Nintendo of America President and habitual interviewee Reggie Fils-Aime is vigorously defending the absence of Nintendo’s heavy hitters in the starting line-up. So, no Zelda, Mario or Metroid, but nevermind them, there’s a new star brightly shining on the 3DS firmament.
And that star… is underwater. Wait, what? Yes, Reggie judged an admittedly fun-looking side-scrolling submarine game a worthy consolation prize to trot out as cover for the absence of what is widely held as the best game of all time.
The Anticipation for Iconic Titles
“Mario, Zelda – all of those titles are coming. From our perspective, we like to launch titles when they’re ready. And so they’ll be ready, they’ll be ready soon. Just not in that initial time period of late March to early June,” he said. This statement reflects Nintendo’s commitment to quality over speed, ensuring that their flagship titles meet the high standards fans expect. The delay, while disappointing to some, is a strategic move to ensure that games like “The Legend of Zelda” and “Super Mario” are polished and fully realized experiences.
The absence of these iconic titles at launch has been a point of contention among fans and critics alike. Historically, Nintendo has relied on its major franchises to drive console sales. For instance, the original Nintendo DS launched with “Super Mario 64 DS,” a title that was instrumental in showcasing the system’s capabilities and drawing in early adopters. The decision to hold back on releasing these heavy hitters for the 3DS launch is a bold move, one that places a significant amount of trust in the new and lesser-known titles to carry the initial wave of excitement.
Introducing ‘Steel Diver’
“‘Steel Diver’ is a brand new experience, and from a compelling standpoint, we think it’s awfully compelling,” Reggie went on. “Steel Diver” is a side-scrolling submarine simulation game that offers a unique blend of strategy and action. Players navigate their submarines through treacherous underwater environments, avoiding obstacles and engaging in combat with enemy vessels. The game utilizes the 3DS’s gyroscope and touch screen to provide an immersive experience that is both challenging and engaging.
While “Steel Diver” may not have the immediate name recognition of a Mario or Zelda title, it represents Nintendo’s willingness to innovate and explore new gameplay experiences. The game has been praised for its intuitive controls and the depth of its gameplay mechanics. It offers a fresh take on the side-scrolling genre, one that leverages the unique features of the 3DS hardware.
The decision to highlight “Steel Diver” at launch underscores Nintendo’s strategy of diversifying its game library. By introducing new IPs alongside established franchises, Nintendo aims to broaden its appeal and attract a wider audience. This approach not only helps to mitigate the risk of relying too heavily on a single franchise but also fosters a more varied and rich gaming ecosystem.
In conclusion, while the absence of major titles like Mario, Zelda, and Metroid at the 3DS launch may be disappointing to some, Nintendo’s strategy is clear. By focusing on quality and introducing new and innovative games like “Steel Diver,” Nintendo is setting the stage for a diverse and compelling game library. Fans can rest assured that their favorite franchises are on the way, and in the meantime, they have the opportunity to explore new and exciting gaming experiences.
Via Eurogamer
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