Nintendo’s video games have always had an element that can put great big smiles on people’s faces: it’s that special Nintendo magic. It’s that certain undefinable something that makes people’s eyes light up, whether they’ve been playing for decades or they’re picking up a game for the first time. At this week’s E3 video game trade show in Los Angeles, Nintendo is showcasing the invention and reinvention of video game experiences – from unique new ways to play to new takes on fan favourite games and franchises.
Interactive figures called “amiibo”, scheduled to arrive this year, can be used with multiple Nintendo games, bringing a touch of Nintendo’s magic to the toys-to-life category. With the addition of amiibo to a solid lineup of games on the way, there has never been a better time to own a Wii U or Nintendo 3DS system.
New Ways to Play: The toys-to-life category as a whole is extremely strong on Nintendo platforms, and Nintendo’s approach with amiibo adds another dimension to the category. Not only can amiibo interact with a particular game, but a single amiibo will continue to entertain in surprising ways as they can be designed to be compatible across multiple games. Additionally, the Wii U GamePad controller shines in a slate of unique interactive games from Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto.
amiibo: Figures of Nintendo characters can interact with multiple future Wii U and Nintendo 3DS games in unique new ways, providing fresh game-play experiences and a great value for consumers with compatibility across multiple games. Fans can buy and collect amiibo, to bring them closer to the games and characters they love. By the end of the year, Nintendo’s foray into the toys-to-life category will inject energy into the genre. Nintendo will launch amiibo with around 10 figures. More will be launched during the winter season and throughout 2015. Super Smash Bros. for Wii U will be the first game to support amiibo. Other games that will support amiibo include Mario Kart 8, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Mario Party 10 and Yoshi’s Woolly World, with more to come. A new NFC reader/writer being designed for Nintendo 3DS is scheduled to launch in 2015.
Games from Shigeru Miyamoto: Shigeru Miyamoto provides an early look at a slate of games he has in development that use the Wii U GamePad controller in different and interesting ways designed to unlock the full potential of the Wii U console.
Mario Maker (working title) offers up a Super Mario Bros. dream: the ability for players to use the Wii U GamePad to design levels from scratch. Place blocks and enemies anywhere and play through the level. With the tap of an icon, users can even switch the visual style between a classic 8-bit Super Mario Bros. look and the world of New Super Mario Bros. U in the E3 version. The game is scheduled for the first half of 2015.
Star Fox (working title) turns the Wii U GamePad into the view from the cockpit of Fox McCloud’s Arwing fighter. While the TV shows the perspective from behind the Arwing, players can also use the gyro sensors of the GamePad to intuitively and independently target enemies. Players can instantly switch between the Arwing and Landmaster tank with the press of a button, and the game also introduces a new helicopter-type vehicle. The game is scheduled for 2015.
Project Giant Robot lets players use the touch screen to build a giant robot. Once complete, the GamePad becomes a cockpit from which players control the robot as they try to knock opponents over. A unique combination of button and motion control adds leverage and momentum to their robotic punches. The game is scheduled for the first half of 2015.
In Project Guard the goal is to stop a robot invasion using a security system of 12 cameras as a last line of defence. Players mount a dozen security cameras around a perimeter before the invasion, and then monitor all 12 as the robot army invades. Cameras also can blast lasers, so players must look, search and shoot quickly if they want to survive the onslaught. The innovative use of the two-screen game play makes for a thrilling spectator experience, allowing anyone in the living room to join in on the fun as an additional set of eyes. The game is scheduled for 2015.
Nintendo GameCube controller for Super Smash Bros.: Many Super Smash Bros. fans grew up playing Super Smash Bros. Melee for the Nintendo GameCube system, and some will always prefer that system’s controller. The Nintendo GameCube controller also could be used in Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii. To honour that devoted loyalty to a classic way to play, Nintendo is introducing an adapter that lets up to four original Nintendo GameCube or WaveBird controllers work with Wii U. Nintendo is also launching a retro Super Smash Bros. Nintendo GameCube controller. Additionally, Nintendo is offering a special bundle that includes Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, one special Nintendo GameCube controller and one adapter. All of these items are scheduled to launch the same day as Super Smash Bros. for Wii U this winter.
New Game Play: When creating new ways to play, Nintendo has been known to come up with new IP that invents a new genre. Sometimes Nintendo brings its magic to an existing category and reinvents it the Nintendo way.
Splatoon: Splatoon is a four-on-four multiplayer action game that drops players into a battle arena that two teams strive to claim as their own. Players of each team spray ink on the ground around them while blotting out the opposing team members in turf war competitions. Each character can turn into a squid and swim through his or her own team’s ink – gliding up and down walls and under floors – with ease. Using intuitive controls made possible with the Wii U GamePad’s gyro sensor makes it easy to look around and aim, and the on-screen map displays the entire arena at a glance, both of which feel great and redefine multiplayer action. Splatoon is targeted to launch in the first half of 2015.
Fan-Favourite Characters and Franchises Come to Life in New Ways: Nintendo continues to reinvent the franchises that fans love and keep them fresh. Nintendo has exclusive characters and franchises that suit every taste.
The next instalment in The Legend of Zelda franchise: The newest game in the franchise, scheduled for 2015, introduces the first truly open world in a game from the series. Players can roam Hyrule Field or set off on a trek to distant mountains if they prefer. Players can get to any area they can see from virtually any direction. That’s one of the ways the game breaks with franchise norms and introduces new ways to play.
Super Smash Bros.: The famed fighting franchise appears for the first time in HD on Wii U this winter, and on a portable system for the first time on Nintendo 3DS on Oct. 3. New characters, items and arenas add a freshly reinvigorated look and feel. Amiibo will add a different dimension to game play as classic Nintendo characters interact wirelessly in the game.
Yoshi’s Woolly World: Yoshi looks like he has been knit from a ball of yarn and placed on the TV screen. This gorgeous HD Wii U game, planned for the first half of 2015, is filled with rich textiles like felt, yarn and cotton that look good enough to touch.
Kirby (working title): This Wii U Kirby adventure planned for 2015 is set in an HD, stop-motion clay-like world. Everything is made from clay and placed perfectly in a gorgeously sculpted landscape. Touch screen drawing mechanics with more variations in functions build on the controls of the fan-favourite Nintendo DS game Kirby: Power Paintbrush in this new game.
Hyrule Warriors: The game artfully merges the world of The Legend of Zelda and the style of Dynasty Warriors into one legendary hack-and-slash Wii U adventure. Players control hero Link or Princess Zelda, or might opt to play as Impa or Midna in their debut as playable characters. Familiar locations from The Legend of Zelda world subtly change to reflect the art styles of their original games. The game is scheduled to launch on Sept. 19.
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire: Get ready to embark on a new adventure through the Hoenn region. Players will catch, battle and trade Pokémon as they seek answers to the mystery behind Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre and their possible connection to Mega Evolutions. With new challenges to overcome and incredibly powerful Pokémon to encounter, these games are a true evolution in the Pokémon series.
Sonic Boom (SEGA): The Sonic Boom franchise comes exclusively to Nintendo platforms this November with Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric for Wii U and Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal for Nintendo 3DS. Both titles will feature the “blue blur” as you’ve never seen him before, as Sonic and his friends embark on two new adventures focused on action, exploration and teamwork.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (Capcom): Launching exclusively on Nintendo 3DS in early 2015, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate will be the newest instalment in the popular Monster Hunter series. Along with an expanded set of moves and two new weapon types, players will be able to join the hunt with friends over the Internet via Wi-Fi.
In addition to the games listed above, some of the other games for Nintendo platforms featured at E3 this week include:
Wii U
Bayonetta 2 (October 2014): Brimming with intricate battles that take place in, on and all over epic set pieces, Bayonetta 2 finds the sassy heroine battling angels and demons in unearthly beautiful HD. Maniacal magic, warped weapons and some serious attitude make up Bayonetta’s deadly arsenal. Best of all, the original Bayonetta game comes bundled with the retail packaged version of Bayonetta 2, complete with some Nintendo surprises and Nintendo cosplay options for Bayonetta.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong (working title) (2015): The charming Mario vs. Donkey Kong puzzle series makes its way to Wii U. This HD entry takes full advantage of the touch screen on the GamePad controller as players guide the Minis (including Mini Luigi) to safety. The game also features a near-limitless puzzle-creation mode that allows fans to share puzzles and leave comments on Miiverse.
Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker (Winter 2014): The fan-favourite Captain Toad levels from Super Mario 3D World have inspired a game of their own. The intrepid Captain Toad sets off on an adventure through a wide variety of clever, colourful and fun levels that require players to use the GamePad to change their perspective to guide him to coins, gems, stars and safety.
Mario Party 10 (2015): A Mario Party becomes a Bowser Party as the player with the GamePad becomes everyone’s fire-breathing nemesis. During “Bowser Party” mode, one player gets to be the fire-breathing Koopa King and wreak havoc during the mini-games while other players try to dodge his attacks. Players can also enjoy classic Mario Party style game play as well.
Art Academy (working title) (2014): Art Academy on Wii U is a robust application that makes it easy for anyone to learn the basics of drawing or get in-depth with more advanced lessons. The Wii U GamePad makes a great canvas to learn, create and share with the most in-depth, robust lessons the series has ever offered.
Xenoblade Chronicles X (2015): The next massive sci-fi role-playing game from Monolith Soft, the creators of Baten Kaitos and Xenoblade Chronicles, comes exclusively to Wii U. A terrible intergalactic war leaves just a handful of Earth survivors trying to live in a beautiful yet hostile environment.
Skylanders: Trap Team (Activision): With Skylanders Trap Team, Portal Masters seek out and defeat the most wanted villains in all of Skylands, pulling them out of the game and into living rooms by capturing them in magical Traps, truly bringing Toys-To-Life™ and life-to-toys. Players can then send villains back into the game where they play as the villains to fight for good. The Wii U version will be playable at the Nintendo booth. Skylanders: Trap Team will be available for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems on 10th October in Europe.
Just Dance 2015 (Ubisoft): Just Dance 2015 is the latest in the world’s No. 1 dance game franchise and will be available worldwide in October 2014. Fans can dance along to “Happy” by Pharrell Williams and “Summer” by Calvin Harris while using the fun interactive features like World Dance Floor, the online multiplayer feature and the new Community Remix feature that brings Just Dance fans into the actual game play.
Nintendo 3DS
Pokémon Art Academy (4th July 2014): In Pokémon Art Academy, players take on the role of a young aspiring artist who enrolls in the Pokémon Art Academy to learn how to draw Pokémon under the tutelage of Professor Andy. Through novice lessons the players are taught the basics of art, from simple shapes to colouring, and are introduced to various tools and techniques they will use to create art.
Fantasy Life (October 2014): Players embark on the adventure of their dreams as they craft, cast, battle and role-play. The innovative Life system lets players change to one of 12 Life classes at virtually any time to access different abilities. The huge fantasy landscape is filled with surly dark paladins, slick pirate captains and others who share a taste for the unknown.
THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL (Square Enix, Inc.): Combining hallmark FINAL FANTASY music with role-playing game (RPG) elements, the new THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL will come to Europe on 19th September, exclusively for Nintendo 3DS and 2DS systems.
Third-Party
Nintendo’s third-party partners are bringing fantastic and original creations to Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. Additionally, independent developers are also bringing strong digital-only content to the Nintendo eShop. A number of these indie titles will be showcased within the Nintendo Treehouse: Live @ E3 program throughout the course of the show. These titles include:
Affordable Space Adventures (KnapNok Games): The GamePad is your control panel in this exclusive 2D side-scrolling spaceship simulator that requires players to configure all the systems in order to fly around undetected on an alien planet.
Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition (DrinkBox Studios): The game is an action-platformer set in a magical Mexican-inspired world. The game features melee combat, a dimension-switching mechanic and cooperative same-screen multiplayer.
Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games): For Shovelry! Run, jump and dig in this lighthearted, classic adventure platformer. Shovel Knight will include exclusive Miiverse functionality for Wii U, and the Nintendo 3DS version will feature an exclusive Battle Arena mode utilising StreetPass.
Swords & Soldiers II (Ronimo Games BV): This Wii U exclusive side-scrolling strategy game, the sequel to the award-winning 2009 WiiWare game Swords & Soldiers, is set to launch this winter.
A selection of the games scheduled to release in 2014 for Nintendo systems include the following:
Publisher
Title
Release Date
Wii U
Activision
Skylanders: Trap Team
10th October
Activision
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark
27th June
BANDAI NAMCO Games Europe
One Piece Unlimited World Red
27th June
BANDAI NAMCO Games Europe
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2
October
Disney
Disney Infinity Play Without Limits 2.0
Autumn
Little Orbit
Falling Skies
Autumn
Little Orbit
How to Train Your Dragon 2
Summer
Sega
Sonic Boom: Rise of Lyric
November
Ubisoft
Just Dance 2015
October
Ubisoft
Watch Dogs
Autumn
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
Q4
Wii U eShop
Ackk Studios
Chromophore: The Two Brothers Director’s Cut
Q4
Arachnid Games
Ballpoint Universe
Summer
Atlus
Citizen of Earth
Autumn
BeautiFun Games
Nihilumbra
Summer
Breakfall
STARWHAL: Just the Tip
Q3
Curve Studios
Stealth Inc. 2
Q3
Curve Studios
Lone Survivor
Q4
Digital Lounge
Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition
Summer
Drinkbox
Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition
Summer
Frima Studios
Chariot
Autumn
Fuzzy Wuzzy Games
Armillo
Summer
Gamesbymo
A.N.N.E.
2014
Image & Form
SteamWorld Dig
Autumn
Knapnok
Affordable Space Adventures
Autumn
Neko Entertainment
Wooden Sen'Sey
Summer
Nicalis
1001 Spikes
Summer
Nicalis
90s Arcade Racer
Summer
Nnooo
Cubemen 2
Q3
Nyamyam
Tengami
Summer
Rain
Teslagrad
2014
Ronimo Games BV
Swords & Soldiers 2
Q4
Slightly Mad
Project CARS
Q4
Turtle Cream
6180 the Moon
Q3
Watermelon
Pier Solar HD
Q3
Yacht Club Games
Shovel Knight
July
Nintendo 3DS
Activision
Skylanders: Trap Team
10th October
Activision
Transformers: Rise of the Dark Spark
27th June
BANDAI NAMCO Games Europe
One Piece Unlimited World Red
27th June
BANDAI NAMCO Games Europe
Pac-Man and the Ghostly Adventures 2
October
BANDAI NAMCO Games Europe
Tenkai Knights Brace Battle
Autumn
BigBen Interactive
Hello Kitty Happy Family
26th September
BigBen Interactive
WRC Official Game of the 2014 World Rally Championship
October
Capcom
MONSTER HUNTER 4 ULTIMATE
2015
EA
EA SPORTS FIFA 15
September
Konami
Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Carnival
27th June
Little Orbit
How to Train Your Dragon 2
Summer
Little Orbit
Adventure Time: The Secret of the Nameless Kingdom
Autumn
Little Orbit
Planes: Fire & Rescue
Autumn
Little Orbit
Violetta: Rhythm & Music
Autumn
Little Orbit
Winx Club: Saving Alfea
Autumn
NISA
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
2014
Sega
Sonic Boom: Shattered Crystal
November
Square Enix
THEATRHYTHM FINAL FANTASY CURTAIN CALL
19th September
Ubisoft
Tetris Ultimate
Autumn
Ubisoft
Petz Beach
Autumn
Ubisoft
Petz Countryside
Autumn
Warner Bros
LEGO Ninjago: Nindroids
1st August
Warner Bros
LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham
Q4
Nintendo 3DS eShop
ATLUS
Citizens of Earth
Autumn
ATLUS
Shin Megami Tensei IV
Q3
Big John Games
Thorium Wars 3D
Summer
Capcom
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
Winter
Digital Lounge
Another World – 20th Anniversary Edition
Summer
Gaijin Games
Woah Dave!
Summer
Goodbye Galaxy Games
Tappingo 2
Summer
Hörberg Productions
Gunman Clive 2
Autumn
Mojo Bones
Siesta Fiesta
July
Nicalis
1001 Spikes
Summer
Nnooo
Blast 'em Bunnies
Q4
Renegade Kid
Treasurenauts
Q4
Renegade Kid
Moon Chronicles (ep. 1 & 2)
2014
WayForward Technologies
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse
Summer
Yacht Club Games
Shovel Knight
Summer
