Since Wii U Daily is dedicated solely to the Wii U, I wanted to separate the posts where I detail the Wii U information given and the 3DS information that was given for us. If you’re not interested in 3DS news, then this post has no new information for you. However, if you’re keen to know what was announced for Nintendo’s handheld, then please, read on.
Iwata started the presentation by revealing that he would be releasing more details on the Year of Luigi that was decided earlier in February. The first game he discussed was Mario & Luigi: Dream Team. More information was given about the story and gameplay mechanics, including:
- Mario must go between the dream world and the real world by using Luigi’s dreams
- Princess Peach is kidnapped into the dream world
- More co-op actions between battles and Mario must control many different Luigis
- Game will be available August 11
The second game discussed was Mario Golf World Tour, which Iwata revealed would have a robust online experience. Those features include:
- Play competitive multi-player against players across the globe
- Upload your scores to a global leaderboard for large scale tournaments
- Set special conditions for joining matches
- The game also includes local multi-player
- Game will be released Summer 2013
The third game Iwata talked about was the new Mario Party, which features an all new direction not seen in previous Mario Party games. New features for this game include:
- Seven gamebooards with their own set of rules
- Gameplay changes between the different boards so it feels like seven different games
- 81 new mini-games
- Game will be available this winter
More information was also given about Donkey Kong Country Returns 3D, including the announcement of a new mode developed entirely for the 3DS. This new mode is designed for gamers who only play in quick sessions at a time and features new power-ups that can assist you in getting through the levels. Iwata also mentioned that this new mode is recommended for players new to the series. While the new mode has many power-ups in assisting the player, for players who enjoyed the original difficulty of the Wii verison, you’ll be able to play that as well. The new mode features include:
- Adjusted difficulty balance for shorter play sessions
- Increased the number of times you can get hit by an enemy
- Portable DK barrel lets you summon Diddy
- Green Balloon power up rescues you from falling once
- Crash guard protects you from crashing in mine carts and rockets up to two times
- Additionally, 8 new levels become available after you beat the main game in either mode
- Local multi-player is support
- Game will be available May 24th
Iwata also unveiled Yoshi’s Island 3DS by showing off some gameplay, but no title was given and no release date was announced. From there, he moved on to Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis on the Move, showing off gameplay from that series. New features include:
- Place different tiles on the flat map to guide minis to the goal
- Limited number of tiles to complete the puzzle
- Guide up to two characters at the same time
- Navigate the minis through extra large puzzles
- 180 different stages across 4 different modes
- Upload and download original stages created by yourself or other players
- 4 unique mini-games
- Game will be available on May 9th exclusively from the 3DS eShop
The Animal Crossing: New Leaf 3DS XL bundle that we saw unveiled in the UK a few days ago has been officially announced for the US as well. It will start at $219.99 and will come with a pre-installed copy of Animal Crossing: New Leaf.
As for the 3DS eShop, several new titles have been announced, including Capcom’s contribution to the Zelda series, Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons. Those games will be introduced with their crossplay that they originally contained, meaning you can experience them as they were originally meant to be experienced. Other new releases include several Japanese titles that will make their way to the US eShop, including Bravely Default, Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy, and three of Level-5’s games called the Guild Series in Japan.
Shin Megami Tensei 4 was announced for release on July 16th and each bundle will include a soundtrack CD as well as strategy and art book for this massive RPG.
Perhaps the biggest news of the Nintendo Direct 3DS is that Nintendo is working on a new Legend of Zelda 3DS title, set in the same world as A Link to the Past. This game features an all new original story-line as well as new dungeons to explore. A new gameplay mechanic is that Link can become a drawing on the wall to access new areas. To experience the new gameplay right now, you can download a 3D video from the 3DS eShop. The game will be available this holiday season.
