So, we’ve had another Nintendo Direct. A nice variety of titles on display here.
Things kicked off with Super Mario 3D World. A trailer showed some old and new power-ups. The Boomerang Suit from Super Mario 3D Land returns, and there is the Cat Suit we already knew about as well. A cherry power-up creates multiple clones of your character. There are also blocks that act as a cannon, one that gives out a stream of coins and a Goomba suit type thing.
Super Mario 3D World can be played by up to four players, and also includes a solid single-player adventure. It is due to be released on the Wii U on November 29th.
In addition, Mario and Luigi Wii Remote Pluses will be available on November 8th.
Next was Wii Party U, which uses both the Wii U GamePad and Wii Remotes for the games.
There is a mode called House Party which features different games that revolve around using the GamePad and Wii Remotes together.
There will be both traditional board games and mini games available on Wii Party U which is due to be released on October 25th.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze has unfortunately been delayed until 2014, but that just means that the game will much better when it is eventually released.
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games information followed on after that. Four events can be played online against other players around the world. Games can be played with friends, or through random match-ups.
In addition, players can earn points for their home country. This will encourage competition between the countries as people strive to earn the most points.
Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games is due to be released on November 8th.
With the announcement of the previous game, a new character was revealed for Super Smash Bros.: Sonic the Hedgehog. He returns as a veteran of Brawl, which many people had predicted after learning of Nintendo and Sega’s partnership.
Going back to a game that has been out for a while, Pikmin 3 will be receiving new DLC in the form of Mission Mode stages. A treasure collection pack is available now for £1.79, with more to follow. Also, a free add-on mission stage is also available, but only after updating the Pikmin 3 software.
Next was The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. The usual conventions of Zelda have been cast aside, allowing players to complete the dungeons in any order.
This is done through the help of Ravio’s shop, where you can rent and eventually purchase items.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds is due out on November 22nd.
Kirby will return in a side-scrolling platformer game for the 3DS, due out some time in 2014.
Moving onto the European part of the Nintendo Direct, Satoru Shibata took over to talk about a few more games.
First was Wii Karaoke U. An initial one hour trial will be available for free when it is released. To play after that, tickets can be purchased that allow play for 1 hour, 24 hours or 30 days.
Wii Karaoke U is due out on October 4th.
We were then shown a trailer of Sonic: Lost World which went over some gameplay elements. This game is due for release on both the Wii U and 3DS on October 18th.
After what seems like an eternity, Europe finally has a release date for Scribblenauts Unlimited. That date is December 6th.
Next was information on Phoenix Wright Ace Attorny: Dual Destinies. We were shown a trailer which featured Phoenix, Apollo Justice and the new character Athena Sykes.
This game will only be available on the 3DS eShop from October 24th. A demo is currently available for download right now.
Finally, we were given more information on Bravely Default, which seems to have completely dropped any form of subtitle. There will be regular videos about the game being released.
If your pre-order Bravely Default from a selected retailer, you will also get your hands on an artbook. A collector’s edition will also be made available.
Bravely Default is due for release on December 6th.
So, that was it then. Once again, some games interested me more than others. Super Mario 3D World is looking good, and Sonic’s return to Super Smash Bros. is all right.
New stuff for Pikmin 3 was something that the fans seemed to be eager for, so I imagine that news will be well-received.
Highlights for me would be The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, the new Kirby game, Phoenix Wright and Bravely Default.
With the announcements of those games, the London MCM Comic Con and Christmas coming up, I’m think I’m going to be somewhat poor for a while…
Rory Muses 