Nintendo Direct February 13, 2014 - Recap

*Yes I'm aware that this recap is about a month late and I apologize for that. Regardless, enjoy!*

Nintendo went the first month of 2014 without a Nintendo Direct broadcast and hadn't made any big announcements since December. February's Nintendo Direct revealed a new Super Smash Bros. fighter, brand new racers for Mario Kart 8, and lots of other updates for games coming out this spring. Check out the recap below for analysis.

Super Smash Bros. 4 - Trailer (Wii U/3DS, 2014)

"Little Mac Punches In"

The Nintendo Direct started off with a bang, or rather a "smash" as they introduced a new playable fighter that will be available in the next installation of the Super Smash Bros. series. Previously an assist trophy in Brawl, Little Mac, the protagonist of Punch-Out will be a full-fledged fighter specializing in quick, hard hitting punches and will likely be quick on his feet. His announcement uncovers the mystery behind the boxing/wrestling stage that has been seen since the first trailer. Little Mac's character is based off of the Punch-Out remake for the Nintendo Wii. His small stature and iconic green punching gloves are incorporated into his design. He will also have an ability that after taking a certain amount of damage and filling up a "K.O. Meter", he will be able to unleash a powerful upper-cut attack similar to the finisher moves of other fighting games. His final smash doubles his size and turns him into a hulking, shirt-less form (I'm  rooting on "Big Mac" as its name).

Mario Golf: World Tour - Updates (3DS, May 2)

After twice being delayed, the Mario sport title in development under Nintendo by Camelot Software, Mario Golf: World Tour has a new release date. From the screen shots shown, it is good to see that the extra time in development has lead to more polished graphics and features. Also announced was the new ability to incorporate one's Miis into the game. Players can use their Miis and customize their golfing abilities. Despite all of this, one can continue to wonder why a new Mario Golf title has yet to be made for a new console yet, considering that both the Wii and Wii U have motion sensing technology that can mimic the swinging of a golf club.

Kirby Triple Deluxe - New Abilities (3DS, May 2)

The game footage for Kirby Triple Deluxe shows that the game is taking Kirby's Copy ability to a whole new level. Rather than just getting one or two new attacks from enemies, Kirby gains an entire new move-set by inhaling foes. Special abilities, alternate moves, and combination attacks will give each ability great depth. This announcement also means that the multiplayer battle-royale mode will be that much more intense. It was also revealed that each level will contain hidden keychains and sun stones for Kirby to collect. Interactions with other players via Street Pass will enhance game play and unlock rarer keychains. Collecting the objects will unlock special bonuses.

Yoshi's New Island - Gameplay (3DS, March 14)

Along with the gameplay trailer, Iwata went in depth in describing what fans can expect from Yoshi's New Island. The game stays true to its roots with many returning elements from the original Yoshi's Island from the SNES including the count-down timer, the Yoshi transformations, and enemies. Super huge Yoshi eggs are new features in the game. "Mega Egg-dozers" and "Metal Egg-dozers" created from devouring huge enemies can be thrown to destroy foes and stage elements. New Yoshi transformations will add new puzzles in the game and many of which can be controlled via the 3DS gyroscope. Similar to other recent Mario games, it appears that the "Flutter Wings" power-up will be available to players who have failed a level repeatedly and help them complete the game.

Steel Diver Sub Wars - Announcement (3DS, Available now)

Players control a submarine in this FPS utilizing torpedoes to take out enemy subs and ships. Competitive battle in both local and online modes. Single player missions are also a part of the game. A free version is available on the eShop containing limited missions and the full multiplayer experience.

Rusty's Real Deal Baseball - Announcement (April, 2014)

A game based on the "good feelings" that come from the game of baseball. It is comprised of mini-game modes such as hitting, pitching, calling balls and strikes, and fielding. A free version of the game is available on the eShop and game modes can be unlocked through in game purchases that can be haggled on.

Pokémon Battle Trozei - Announcement (3DS, March 20)

A sequel to the DS puzzle game Pokemon Trozei was announced for the 3DS. Pokémon Battle Trozei enhances the previous title increasing the number of Pokémon to include those from Pokémon X and Y. Up to 4 players can connect for cooperative play. Points are scored for lining up matching Pokémon in lines with specific point goals needed for each level to defeat opposing Pokémon.

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy - Trailer(3DS, Feb 28^th)

The next game in the Professor Layton series is announced to be the last title to feature the game's protagonist. It is to be the 6th game in the series of hand-held games and will feature new characters and puzzles.

3rd Party Announcements

Inde Wii U Games In Development

The Nintendo Direct also announced a handful of 3rd party and independent titles that will be making their way to the eShop this year.

• Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Coming to 3DS (3DS, 2015)
• Weapon Shop De Ommesse (3DS, February 20)
• Inazuma Eleven (3DS, Available Now)
• Treasurenauts (3DS, 2014)
• Moon Chronicles (3DS, 2014)
• Shovel Knight (3DS, 2014)
• Child of Light (WiiU, April 30)

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze- Final Trailer (WiiU, Feb 21)

The highly praised and much anticipated Wii U title Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze had its last trailer released showing previously unseen gameplay and story footage. New level mechanics were revealed and each character's abilities were shown in depth.

NES Remix 2 (Wii U, April 25)

NES Remix was released in December at the conclusion of that Nintendo Direct. The game mashes up classic game and adds new challenges and levels and even puts characters from one game into another. Volume 2, titled NES Remix 2, contains games from later titles of the NES life time such as Super Mario Bros. 2, Kirby's Adventure, Punch-Out and others. The game will also come with a bonus game, Super Luigi Bros. - remixed Super Mario Bros. that stars Luigi in a right-left (as opposed to left to right) platformer game.

GameBoy Advance Virtual Console Announcement (Wii U, Spring)

Hinted at in previous Nintendo Directs, Nintendo has officially announced that GameBoy Advance titles will soon be available on the Wii U virtual console.  Teased games include Metroid Fusion, Mario & Luigi: Super Star Saga, and Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3. This will be the first time that GBA games will be playable on a home console since the Gameboy Player for the Nintendo Game Cube.

Mario Kart 8 - New Characters Trailer (WiiU, May 20)

A new Mario Kart 8 trailer was revealed displaying new courses, new vehicles, and the biggest surprise, new characters. It seems the that usual suspects are back for racing, but the trailer shows that the 7 Koopalings - Bowser's 7 minions who appear in Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and New Super Mario Bros. U will be playable characters complete with their own voice acting, unique stats, and karts.