E3 2013 Wrap-Up: Nintendo
On June 11th, Nintendo held the Nintendo Direct to showcase what they had in store for us all at E3 2013 and the future of the Nintendo franchise. Though it was short, it was a strong showing. Since they were ahead of the pack and already had released their next generation console, they were able to focus on what was most important: keeping the systems alive with great games to play them on.
They started out of the gate showing Pokemon X & Y. The new setting of the game is called the Kalos region, and so far the landscape is far more advanced than any previous version. We got to see our three starter type Pokemon: the grass type Chespin, the Fire Type Fennekin, and the Water Type Froakie along with some new ones. And for the first time since generation 2, we have a new Pokemon type. Fairy Type Pokemon was revealed, including some old Pokemon that were now Fairy type Pokemon including Jigglypuff, Gardevoir, and Marill, the mysterious Slyveon was confirmed to be a fairy type Pokemon after months of speculation. It was also revealed that Fairy type Pokemon were Super Effective on Dragon Type Pokemon. Also another new feature Pokemon-Amie was revealed this feature will allow you to get closer with your Pokemon. Finally, the release date for the two games will be October 12th.
Next on the agenda was a new game for the 3Ds, Super Mario World 3D. It adds anew to the gameplay style since the previous title Super Mario Land 3D, along with the new catsuit, which allows you to scale walls, and gives you a new attack, the aerial pounce move. There is also 4 player action, with the addition of Toad, Peach, and Luigi as playable characters, and the game will be released sometime in December.
Mario Kart 8 was announced for the Wii U. With a new anti-gravity feature implemented with the game along with the features of Mario Kart 7, and Wii. With a slew of multiplayer modes to play with friends in front of the TV, or online multiplayer, it has the potential to be the complete package, but you will be able to try it out for yourself Spring 2014.
Wii Party U is the sequel to Wii Party, and will offer a bunch of new game types that will utilize the Wii U gamepad for some unique gameplay opportunities, it is coming soon in October, along with Wii Fit U that will have new features in December.
Moving on to social aspects, the drawing feature that is found on the Wii U has been utilized in a way Nintendo had no idea it would, and they plan to update the program to be more fun and engaging to all users, The Art Academy.
The third party support for Nintendo has been stronger than ever, and they promise more third party titles in the future. Titles such as Batman: Arkham Origins, Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag, Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate, Deus Ex: Human Revolution, Disney Infinity, Just Dance 2014, Rayman Legends, Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure, Disney’s Planes, Shin Megami Tensei IV, Skylanders SWAP Force, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Sonic Lost World, and Watch_Dogs along with a bunch of games coming to Nintendo E-Shop very soon.
Next, Nintendo dived in to show off. The Legend Of Zelda: Wind Waker HD will be released in October with a new social feature that will allow you to connect with other people in the Mii Verse. It is good to see the stunning Wind Waker’s unique art style displayed in beautiful HD Graphics.
The wonderful 101 a name game from Platinum Games is a unique action game that has you controlling a group of superheros, and by utilizing the Wii U gamepad, you will form weapons using this mechanic. I am looking forward to seeing more of this mechanic, and the game will be releasing September 15th.
Next they announced Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze. Graphics have been improved from the previous titles. They showcased the gameplay, along with new features of this game such as dynamic screen transitions, allowing multiple angles to be shown through each level, something that is a first for the series. Also co-op is present as the second player will be able to control Diddy Kong, and Dixie Kong is also once again playable, and the two play completely different from one another. The game looks very promising, and it releases November 2013.
After that, they showed a game I was personally waiting for, Bayonetta 2. I was saddened to hear it would be a Wii U exclusive, because the game looks better than ever. With new enemies, new hair magic, and new animations, Bayonetta herself has received a completely new look, sporting a new shorter haircut, new costume, and brand new blue guns to help sport her new motif. I am eager to get my hands on this game, because Bayonetta was one of my favorite games of 2010. 2014 can’t get here soon enough, a lot of fans have been awaiting the highly anticipated sequel.
Next up was Monolith soft “X”. People will recognize the studio as the minds who created the Xenoblade, gameplay was shown, and it is an open world game, as well as having mech suits in the game, and will be launching in 2014.
Finally they revealed what we have been waiting for a while to see. The Super Smash Bros trailer was finally shown. They started off by showing the 3Ds port of the game, with a few stages shown, and the visually stunning graphics. I was very pleased to see some familiar faces return with new updated looks, and updated moves. Confirmed in the trailer was Mario, Kirby, Link, Samus, Bowser, Donkey Kong, Pikachu, Pit, and Star Fox. And on top of that, newcomer The Villager from Animal Crossing was announced. Staying true to his nature in his own game, he has a unique fighting style, using items of his own, along with items/moves he “borrows” from his opposition. They then showed Super Smash Bros for the Wii U, and Super Smash Bros for the 3Ds would be coming out in 2014.
But that was not the end. New Challenger Approaching! The Blue Bomber himself, Megaman, was confirmed to be in the game. After many years (and rumors of him arose back when Super Smash Bros Brawl was announced,) Megaman finally finds himself in a Super Smash Bros game. He stays true to his own games in his movements and fighting style. Even when he takes a hit it is reminiscent to what he looks like in his own games, and when he dies, he dies in Megaman form.Next they showed how he fights, and it is by using the special moves of Bosses he fights in his own games, such a nice touch, and even Rush makes an appearance as one of his moves. Later on in the day Wii Fit Trainer was confirmed for the game, and uses her fitness expertise to beat down the opposition. Super Smash Bros will be Nintendo’s main game for the Wii U, it was promised when they first showed the Wii U for the first time to the public, and they did not disappoint.
Nintendo just had to show a few games, and they went above and beyond what I was expecting. All the titles shown looked amazing, and with Super Smash Bros finally shown, I can rest easy. I loved that Nintendo kept their word, and shown games that will capture all gamers, not just the casual gamers that the Wii brought in.
Nintendo, keep up the amazing work, and I look forward to seeing what you have in store for the future.
