1. The article seems to say that because Miyamoto has decided to branch out to other genres he is neglecting the hardcore and therefore the quality of games like Mario and Zelda. Super Mario Galaxy has been widely heralded in the gaming world as one of the best games of this generation and Twilight Princess, though underwhelming in some aspects, has been received reasonably well. This is all at the same time that games like Nintendogs, Brain Training, and Wii Sports have been lighting up the chart. Although Miyamoto does not focus on "core" games as much as in the past, it really isn't true to say that the quality of said games have dropped dramatically, or even dropped at all.
2. How does having wide reaching marketing signal abandonment? Nintendo aims to have its products appeal to everyone, not just hardcore, and not just casual. The writer is missing the ingenuity of the whole marketing plan. Everyone can play and have fun, core and casual.
3. I don't understand why he brings up Mario Galaxy and Twilight Princess. Nintendo has generally only released one main series game of each of these during a console's life, and those have already been completed. The next console will not be for years, and by then new iterations will certainly be ready. We don't know yet if they will upturn the formula or if they will indulge the criticisms that have been launched. It's unfair to say they won't or haven't. But anyways onto his other point, it really isn't correct to say that Wii Music is the new Mario or Zelda. Yes, perhaps many hardcore gamers may be disgruntled that there is no "core" Nintendo IP releasing this holiday season, but when in the first two years of a console's life, core gamers have already received Metroid, Mario, Fire Emblem, Zelda, and Smash Bros., it's a bit melodramatic to say that because of ONE season that doesn't have any of the big series releasing, Nintendo is abandoning the hardcore.
4. This is a weak point. Nintendo still produces Mario, Zelda, Metroid, Fire Emblem, Smash Bros., etc. Just because the success of easy to produce games has been massive, doesn't mean Nintendo has or plans to stop production of core series.
5. Super Smash Bros. can be button masher? Practically ANY fighting game ever can be a button masher if you want it to be. But one thing's for sure: if you try it against someone who practices or is skilled you will lose big time. And as for the other "easier" games. I wonder if this guy has actually played Mario 64 recently. I for one remembered Mario 64 being difficult when I was eight but by now I can easily speed my way through.
6. That's why they're focusing on both.
7. the IP they've been asking for? It's only been two years since the system came out for goodness sake. They don't have anything ready yet.
8. It's true that Nintendo online is lacking in comparison to the other consoles, but the fact that they have implemented it and are seeking for ways to improve means they are trying to please their core audience not abandon them.
9. I really don't understand this point, it isn't relevant.
10. Yes and they still do make great core games.
All in all, it's clear that this article doesn't get it. But it's an especially bad argument because of the poor examples and even poorer drawn conclusions. His position is wrong, and so is the way he's presenting it.
Never argue with an idiot. They will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.
Brawl FC: 0473-7449-8088
