On the afternoon of Oct 28, Gaming-media's staff members Martin Alexander and Matt Capranos had the opportunity to check out Nintendo's Holiday Preview event. We'll take a look at some of the titles that are scheduled to be released in the coming weeks.

With the holidays rapidly approaching the time has come to firmly cement in the mind what pieces of entertainment will remain the dominant force for the waning year and the new one to come. Nintendo is no stranger to creating a strong buzz during the quarter four market, and this year they have plenty of tricks up their sleeve.

Coming this holiday is the return of Nintendo’s most beloved fighting franchise; Super Smash Bros. Really shaking things up is the fact that it is available for both the Wii U and the 3DS. The handheld version offers anyone instant fast paced action on the go, both locally and online. The gameplay was smooth and familiar, while offering plenty of new characters and modes. The true charm came for the Wii U version, where a host of new features have been introduced.

Standing out is the eight player frenzy that will leave players reeling. The action is fast paced and frantic. To achieve this, players will be able to connect in a host of different ways. The proprietary controller and the pro controller are a given, but added to the mix is the ability to connect the 3DS to function as an input device, and the exciting option to make use of a Gamecube controller with a simple adapter. Both new players and old school fanatics will quickly feel at home in this addition to the series.

Additionally, Nintendo demonstrated one of their newest innovations, the Amiibo. Interactive, beautifully sculpted figures that can be used to change the way a game is played. Responding to the NFC connection on the Wii U gamepad, there are twelve figures to be released along side Super Smash Bros. Promised to connect into the game, level up, and learn from your gameplay style, Nintendo shows they are always at the forefront of innovation, pushing the limits of how we define gaming. They also mentioned the Amiibo will alter many games in different ways, including Mario Kart 8, Mario Party 10, and Captain Toad.

Captain Toad Treasure Tracker is a new puzzle and adventure game. In his first stand alone game, players will take control of Toad as he uses his wits, rather than any physical might to overcome challenges and obstacles. Much of the gameplay revolves around using the gyro controls of the Wii U pad to peer around corners and get a better perspective on the dangerous world he inhabits. Players who delight in combing through levels for well hidden secrets will find themselves with a gem of a game to explore.

Soon to be released are Nintendo’s next titles in the immensely popular Pokemon series; Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. More than a simple remake of an older entry in the series, the games will draw upon the new 3D style executed in X and Y to build upon the mythos and give players more options in their quest to Catch ‘Em All.



One thing made clear by the event was how much effort Nintendo is taking to keep all the fun of their multiplayer games local. It is far too easy and common to find games which require each person to own a separate copy and a separate console, removing much of the experience that comes from the joy of seeing your opponent when they are defeated, or the pleasure of simple smack talk with a friend on the other side of the couch. To this effect, Just Dance 2015 is the surprise game that many will be shocked to find themselves playing over and over again. Featuring hit songs from both the stars of today and the past, as well as some Nintendo classics, it’s a light-hearted and silly romp into how far you and your friends can shake it to make it.

Nintendo has shown that it’s more fun to play with someone than without. They have made great efforts to keep that feeling both casual enough for most mainstream audiences, but dedicated enough to keep hardcore players interested. It’s the easy to learn but tough to master mentality that has always allowed Nintendo to keep a well carved out place in the gaming market. This holiday should prove a very interesting one for one of the oldest active gaming companies on the market, and I for one am very excited.

More video and pictures from today's event

 

 

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