I disagree. While I think it's great to appeal to multiple demographics, the better course of action (if they only had to pick one, which of course they don't), would be providing the experiences we've been wanting. I agree with what you said about SM3DW looking just like a handheld game, etc. It's a powerful system that simply hasn't been used in the way you would expect it to be used. Giving us big fat experiences rather than games we could be playing on our 3DS's is the most important at this point. A big Mario adventure, an amazing Metroid, any number of things we've gotten in the past but we just aren't getting now.
And while in a way I've got to applaud Nintendo for doing what they want, you're right that the new Zelda will split up the fans. This was not the right time to take that artistic liberty. They need to sell units more than anything at this point. Make the "realistic" Zelda everyone wants, THEN get all artsy and original when you've got the install base.
Currently playing:
Bloodbath Paddy Wagon Ultra 9
