Nintendo Direct shows off holiday lineup and more

Lately Nintendo Direct has taken a different direction, focusing on a single game like Monster Hunter 4 or The Wonderful 101. This time, we’ve got on our hands a holiday lineup, and some upcoming games.

Kicking off the Nintendo Direct is Super Mario 3D World with a new trailer showing off entirely new worlds, returning powerups, a new powerup, and fresh features. The new power is a cherry that you collect, which creates clones of Mario. They can do everything he does; if he has a power up such a fire flower for example, they will have it as well. Boomerang Mario is back, and so is the tanooki suit; and some other neat abilities as well like wearing a goomba suit are included in this game. The story appears to be similar to that of Super Mario Bros 2 USA, as Bowser is playing a role akin to Wart as he captures fairy-like creatures that Mario and company must rescue. This further reinforces the idea that this is indeed a spiritual sequel to Super Mario Bros 2. Super Mario 3D World hits shelves November 22nd.

Wii Party U is next, with some new minigames from house party mode. Water Runners is first in line, where a stream of water is displayed on the Wii U gamepad screen. The objective is to use Wii remotes to scoop water up and put it in a bottles without spilling. Dance With Mii is up next, and this one has players in a circle around the gamepad holding Wii remotes. The object of the game is for players to rhythmically move Wii remotes to the music as they move around the gamepad. Last but not least, buttons smashers, where has every player presses buttons in a certain order.

Some disappointing news has come up, which has been rumored for some time now. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze is getting delayed until February 2014, with Nintendo president Satoru Iwata stating that they need more time to work on it. Iwata has some more information to share about Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games. He explains that for the first time ever players will get to compete against each other online; what is perhaps the most interesting feature for online is the ranking system for countries. You can see how well your country does as a whole in this game, which makes for a real authentic Olympic experience for the player. Mario and Sonic at the Sonic 2014 Olympic Winter Games launches November 15th.

Sonic fans will be happy to know that the blue blur is back in Super Smash Bros. Footage of Sonic is briefly seen in the Direct as he speeds past hapless characters, mopping up the floor with them on the battlefield. Also included is a level from Sega’s latest title for Wii U and 3DS, Sonic Lost World. Iwata announces downloadable content for Pikmin 3 in the form of new mission mode stages. The collect treasure pack is offered at $1.99.

Iwata then hands the reigns over to Damon Baker, who talks about many third titles that are either on the way or are already here. He begins with Etrian Odyssey Untold The Millennium Girl, which just so happened to come out today. This particular title is “two full sized games in one package” as Damon Baker puts it. Next is Just Dance 2014, which has an array of new modes and songs included in it. Just Dance 2014 comes out October 8th. Skylanders Swapforce is on the horizon, and it’s looking to spice up the innovations of its predecessors with the new swapforce feature. Skylanders Swapforce will be launching October 13th for the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS. The newest lego themed game, Lego Marvel Super Heroes lets you play as characters such as Hulk, Ironman and more in the vibrant iconic worlds. Lego Marvel Super Heroes is slated for October 22nd 2014 on the Wii U and 3DS.

If that’s not enough super hero action for you, then Batman Arkham Origins BlackGate may just be the game to tide you over. This is an all new 2.5D action game on the 3DS, and is available October 25th. Sonic Lost World is here to grace us yet again, with Baker reminding players to take advantage of the pre-order bonus that includes Nights themed levels and bosses. Sonic Lost World is coming to the Wii U and 3DS October 29th. Following Sonic is Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, which will be available on the Wii U October 29th. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Duel Destinies gets its first demo released today on the eshop. Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney Duel Destinies will be available for purchase October 24th.

After Damon wraps it all up with Phoenix Wright, Erik Peterson from the Treehouse takes the stage. Peterson begins with the Nintendo 2DS, Animal Crossing New Leaf features, and more. Bravely Default gets another trailer, with even more story and action. We also get a confirmation that Bravely Default will be released in the first quarter of 2014. Afterwards Peterson hands the reigns back to Iwata, and we get some new footage and data on the The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds. A new aspect of the game known as ravio shop is demonstrated as well. The Legend of Zelda A Link Between Worlds launches November 22nd.

Finally, a new Kirby game is announced for the 3DS. From the trailer displayed, it looks to be done in the style of Kirby Super Star, only with 3D elements mixed in. You can switch between the background and foreground, and enemies appear to be able to attack you, pushing you into the foreground. Powerups like sword Kirby make a return, and some new ones like a bugzzy hat up up as well. The new Kirby game will launch sometime in 2014

That’s all for the Nintendo Direct, stay on the look out for more in the future.