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Nintendo previews its big upcoming titles in Toronto (Includes first-hand account)

The Toronto event showcased a bunch of familiar franchises with new and colorful iterations. There was plenty of Mario (of course), but also Yoshi and Kirby starring in their own new respective adventures, as well as Professor Layton, Link and more. While I wasn’t able to try out and observe every game, I did get my hands on several.

Super Smash Bros.

Super Smash Bros.
Courtesy Nintendo


Super Smash Bros. (Wii U)

This was naturally the most popular title at the event, and no wonder. While “not much has changed” is not always a positive thing to say, fans will be glad to hear it about the new Super Smash Bros. The roster has expanded to include new characters like Robin, Pac-Man, Megaman and more, while still keeping old favourites like Pikachu and Link. The controls haven’t changed (and you can even use GameCube controllers!) though some of the characters’ moves are different. When I played as Kirby, I was pleased to see he has a new and powerful Final Smash. Greninja is a strange new character in that he’s powerful but hops along like the frog he is. The Wii Fit Trainer raised eyebrows upon her introduction but she certainly has enough muscle to keep up with the big players.

Mario Party 10

Mario Party 10
Courtesy Nintendo


Mario Party 10 (Wii U)

The party continues, and this time you can ruin friendships further by playing as Bowser, who has four different mini-games to wreak havoc with. In one, four players are essentially running on a giant hamster wheel and avoiding electric shocks. In another, Bowser is in control of a deadly pinball game with other players as targets. Expect lots of swearing as you are beaten mercilessly by Bowser and/or your friend. The controls are all simple enough that anyone can drop in and play.

Yoshi s Woolly World

Yoshi’s Woolly World
Courtesy Nintendo


Yoshi’s Woolly World (Wii U)

While Yoshi has always been a reliable character on handheld devices, his foray into the Wii U looks promising. As the name might suggest, Yoshi’s Woolly World takes the world of Yoshi’s Island and gives it a knitted aesthetic. Yoshi’s eggs are now balls of yarn. Defeated enemies explode into yarn instead of popping. You can also play with another Yoshi, and if need be, you can eat your companion to bring him through tough parts he can’t cross. Otherwise, you can expect another charming side-scrolling platformer. Best to play this on a Wii U gamepad as opposed to the Wiimote — the controls are a little awkward on the Wiimote.

Pokemon Art Academy

Pokemon Art Academy
Courtesy Nintendo


Pokemon Art Academy (3DS)

This one is pretty self-explanatory. It’s a game that will teach you how to draw various Pokemon, starting with very basic tutorials on Pokemon like Pikachu and Oshawatt and guiding you along the way as you build up skill. The introductory lessons hold your hand along the way, but as you get more comfortable you’ll be choosing between a variety of brushes and colours. Though I have little to no talent in the visual arts, I was able to make passable drawings, though my shaky hand is an obstacle even the game can’t seem to adjust for.

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse

Kirby and the Rainbow Curse
Courtesy Nintendo


Kirby and the Rainbow Curse (Wii U)

I didn’t get to play this one but saw it in action. Kirby is basically a pink rolling ball in this game, and using the Wii U gamepad you can create rainbow strings to move him across the stages. There appears to be an emphasis on collecting stars, making this a bit more like a puzzle game and less action-oriented.

Hyrule Warriors

Hyrule Warriors
Courtesy Nintendo


Hyrule Warriors

The unlikely pairing of Dynasty Warriors and The Legend of Zelda combine to produce this new hack-and-slash title. You’ll have a large roster of characters to choose from, with missions involving freeing army captains, liberating castles and, of course, defeating hundreds upon hundreds of baddies. The demo I saw used Link, who starts with a sword but can also use bombs and wands. It was also immensely satisfying to hear the classic Legend of Zelda music when Link got a new item.

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