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Nintendo Digital Event Review PLUS all trailers including Smash Bros and Zelda

June 11th, 2014 by Todd Black Comments

For the second year in a row, Nintendo chose to opt out of the traditional E3 Press Conference, and again chose to do a digital event. This time though, not only would there be a digital event, but a day long Treehouse Event showcasing games new and old, and a Smash Bros. Tournament to wrap it all up in. Needless to say, Nintendo had the opportunity to make a big splash, but would they?

Answer? Yes. Even if we didn’t get everything we wanted (which was largely dependent on what each individual fan wanted) Nintendo delivered on many things, answered many questions, and showed that they still know how to bring the games. Whether it’s familiar faces, new innovations, or something entirely new.

Ok, let’s start with the big announcements first shall we? Smash Bros.! Several announcements were made in regards to the next installments to the series. Some good, and some disappointing. In the good department, we saw a plethora of modes that will make an appearance in either one of or both of the games. Not all were named, but with Sakurai in charge, it’s a safe bet they’ll all be good.

In the disappointing department, the 3DS version of the game got delayed until October, whereas it was originally slated (via the most recent Nintendo Direct) to come out in the summer. Is this a huge blow? Maybe. But delays aren’t anything new to this series, and as Sakurai mentioned, they want to make sure this game is near perfect before launching, so let’s give them a pass shall we? Also, the Wii U version is still slated for Holiday 2014, which most likely means it’ll come out in December/January, with odds saying the later. Disappointing? Yes, especially in combination with the 3DS delay, but again, I’m sure it’ll be worth it.

And then, there were the character reveals. Done with typical Nintendo style. Mii Fighters were the first to appear, and these were honestly the true shock. Why? Because they aren’t typical Mii’s. You can pick from one of three styles: Swordsman, Fighter, and Gunner, and customize how they fight. Which is unprecedented for the series. Sakurai mentioned there were up to 36 styles that you could do for your Mii Fighters. Wow.

But of course, just like they started with a Smash Bros. reveal, they ended with one as well. After much rumor and speculation, Palutena is FINALLY confirmed for Brawl. How about that anime style movie huh? I think it was worth it for Pit vs. Link alone! Palutena seems to be a powerful fighter, with a variety of moves. It’ll be fun to see how she plays once we finally get our hands on the game.

Palutena Reveal Trailer!

So, Smash Bros. now out of the way, how about them Zelda games?

Nintendo showed off two Zelda games this year, including a big teaser for The Legend of Zelda Wii U. True, we still don’t know much, but the teaser (along with Aonuma) showed off a LOT of interesting info, including shape-shifting arrows, a very open world, and of course gorgeous graphics. No release date yet, but 2015 will be very epic for Nintendo that’s for sure!

Zelda Wii U Teaser

Now on to the Zelda game we WILL get this year! Hyrule Warriors. Nintendo spent some talking about this new game, and it’s quickly rising up my list. Many details were outline, not the least of which were the reveals of two new playable characters. We already knew about Link and Impa, but now, we also get Zelda herself. And….MIDNA!!!! Yep, the true Twilight Princess is back in all her glory!

The game promises to be a great blend of genres, mixing the characters and mythology of Zelda, with the action and adventure style of the Dynasty Warriors series. If the trailer is anything to go by, the action will be intense, as the screen literally will fill up with enemies for you to defeat. Don’t worry though, between fighting with friends, and the numerous abilities the four characters seem to learn, you’ll be in good hands. Oh yeah, and a familiar face may just make an appearance after all…

Hyrule Warriors Wii U Trailer

Hyrule Warriors will come out on September 26.

Sticking with games also coming out this year, Bayonetta 2 had a short burst during the event. Nothing entirely new was shown trailer wise, but it did have a big surprise at the end. Mainly, that the original Bayonetta game will come bundled with the sequel! Meaning any Nintendo fan who hasn’t played Bayonetta before, can catch up now! As one of those people, I’m very excited!

Also, Bayonetta herself will get some new outfits courtesy of her new home. The game shall come out this October.

Bayonetta 2 Trailer

Now on to some rapid fire reveals. Yoshi’s Yarn is still in development, now called Yoshi’s Wooly World. This game isn’t like Kirby’s Epic Yarn, it has more visual depth, and more for Yoshi to do. Co-op play is also in the game, and it’s clear that the developers wanted to make a Yoshi game to remember! Coming 2015.

Yoshi’s Wooly World Trailer

Speaking of Kirby, a big surprise was the reveal of a new Kirby title. Kirby and the Rainbow Curse! It looks to be unlike the recent Kirby’s Triple Deluxe, but no less fun. Also coming 2015

Kirby and The Rainbow Curse Reveal

Continuing with surprises came the reveal of Mario Maker. I could describe it to you, but I think the trailer can do better than I can.

Mario Maker Reveal

Still want surprises, easily the biggest “out of nowhere” game was a new IP called Splatoon. This only 4v4 game features some of the most interesting game mechanics this gamer has seen in a while. Big praise? Not really, how many other games let you transform into a squid and swim in paint? None? Didn’t think so.

Anyway, Splatoon has you and your friends face an enemy team of four in a territory war. How do you get territory? Simple, you spray everything you can with paint. At the end, the territory will be measured for coverage and the winner will be decided. As the developers noted, there are MANY ways to play this. Protect your home, go after enemies, grab as much territory as you can, play fast, play slow, play sneaky, it’s all up to you! The game is (wait for it) coming out in 2015, but I expect good things from this.

Splatoon Reveal Trailer

Remember Captain Toad from Super Mario 3D World? Well, he’s getting his own game! What more needs to be said?

Captain Toad Game Reveal!

I feel like I’m forgetting something…oh yeah! Remember “X”? Oh you do? GOOD! Cause we got a more in-depth look at the game, both via a trailer, and a major demo via the Treehouse Event, and this game looks gorgeous! Now titled Xenoblade Chronicles X, this game looks to be a possible contender for best Wii U game. Not bad for just being a trailer and a demo huh? Sadly, the game has been pushed back to 2015, but like in most Nintendo games, I think it’ll be worth it.

Xenoblade Chronicles X Trailer

One more thing before we go into more rapid fire announcements and wrap up. Nintendo unveiled Amiibos. Tiny figurines similar to Skylanders or Disney Infinity characters. Don’t be fooled though, these figurines aren’t your typical statues. They actually record data, and stats, and movesets. So if you and I had the same figurine, say Mario, and we played the same game and then saved the data, they would end up being different because we probably play the game different.

What does this mean for the future? Well, Amiibos will be playable with Smash Bros. for Wii U, Mario Kart 8, and more games to come. Don’t take my word for it though, check out this detailed video on what Amiibos are all about.

Amiibo Reveal

Now that actually wraps up the digital event itself. But Nintendo knows that E3 is the event to make a lot of announcements. So during the Treehouse Event, they made MORE announcements about the Wii U and 3DS and what’s to come. Here are the highlights:

-Star Fox on Wii U? HAPPENING!!!!

– Mario Party 10 on Wii U? HAPPENING!

– Devil’s Third is now a Wii U exclusive!

– Mario vs. Donkey Kong is also coming to Wii U.

– Miyamoto himself is working two different robot games, called Project Giant Robot, and Project Guard

All in all, Nintendo (in my opinion) had a strong event. True, a LOT of the games they revealed are coming out in 2015. But we did get Hyrule Warriors and now both Bayonettas. Not to mention Smash Bros. 3DS. Is that still a wait to get there? Yes. Yet it appears as though once this wait is over, we won’t have to wait long for hit, after hit, after hit, after hit.

And come on, you just know Nintendo hasn’t showed us everything yet.

One more thing! Robot Chicken style sequences? Epic! Iwata vs. Reggie? MEGA EPIC!

Long Live Nintendo!

BREAKING NEWS!!! WARNING! CHALLENGER APPROACHING!!!!

As if Mii Fighters, and Palutena isn’t enough for you. It’s being reported that during a roundtable event, Sakurai has revealed that….PAC-MAN IS IN SUPER SMASH BROS.!!!! No photos or video are being shown just yet, but when it is, we’ll post it!!!!

Scratch that! It’s HERE NOW!!!!

Pac-Man Is in Smash Bros!!!

Todd Black is reader of comics, a watch of TV (a LOT of TV), and a writer of many different mediums. He's written teleplays, fan-fictions, and currently writes a comic book called Guardians (guardians-comic.com). He dreams of working at Nintendo, writing a SHAZAM! TV series, and working on Guardians for a very long time!