1. Nintendo’s 2013 Game Release Announcements

    On April 17, 2013, Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) shared information on several upcoming game releases. Nintendo appears to have a power-packed lineup for this year. This post briefly organizes the announcements and provides my initial reactions. The official announcement can be found in this 30+ minute Nintendo Direct video.

    April 21: LEGO City Undercover: The Chase Begins (3DS)

    It looks like it has potential and has been called LEGO GTA, but I probably won’t make time for it.

    May 9: Mario & Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move (eShop)

    This Donkey Kong series tends to have a great puzzles, but I’m not a fan of the download-only purchase option.

    May 24: Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D (eShop)

    On the other hand, I’ve never found this Donkey Kong series to be anything but extreme hype that delivers dissatisfying gameplay.

    June 9: Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS) and 3DS XL Console Bundle

    I never got around to playing Animal Crossing, but every new release in the series looks tempting. Alas, I probably won’t make time for the frequent, extended commitment it requires.

    June 23: Game & Wario (Wii U)

    I’m excited about this game. To me, the primary benefit of the Wii U is that it gets people playing together in casual fun. The Wario Ware series is all about fast fun and a silly, funny spirit. Thus, this game is likely a deliver a perfect experience for the Wii U.

    July 16: Shin Megami Tensei 4 (3DS)

    I’ll be honest here - I have no clue what this game is about other than it is likely a Japanese RPG that is being ported for a US release. Nintendo announced that the initial shipment (presumably preorders) will include perks like a soundtrack, art book, and strategy guide.

    Summer: Mario Golf World Tour (3DS)

    From baseball to tennis to racing, Mario’s sports games are a favorite of mine. Nearly a year after Mario Tennis, I’m looking forward to this installment of golf for the 3DS.

    Summer: New Super Luigi U (Wii U)

    Sadly, while I own and enjoy New Super Mario Bros. U, I’m far from finishing the game. Perhaps the classic Mario platform style has worn on me. I seem only able to pick the game up for brief spurts from time to time. Once I finish the original game, I might look into this Luigi expansion.

    August 4: Pikmin 3 (Wii U)

    I never played the preceding Pikmin games, but I did get a taste of the series thanks to Nintendo Land. I’m intrigued by the possibility of diving into a full Pikmin game, but amidst so many strong titles, I’ll remain undecided on this one.

    August 11: Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (3DS)

    In general, Mario games tend to be good. However, I’m still a little unclear on what this game is, even after seeing the videos. Since it’s called Dream Team, I’m assuming there will be guest appearances from Bowser, Peach, and Chris Mullin.

    Winter: Mario Party (3DS)

    I generally like this series and declare Mario Party 2 as far and away the best. However, there came a point (around Mario Party 5) that I realized Nintendo is going to release 1-3 of these games per year and I just can’t keep up.

    Holiday: A new game set in the world of Zelda: A Link to the Past (3DS)

    Just about any Zelda is a winner, although I’m more fond of the early NES/SNES/GB releases than the recent ones. If this is indeed an original game based on LTTP, then I’m going to be very excited for it. If it’s just a remake in 3D, then it will still be nice.

    Other Announcements

    • Now: Wii U Spring System Update (Direct Wii mode access on startup, Download/install while system is off, background updates, Virtual Console, Panorama View)
    • Unknown: Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Seasons (eShop)
    • Unknown: Yoshi’s Island (3DS)
    • Unknown: LEVEL-5 eShop games (The Starship Damrey, Attack of the Friday Monsters: A Tokyo Tale, Bugs vs. Tanks)
    • Unknown: EarthBound (Virtual Console)
    • 2014: Bravely Default: Flying Fairy (3DS)
    • 2014: Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy (3DS)

    This is quite a list of releases for Nintendo this year. Personally, I am most looking forward to Game & Wario, Mario Golf, and the revised Zelda: LTTP.

    2. by John M. Quick | April 17, 2013
    Tags:

High-Technically Correct ©John M. Quick