Nintendo's New Direction
By Carl Johnson

High Expectations...
Super Mario Sunshine is a fantastic game. No one can honestly disprove that. However, some gamers seem to feel that it doesn't quite live up to their expectations. I mean after all, it is the sequel to one of the greatest videogames of all-time -- and as such people expect something pretty dang spectacular. What we got was a worthy sequel to a brilliant and revolutionary videogame, not a better sequel. Luigi's Mansion was grilled for being a short, uninspired entry into the Mario franchise, one that failed to live up to the standards of that franchise. I personally didn't think it was that bad. It may be a bit pricey for such a short game, but regardless it's a game that I wouldn't allow my collection to be without. I get joy from seeing Mario Sunshine and Luigi's Mansion sitting side-by-side on my game shelf, and have a hard time understanding why it's so strongly despised by some gamers.

Negative Feelings...
Here's what I think is going on. Nintendo is changing. Gamers are discovering that, and some of the more hardcore of them are reacting negatively toward it. The change is necessary -- as all change is, but some gamers are scared of what that change means. I don't think these changes are as bad as some would have you believe. Sure Pikmin wasn't everything we'd hoped, but what a great game overall! Mario Sunshine may have some disheartening flaws, but what great fun! Luigi's Mansion was less-than-brilliant, but we had a great time playing while it lasted! You know what I'm getting at. Nintendo is not dead people. There is still a "Nintendo Difference." 
With that said, I agree with the cynics that the golden era of Nintendo videogames has passed. Classic gems like Yoshi's Island, Super Mario 64, and Ocarina of Time have an inspired feel to them that is absent from current games, partially because Shigeru Miyamoto is relying more heavily on other directors to make his games while he takes on other duties, and partially because the pressure is on from consumers for Nintendo to develop games faster. Faster development is a wise move for Nintendo from a business standpoint, but it leaves true fans with a nervous stomach. But don't be nervous. Play and be joyful. Life's too short for bellyaches.

Sunshine in the Tunnel...
Despite Super Mario Sunshine's inferiority to SM64, I honestly LOVE the game. Yeah okay, on occasion Sunshine peeves me off to the point of wanting to throw my controller onto a concrete slab, but beneath the game's flaws is a wonderful adventure that surpasses 99.9% of everything else offered in its genre. Remember that. Nintendo still makes the best videogames in the world, they just don't put quite as much love into it as they used to. But perhaps, just maybe... there's something we don't yet know. Perhaps Zelda will surpass all of our wildest expectations. Perhaps Mario's return to the mushroom kingdom will be triumphant beyond words. Even if the golden age is over there's bound to be a nugget every now and again, right?

At the very worst, Nintendo will carry on like they have been, producing a steady stream of "A" titles instead of a single "AAA" title every couple years. When you think of it in those terms, shorter developments times aren't the end of the world. And hey... they can never take the classics from us. If Nintendo did away with Mario and Zelda all together and started producing Pokemon games exclusively... we'd still be able to boot up Super Mario 64, we'd still be able to plug the SNES in, and we'd still be able to relive the very best of what videogames ever had to offer.

Enjoy Nintendo for what it is and you'll be fine. But don't expect Nintendo to revert back to their old policies anytime soon. If you want old-school Nintendo, blow the dust off of your N64. 

I'm sure the carts still work.

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