The core issue is when developers focus on games "they" want to make, rather than games that they should make. That's the long and short of it.

HabinoBR. Apology accepted, post away.

Veknoid_Outcast, thanks for this post.

For point 1), like I mentioned to amp, I'm not exactly sure how to describe Shadow of the Colossus. It's such an impressive game and doesn't need to hinge on flashy colors and effect to get there, as compared to say God of War or Xenoblade (as far as I understand it). I don't know how to describe the silent nature of SotC, and the awe-inspiring nature of the immensity of its world (@Ronster. You need to play this game). As such it reminds me of moments in Ocarina of Time, like for instance the spirit Temple's immense idol, or the quietness of the "meadow" in the water temple. I don't know what the word is that describes these, but it's filmatographical in nature (is that the word), yet it isn't hollywoodian. Ah, I fail at this, should've studied cinematography. :P This should help better show how I agree with your point 2). I'm also not for Hollywood myself and prefer international movies in general, or a GOOD american movie like Donnie Darko, American Beauty, Dances with Wolves and more quiet movies like that.

3) I didn't know how to word it, so whatever you see in those games that make them pinnacle, that's what Nintendo should borrow, at least in a handful of their games. They were able to do it before, they can now if they try harder or hire professionals who can help them get there. Iwata mentioned somewhere that he wanted to make deeper experiences for older ages (can't find the link). This would be the way.

4) When TP came out, Nintendo tried to make what OP asks for, but they weren't able to 100% like SotC did. For the moment they fall short. So, though the phrase may be a canard, it holds alot of truth. True, it's a generalization, but games that apply for all ages are rare. These would be Wii Sports, Endless Ocean and a few other simulator-style games. The others that are family-friendly are not for all ages, as they contain content that does not cater to the segment in OP. So bar a few exceptions that yet also don't cater to the segment in OP (Wii Sports and Endless Ocean), in general the canard holds a powerful truth: that Nintendo is not catering to the segment in OP. And in general, that means Nintendo is doing bad, as far as the segment is concerned. That's why it can't dominate its generation just yet.

Oh goodness.

When you put it like that, we couldn't think more differently. The diluted,  soul less, focus tested-to-death approach is the worst aspect of modern games to me. That's the opposite of what I want and admire in games (with rare exceptions). Man. I can't believe you think that! 

I see what you're saying. And I certainly appreciate your perspective on this topic.

I guess where I disagree is the necessity to cater to the audience you described. Because I could list 30 or so games that don't meet the criteria described in the OP that are as good or better than Shadow of the Colossus or Gran Turismo, etc. Like I said earlier, cinematic qualities, darkness, and adult-oriented material are not good per se; they can be employed by designers to produce something beautiful and mesmerizing like Shadow of the Colossus, or twisted into a broken, boring experience like Duke Nukem Forever.

I only want to play good games, and I don't care if they star an Italian plumber or the god of war.

@bold. THIS! The games I described in OP stood out for a reason, and you're helping me elaborate on it and describe it. That's what I want to show how SotC has a value that DNForever does not have in my eyes, it's that quality I was hoping Nintendo could take cues from somehow, somewhere.

@italics. I do too, but I like to eat food, I won't say I don't care if one is chicken and the other is salad. I like both. For me SotC is an important part of my diet, as OoT and those kinds of games. If I don't have them, I need to feed myself elsewhere. Also, if one restaurant makes food that I like, but there's a dish I really love that I can only find in another restaurant, I'm going to want to have to go to that other restaurant, but always wondering "What would it be like if my favorite restaurant made games like those guys I like?".

What would it be like if Nintendo tried a safe business attempt at the kind of direction SotC, UC and GT took, something more evoking than your usual video game?

Also not necessarily how i think either. There needs to be creativity, but it needs to be in the right sphere, with a focus on building engaging gameplay first and foremost before all the superficial elements come into play.

The restaurant analogy is an interesting one. I think that's why those people who really love video games (and have the disposable income) buy all three major systems. So they can eat at all three buffets, so to speak.

But at the same time, using your analogy, wouldn't it make more sense for the chef to keep making the dishes his/her customers order the most?

I think maybe where we disagree is what in a video game has intrinsic value. And this is a question I think all enthusiasts should ask themselves. What is essential for a good game, and what is merely window dressing? There isn't an easy answer.

The restaurant analogy is an interesting one. I think that's why those people who really love video games (and have the disposable income) buy all three major systems. So they can eat at all three buffets, so to speak.

But at the same time, using your analogy, wouldn't it make more sense for the chef to keep making the dishes his/her customers order the most?

I think maybe where we disagree is what in a video game has intrinsic value. And this is a question I think all enthusiasts should ask themselves. What is essential for a good game, and what is merely window dressing? There isn't an easy answer.