Is Nintendo even able or willing to surprise anymore?

[Viper1]

Chrizum said:

With the announcement of the new 3DS Zelda and previously Animal Crossing, Zelda OoT 3D, Zelda Wind Waker HD, Donkey Kong Country, and many more, which are all practically remakes: what does this say about the direction Nintendo has taken? Just about every Nintendo game lately harkens back to the olden days. I know some people will love it but remember the N64? Nintendo was miles beyond any developer at that time, with games that were absolutely mindblowing, cutting edge and just perfect. Playing Nintendo games now feels like a trip down to memory lane. And it bores me to death.

Is this a case of unable or unwilling to blow people's minds? 'Cause the last time I was blown away by a Nintendo game was Super Mario Galaxy, which was truly innovative and clever. Almost everything after seems like polished up old games.

The jaded curve is the problem.  This is when it becomes harder and harder to surprise someone despite consistant changes.    When you start expecting everything to have major innovations, the effect of smaller innovations have less impact.  It then becomes harder and harder to feel surprised.

Several surprises have already been listed and I could list many more.  

It should also be noted that we are exactly 5 months into the life of the Wii U and we've already seen many big surprises with assuredly many more to come.  Hell, E3 hasn't even happened yet.

It's not about Nintendo being willing and able to surprise, it's about us be willing and able to be surprised...or at least recognize them when we see them.