February 24, 2010 – 2010 is looking to be a decisive year for Nintendo. Both Microsoft and Sony are planning to release their own motion-controller technology this year, and with the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 both having received numerous price cuts, the Wii is looking less appealing everyday. In response, it seems like Nintendo is looking to bolster their software offerings, namely with new entries into their most successful franchises. Today, Nintendo held their first quarter Media Summit in San Francisco, and gave surprisingly early release dates for some of the biggest Nintendo titles of the year.
One of the first big Wii games to look out for this year is Monster Hunter Tri. Since being released in Japan last August, the game has sold over 1 million copies, and has been critically lauded. The action-RPG title will allow gamers to take on the role of a hunter in their attempts to gain fame and fortune by capturing and killing monsters. The game will be free to play online, unlike in Japan where it is subscription based. It also supports Wii Speak, allowing players to talk to each other when playing online. Monster Hunter Tri’s release is less than two months away, set for April 20th.
Hot on the heels of Monster Hunter Tri is one of the most anticipated titles of the year in Super Mario Galaxy 2. Being the sequel to the game that won multiple game-of-the-year awards in 2007, Super Mario Galaxy 2 doesn’t drastically change the formula found in the original. The core gameplay remains the same, with the Italian plumber platforming across a variety of 3D planets and landscapes (we’re guessing in order to save Princess Peach). Certain power-ups from the first game, such as the Bee Suit, will be returning, in addition to some brand new abilities. Mario will also be able to ride his beloved dinosaur Yoshi this time around, which will add some variety as well. Mario’s latest adventure will begin on May 23rd.
In addition to Super Mario Galaxy 2, the other big Nintendo title that was revealed at last year’s E3 was Metroid: Other M, which is being developed by both Nintendo and Team Ninja. Other M looks to take Samus out of the world created by the Prime series, and mark a return to a more classic Metroid experience. The game will feature both 2D and 3D gameplay, as well as both first and third person perspectives. There is some concern that the game might be too similar to Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden series, however they claim that Other M will maintain the exploration sequences found in every other Metroid game, and will feel distinctly different. Metroid: Other M is set for release on June 27th.
With big titles like Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M set for release in the coming months, some are wondering what Nintendo is keeping up their sleeve for this year’s Holiday release window. Could the next Zelda game that Nintendo alluded to at last year’s E3 be coming out this winter? Having Mario, Samus, and Link appear in the same year usually only happens when a Super Smash Bros. game is released. Nevertheless, even if we don’t see a new Zelda game this year, Mario and Samus should at least help stave off the summer gaming drought.
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