Nintendo wakes up early to give you the latest info about what’s on the horizon for both the Nintendo 3DS and Wii, and we’ve got the rundown of exactly what.
In the wee, wee morning hours of Wednesday, both Nintendo of Japan and Nintendo of America brewed a fresh hotpot of game reveals and specific release dates as part of the Nintendo Direct presentation that streamed online via their respective portals. And while the buzzing scent of anything “megaton” was sadly absent, both mini press conferences still packed a lot of great news for any faithful Nintendo 3DS or Wii user.
The Last Story Headed To North America, Published By XSEED Games
Mistwalker’s long-awaited action-RPG for the Nintendo Wii, The Last Story, is arriving to North America. This bit of exciting news was actually the last surprise reveal of the NOA Nintendo Direct conference, and it’s one that should honestly delight those who are a fan of the game’s director – Hironobu Sakaguchi – creator of a little series called Final Fantasy (perhaps you’ve heard of it?) Also, in a rare act of actually letting someone else do the brunt work of publishing for a Nintendo-licensed title, the company is working with publisher XSEED Games to bring the title stateside sometime during the Summer.
Dillon’s Rolling Western Available On The Nintendo 3DS eShop
Nintendo 3DS download game Dillon’s Rolling Western hits the eShop for $9.99 – available, like, right now. Yes, while you’re reading this you’ll be able to pick up Vanpool’s game about a cartoon cowboy armadillo who protects frontier villages from walking rock-like enemies by rolling into a ball pinball-style. Now, that may sound like a paper-thin premise that isn’t worth the ten dollar billing, but you’d be wrong partner. Dillion’s Rolling Western is by in large an action-adventure game with a sprawling 3D world that will have you searching the dusty plains for items and what not, which will later aid you in the tower defense portion of the game. Check out the trailer up top to get a dig of what to expect.
Mario Tennis Open In North America On May 20
Mario Tennis Open serving up on the Nintendo 3DS May 20 for North America, May 24 for Japan, and May 25 for Europe. This latest installment of Mario and pals hitting the tennis court will feature local download play for up to four players, online multiplayer and leaderboards, and 3DS gyro-controls to line up your shots.
Fire Emblem: Awakening Cinematic Trailer
Fire Emblem: Awakening for the Nintendo 3DS made an appearance on the Japanese Nintendo Direct feed. Above, is the awesome-looking trailer for the next entry in the popular tactical role-playing series from the same developer who created the Advanced War games on the Game Boy Advance, Intelligent Systems. The last few Fire Emblem games on the Nintendo DS have all been remakes of older titles, but Awakening is an original affair through and through. No official retail date yet, but it has been confirmed for a European release thus far.
New Brain Age Game For Nintendo 3DS
A new and untitled Brain Age game (Brain Training in the East) is in the works for the Nintendo 3DS. That crazy floating head of a Doc, Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, is back once again … from hell. Apparently, the next brain-flexing title from Nintendo will focus on concentration and working memory through new puzzles and a “hard mode” that will turn Dr. Kawashima into a horn-wearing demon. No dates or release plans yet… but that picture of the Doc above will haunt me in my dreams tonight, for sure.
Kid Icarus: Uprising Trailers Focus On Weapons & Multiplayer
How about some new info about Kid Icarus: Uprising, launching March 23 in the U.S., hmm? Well today’s your lucky day amigo – Nintendo showed two trailers during the Nintendo Direct conference highlighting in-game weapons and multiplayer (featuring online play for up to six players via locally or Wi-Fi), which can be seen above and below. Have a look!
Game Gear Games Coming Soon To Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
Sega Game Gear titles coming to 3DS Virtual Console on March 14 – for now Japan only – starting with Sonic the Hedgehog: Triple Trouble (Sonic and Tails 2,) Dragon Crystal, and Shinobi (G.G. Shinobi) for ¥300 each (about $3.75 USD.) As for a western roll-out, which I’m sure you’re asking – the same three Game Gear games have already been rated by the ESRB back in February, and solid sources confirm they’ll be hitting our side of the pond in late May. Fingers crossed, hopefully.
Namco Bandai, Sega, and Capcom Join Up To Create A Mysterious Game
Here’s an announcement that should flip your lid into the stratosphere: Namco Bandai, Sega, and Capcom are all collaborating on a mystery project for the Nintendo 3DS. What exactly it is? Well if we knew that, it wouldn’t be a mystery. Right now the only piece of info known so far is that this particular buddy-cop scenario has something to do with the Japanese toy company Banpresto, and that’s it. Hmm … A Super Robot Wars game starring Sonic the Hedgehog, Ryu, and Pac-Man? I’m so calling that if no one else is.
Project Zero 2: Wii Edition, a.k.a The Fatal Frame II Wii Remake, Launching In Europe
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly’s Wii remake is coming to Europe this year as Project Zero 2: Wii Edition, also bringing with it Spirit Camera: The Cursed Memoir, a Fatal Frame spinoff for the Nintendo 3DS. The later already has plans for a North America release this April 13, but not Project Zero 2. Sadly, no further info on this one either.
Xenoblade Chronicles Has A New Alternative Cover
Finally, behold! The quite pretty alternative cover for Xenoblade Chronicles that is on schedule to drop in North America on April 6 for the Nintendo Wii – purchasable only through GameStop and Nintendo. I’ll I have to say on this is, congrats Operation Rainfall, mission complete!
That pretty much wraps up all the juicy pieces to this Nintendo Direct presser. If it interests you greatly, or if you’re completely bored, then go visit Nintendo.com to see the full press event in its entirety. Just make sure you boomerang back to Walyou, as we celebrate the 26th birthday of The Legend of Zelda and look into this Transformers’ Decepticon engagement ring.
