The Random Little Game that (Unexpectedly) Could

No analyst could have ever predicted this. Not one could have ever seen this coming.

Splatoon isn’t just selling well after minimal advertising and expectations, but it’s become one of the biggest games in WiiU’s history, the best-selling WiiU game in 2015, and the most successful new Nintendo IP since Xenoblade. After seeing multiple sequels based off of the usual Nintendo properties not do well in a quickly-dying console, this game rose out of nowhere and was shoved into the WiiU lineup as a bridge between Smash Brothers and the upcoming Xenoblade sequel (Super Mario Maker wasn’t treated as a major game but has become a hardcore title, but that’s a discussion for another day).

It destroyed multiple notions on its way to over 2 million copies sold (and still counting with bundles and extra goodies on the way). It was assumed that after Goldeneye (I know, reaching farrrr back) and the Metroid Prime Trilogy that shooters no longer sell well on a Nintendo console; with Call of Duty being an absolute bomb in the Wii/WiiU systems while selling millions anywhere else. It was assumed that new IPs just don’t work on Nintendo consoles, as we see awesome ideas and clever newer Nintendo experiences from this century reduced mostly to the handhelds (Phoenix Wright, Professor Layton, Golden Sun, Brain Age, Elite Beat Agents, etc.). Lastly, it was assumed that a game that clearly is reliant on Nintendo’s online functionality would fail and burst into flames. Instead, the online community for Splatoon is even more vibrant (and nearly stronger) than that of Smash Brothers WiiU.

There is a chance that it’s a fluke success, which sometimes happens even in the cutthroat gaming industry. In a random example, Just Dance 2 for the Wii sold nearly 10 million copies, more than any Metal Gear Solid game to date. Or, it could be the ultimate proof that Nintendo needs to continue producing these new IPs or at least do a better job bringing some obscure ones out from the dead. This current gaming generation is lacking in many genres, and the third-party shooter genre is one that is extremely rare. Nintendo needs more RPGs (an answer to Final Fantasy), more racers (a response to Forza), more shooters (Advance/Battalion Wars has been quiet lately), and most importantly more mature titles outside the usual suspects of Zelda and Metroid (Eternal Darkness 2 may never happen, but something along these lines).

The main reason for the lack of hardware sales during Nintendo’s eighth generation is the lack of exciting software. Unlike the Wii and especially the DS, there just hasn’t been that many new and innovative titles to convince the disgruntled hardcore and fleeting mainstream gamers to purchase a WiiU. Splatoon however is the ultimate proof that if you throw a good fresh title in the market, the gamers will reward you and will come back in droves. From the ashes of a usually-slow season in gaming, we see Splatoon becoming the sixth best-selling game in all of 2015. Nintendo needs to take note as they prepare for the next generation with the NX, whatever that eventually becomes.





But yea, also expect a Spla2oon in the horizon.

Nintendo Should Become Marvel (Phase II)

Nintendo should become more like Marvel.



I know, this article has happened before, but it was a wildly different direction I was discussing. Before, I had mentioned how Nintendo needs to embrace the IPs and allow them to expand into more merchandise, television shows, movies, and more exposure altogether. Pokemon Company (only partially owned by Nintendo) generated 2 BILLION in 2014 alone. That is just one franchise. Nintendo owns over 30 franchises. If just half of them could come even close to matching the sales from the Pokemon brand we are looking at an extra 15-20 billion that would go straight to Nintendo’s pocket—combined with the sheer happiness from the rabid, picky, yet excruciatingly loyal fanbase.

So how should Nintendo Marvel it up? By combining the universes together, and bringing a more intimate presentation to the fanbase that is notorious for their creativity, Apple-like consumer habits, and respectful attention to detail. The Legend of Zelda franchise is the best example of this: it started out as a simple series of games and transformed into one of the golden meccas of gaming---and it’s been nearly 2 years since its latest major title, and nearly 4 years since its latest console title. Don’t disrespect Zelda in front of Nintendo fans though; it’s the equivalent to insulting Selena in front of Hispanics. The love runs deep, through the good times (1998-2002 epic run) and the dark times (Skyward Sword, despite still managing to sell a cool couple million). So what if we run the Zelda universe within the same universe as other Nintendo franchises? How awesome would that be?

Part of the appeal of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is all the connections between each of the films—through storyline, cameos, details, and moments that cause a ripple effect to future installments. The events of Captain America: Winter Soldier directly influenced not only Avengers: Age of Ultron, but also Ant-Man and the ABC television show Agents of Shield. How wonderful would it be that in the next Nintendo console/handheld, we see the popular Nintendo franchises blending together to create new and potentially innovative experiences? How awesome would it be for certain characters like Link and Kirby enter new genres of gaming?

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars became a subtle hit that resonated with gamers for generations because it took a familiar face and put him on a very different platform. Super Mario up until then was known for being in platform games and a few spin-offs here and there (Nowhere near as much as today, but Super Mario Kart was still selling like hotcakes back in the 90s), but in Mario RPG he was in a role-playing game complete with a unique cast of characters and unfamiliar circumstances (Bowser as an ally? Really?!!?). It sold over 2 million copies despite not having a European release and the Nintendo 64 appearing in the same year. Nowadays, it’s worth the price of modern games on Amazon. This type of success can be duplicated if you are willing to open the borders a little.

Now, imagine Link joining the Golden Sun universe. Imagine the Fire Emblem cast entering Hyrule to help Link in his fight to restore peace. Can you imagine seeing Link potentially in strategy games, turn-based RPGs, maybe even some medieval warfare games? Heck, imagine Link going up to the skies to help Kid Icarus take on some demons. Can you imagine the Wario universe and the Super Mario universe colliding together for the first time in a platformer since 1992 (Mentioned this idea before: Super Mario World 3)? Imagine Yoshi entering Donkey Kong Country to help out Donkey Kong and his pals? Imagine the kids from Earthbound/Mother joining forces with Professor Layton to solve a major crime? You can take the best of both worlds and blend them in to not only allow the universes and their storylines to connect, but to also allow for unique gaming experiences that we had not seen from our familiar cast.

This could also increase value to certain games you would otherwise not by on normal circumstances. Despite Fox’s popularity in the Nintendo universe, he hasn’t had a hit game since Star Fox 64---and the upcoming one really isn’t ruffling any feathers. To be honest it looks terrible. But if you were to point out that it’s in the same environment as F-Zero and Metroid, and all three are linked in different ways, then interest will grow. Imagine Nintendo creating a way so that if you own all three games different achievements you unlock in one game creates a new adventure or a new side quest in another. In this case, it would also help F-Zero, another franchise well-known amongst the Nintendo crowd but not exactly consisting of celebratory sales.

I had previously stated that the Nintendo NX, or whatever the next major console will be, should become extremely personal and extremely interactive with its hardcore audience. Look at the fanfare associated with Super Mario Maker because of the sheer ability to craft your own Mario game. This type of gaming opens new windows and allows for Nintendo fans to connect with each other and show off their skills and their love for the brand. Adding a dash of Marvel interactivity amongst the franchises we all know and love could create new gameplay/storyline/online possibilities that would breathe life into brands that aren’t as strong, and would create new layers to popular IPs already in successful existence.

Bottom Line: If there is gaming company that can create this type of connection between art, artist, and consumer, it’s Nintendo. And with a little imitating of the biggest cinematic name in the business currently, we can see another rebound from the Japanese giant when the ninth generation rolls around.

The IP Situation of the Eighth Generation

The Console Wars needs to become the IP Wars if the competitors ever want a chance to even come close to matching Sony.



Sony’s Playstation 4 is surviving because of PS3 momentum, great online service, great pricing, and best of all an aggressive strategy to shelling out more dollars to make certain games exclusive—like Street Fighter 5 (Capcom property) and Final Fantasy VII (Square Enix property). The first-party aspect be damned, it’s the suddenly-emerging third-party tidal shift that is helping Sony remain at the top.

The clunky thing is that neither of the competitors are actually financially bleeding, even if they could be doing much better. Microsoft is Microsoft, and will continue to make fantastic money through other means even when and if the XBox One’s American support starts to dwindle. Nintendo’s very deep bank and overwhelming overhaul from the Wii/DS days (255 million between both systems is bound to create some financial ramifications all these years later) allows for them to also find a way to ante up their lineup to compete against Sony.

The eighth generation is pretty much about over, unless the XBox One pulls off a miraculous turnaround and suddenly has Japan’s attention. Sony is going to win, and will probably win with the PS5 as long as they continue their major support for the console industry and continue shaking the right hands and making the right friends. In order for Microsoft and Nintendo to even have a chance, they need to alter their vision:



It is no longer about how the games are played; it’s really about what games they CAN play.

In the 90s, each system had extremely diverse lineups, forcing you to choose sides. The Genesis and Super Nintendo games were so different, even the games they shared (NBA Jam, Aladdin) were very different because of hardware limitations, and different people working on their version of the game. This is why the battles were so vicious, we had two different types of gamers buying games in the same market. This was why Nintendo owned Japan, Sega had Europe, and it was a total showdown in North America.

Nowadays, the games are remarkably similar in every shape or form except for graphics. Even the greatest game in the past few years, Grand Theft Auto V, can be found in the PS4 as well as the XBox One (and if you are a glutton for punishment, PC). Most of the better games have been arriving from third-party companies, they are no longer just knockaround squadrons throwing random games to make a quick buck. Microsoft and Nintendo needs to realize this and stack up its IP lineup and relentlessly build the better resume.

Microsoft has the most money, so they have the highest expectations to bolster the lineup. Rare Replay was amazing evidence as to some of the IPs that the XBox brand has but has hardly used. Perfect Dark, Jet Force Gemini, Blast Corps, Banjo-Kazooie, and Battletoads are all great franchises that have received minimal attention since Rare became Microsoft property. With Konami, Capcom, and Square Enix (among others) needing extra money, this is Microsoft’s chance to continue adding to its mature lineup: Silent Hill, Metal Gear Solid (Will admit, that’s a longshot), Adventure Island, Bomberman, Contra, Bloody Roar, Breath of Fire, among other forgotten gems of the past.

The fact that Street Fighter V is not joining XBox One first has to sting, since it’s the biggest non-Smash Bros. fighting franchise on the planet. Final Fantasy VII being Xbox-exclusive could have finally given them an audience in the Far East Coast. Microsoft has to gain some revenge, with special deals with third-parties that aren’t afraid of joining sides.

Then there's the neglected IPs. The XBox One can go after the defunct Burnout and create the prefect partner to the more-realistic Forza. They can also become a sports mecca (I had mentioned this before) and nab Madden, FIFA, Nascar, among others before Sony owners can gain access to them. Unlike Nintendo, Microsoft wouldn’t have to develop these exclusive/earlier-than-thou games, just merely forking the extra money to get them first can be enough to get gamer’s attention.

Nintendo on the other hand needs to go on a massive, massive buying spree. Nintendo is the king in reviving defunct and forgotten franchises, as they have risen Earthbound, Fire Emblem, Metroid (8 year gap is no joke), Advance Wars, Kid Icarus, and others from the dead and from obscurity. If Nintendo were smart, they would go to all the companies with far less money and license or just 100% nab the rights to ideas that haven’t been explored or utilized. Nintendo has excelled in every major category of gaming (Even horror, remember Eternal Darkness?), which is something the competitors cannot claim.

Franchises like Mega Man, Secret of Mana, Bomberman, Earthworm Jim, Plok, Clayfighter, and dozens of others would benefit from a Nintendo facelift, and could potentially give the Big N some more weapons to employ as it can continue bragging its first-party superiority above the others (And even though this has saved Nintendo time and time again, the gap needs to be far bigger to justify the purchase). The gaming industry can take a page from Hollywood and reach into the past and remake/reboot dormant franchises (although Hollywood has been rightfully accused of remaking tons of material that didn't need the facelift, but that's for another article). In the wild and wacky history of gaming, we have seen tons of great ideas trail behind in need of assistance.

Just look back at the 90s and you'll see lots of underutilized ideas in need of expansion: Illusion of Gaia, Chrono Trigger (seriously, where's that sequel?), Maniac Mansion, Castlevania (A little more of a stretch, but this can use some Intelligent Systems love), Golden Axe, Vectorman, Comix Zone, Shining Force, and of course let's not forget Earthbound...it sometimes seems like Nintendo has...

The gaming industry is no longer interested in different ways to play games, we want to play games, and lots of them. There are great games ranging from $5 to $60, and they are flocking to the company that has the most. Sony right now is the leader, but Sony doesn't have to be. Nintendo and Microsoft have been sitting around watching IPs pass them by or float around without an owner; and unless they plan on making a push this scenario will remain the same leading up to the ninth generation.





The PS4 is in the lead, but its no secret why.

Nintendo Should Become Marvel

We all know that although Nintendo is far from the financial dire straits of Capcom, Square Enix, and even Sony, the company has definitely seen better days. The 3DS is outpacing the Game Boy Advance but is far, far below the selling rate of the DS, the WiiU is a total disaster with very little to look forward to in 2014 even despite the higher-profile lineup, and the brand image itself has also taken a couple hits within the gaming community.

Super Mario isn’t quite moving as much hardware as in the past, the third-party companies are inches away from fully abandoning the WiiU ship, and even though the new system is going the same interactivity path of the Wii (which was a huge smash) the formula is definitely not working the second time around. The Mario franchise, the Wii Fit franchise, the Pikmin franchise have all come out for the new system but missing that essential fanfare that we had seen in the Wii when involving these games .

Pikmin 3’s sales are laughable. New Super Mario Bros. U and Super Mario 3D World lacks the initial launch success of not just Grand Theft Auto 5 but even Smash Brothers Brawl, a Wii game from multiple years back that managed to move plenty of hardware sales. The brand isn’t powerful anymore, as the gaming community has far too many other options and many of them at far cheaper prices. Flappy Bird, a phone game that uses sprites from the Mario games was selling at $50,000 a day. Donkey Kong Country, a franchise that once upon a time was the best in the entire business, has a new installment that is quietly coming out with barely any press.

With all the gloom and doom, Nintendo announced that they might become more lenient with their first-party brands and franchises. They are considering branching them out into non-video game ideas more often. The head honcho of Nintendo Iwata was quoted in a magazine recently discussing how Nintendo might need to remove some of their strictness to increase exposure and profits.


If it were up to me, Nintendo should look into the history of another company that ran down a similar path.



Marvel.



It might be harder to remember this now, especially with Disney running the show, but Marvel once upon a time was struggling to remain relevant when its main source of income was a medium that was being replaced by competition. In the mid-90s, because of struggling sales, bad decisions, and horrible bosses the company actually declared bankruptcy.

But Marvel was able to rise up and make a comeback because they changed their image, expanded its audience, and branches out their licenses to movies, more video games, more television shows, and much more merchandise. They licensed their IPs to an entire theme park, and the rest is history. Now the main Marvel characters are household names, and some of the biggest movies in history come from Marvel characters. The biggest worldwide smash of 2013 was Iron Man 3, and the third-biggest worldwide hit in history is The Avengers.

Marvel is worth far more than the 4 billion Disney spent on them. Nintendo can go down this same route too.

Nintendo is already worth 14 billion. They will be fine for a while. But if they truly expand their IPs into new directions, then their value would increase, their image would improve, and it could potentially become the necessary rebirth that would allow for companies to have newfound faith towards the innovative company.

Imagine Nintendo selling the film rights to Disney for that long-anticipated ACTUAL Super Mario movie. Imagine Dreamworks getting the rights to an Earthbound movie. Imagine cinematic versions of Metroid, Star Fox, Legend of Zelda, Kid Icarus, and F-Zero.



Oh, and let’s not forget that Pokemon reboot.


Imagine seeing television shows of Kirby, Fire Emblem, Advance Wars, Wario Land, Animal Crossing, Donkey Kong, and other characters that already had their movies. I can see Disney XD and Adult Swim jump all over some of these IPs.

Imagine Marvel or DC working together with Nintendo and us being able to get comic book variations of massive franchises like Zelda, Metroid, Super Mario, and Pokemon.

Imagine finally getting more Nintendo merchandise. Most of the Nintendo-based merchandise is fanmade, and to an extent far more creative and made with much more craft than the usual shirts from the company.

Now, keep your imagination flowing. Imagine seeing Nintendo-based apps and small games for mobile phones, Apple products, tablets, and Galaxy devices. Nintendo has far too many IPs to have to resort to one of their heavy-hitters to be put in a phone. I can see bringing back some old-school SNES games to become the next Angry Bird or Flappy Bird. Tetris Attack is one of the most addicting games ever made, and giving it the smart phone connectivity features could give it a brand new audience for a new generation of youngsters. A slew of their handheld franchises like Professor Layton, Brain Age, Big Brain Academy, Wario Ware, and Advance Wars could also find new life in tablets and phones because of its accessible simplicity.

Nintendo has so many IPs, so many in-house franchises, so many ideas; it’s been foolish to not distribute them in multiple ways up until this point---especially when the company’s brand name is taking a few hits. With the movie industry and television industry being bigger and more available than ever, this is Nintendo’s chance to display its creativity to the world through more than just games—but other forms of entertainment like movies, television shows, internet shows, comic books, etc.

Just like Capcom and Square Enix, Nintendo must think outside the box to increase exposure and give their upcoming systems and games a chance to be in the limelight for a longer period of time. What better way to promote the upcoming Kirby game than a successful television show on Disney Channel? What better way to get us excited for the next Metroid game than to back it with a high-budgeted production hitting cinemas worldwide just the week before? Sometimes all it takes is a big movie to move units in the gaming industry. Toy Story 3 the video game sold 4 million copies across all platforms in 2010, and that game wasn’t even anticipated.


You are sitting on a gold mine Nintendo. Just because your games aren’t selling doesn’t mean that your IPs outside your usual industry will also fail.

Seriously, we would all pay good money for a Peter Jackson Legend of Zelda movie.