Today, Nintendo held a E3 based Nintendo Direct to showcase everything that had brought to E3. It was full of information, a few new titles, the Smash Brothers debut, and very frustrating times as my stream kept on skipping and just not cooperating. If you missed the show, don’t worry as I have you covered in this Wrap-up, and yes, it was mostly Wii U based.
Pokemon X and Y started things off by showing off a few snippets of game-play. A few short seconds later, it was confirmed that there was indeed an 18th type making it’s debut, fairy. We then learned that Sylveon would be a Fairy Pokemon, as well as other Pokemon such as Jigglypuff and Marill. Fairy type Pokemon are super effective against dragon types, but we do not know what they are weak against at this time. There is also an interesting new feature, called “Pokemon-Amie”. This allows you to pet, feed, or play with your Pokemon to improve your connection with it. Something else I found interesting was the use of “Amie”. With rumors saying that the new region is based around Europe, and “Amie” being French, this could be a sign. During the trailer, we were also introduced to two new Pokemon, although not formally. One is named Vivillon which by appearance, I would suspect that it is a Bug/Poison type. The other Pokemon was named Noiwern, whom’s appearance seemed prehistoric . Perhaps this is a Pokemon that you obtain from a fossil? I would assume that it’s typing would be Rock/Flying, much like Aerodactyl of Generation 1. Without any information, it would seem that we just have to wait as Pokemon X and Y are scheduled for release October 12th 2013.
If you recall from my speculation piece, I made mention to a secret Mario game that was in development. Today, the cat (remember this, I’m making a pun) was let out of the bag as Super Mario 3D World was revealed. It uses a very similar style to the 3DS title, Super Mario 3D, and will also include 4 playable characters who are as follows;
- Mario
- Luigi
- Peach
- Toad
Each character will have their own abilities and personality; for those who remember Mario Brothers 2, this mechanic will be familiar. The most interesting thing here is that each is a playable character, so it begs the question, who are you saving in this game? Another new feature is a new costume type, a cat (Remember my earlier statement? Yup, this makes the pun). This turns Mario into a feline, allowing him to quickly climb walls and flag posts, as well as scratch at enemies with his claws. Gamers will not have to wait long as Super Mario 3D World is scheduled for a December 2013 release.
Mario Kart 8 was also shown, for the Wii U, marking this franchises return to a home console. An interesting mechanic that was used is anti-gravity courses, which allow you to drive up and down, as well as side to side. Both motorcycles and hovercrafts are also making a return to the series and Mario Kart 8 will also be home to some of the best online multi-player yet. The game will launch Spring of 2014.
After a slew of first party titles, it was time to let the third party titles shine, and they were;
- Assassin’s Creed 4 – Wii U – October 31st 2013
- Batman: Arkham Origins – Wii U – October 25th 2013
- Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate – 3DS – October 25th 2013
- Deus Ex: Human Revolution Director’s Cut – Wii U – 2013
- Disney Infinity – Wii U – August 2013
- Just Dance 2014 – Wii U – October 1st 2013
- Rayman Legends – Wii U – August 29th 2013
- Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure – Wii U/3DS – TBA
- Disney Planes – Wii U – Between August and November of 2013
- Shin Megami Tensei 4 – 3DS – TBA (Although several places have given it a summer release)
- Skylanders: Swap Force – Wii U/3DS – October 18th 2013
- Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist – Wii U – August 22nd 2013
- Sonic: Lost World – Wii U/3DS – TBA
- Watch Dogs – Wii U – November 21st 2013
The most interesting releases on that list at Watch Dogs, which releases later then the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 counterparts. What this leads me to suspect is that with Xbox One confirmed for November, that we can expect Playstation 4 in November as well, sometimes before, or right on November 21st. Also, Rayman Origins is said to have a September 3rd release, yet Nintendo have shown an August 29th release for the Wii U iteration. Perhaps Wii U will still get it as an exclusive, even if it only lasts for 5 days.
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD remake was also on display. The game has had some adjustments done to it, to improve the overall tempo. Also, in the original Wind Waker, players obtained an item called The Tingle Tuner, which allowed your GameCube to communicate with your Gameboy Advance. Since Wii U can’t connect to the Gameboy Advance, the item as been changed to The Tingle Bottle, which allows you send messages through MiiVerse that will appear in-game as a message in a bottle. The HD remake of The Wind Waker is set for an October release.
The Wonderful 101, a game by Platinum Games, was showcased and my first intial thought was Pikmin. The heroes that accompany you, or you collect, bunch together and travel in a Pikmin-esque manner. The heroes also have a unique ability, enabling you to unite and form some sort of weapon. The Wii U Game Pad can be used to stretch the weapon out, or shorten it, respectively making it stronger or weaker. The game is set for an August 23rd 2013 release in Europe, with no date for North America though Iwata promises more information to come. Another Platinum Games project was shown as Bayonetta 2 got a shiny new trailer. Nintendo also decided to spoil us with game-play footage and in the opinion of this writer, I would say Bayonetta 2 is a console seller. It is set for release sometime in 2014.
With the recent release of Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, it seems that Nintendo are bringing back the franchise and unveiled for the first time, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze. Not only will Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong be playable in this game, but Dixie Kong will also be available. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is set to release sometime towards the end of this year, exclusively for Wii U.
A mysterious trailer followed, as we saw Monolithsoft appear on screen. It is suspected that this title is the sequel to arguably one of the best games for Wii, although it is not confirmed. What is however is that you will be able to ride around in mech suits!
Nintendo saved the best for last as finally, they revealed a trailer for Super Smash Brothers for both Wii U and 3DS. The regular suspects are present for this installment;
- Bowser
- Link
- Kirby
- Mario
- Donkey Kong
- Star Fox
- Samus Aran
- Pikachu
- Kid Icarus
Apart from these characters, two new characters for the Smash Brothers franchise were revealed in the forms The Villager from Animal Crossing, as well The Blue Bomber, Mega Man. One of Mega Man’s abilities seems to be using his canine companion Rush, and use the powers of several robots he defeated.
Smash Borthers is scheduled to be released sometime in 2014.
That wraps up the Nintendo Direct, and I have to say, it was quite an action packed show, despite not being an hour long. This marks the end of the conferences and now, E3 truly begins. Also remember, participating Best Buys will have access to several Wii U games, that will be exhibited in E3, so that you can play, even though you aren’t in LA.
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