[Golden Legacy]

Those of you following Nintendo's release dates know that it has three of the biggest titles slated for its Wii console; Super Mario Galaxy, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

At the moment, these all have tentative 2007 release dates (yes, that's this year), which means that Nintendo could make this one of the biggest years for the gaming industry in a long time.


Question is, how likely is it that ALL three games will be released? Do you think any will be delayed? If so, which ones, and why? If you were Nintendo, which titles would you release and when? (keep in mind the titles for its competitors, Microsoft and Sony, too).

[Sea of Time]

What if they were all released in the same week? Talk about sensory overload for Wii owners. But realistically, I think MP3 will get delayed, the other two should come out as soon as possible.

[Blue]

Gamestop is finally able to reserve out MP3, though, that never means a permament release date.

[Toasty]

Release them in one month intervals. Release SM:G first, then Corruption, and top it off with Brawl. Out of the three, MP3 and SMG are the least likely to be delayed since they've already been beta tested (at E3), whereas Brawl has taken a while and we still have yet to try a beta version.

[TheEnglishman]

Considering we're almost half way through the year now, I'd be surprised if all three were out globally by the end of the year. Possibly in Japan, but I don't think they'd all be ready for America or Europe by then. I think at least one will be though.
It wouldn't bother me if Metroid Prime was delayed. I've only ever had a passing interest in the series.

[Aquamarine]

Oh, how I wish for all three games to be released this year. I doubt it though.

Now, all three of them have been in production for a very long time. I don't understand why MP3 is getting delayed so much, the two GameCube games weren't in production for so long, and Corruption seemed almost complete a long time ago. What could they possibly be adding?
I believe Galaxy will be released in 2007 because Nintendo feels that a Mario game needs to be on store shelves as soon as it can. That was obvious with Sunshine, playing the game told you they had to hurry with production.
I think Brawl is the least likely to be released in this year, at least out of Japan. Production on this game was started last out of the three big-hitters, and they've got the online thingy to get working, which they might have suceeded in already. I bet we'll know the release date tomorow.

Although I would like all three of these beauties to be released in 2007, if they don't feel complete enough and would do well with another delay, than so be it. I don't want more incomplete games like Sunshine and Wind Waker.

[TheEnglishman]

I'd agree. Rushing a game to get it on shelves would be the worst thing that they could do.

[Golden Legacy]

Aquamarine, on May 20 2007, 08:21 AM, said:

Now, all three of them have been in production for a very long time. I don't understand why MP3 is getting delayed so much, the two GameCube games weren't in production for so long, and Corruption seemed almost complete a long time ago. What could they possibly be adding?

Online support, I'm sure. Or at least some sort of multiplayer mode beyond the skimpy version we saw in Echoes (remember Iwata's statement back at E3 2005? We have big plans for Metroid on Revolution.

Quote

I believe Galaxy will be released in 2007 because Nintendo feels that a Mario game needs to be on store shelves as soon as it can. That was obvious with Sunshine, playing the game told you they had to hurry with production.

Eh? I think this is contradictory. If Sunshine was incomplete, then shouldn't Nintendo take its time with Galaxy instead, ensuring that it goes to completion (even if that means NOT releasing this year?).

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That said, I personally would delay Mario Galaxy until next year. And here's why:

Let's get this straight; out of the three games, Super Mario Galaxy is Nintendo's more important title - this is going to be the Wii's killer application. At E3, every single panelist said that not only were its Wii controls refined, but they best showed the console's capabilities (even in terms of graphics, which were quite good).

Now, look at how the Wii is selling; does Nintendo really need to release Galaxy this year?

Why not release Corruption this year (an FPS like the other big hit coming out this year, Halo 3) and show the hardcore crowd what Wii can do? Because remember, Mario will appeal to everyone - but at the moment, Wii is selling so strong that Nintendo doesn't need to drop the big gun.

The real question is Brawl. We simply have not seen any progress on it besides the trailers (although admittedly, Matt Cassamassina from IGN has hinted at a big Nintendo event later this week... so you never know). However, I think that not only Wii can survive this year with just one or two of those titles, I think it would be better for Nintendo in the long-run, as it also guarantees a big seller for the 2008 holiday season.

[Aquamarine]

Hm, good points. Still, I'll have to disagree with a few things.

Golden Legacy, on May 20 2007, 11:23 PM, said:

If Sunshine was incomplete, then shouldn't Nintendo take its time with Galaxy instead, ensuring that it goes to completion (even if that means NOT releasing this year?).

I completely understand you, that's exactly what my brother thinks. Still, I think Nintendo feels they must release Galaxy as soon as they can, even though you may be right that they don't actually have to hurry. Also, the game has been in production for so long that it might just be fully completed until the end of the year. And even if it's not, it will probably be almost completely finished, possibly good enough to be released.

As for online support in Corruption, I'm hoping you're right. Retro Studios first stated that they won't be adding multiplayer, but the went to contradict themselves, saying that it might have multiplayer but in a different way than Echoes.
As for its release date, I forgot to mention that Reggie Fils-Aime has played the game not long ago and said that it is excellent and practically ready to hit store shelves. Same thing Hideo Kojima said about Brawl.

You're saying that Galaxy will probably be the most important of the three? I agree with that, but didn't you say before that you believe it will be Brawl?

[Golden Legacy]

Yes, I've changed my mind since then. Brawl is going to be a fantastic game, but mostly for the hardcore Melee players (and maybe a bit of the casual crowd) - but Super Mario Galaxy will draw everybody in, that's the difference.

My point is that, this year, Nintendo already has the insane hype surrounding Wii to keep it going. Releasing two high profile games (Brawl and Corruption), along with the third-party software and all the non-gamer games (i.e. Brain Age for Wii, etc.) should keep it in good shape for the 2007 holiday season.

[Toasty]

Personally, I'd LOVE to see a Halo 3 - MP3 showdown. I think MP3 might actually be able to give Halo 3 a run for it' money this year, but it'd still be the underdog.

[Eugine]

I'm no Microsoft lover, but one thing I know for sure:
Halo 3 will be the biggest game this year.

I highly doubt this will affect any of NIntendo's release dates though.

[Toasty]

Even though I don't have a 360 (or a gaming capable PC), I'm still looking foreward to Halo 3 since my friend has a 360. But I'm really curious to see if MP:3 will be able to give Halo 3 a run for it's money.

[Eugine]

Well, Corruption has a release date of August 20th, 2007 now. So that's one of the 3 to be released this year.

[Aquamarine]

Darn you Eugine, I wanted to state that new information!

Anyway, only Galaxy and Brawl left... What about FE10? Although it's not as important as these three games, do you think it'll be released this year outside of Japan?

[TheEnglishman]

I doubt it. The translation process for an RPG can take a very long time. It may be released in America but I'd be surprised if it hit Europe. Then again one can always dream, just like I dream that Wario Ware: Twisted! will be released here one day...

[Caael]

Ebay, Me111. ebay

[TheEnglishman]

I'm reluctant to though. I dislike Ebay and the simple fact is I'm not desperate enough for the game that I'd import it.

[Caael]

I could have sworn that it was reviewed by NOM ages ago.

[TheEnglishman]

Heh, good old NOM. I remember reading that years ago.
They reviewed back in June 2005, when it was originally going to be released, then reprinted the review in their last ever issue as it was going to be released then as well.

[TheEnglishman]

Heh, good old NOM. I remember reading that years ago.
They reviewed back in June 2005, when it was originally going to be released, then reprinted the review in their last ever issue as it was going to be released then as well.
EDIT: Ah double post attack! Could somebody help?

[Caael]

Yay for NOM. They were awesome. But ONM are better.

I dont think I will be getting Galaxies. I'm not a fan of the 3D platformers for Mario. Half because i'm crap at them, half because they don't seem to me to be appealing. 3D platformers arent my cup of tea.

Corruption and Brawl I will most certainly be getting though...

[TheEnglishman]

I read a few issues of ONM but I decided that I couldn't take anymore of Official magazines.
I can't say I'm a huge fan of 3D platformers either but if I ever got a Wii I'd probably buy it to see what it's like. After all I did buy Sunshine. *regrets*

[Caael]

Sunshine was better for me, as it made it easier for me. Though long term, it doesnt add up to SM64.

Corruption looks sweet, awesome graphics and I always wanted to aim the gun without holding a button.

Brawl..well, there is nothing more in the world I want more than Brawl right now.

[Aquamarine]

Strange, I want to play Twilight Princess, Galaxy, Corruption and Goddess of Dawn all more than I want to play Brawl. Even though Melee was probably the best game I've ever played. Still, I believe all that will change tomorow...

Caael, Mario Galaxy will be pure AWESOMENES. Matt Cassamassina from IGN said it was almost perfect when he played it, and some other guy compared it to Metroid Prime in terms of quality.

[Caael]

Well i'll see how Galaxies will pan out. My opinion might change.

Twilight Princess isn't half as good as people have said. The novelty of swinging a sword wears off after about half an hour. The puzzles are awesome though.

[TheEnglishman]

I wouldn't know what swinging the sword was like. I had to use a stone age control method known as 'pressing buttons'. :)
I'm sure Galaxy will be fun but I doubt it will change my view that 3D platformers are just not as fun.

[Caael]

The learning curve for 3D platforms is either flat, or more of a learning brick wall. Mario games are more of a brick wall, as it takes ages to master the controls. That's why they arent exactly super amazing for me.

[TheEnglishman]

I guess it would take more time to get used to them on the Wii as you'd have to move and do the buttons as well.

[Caael]

Bump-d

Galaxies is turning out better than I expected, but when it comes out, i'll wait for some reviews before I buy it. Of course, people will give it high score, because it's Mario and it's 3D but I know a few reviewers who are unbiased, so i'll be checking them.