E3 Day 2 - Nintendo Direct

Oh, boy. Here we go, folks! Joe Hogan here, back with some new E3 coverage for you on The Missing Linc. Nintendo has been doing their own thing for years, and declining to host a press conference on the main stage in the first time in E3 existence is no exception. While all the main players are going about their usual press conferences, Nintendo will be broadcasting their biggest news via their popular Nintendo Directs, a series of announcement videos broadcasted throughout the year, in all corners of the world. So, strange decisions aside, where did they leave us Nintendo faithful fans with? The games touched on today during the E3 Nintendo Direct:

3DS:

• Pokemon X/Y
• Batman: Arkham Origins
• Scribblenauts Unmasked
• Shin Megami Tensei IV
• Skylanders SWAP Force
• Sonic: Lost World
• Super Smash Bros 3DS (2014)
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Two Worlds
• Yoshi's New Island
• Mario and Luigi: Dream Team

Wii U:

• Super Mario 3D World U
• MarioKart 8 (Spring 2014)
• Wii Party U
• Wii Fit U (Delay notice)
• Art Academy
• AC Black Flag
• Batman Arkham Origins
• Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director's Cut
• Disney Infinity
• Just Dance 2014
• Rayman Legends
• Scribblenauts Unmasked
• Disney Planes
• Skylanders SWAP Force
• Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Blacklist
• Sonic Lost World
• Watch Dogs
• The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD (October 2013)
• The Wonderful 101 (August 23rd)
• Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
• Bayonetta 2
• Monolith's mystery game
• Super Smash Bros U (2014)
• Pikmin 3
• New Super Luigi U

Nintendo eShop:

• Ballpoint Universe
• Cloudberry Kingdom
• Coaster Crazy Deluxe
• Ducktales Remastered
• Dungeons and Dragons
• Mutant Mudds Deluxe
• Oddworld: New 'n Tasty
• Scam Kitty and His Buddy on Rails
• Shovel Knight
• Spin the bottle Bumpie's Party
• A World of Keflings

Mega Man joins Smash Bros! Fanboys rejoice!

First of all, I think the Nintendo Direct was a smart choice on paper, but did have quite a few hiccups. There were some streaming issues but jumping to a different stream was an easy fix. Nintendo knew they couldn't compete with Sony and Microsoft for attention, especially with both releasing new consoles this year. All eyes are on those two, while Nintendo kicks back and just showed off the games the 1st party fans have been clamoring over. And while the ship that is the Xbox One begins to collapse in on itself like a dying star, I bet the Wii U is suddenly looking a lot more appealing to some folks. While Sony clearly has the graphical superiority over Wii U, the Wii U still has no used game fee, does not need to be connected to the internet to play games, does not need to register software to the console before playing, and, unlike Playstation 4, has backwards compatibility.

All aboard the Nintendo Hype Train! Next stop: YOUR WALLET!

Nintendo knows what their fans want on Wii U. Today's lineup is clearly proof of that! Zelda, Mario, Donkey Kong, Smash Bros., and more.  I mean, just look at the list. The twin releases of the Smash Bros series, one on 3DS and the other on Wii U, look absolutely stellar. I can't wait to get my hands on both and to see how they interact with one another. Mario Kart 8's gravity-defying courses are another reason to return to your colorful go-karts as well! The Wind Waker HD also looks GORGEOUS.

Come at me, bro.

I'm a bit concerned that the new Mario, Super Mario 3D World, might be a little too safe of a gamble in terms of a new 3D Mario. It doesn't seem to be pushing any bounds like Mario 64 or Mario Galaxy dared to do. Even Super Mario Sunshine took a big risk with the entire water mechanic, but this game really just looks like a Wii U version of Super Mario 3D Land with one new power-up. A bit of a disappointment!

The Nintendo 3DS also surprisingly had a strong showing. The next installment in the handheld Zelda series has been given a name -- The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Two Worlds. A little long but it works!

Come on, we all wanted a full 3D Wii U Pokemon. This guy most of all.

Today proved the first party titles are coming, even if there weren't a few that I personally have been hoping for. Long have I prayed for Majora's Mask 3D, but was given Wind Waker HD. While I'm still excited to relive that game in glorious HD, I can't help but feel like that wasn't the game people were asking for. Just look at Operation Moonfall. But at the same time, we're getting three Zelda games soon, so that is pretty badass. I also feel like the Wii U's potential for a full Pokemon game is not yet realized either. That tablet controller is begging to battle Pokemon in HD. And Joe Sorbera would've liked a Star Fox installment! COME ON, BIG N.

What else is in store for today? I'm going to be making some rounds to cover any games not mentioned in the big press conferences, and bring you all the new news that might've fallen between the cracks, as well as a thorough look at the PS4/Xbox One battle! Check back soon!