Nintendo Directs for 2014

Nintendo has been on the upswing in terms of great games, Super Mario 3D World and Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, not to mention a price drop on the Wii U which comes in extraordinary bundles. Next year looks to be a promising year for Nintendo as they attempt to keep the ball rolling with classic titles such as Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart. Though that list seems slim in comparison to the long list of titles slated for 2014, until yesterday’s Nintendo Direct happened.

Nintendo did not hold back when displaying their new content and showing everyone they plan to be more aggressive next year. While I could write on about every title that got announced, instead I’ll focus in on four new main features that will help Nintendo flex their muscles to the competition in 2014.

Hyrule Warriors

This title plans to be a crossover of Dynasty Warriors and Zelda, and what looks to be Zelda centric game with Dynasty Warrior gameplay. Nintendo released a trailer along with the announcement of the title, and even though there has been negativity floating around about the graphics, this game seriously looks impressive. The enemies don’t seem to have changed, other than the giants Link faces in the trailer, which are promising in regards to this title still being the Zelda brand. It even has Link at the end reaching into a chest just like any other Zelda game, so the possibility of trekking through dungeons is strong.

The combat looks to be a fresh take on our classic hero by how they have reinvented various moves that could only occur with certain items and integrated that into the combat for a more flowing action. Also keep in mind that Nintendo has stated that this is not the new Zelda game for the Wii U, just a spinoff of these two titles. Hyrule Warriors is not set in stone to be the official name either, but it seems good enough to get me excited, so why not?

Yoshi’s New Island  

Yoshi’s Island has always been one of my favorite franchises since I spent hours growing up with it on the Super Nintendo. With this new Yoshi adventure for the Nintendo 3DS, it seems headed down memory lane by how the trailer introduced the classic gameplay and art that stole our hearts in the original. It will be interesting to see how they plan to keep this classical charm to Yoshi’s New Island while still incorporating the new motion controls for the 3DS. While no word has been spoken about the release of Yoshi’s Epic Yarn, it is still exciting to have a confirmed Yoshi game set in stone, even if it is just for the Nintendo 3DS.

NES Remix

This Nintendo eShop game has the same structure of gameplay as we’ve come to love in Wario-Ware, just this time the mini games will be classic NES titles. Sixteen titles are announced to be premiered in NES Remix like Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, and even ExciteBike to name a few. Just as in Wario-Ware, you are placed in a certain level with an objective while being timed. I’m not sure how these transitions will be between the different levels, but either way the concept of redesigning these classics into a mini game challenges is the best way to bring back the older fans while still making these titles appealing to a younger audience.

Sonic Lost World DLC

I know I’m really sticking my neck out on this one, but to see Nintendo integrate Sonic in with other famous franchises is new take for the Blue Burr. In this DLC for Sonic Lost World, you’ll be racing through a Yoshi’s Island themed levels. Not only will the levels be designed similar to Yoshi’s Island, but you’ll be seeing Shy Guys, green pipes, and coins throughout the levels. What makes this DLC a no brainer is that it’s free! I mean, if the amazing crossover doesn’t sell it for you, I’m sure not spending a penny will. Also, this Yoshi themed DLC is only the first DLC of two to be released for Sonic Lost World. Many people have been speculating that it will be a Zelda theme for the next DLC by how they emphasized the importance of a Link in the upcoming DLC.

Honorable Mentions

It goes without saying that titles like Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Mario Kart along with Super Smash Bros. are games to get excited about with announcements like Kranky Kong and Rosalina from Super Mario Galaxy being added to their respective titles. Also, Nintendo Plans to have one last goodbye to Luigi’s anniversary with the eShop game Dr. Luigi.

There were plenty of announcements that give us a reason to be hopeful for Nintendo in the coming year that could easily turn this article into a book. For more upcoming details on these Nintendo titles and many others keep it locked to Irrational Passions.