PixlBit

Well first, we definitely cannot count the Operation Rainfall games in your argument. Their future in America pre-Rainfall was questionable at best, especially with Monado coming off the release lists and not even getting a mention at E3.

Also, we were never talking handheld. Obviously, these games are all console so the discussion was limited specifically to that. Nintendo began handheld RPG publication on the GBA, and in many cases (like Pokemon) even earlier than that. To say that Nintendo "loves RPGs" is disingenuous at best. They ride a few series generation after generation.

Whatever deal they struck with Square Enix for Dragon Quest is separate and apart. They merely published VI and IX to take the risk off of Square after the failure of IV and V. Nintendo clearly was playing ball with Square Enix to secure that series for their systems (and clearly that worked, see DQ X).

I find it hard to believe that there was any intention on NoA's part to publish these games and had NoE not footed the localization bill, they wouldn't have come. If Nintendo was so pro-RPG, why is XSEED publishing The Last Story? Nintendo clearly sees these games as a risk and has adequately protected themselves from failure. Fan response to Rainfall made these games come to America, not Nintendo (of America)'s own impetus.

I appreciate the comment, but what RPGs has Nintendo localized this generation? I'm really thinking hard and I can't identify a single one.

Traditionally, Nintendo has never been an RPG company. I'm sure part of the reason they own controlling stake in Monolith is for this reason exactly.

Ask and you shall receive.

This is unreal. I can't believe this is coming to America. I have zero interest in it, but it's certainly interesting that Nintendo chose to localize it.

I adore Super Mario Sunshine. It's incredibly hard, make no mistake, but it's also insanely fun when you master the mechanics. Like you said Michael, it's a game that just unapologetically kicks you in the junk and laughs as you writhe in pain.

I know Super Mario Galaxy basically killed open world 3D Mario games, but Sunshine was a fantastic sandbox that afforded you the ability to freely use the full platforming toolkit. I appreciated the water pack-less levels, as well as those that put the pack to intelligent use.

I respect that most people don't like Sunshine, but there's a lot to love there if you can crack its tough outer shell. The only mechanic that game provided that I really hated were the blue coins. I didn't mind the challenges present to collect them, but there's no way to keep track of them, so it's very hard to get them all. In one of my quests, I'm 1 coin short of 120 stars, which drives me absolutely insane. One day I'll find that stupid coin...

"False opinion"

Interesting. I didn't know opinions could be false. You learn something new every day!

Sexy, do want.

Yeah, Chessa and I nearly beat it already, it's utter crap. Stiff controls, uninspired level designs, and most importantly, it's not fun. The sound clips seem to be lifted from episodes of the show rather than voiced specifically for this release. I kind of wish they just made a sequel to the tower defense game.

This is a bad, bad game...

I was thinking September, actually. Just because they have some history releasing in that time frame (N64, SNES was close). It would be an interesting move on Nintendo's part, especially since they'd hopefully already be negotiating with companies to get games on Wii U for the holiday season that are already coming to the 360/PS3. This would be a prime candidate, I'd imagine.

Here's to hoping an official release date is revealed at E3.