by Branden Barrett

Created on: June 28, 2010

So the Nintendo Conference has come and gone for 2010, but what has been left behind has surely been memorable.  Compared to the travesty that was the Microsoft Conference, Nintendo truly gave out the goods, delighting both hardcore and casual gamers everywhere.  Whether it was Wii Party, the new Mario Sports title, or another helping of Metroid: Other M, Nintendo has shown that their versatility knows no bounds.  Below are the games that I felt made the biggest impact for Nintendo at the show (aside from Zelda), and will be some of the top contenders for "Game of the Year."

First on the list is the remake of Goldeneye 007.  Now who didn’t want to see this?  It has been nearly 13 years since the original came out on the Nintendo 64 and gamers everywhere were wondering when this game would show up on the XBLA or Virtual Console.  Well, we didn’t quite that, but it is surely the next best thing.  The new Goldeneye looks to have the same old great gun-shooting game-play, but with a few clever additions added.  Particular characters within the multi-player will be able to use certain special abilities alongside the usual gun-play.  Also, the graphics have been updated to Wii standards, which should definitely make the game easier on the eyes (love Goldeneye but the original is looking dated these days).  Not a whole lot has really been divulged about this one, but everyone is sure to keep an eye on it.

Epic Mickey is definitely one that took me by surprise.  When I saw the original screenshots from IGN a few months ago, I clicked the page away in disgust.  Why?  Well it just looked like your average, every-day shovel-ware adventure game.  Thankfully, the art direction has changed quite a bit since then and I must say I was impressed.  Mixing in 2D and 3D elements similar to what games like Super Paper Mario have done in the past, Epic Mickey seems to be a clever cohesion of platforming and adventure elements.  Oh and the game-play trailer with Mickey in a 1930’s style cartoon frame was absolute genius.  Who’s up for Disney Land?

Third on the list is Kirby's Epic Yarn.  What is it with people and the word “epic” these days?  I must be behind on the times.  Nevertheless, Kirby has taken a different direction this time around in Epic Yarn, with the art theme being, you

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