Post E3 Thoughts: Nintendo's case for the Wii U Gamepad

Going into E3 (Electronic Entertainment Gaming Expo) this year, Nintendo had a lot to prove about their Wii U game system. Most importantly to prove to the public why their Gamepad is unique and necessary. Rather than a press conference like in the past, Nintendo chose to unveil its E3 news in a Nintendo Digital Event video stream. What was announced was:

YOSHI'S WOOLLY WORLD (2015)

The Yoshi's Island-themed iteration of Kirby Epic Yarn is coming to Wii U in Yoshi's Woolly World. Like Yoshi games before it, you jump on enemies, consume them to create shootable eggs, and exaggeratedly jump across gullies as Yoshi. Everything in the game is made of "woolly" things this time around. The levels are gorgeous and look like real, living worlds, only everything's made of craft store items. Secrets abound, and the textured cloth effect is hidden everywhere. Besides off TV play not much Gamepad usage was mentioned. Amiibo figures will work with this game in 2015.

CAPTAIN TOAD: TREASURE TRACKER (This Holidays)

A highlight of Super Mario 3D World was Toad's puzzle levels, wherein you navigate a twistable 3D maze using a light helmet-wearing Toad. They were a welcome aside, and a notable deviation from the usual Mario formula. Nintendo apparently recognized their excellence as well, awarding Toad his own game -Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker -- and making the puzzles better than ever.

In 3D World, Toad's worlds were limited. In Captain Toad, they range in size dramatically, from the standard-ish 3D cube to a vertical world inside a volcano. On one puzzle, you had to carefully time your movements based on the attacks of a fire-breathing lava monster. On another, you struggled with deciphering the twists and nooks of a floating world. Amiibo figures will work with this game in 2014.

SUPER SMASH BROS. FOR 3DS / WII U (This Holidays)

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Super Smash Bros. for 3DS are completely different games.

The controls are different on each and some of the modes are different with the Wii U having Amiibo specific NFC (Near field communication) functionality.

Both versions of Super Smash Bros. are set to arrive this holiday, with the 3DS version launching a bit sooner on October 3.

HYRULE WARRIORS (September 26, 2014)

The folks behind Dynasty/Samurai Warriors were given access to the world of The Legend of Zelda. The result is Hyrule Warriors, a third-person action game that revolves around quickly disposing of large quantities of enemies to achieve an ever-changing set of goals. It's fun, quick, and light. There are plenty of Zelda references embedded, from the loading screen 8-bit animation to the trademark jingle that plays when treasure chests are opened, but this is pretty far from a main series Zelda game.
Hyrule Warriors is fine, but nowhere near the grandeur or delivery of a standard Zelda entry. Sadly, all we have for now is a 2015 window and a brief tease of the actual next series entry from longtime producer Eiji Aonuma.

 

MARIO MAKER (2015)

Nintendo's foray into the world of creation allows players to edit levels using assets found in the original Super Mario Bros. for NES.

The trailer showcases the ability to swap between the 8-bit art style of SMB, as well as the visual style of New Super Mario Bros. U. The visual user interface is reminiscent of Mario Paint for the SNES, even down to the cute flyswatter mechanics.
Mario Maker is set to launch in 2015.

SPLATOON  (2015)

 Splatoon is a team-based third-person shooter which is playable by up to eight players in 4-vs-4 matches. Players control characters known as Inklings, who have the ability to change between human and squid forms. In human form, Inklings are able to shoot colored ink across the game environment, with the player's goal being to have the most territory inked in their team's color before the match ends. Transforming into a squid allows players to swim through ink of their own color, even up walls and through grates, hiding from the enemy and replenishing their ink supply in the process. 

Conversely, enemy ink is much slower to move across in human form. Players can use their ink to try and 'splatter' their opponents, which will send them back to their team's respawn point whilst also providing a large splat of ink.

Players can use the Wii U Gamepad to view a map of the surroundings and instantly launch towards the location of another teammate, as well as use gyroscopic controls to assist with aiming. Along with the standard ink gun, special weapons with limited ammo can be obtained, such as a paint roller, a bazooka, grenades, and a sniper rifle.

ZELDA WII U (2015)

The game is planned to take part in a fully connected overworld, similar to the original The Legend of Zelda video game, with less emphasis on defined entrances and exits to temples and dungeons. Designer Eiji Aonuma stated that this is intended to give players more freedom on how to encounter the game, letting them decide where they want to go and how to get there.

KIRBY AND THE RAINBOW CURSE (2015)

^{The game has you controlling Kirby with the Wii U Game-pad stylus around a world made of clay. This game heavily uses the Wii U Gamepad.}

 

^{BAYONETTA 1 & 2 (Oct. 2014)}

^{Platinum Games showed off Bayonetta 2 and revealed that when your buy the 2nd game you will get the first one remastered with Nintendo costumes and options for Free. True to Platinum games their game features over the top action and adventure with a powerful female witch battling demons and creatures.}

 

^{STARFOX WII U (2015)}

^{Miyamoto showed off Project Robot and Project Guard that were tech demos for ideas he wants to incorporate into the next StarFox game coming to Wii U in 2015. Not much was revealed other than having a strong focus on the gamepad. so hopefully in 2015 you'll be able to do a barrel roll!}

 

^{Overall I thought Nintendo did a fantastic job of conveying why the Wii U is still relevant. My biggest criticism was there wasn't much content for 2014. Smash, Hyrule Warriors, Bayonetta, Sonic Boom and Toad aside don't do much to make a dent in the next 6 months of this Nintendo drought of games. 2015 looks promising but still lacking a new Metroid or a proper 3D Mario.} 

 

^{Smash Bros. just highlights what is missing from the Wii U even more. So many Nintendo franchises that have yet to make the leap to HD deserve to be made. Hopefully we get them sooner rather than later. Because most games are 2015 I am giving Nintendo a "B" for E3 this year.}

^{Hopefully what we have seen is just the beginning.}