuitive motion controls ever seen on the Wii. The sheer quality of Red Steel 2’s controls overshadows the game’s other flaws, turning what could have been a mediocre and forgettable game into a fun and compelling action experience.

Honourable Mention: Epic Mickey

Ben: Red Steel 2

Red Steel 2 by far. Not just because the other games I played featured little to no waggle, but because they took the poor controls of the first game, implemented the Wii MotionPlus, and improved the swordplay immeasurably. Combined with the solid FPS controls, Red Steel 2 made for a solid motion-controlled experience, even if it ended up making your arm sore as hell.

Maude: Metroid: Other M

Being able to change over from third person viewing to first person during battle and to solve puzzles is a nice touch for the Wii.

James: Silent Hill: Shattered Memories.

The criminally underrated Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Near-perfect use of the Wii Remote – I couldn’t imagine playing the game on any other system.

Ken: Sin & Punishment: Star Successor

I’ve always felt that there was huge potential for the Wii Remote in the light-gun shooter genre, and Sin & Punishment proved me right. Aiming on-screen was a breeze, which was a great help considering how tough the game was. The precision and responsiveness in the aiming prevented the game from turning into a mess of frustration.

Section 2: DS

Time to move on to the other Nintendo console, the DS. What was the best DS game of 2010?

Matthew: Super Scribblenauts

I didn’t play many DS games this year, but of those I did, Super Scribblenauts takes the cake. It was mainly more of what I loved in the original, but just… better.

Michael: Infinite Space

It was a slow year for DS. That’s ok though, I was too consumed in the world of Infinite Space to care about anything else.

Liam: Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver

That retro trip I had this year sometime during March was pure bliss. You know what I’m talking about: 16 badges, 2 regions, 200+ Pokémon and a boy/girl on a journey of a lifetime. Does it get any better? To answer that question, no.

Mark: Infinite Space

While everyone else spent the year levelling up their team of Pokemon, I was renovating my fleet of starships (which is essentially the same thing) in this impressive RPG from Platinum Games. Infinite Space was an addictive and compelling game, thanks to solid gameplay mechanics and a well-written story that had me hooked right up to the brilliant finale. If you’re able to look past some pretty glaring flaws, it’s an extremely rewarding game.

Honourable Mentions: Might And Magic: Clash Of Heroes, Ivy the Kiwi?, Mega Man Zero Collection, Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing

Ben: Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver

Pokemon SoulSilver is actually the only DS game from this year I’ve played. That said, it’s still a great game, and as I never played the original Silver version it helped me catch up on the origins of the series without having to suffer through poor graphics and menus. I actually wrote the review for this site, which you can check out here.

Maude: Dragon Quest IX

I’m a sucker for RPGs and this one tells a beautiful tale, with familiar settings, great gameplay (you can side step enemies to avoid random grinding!) and the great option to swap maps you have unlocked. This means there are endless maps and dungeons to conquer! Heaven.

Honourable Mention: Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver

James: Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver.

The original Gold and Silver were easily the best Pokemon games ever made, and these remakes both reminded me of why I loved the originals so much and genuinely expanded upon them. An excellent reminder of why the Pokemon craze was so successful.

Honourable Mention: Super Scribblenauts

What was the worst DS game of 2010?

Michael: Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver

Yeah I’m going to get hate mail for this, but really aren’t we all just a little sick of it all by now? I know I am. It says a lot when the most talked about feature is the Pokewalker ie. the part of the game that’s not actually in the game.

Liam: Nothing

I can’t even think of a bad DS game released in 2010. The system is just that awesome.

Mark: C.O.P. The Recruit

A fully 3D recreation of New York City on the DS? That’s one of the most impressive game-related things I’ve seen all year. Unfortunately, the gameplay was far from impressive, being marred by awful controls, boring missions, and dodgy physics. Proof that better technology doesn’t always result in better gameplay.

Ben: Most likely some crappy shovelware thing I didn’t play.

(Self-explanatory)

James: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.

An RPG, sans RP and with inadequate G.

Which DS game was the biggest surprise?

Michael: Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver

I did not see this one coming. Nintendo never fails to keep Pokemon fans guessing.

Liam: Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing

The biggest DS surprise for me this year was Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing. Being a multiplatform title, I expected the handheld version of the game to be a watered-down piece of crap, however, Sumo Digital proved me completely wrong. The game is brilliant. The drifting mechanics are spot on, the A.I. is competitive, the racing is fast and frantic and the multiplayer is a real joy.

Mark: Ivy the Kiwi?

It seems that Yuji Naka hasn’t lost any of his creativity over the years, because Ivy the Kiwi? is one of the most inspired DS games ever. In a nutshell, it’s a game where you guide a flightless bird through stages by drawing and manipulating vines on the screen. It may have received a limited release and little to no hype, but the combination of addictive gameplay, incredible artistic direction, beautiful music, and a head-spinning amount of content (over 100 stages which can be replayed for medals) make this an excellent game that puts many big-budget releases to shame.

Honourable Mentions: Might And Magic: Clash Of Heroes, Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing, Aura Aura Climber (DSi)

Ben: The Pokewalker.

I was expecting to throw the crappy little gadget away before I picked up Pokemon SoulSilver, but once I started using it, I changed my mind completely. It made walking fun! At least, until I realised that you could get the same result by simply shaking it.

James: Alice in Wonderland

A seriously cool game, inspired by a bloody awful film.

And what was the biggest disappointment?

Michael: Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver

I am disappointed that Nintendo have not announced a special edition of HeartGold/SoulSilver with one extra Pokemon and one extra dungeon. I mean, come on, that’s another $70 worth of gameplay right there.

Liam: Super Scribblenauts

This title was meant to be the ant’s pants of the vocabulary world. Though apparently it turned out to be quite average.

Ben: The fact that they replaced Luke’s voice actor in the new Professor Layton game.

The new voice is just horrible.

James: Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth

Nothing jumps out, but Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth was a pretty lackluster entry into a series I love.

Which DS game made the best use of the touch screen/second screen?

Michael: Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver

Innovative touch screen menus allow for easy navigation. Apparently you can clean your badges or something too?

Liam: Art Academy

Art Academy made surprisingly good use of the touch screen/second screen when I think about it. Also turns out that Nintendo weren’t just trying to make a quick buck.

Mark: Ivy the Kiwi?

Ivy the Kiwi? is one of those games that reminds you why the DS was such a great idea. The stylus controls in this game work really well because a lot of time and effort has clearly gone towards getting them right. The physics engine is one of the best on DS and allows the player to improvise and experiment with the game mechanics. Simple to learn but hard to master, this is a game that can appeal to anyone.

Honourable Mentions: Galactic Taz Ball, Infinite Space

Ben: Professor Layton and the Lost Future

Judging by the first game, Professor Layton and the Lost Future probably used the touch screen better than 90% of the other games out this year.

James: Professor Layton and the Lost Future

I haven’t even played it yet, but based on the previous two games, I’m going with the new Professor Layton. Working out the puzzles by making notes on the screen is great fun.

Section 3: News, Announcements and Unveilings

What was your favourite bit of Nintendo-related news in 2010?

Matthew: Every bit of news related to the 3DS

It represents the frontier of Nintendo’s future console development – what’s not to love?

Michael: Every bit of news related to the 3DS

A follow up to one of my favourite consoles is always welcome. I can’t wait to see the 3D effect for myself.

Liam: Every bit of news related to the 3DS

Anything to do with the 3DS has been a joy to read about this year.

Mark: Mega Man Legends 3 is being made for the fans, by the fans

The videogame industry is influenced by money more than ever nowadays, and this will inevitably have good and bad consequences. Unfortunately, on the back of a global recession, 2010 was filled with stories which highlighted the negative aspects of this approach. So, when Capcom announced that they were making a new installment in a commercially unsuccessful series of Mega Man games ‘just because the fans wanted it’, and also announced that they were taking an unprecedented amount of input from those fans to ensure that the game was tailor-made for them, it was nothing short of heartwarming. It’s certainly a nice change from seeing games being designed with shareholders in mind.

Honourable Mentions: Every bit of news related to the 3DS, E3 Epic Mickey demonstration

Ben: 3DS unveiled at E3

Before Nintendo’s conference at E3, I assumed that the 3DS was just a regular DS with 3D. I’m glad that I was wrong, as the new features and improved graphics have made it a must buy, for me at least.

James: Every bit of news related to the 3DS

The 3DS, of course. That thing looks amazing.

Ken: 3DS unveiled at E3

The announcement of the Nintendo 3DS was the high point of 2010. Even though it was disappointing that it wouldn’t actually be released until 2011, the prospect of glasses-free 3D is still extremely exciting.

What was the worst Nintendo-related news of 2010?

Matthew: The next Kingdom Hearts game might be coming to Wii

Stay the hell away Squeenix, and go HD!

Michael: Kirby’s Epic Yarn delayed until 2011 for PAL regions

There’s simply no excuse for these sorts of delays anymore.

Liam: Cats in the next Nintendogs.

Mark: Metroid: Other M contains a game-breaking glitch

A few weeks after Other M was released, many people discovered a glitch which made it impossible to complete the game. The only way to correct the glitch was to put your save file on an SD card, snail-mail the SD card to Nintendo, and wait two weeks for them to fix the save file and mail it back to you. It was a bad bit of press for Nintendo, and the fact that they couldn’t simply patch the game online reminded everyone just how bad Nintendo’s online services can be. Hopefully, improvements to their online services will be made to prevent debacles like this from happening in the future.

Dis-Honourable Mention: Kirby’s Epic Yarn delayed until 2011 for PAL regions

Ben: Kirby’s Epic Yarn delayed until 2011 for PAL regions

Fairly self-explanatory.

James: Nothing

Honestly, nothing springs to mind. Nintendo had a good year.

Which Nintendo-related news surprised you the most in 2010?

Michael: 3DS unveiled at E3

We all knew a successor to the DS would come eventually, but I’m sure most were surprised to find that it would feature stereoscopic 3D without the need for glasses.

Liam: Professor Layton vs Ace Attorney

It’s just weird. I mean, what are they seriously going to do for a story? Okay, okay, I’ve got this. Layton and Phoenix are chilling out in the courtroom with Edgeworth, Luke and what’s her name and then just out of nowhere it’s revealed everyone is a robot.

Mark: 3DS will feature it’s own Virtual Console, complete with demos

We’ve all criticised Nintendo’s online services at some point (hell, I just did it in the previous answer), but how many of us expected them to take that criticism on board? This year, Nintendo revealed that the 3DS would feature a vastly improved online setup, featuring a streamlined interface and a Virtual Console where every game has preview videos and/or playable demos. Surely this is the biggest indication yet that Nintendo are shifting their focus back to the ‘hardcore’ audience.

Honourable Mentions: Every single game reveal at E3, Mega Man Legends 3 being made by the fans, 3DS may be more powerful than the PSP

Ben: Donkey Kong Country Returns announced at E3

Apart from what I covered about the 3DS above, the announcement of Donkey Kong Country Returns surprised me most. Coming from a series that hasn’t been seen in a few console generations, a new entry was probably unexpected by everybody, and the fact that it was developed by Retro Studios was even better.

And which bit of news disappointed you the most?

Michael: 3DS Release and Price

Sure, it’s not official for anywhere outside Japan as yet, but it’s looking like the 3DS is going to be on the wrong side of $300 which is too much for me.

Liam: The announcement of Pokémon Black & White.

Too soon Nintendo. Too soon.

Mark: E3 gameplay demonstration of Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

When Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword was revealed at E3 with a live gameplay demonstration, it was a chance to show the world why it could be one of the best Zelda games ever. Unfortunately, something was interfering with the motion controls and the game appeared unplayable and unfinished. Rather than building hype and excitement, all it really did was give everyone a good reason to be sceptical about the game and its motion controls. Reports from the show floor insist that the controls work perfectly though, so we’ll just have to take them on good faith until we play the game for ourselves next year.

Dis-Honourable Mention: Kirby’s Epic Yarn delayed until 2011 for PAL regions

Ben: Kirby’s Epic Yarn delayed until 2011 for PAL regions

Fairly self-explanatory.

Ken: No information regarding Wii follow-up

There was much speculation that Nintendo would make some news known about a new home console, so the lack of any new or revealing information was very disappointing.

Section 4: Looking ahead to 2011

2010 was a great year, but 2011 is shaping up to be just as good, if not better. Which Nintendo games are you most looking forward to in 2011?

Matthew:

1. Mario Sports Mix (Wii)
2. Okamiden (DS)
3. Conduit 2 (Wii)
4. Xenoblade (Wii)
5. Kingdom Hearts Re:coded (DS)

Michael:

1. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

2. Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii)

3. Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)

4. Resident Evil: Revelations (3DS)

5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)

Liam:

1. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

2. de Blob 2 (Wii)

3. Pilotwings Resort (3DS)

4. Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii)

5. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)

Mark:

1. Pilotwings Resort (3DS)

2. Kid Icarus: Uprising (3DS)

3. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

4. Monster Tale (DS)

5. Resident Evil: Revelations (3DS)

Ben:

1. Pokemon Black/White (DS)

2. Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii)

3. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

4. de Blob 2 (Wii)

5. Plants vs Zombies (DS)

Maude:

1. The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

2. The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

3. The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

4. The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

5. The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

James:

1. The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)

2. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater 3D (3DS)

3. Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii)

4. Professor Layton vs. Ace Attorney (3DS)

5. The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D (3DS)

Ken:

1. de Blob 2 (Wii)
2. Okamiden (DS)
3. Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii)
4. Steel Diver (3DS)
5. Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (3DS)

Due to region locking and/or language barriers, Nintendo is still making it difficult to access games from other regions. Which game, currently released in another region, would you most like to see down under in 2011?

Matthew: Xenoblade (Wii)

Still unsure as to whether it’ll make it to Australia, but I sure hope it does.

Michael: Rune Factory 3 (DS)

What’s better than Harvest Moon? Harvest Moon with swords, obviously. Sure, it’s nearly exactly the same as the previous two in the series, but these are very addictive games.

Liam: Jump Ultimate Stars (DS)

It is an awesome Smash Bros-like game for the Nintendo DS. It features an all-star cast of Japanese anime characters and allows up to four people, locally or over wifi, to link up and battle it out. If this game gets released here I will be happy for the rest of eternity.

Mark: Shantae: Risky’s Revenge (DSi)

Even though it’s a DSiWare release, this 2D platformer is averaging 92% on both Metacritic and GameRankings and is said to be one of the best DS games ever made. Unfortunately, it’s only available in the US, though a European release has been announced. Let’s hope it reaches the Australian DSiWare store soon, because at the moment, the only way to play it would be to import a DSi and points card from the US.

Honourable Mentions: Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii), Fire Emblem: Hero of Light and Shadow (DS)

Ben: Knights in the Nightmare (DS)

There was an RPG for the DS called Knights in the Nightmare, which was released in Japan in 2008, North America in 2009, and not one mention of it being released anywhere else. It’s really disappointed me as it was one of my most wanted DS games of all time. There’s even been a PSP port that has already come and gone in those regions.

James: 999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors (DS)

My imported copy of 999: 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors is on the way. So… that one.

Ken: Kirby’s Epic Yarn (Wii)

I’d name Kirby’s Epic Yarn, except that it will thankfully be released in Australia in 2011.

Nintendo proved in 2010 that everything old is new again. With that in mind, what is your most wanted Virtual Console game, for Wii or 3DS?

Matthew: Mario Party 2 (N64)

It’s actually out now, but I don’t have it yet. So I want it!

Michael: Double Dragon II (NES)

Sure, the original game is available on VC, but it’s the sequel that I owe my childhood to.

Honourable Mentions: Battletoads (NES), Goldeneye (N64)

Liam: Pilotwings 64 (N64)

It was a great video game back in the day. There was no “KILL 1000 FANG BLOODWHATEVER” objectives or “kick this dude’s ass, then go kick this other dude’s ass” tasks; it was all just about riding the waves, the waves of air that is. You know, getting into those little pockets of air and then soaring up into the sky. Look, just check it out for yourself eventually and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Mark: Pilotwings 64 (N64)

The fact that they’re making a new one is fantastic, but I’d still like to revisit the classic game which put the series on the map. It was a great showcase for the N64’s 3D capabilities, it was loaded with variety and content, and it’s one of the most unique first-party games you’ll ever see from Nintendo. If you’ve never played Pilotwings 64 before, play the ‘Air Sports’ in Wii Sports Resort to get an idea of why this game is so great.

Honourable Mentions: Space Station Silicon Valley (N64), Donkey Kong (Game Boy), Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters (Game Boy), Mario Golf (Game Boy Colour), Warioland 4 (Game Boy Advance)

Ben: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island (SNES)

Last month, I probably would have put this as Super Mario All-Stars, but since there’s just been a port of that for the Wii, the other thing I’d really like to see on the Virtual Console is Yoshi’s Island.

Honourable Mentions: Pokemon back-catalogue (Game Boy/Game Boy Colour/Game Boy Advance)

James: Bubsy The Bobcat (SNES)

It’ll never happen, but it would be just grand.

And just for fun, let’s conclude with a purely hypothetical proposition: Which non-Nintendo game would you most like to see on a Nintendo console in 2011?

Michael: Super Meat Boy (Xbox 360/PC to DS)

Excellent platforming designed to be enjoyed in bite-sized chunks should be a no-brainer for the DS. Apparently a Wii version is in development, but a portable version of this would just make so much more sense.

Liam: Uncharted series (PS3 to Wii)

Sure, it would probably look and play terribly, but there are many people such as myself who don’t own a PS3 and haven’t had the chance to play this series yet. So do it Sony and Naughty Dog. Do it now. Give up your exclusive rights to the Uncharted series and give us Nintendo players some love.

Mark: Sorcerer (PS3 to Wii)

This game was revealed at E3 through a live gameplay demonstration, and is an example of how Playstation Move will be used in ‘hardcore’ games. It was impressive, but I couldn’t help but wonder what this game was doing that couldn’t be done on the Wii with Wii MotionPlus. Since I can’t be bothered paying for the PlayStation Move setup, I’d love to see a Wii port of this game.

Ben: Spelunky (PC to 3DS)

I would love to see a 3DS version of the amazingly wonderful freeware PC game Spelunky. It would suit the controls perfectly, and a portable version would be just dandy.

James: Alan Wake (Xbox 360 to Wii)

Completely impossible, and you’d probably lose a lot in the porting process, but I loved that game and the control scheme would have been right at home with the Wii.

That’s it for 2010! See you next year!

Since a new Kid Icarus game (Uprising) is being released on the 3DS, it might be nice to go back and revisit an earlier entry in the series. What’s that? It sounds like you just said “But Kid Icarus on NES isn’t obscure!” That’s definitely true, but did you know that there was a sequel to that game?

Kid Icarus Strikes Back was set in Angel Land, which was now under threat from a demon called Orcos. The only way Pit could defeat this monster was with three gifts- the Wings of Pegasus, the Silver Armour, and the Light Arrows. There was a catch however- the gifts could only be used by someone who had proven themselves in the eyes of the Gods. In other words, if you played like crap, you only got the Wings and had to purchase the other two with hearts. However, if you played really well, you got all three for free!

In a possible sign of things to come, Kid Icarus: Judgment Day was more of a linear, action-oriented game than its predecessor. Oh sure, it was still a platformer which encouraged exploration, but its design was closer to Mario than Metroid, if you know what I mean. However, the game changed up the formula with World 1 and World 3, because they scrolled vertically instead of horizontally. In fact, if you moved horizontally, the stage would eventually loop around to give the impression that you were inside a tower (suck it, Castelian!). World 2 was your standard left-to-right platforming, while the final stage (which counted as a world) was less of a ‘platform’ stage and more of a flying stage, but you could fly for more than five minutes at a time.

Each world ended with a dungeon, and the dungeons were less linear than the rest of the game. You had to gradually work your way through each dungeon, solving puzzles and unlocking new sections (kinda like a Metroid game) until you reached the boss who was guarding one of the gifts. These dungeons also featured a particularly heinous enemy known as the Eggplant Wizard, who could turn you into an eggplant. While this was usually a major inconvenience, it was sometimes necessary to progress because the eggplant form allowed you to enter small doors and tunnels.

Kid Icarus and the Temple of Doom featured Markets where you could use hearts to purchase upgrades, but what was even cooler was the inclusion of Black Markets. These were much harder to find than regular markets, but they gave you the opportunity to haggle over prices. In other words, hold Down and Left on the D-Pad and the prices will either increase or decrease, depending on what mood the shopkeeper is in. It was basically a game of random chance, but I think it could be a great addition to the 3DS game, especially if they expand the haggling element into some sort of conversational mini-game a la Mass Effect…

Why am I so excited about the new Kid Icarus game on the 3DS? It’s because of this game. I’ve never played the NES one, but Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters made me a fan for life. It’s pretty short, but it’s so unique and memorable that it really doesn’t matter. If Uprising is even half as imaginative and fun as this game was, then the 3DS has a very bright future indeed!