Nintendo Direct: Highlights

Gavin Gronenthal ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

A few days ago, Nintendo hosted another one of its Nintendo Direct video presentations, and made a few announcements, some surprising, some expected, and some that were just plain fun. Here are the highlights from the most recent Nintendo Direct.

Zelda + Dynasty Warriors = Hyrule Warriors

A new Legend of Zelda game? Well, not quite, but Nintendo did make a completely unexpected announcement when they revealed the tentatively titled: Hyrule Warriors, a new game the combines the characters and environments of the beloved Zelda universe with the rapid action of the Dynasty Warriors franchise. This is definitely an interesting choice, as Dynasty Warriors is not really known for puzzle solving and dungeon crawling, unlike Zelda. Instead, Dynasty Warriors is known for hacking away at hordes of enemies with a giant sword. With a new design for Link revealed for the game, as well as some extra weapons he can use, what else can we expect to hear about Hyrule Warriors in the future? We’ll have to wait and see.

Rosalina and Luma launch into battle!

In one of the most ingenious bait and switch trailers in recent memory, Nintendo looked like they were going to show Kirby joining Mario Kart 8, but surprised everyone with a new Super Smash Bros character: Rosalina and Luma from Super Mario Galaxy! For those who don’t know, Rosalina is the Queen of the Lumas, and she helped Mario out on his first interstellar mission on the Wii. Her addition is certainly a welcome one, as she looks to be a very unique fighter from the gameplay that was shown of her. Rosalina joins The Villager, Mega Man, and Wii Fit Trainer as a newbie, and is the first new character to be announced since E3. With 19 total characters, no release date has been set for Super Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS yet, but hopefully that news will come soon as well.

An actual Mario Kart Trailer!

Don’t fret, Mario Kart fans, Nintendo did release some new footage of the upcoming Mario Kart 8 as well! It looks incredible in HD, as Nintendo toured us around several new stages: a Super Mario Sunshine themed airstrip, a dessert themed stage, and a mysterious underground stage as well. No release date was set for this either, but the tentative Spring 2014 launch window is definitely looking hopeful.

A Welcome Remix

Nintendo also announced NES Remix, a unique Wario Ware-like experience that combines classic NES games and mini-game fun. The game was released on the eShop on the same day as the Nintendo Direct so you can pick it up now for $14.99. It looks like tons of fun, and features such classic NES Games as Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze Release Date

After the announcement of Cranky Kong as the newest playable character in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, there wasn’t much else announced except (finally) the release date! Donkey Kong and his pals will be arriving in North American stores February 21, 2014. This was acutally the only set release date to be announced in the Direct, while everything else was either given vague timeframes or nothing at all.

Kirby: Triple Deluxe and Yoshi’s New Island

The two new outings for Yoshi and Kirby on the 3DS we’re also both coupled with a Spring 2014 release, which is vague but at least a good sign for these new games. Kirby: Triple Deluxe also received a few new modes, including an all Kirby-character Smash Bros type game.

That’s all the important announcements from the direct, but for all your Nintendo, video game, and entertainment needs, be sure to check out all of Emtertainment Monthly!