Nintendo E3 2014 – Yoshi, Zelda, and Even the Top Nintendo Execs!

Nintendo E3 2014 included a playful video presentation through Nintendo Direct where Mario games took a break while Yoshi, Zelda, and even the top Nintendo executives got in on the action. It was much less talking and more seeing and doing in this entertaining presentation, which packed an impressive array of enhancements, upcoming games, and fun entertainment. Nintendo’s annual E3 presentation (pre-recorded – they still have their regular large display area) was fast paced and packed with video. SatoruIwata and Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime got into the act to introduce Super Smash Bros for Wii U (also debuting on the 3DS on Oct. 3), which will feature Mii character integration in the following three types: brawler, gunner and swordfighter. “Your chance to beat Nintendo’s greats” presents each type with four special moves chosen from 12 different options, totaling 36 special move types, more than any other character type. Sound good? Head to a Best Buy store and get into the action from Wednesday, June 11 (4 – 9 p.m.) and Saturday, June 14 (noon – 5 p.m.).

Here’s more of what was shared during the Nintendo E3 2014 presentation. The Amiibo interactive figure toy line was a huge “toys-to-life category” announcement. These figures contain a computer chip to be used with the Wii U gamepad (similar to the Disney Infinity and Skylander lines). Announced games compatible with the Amiibo included Mario Party 10, Yoshi’s Woolly World, Super Smash Bros for Wii U, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and Mario Kart 8 with more on the way. The initial launch this winter will include approximately 10 figures, which will also evolve in gameplay and a Nintendo 3DS peripheral is also on the way.

Mario Maker will let players create and revise 2D levels of the popular platformer, including 8-bit levels. Captain Toad Treasure Tracker branches off the familiar Mario game character in its own platform with 3D environments while Mario Party 10 will have a board-game progression style with immense mini-games for Wii U. The clay-styled Kirby and the Rainbow Curse was announced for Wii U and 3DS with transforming character states and exclusive GamePad gameplay using the stylus to draw paths. The Wii U exclusive Hyrule Warriors will be Legend of Zelda spin-off / collaboration game with the Dynasty Warriors game series will feature multiple and simultaneous battles in an HD, open-world environment for the Wii U plus a two player mode. Two new Pokemon titles (Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire) are remakes of the Game Boy Advance entries while Yoshi’s Woolly World puts a new game with fabric-style game mechanics with two-player co-operative play and no timer countdowns in the stages. Monolith Soft’s Xenoblade Chronicles: X was announced for the Wii U while Bayonetta 2 will come with the original and some “Nintendo surprises”. Splatoon will offer a team-based paintball game where each side tries to conquer the most territory and can even transform into a squid for special movements. After the presentation, Nintendo also had a post show called “Nintendo Minute Live@E3” on Twitch.  Do you think Nintendo’s E3 2014 presentation video hit the mark?