Donkey Kong Country 4 - The First Level

I can't tell you how thrilled I am about Donkey Kong Country 4.  This is going to be Nintendo's next smash hit.  This video from the floor at E3 shows the first level, and reveals many new gameplay elements.  I'm glad to see that the Super NES Donkey Kong won't simply be repeated.  In fact, this new game looks much better, much deeper.  There's more of a Mario influence in discovering secrets, and there are some terrific surprises such as a pirate ship and a whale.

With this season's lineup, Nintendo is in a strong position to bring the hardcore gamers back into the fold.  NBA Jam, GoldenEye, Kirby, Epic Mickey, and Donkey Kong Country - the Wii has matured into the true successor to the Super Nintendo.   Speaking of which, this brings up an interesting idea....

Retro Studios has enormous street cred for their Metroid Prime Trilogy, and they have experience in 2D game design with Metroid Prime Pinball on the Nintendo DS.  Many classic gamers like me are hoping and praying that Retro will be given the green light to create a new 2D Super Metroid.  For the old school crowd, Sakamoto's Metroid: Other M is nothing less than an abomination.  The buzz from the show has been tepid at best; hostile at worst.  It's not going to be a hit.

If and when Other M fails at retail, Retro is perfectly positioned to benefit.  They have the experience with the series, and they have Donkey Kong Country on their belt.  So please, Nintendo, give Retro the Metroid series and return it to its proper place - glorious 2D.