Nintendo is loading 2012 with surprises for all kinds of gamers. Today Nintendo can confirm that the acclaimed role-playing game The Last Story will come to North America for the Wii console in 2012, published by XSEED Games.
Nintendo also can reveal that Xenoblade Chronicles will launch on April 6, complete with fan-chosen artwork that will be featured in the game's packaging.
"Together, these two games level up the excitement for RPG fans in America," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "Whether roaming the vast landscape of Xenoblade Chronicles or choosing crossbows to battle with or against companions in The Last Story, gamers will recognize these titles as benchmarks for the genre."
Remember also that Rhythm Heaven Fever for Wii launched Feb. 13, while PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond launches Feb. 27 and Mario Party 9 launches March 11.
On the portable gaming side, a sporty new Mario game for the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system is on the way, and you don't need to be a pro athlete to jump into the action. Mario Tennis Open, which launches May 20, offers immersive tennis action featuring everyone's favorite characters from the Mushroom Kingdom in classic Mario style. With its intuitive game play, even novice tennis players can enjoy playing the game with friends and family. Mario Tennis Open also supports comprehensive online play, a first for the series. Players with a broadband Internet connection can play singles or doubles matches with friends near and far, or compete against single opponents of similar skill levels in Open Match mode. The game also supports leader boards and victory medals.
The parade of great games for Nintendo 3DS continues, particularly from third-party publishers. Games that launched during the past two weeks alone include Resident Evil Revelations from CAPCOM, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games published by SEGA, TEKKEN 3D Prime Edition from NAMCO BANDAI Games and METAL GEAR SOLID Snake Eater 3D from Konami Digital Entertainment.
On March 23, Kid Icarus: Uprising joins the Nintendo 3DS party, complete with online multiplayer battles. The 3D horror of Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir ominously follows on Friday the 13th of April.
Lately the Nintendo eShop also has been on a roll, and today Nintendo unleashes Dillon's Rolling Western. Players take on the role of an armadillo ranger named Dillon who must defend Old West villages against mysterious rock-like enemies using strategy and his own unique fighting skills. This original action tower defense game is available for $9.99. Nintendo 3DS owners can find many exciting games in the Nintendo eShop, including the critically acclaimed Pushmo, the stylish swordplay of Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword and Mutant Mudds, a classic 2D platformer with a 3D twist.
