The Year of Luigi

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! I love you!*

Earlier this morning, Nintendo broadcast another Nintendo Direct, showcasing upcoming games and content, some of which was unannounced.


Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo, has declared 2013 the Year of Luigi, and with good reason. As you likely know, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon releases next month on the Nintendo 3DS. As you likely know, it looks amazing. As you likely know, you should go buy it.

But this is only the beginning of the Year of Luigi. Coming later this summer is another entry in the extremely entertaining Mario & Luigi series. It’s called Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (picture below). The gimmick this time is that much of the gameplay takes place in Luigi’s dreams. While he sleeps, Mario can run around and conquer enemies. Using the bottom screen (featuring Luigi’s sleeping mug), you can affect the gameplay on the top screen by yanking Luigi’s mustache or pulling his hat over his face. I can honestly say I almost pooped my pants when they announced this one. Thankfully, I learned many months ago to poop before watching a Nintendo Direct.



But that’s not all! Also coming this summer is Mario Golf: World Tour, also for the Nintendo 3DS. Again, I nearly soiled my britches on this one. It’s been many years since the last Mario Golf game and I couldn’t be more excited. Plus, unlike real golf, I can hit cars and not get in trouble. Wait, what?

You’re probably thinking to yourself: this guy is a moron this must be all the news from today. Well, you’re wrong, dum-dum. Later this year, Nintendo will be releasing DLC for New Super Mario Bros. U. It’s a reimagining of all the levels in the game. But this time, it’s Luigi by himself. It will be called New Super Luigi U. The Year of Luigi, indeed!

There were also a few more tasty morsels of video game goodness this morning. First, several of the eShop game for Nintendo 3DS will be on sale over the coming weeks (seen below). Starting today, you can get Bit.Trip Saga for $9.99 ($5 off). Over the next few weeks, other games, such as Crashmo! and Sakura Samurai, will also be going on sale. Again, stop wasting money on food and tuition and go buy these games!

Yes, there’s more. Stop asking. First, a sequel to the unique Dillon’s Rolling Western will be making its way to Nintendo 3DS next month. A new game called Kersploosh that involves throwing objects down a well (not joking) will be coming soon. And, perhaps most exciting is the newest edition of the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series, called Minis on the Move. The idea is to get the Mini Mario/Toad/Peach toys to the exit by placing path tiles in the correct places. It’s a lot like the old Pipe Dream game.

If you thought there was more, then give yourself a congratulatory punch in the face, because Animal Crossing: New Leaf will be launching June 9th. Another interesting tidbit is that Donkey Kong Country Returns will be remade for the 3DS. A bit of a surprise, but a great buy for fans who didn’t get to enjoy the (excellent) Wii version. Also releasing this year is Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for Wii U and 3DS, which, amazingly, lets 3DS and Wii U players play together, and you can transfer your data between Wii U and 3DS versions, letting you play at home or wherever you are.

I gotta say, this was a great Nintendo Direct if you’re a raging alcoholic Nintendo fan like you me. If you thought you weren’t going to have any good games to play this year, then you better think again, Charlie. It’s only February and it’s already a great year to be a Nintendo fan!

-benjamines


*maybe