E3 2013 – My Thoughts on the E3 Nintendo Direct

Wii Party U – I only got to play the original Wii Party briefly at a demo event, but I did rather enjoy what little time I got to spend with it. My understanding is that it was made by the same developers who made Mario Party 9, which I rather liked, and if that holds true for this iteration, then I look forward to giving it a go.

Wii Fit U – Nintendo President Satoru Iwata offers his apologies for the delay in some titles such as Wii Party U and Wii Fit U, noting they’ll be released in October and December, respectively. Winter is a good time for Wii Fit U, and it would be handy to have a download always on the system so I don’t have to swap and load different discs to put in a short workout each day.

Third Parties for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS:

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag – Again, I’ve yet to play an Assassin’s Creed game, though not because I don’t want to– it’s just never happened. Last year’s looked good, as does this one.

Batman: Arkham Origins – Same deal here, really. See my comments from Sony yesterday for more on that. Really, though, I’d have to hope that the Wii U version brings something really special to the table, since publishers deciding to put games on Wii U without their DLC from other platforms (such as Deathstroke the Terminator, in this case) doesn’t do much to make me want the Wii U version.

Sony did boast “Knightquest” and Adam West suits, though; throw in Batman Beyond or an invincible Superman-as-Batman for kicks, though, and I’m all in.

(Admit it, that would make the Wii U version the best by default.)

Deus Ex: Human Revolution – People have griped about this one, but despite going out to Montreal for a hands-off preview of the game, I never got to play/review it. And it’s too bad, as I was really looking forward to it, too. I heard there were some issues, but word is they’re working those out for this version, which makes it sound like the one to get. Perhaps I should try my luck again…

Disney Infinity – They pretty much had me at “like Skylanders, but with Perry the Platypus.”

Just Dance 2014 – In all likelyhood, I will probably never play this. However, the inclusion of “Ghostbusters,” complete with suits, proton packs, and Slimer, leads me to believe that this game not only should exist, but must exist.

Rayman Legends – Still looking forward to this one… you know, just like I was earlier this year, and last year…

Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure – I still need to play Scribblenauts Infinity on Wii U, truth be told, but Scribblenauts is great, and throwing in DC Comics characters should be a blast. I just want a stage that involves stopping Superman, and the ability to write in “Doomsday” to solve it.

Interesting that the trailer actually acknowledges that Stephanie Brown exists, even with the adjective “scary” attached. Watch them tweak it so that typing it instead summons Barbara Gordon in the final release.

Disney’s Planes – Next.

Shin Megami Tensei IV – I know people who like this series, and this is great for them. I’m happy, and I’ma let them finish, but personally… next.

Skylanders SWAP Force – Skylanders is neat and all, but I think Disney Infinity will suffice in scratching that particular itch.

Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Blacklist – If I suddenly became interested in Splinter Cell or anything with Tom Clancy’s name on it, this is where I’d start. Not saying it’s not cool or bad or anything, but I’ve never played one before, and I don’t intend to start now… partially because I’m jinxed whenever the concept of “stealth” comes up. Glad to see a title like this coming to Wii U, though.

Sonic Lost World – Fingers are crossed that this was worth abandoning the delightful formula used in (half of) Sonic Unleashed, Sonic Colors, and Sonic Generations. I’m just hoping this new style will be more inviting to the use of characters like Knuckles and Tails again– not to treasure hunt or anything (though I did enjoy that), but simply to fly over and punch through things Sonic can’t throughout the same courses. If that happens, then I believe I’ll be pleased.

Watch Dogs – This looks cool, like it might be my kind of thing. I’m glad it’s coming to Wii U.

Nintendo eShop Releases – Some neat stuff here. Topping my list is DuckTales Remastered, Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara, Scram Kitty & His Buddy on Rails, Shovel Knight (I hope they use the tagline “Take This Game and Shovel It!”), and maybe Oddworld: New and Tasty and A World of Keflings.

David Oxford

David Oxford, or “LBD ‘Nytetrayn’,” as he is sometimes also known, is a freelance writer of many varied interests who resides in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. If you’re interested in hiring him, please drop him a line at david.oxford (at) nyteworks.net.

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