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Editorials   E3 2004: Nintendo Press Conference Impressions
- By Travis Coats [Editor In Chief]

This is my fourth E3, and as such, the fourth time I have had the honor of attending the Nintendo press event. Let me just say that this one was nearly my favorite. Truthfully, the first one I attended in 2001 was superior only due to the launch of the GameCube and the hype that surrounded it. With that said it certainly is hard to top a room full of grown men crying. What the hell am I talking about?

Zelda.

The Nintendo DS was amazing. The new GameCube software was breathtaking. The Game Boy Advance titles were impressive... and yet despite all of the amazing products shown, the only thing that sticks in my mind is the 30 second trailer showing the new "mature" Zelda. At the end of the show after Nintendo had thanked us for coming, (and most in the room were muttering positive things about the future of Nintendo), they casually told us of one more thing they wanted to show. The room darkened, and the Conan-esque music from the Ocarina of Time promos started. At this point some of us had figured out that this was a new Zelda, but of course only expecting the (fabulous) cel-shading of the previous game. Much to our surprise, the screen showed something far different. An Ocarina of Time version of Link only rendered by the awesome power of the GameCube. Of course this was completely unexpected, and the noise in the room went from a small murmur, to a deafening roar. During this time, I said a few choice words that would make a sailor blush... and then promptly burst into tears. Feeling like a complete moron for my outburst, I looked around to gauge the reaction of my fellow journalists. Thankfully I wasn't the only one who had been emotionally moved by the spectacle, as others were openly weeping at the sight.

After the trailer was over, the general feeling in the room was overwhelmingly positive. This year it seems that Nintendo is on the right track. Where once people were leaving unimpressed, or upset, this year the audience exited the building with smiles on their faces and songs in their heart. Well, ok... no one was actually singing, but there were quite a few people that looked like they were about to.

Upon leaving the building I was discussing the conference with a friend and happened to say that it was "The best show they had put on since launch." Someone had overheard me, and smiled as she walked by. Later I recognized her as Mrs. Perrin Kaplan, who is an executive with Nintendo. I am glad that a higher up in the company heard that their plan for the next year is a good one. It seemed to please the media covering the event, and it most certainly pleased me.

Now bring on Zelda.




While my impressions are nothing more than me babbling onto a monitor, the conference really was quite impressive. However, don't take my word for it. Check out the entire thing on the DVD for sale on ate3.com. It is something you have to see to believe.