Is Nintendo even able or willing to surprise anymore?

[Screamapillar]

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.

Animal Crossing New Leaf is *not* a remake. At all.  It had a three year development cycle.  Go read impressions from people who've played it.

3DS has had many original games as well as remakes.  3D Land, Mario Kart 7, Luigi's Mansion, Paper Mario, Kid Icarus and Fire Emblem were all brand new games.

DKCR 3D and OoT 3D are the only remakes for 3DS.