Gamenomics & Comicology

I think Nintendo described the 3DS conference perfectly in this tweet from @NintendoAmerica.  Many of the other conferences took time explaining features available to the console (such as expanding Miiverse, PS Wonderbook, etc.), but Nintendo only talked about the games for the entirety of their conference.  Well done!  Although a debatable too much time was spent with gameplay of certain games, I am very satisfied with what Nintendo brought to the table.  Although my socks were not knocked off by this conference, I think they did a great job showcasing the upcoming games and showing that a Nintendo 3DS is a worthy investment.  If you missed the streaming online, here are the highlights:

Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance

I am going to be selfish and start with this game because I am unbelievably excited for its upcoming release (7/31/2012).  If you have been reading the blog regularly, you would have already seen that Kingdom Hearts is one of my top series.  It is such a great game.  I have a feeling Dream Drop Distance is going to be phenomenal.  It looks like a great battle system and has included new additions to the game, such as the ability to play as Riku.  Although I was unable to watch some of E3 earlier today, I have heard that it was legitimately announced that Dream Drop Distance will be the preceding events before the long-awaited Kingdom Hearts 3, which will be appearing on an unspecified console.  Expect more posts as more information is released.

Paper Mario Sticker Star (3DS)

I already showed this game in the Nintendo recap as well, but while you are here, you might as well watch the trailer just in case you haven’t seen it.  This was definitely the most impressive game for the 3DS conference in my opinion.   Nintendo clearly put in the effort to create a beloved game, but design it specifically for the 3DS.  The 3D graphics in the two-dimensional environment looks very appealing.  Well done, Nintendo.

Luigi’s Mansion

I posted about this in the Nintendo recap, but I figured I would do it again here since it is a big title.  This opinion will vary among who you talk to, but I am happy that this is also going to be on the 3DS.  Personally, I would not want to go the extra mile to get this game for the Wii U, but it looks like a pretty good 3DS game.

Epic Mickey 2: Power of Illusion

I have so much to say about this that it may become an entire new blog one day, but I will try to keep it short.  I was very excited for the original Epic Mickey, but my expectations were not met.  I love the idea, but I hope Disney’s execution is better.  Besides games directly based on movie plots (10 years and under kid games), Kingdom Hearts is the only Disney title I can think of.  That sets the bar pretty high.  I am not going to knock the game right off the bat (although the gameplay does seem slow), but I hope they improve on what Epic Mickey failed to deliver.

Lego Batman 2: DC Superheroes

I didn’t know this, but Nintendo announced that Lego Batman is the most successful selling Lego video game.  I can see why!  This game looks like the perfect mix of addicting gameplay and humorous characters.  I am sure that this game will keep up Lego’s successful video game franchise.

Castlevania

I have never played this series, but Nintendo opened with this game and definitely seems proud of what they have created.  From what I have found online, the original Castlevania game has a big fanbase, and they are excited to see an older game getting a fresh start on a new console.

Super Mario Bros. 2

I love Mario.  Want to know who I love more than Mario? Luigi.  In essence, this game looks like a classic side-scrolling Mario game, but will probably still be awesome and unique since they always are.  Want to know what wins me over for this game?  The fact that you can have co-op playing (with Luigi!) on the same game.  Side-scrolling games need a pick-me-up to keep attracting fans, especially if you are Mario and have a lot of very similar games.  Another game mode, involving getting as many coins in a level as quick as possible and challenging opponents to beat you score via StreetPass, seems like a fun and challenging idea.

Pokémon Black/White 2 (for Nintendo DS!)

Being a big Pokémon fan, I am interested in seeing how this game performs as Pokémon’s first direct sequel.  I am happy that this made an appearance at E3, especially since this is going to be a Nintendo DS release.  Fortunately for fans, it sounds like there will be a little extra incentive by playing this game on a 3DS. Pokémon Dream Radar and Pokédex 3DS Pro will become available, which are supposed to enhance the gaming experience.  I recently had a Poke-filled conversation with a GameStop employee, who said he heard some interesting rumors.  He [hopes] and heard that there is talk of having future 3DS-exclusive Pokémon battling occur through AR cards.  That way, you can physically battle a friend by using the cards and can see some really cool animations.  That idea blew my mind.  Like I said, I have no way of knowing if that is true…it might just be fan suggestions.  But, I remain hopeful!  That would be a really awesome idea.