Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Nintendo Direct 12/18/2013

This Nintendo Direct will cover games to be released in Spring 2014.

Hyrule Warriors (working title)- This game combines the Warriors series with the Legend of Zelda. This game has link battling through waves of enemies by slashing his sword with powerful special moves, throwing multiple bombs at a time, and using his other items. It is not the latest game in the Legend of Zelda series. -Wii U 2014

Kirby: Triple Deluxe- This game takes place in both the foreground and background. There are enemies that move from the background to the foreground, such as trains. Kirby has a new Hyper Nova ability. He can only use it at certain points, but it allows him to inhale everything. He has his Copy ability, with four new powers. Two additional modes are included in the game. One lets up to four players battle it out to see which copy ability is the best. The other is King Dedede's Drum Dash, a rhythm game that has you press buttons in time with the music. This allows Dedede to jump and collect coins while avoiding enemies. - 3DS 2014

Yoshi's New Island- Takeshi Tezuka, creative director of the SNES title Yoshi's Island, will be directing this game. Yoshi can swallow giant enemies to create giant eggs. -3DS Spring 2014

Chibi Robo: Photo Finder- This fan favorite from the Gamecube gets a new game. You'll lead a four-inch-tall robot who is trying to start up a museum. The museum's curator wants Nostal Junk, the objects around in your everyday life. You'll have to match silhouettes with objects in the real world. these will be the subjects of your photos. Other characters in the game will need Chibi Robo's help in completing tasks. Helping these characters will allow you to progress further. Chibi Robo runs on electricity and can run out if you're not careful. There are community challenges that allow you to compete against other players. These challenges will be available shortly after launch for those who own the full version. -3DS eShop January 9

Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter will launch December 27. There will be a free 30 day trial version available between launch and January 31. If you use Pokémon Bank before September 30, even the free trial, you will be offered Celebi for your Pokémon X or Y games.

Bravely Default- Sleep Points are a new feature that is generate for every 8 non-consecutive hours your 3DS is closed while the game is running. You can have up to 3 Sleep Points to be used in battle. These can be used to swap weapons out for better weapons, unleash damage higher than the damage cap, or revive a teammate. This is combination of gaining warriors through Streetpass makes your team even more powerful. You can also purchase Sleep Potions through the eShop without interrupting gameplay to get Sleep Points more quickly. They are completely optional. A demo will be available on January 2 that is a full side story not found in the full game. Item packs, Streetpasses, and 3DS Friends that you add in the demo will transfer to the full game. -3DS February 7

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze- DK Island is invaded by Viking-like animals called Snowmasks on DK's birthday. DK and the rest of the Kongs will travel to various islands. Partners include Diddy Kong, Trixie Kong, and Cranky Kong. Cranky Kong can use his cane to bounce off of spiky surfaces and enemies, going where the other Kongs can't. Collecting 100 bananas will allow players to execute Kong Pow moves. This turns all onscreen enemies into items. -Wii U February 21

Sonic: Lost World- There are two exclusive pieces of DLC coming to the Wii U version. These new levels are based off of fan favorite Nintendo franchises. One of them is based off of Yoshi's Island and Sonic can grab eggs that follow him. This piece of DLC, Yoshi's Island Zone, is available now on the Wii U eShop. The second piece is not ready yet, but it was hinted that this is likely Zelda-themed.

Wii Sports Club- A new sport has been added: Golf. Place the GamePad on the floor so you can see the golf ball and line up your shot. Use the Wiimote as a club. The 9-hole course from Wii Sports is joined by an all new 9-hole course. The new one is based off of the Famicom game Golf US Course. There is a 24 hour free trial available. You can participate in the free trial even if you participated in the first one. Golf is now available. Wii Sports Club will be automatically distributed to Wii Us that received the October update and have enough storage space.

NES Remix- This is a new downloadable exclusive that features scenes from 16 NES games. These scenes have be reimagined with new twists, such as Link replacing Mario in Donkey Kong, Luigi going through a mirrored 1-2 of Super Mario Bros., and Excitebike in the dark, with only the headlight to illuminate the track. Others are largely the same stage, but with certain objectives to complete. The game is compatible with Miiverse and includes stamps. You can also post your records with your Miiverse. It is available now.

Dr. Luigi- Attack viruses with L-shaped, fused capsules. The vertical part of the capsule is the same color, but the shorter horizontal part may be a different color. This allows you to kill viruses quickly, allowing for faster-paced gameplay. If you increase the difficulty, the vertical part of the capsule will not be the same color as often. When playing online, if you get a combo, this will change the color of your opponent's next capsule at the last second. You can also play online using Dr. Mario rules. Virus Buster allows you to play on a vertically-oriented GamePad and move capsules around using the Touch Screen. -Wii U eShop December 31

To continue the Year of Luigi into 2014, a special Luigi-themed prize will be available from Club Nintendo.

Super Smash Bros.- Rosalina and Luma will be playable characters. They can team up to attack from both sides.

Mario Kart 8- New tracks include an airport, a temple, a desert, and a sky world. Rosalina will be playable as well. A buggy-type kart will be available. -Wii U Spring 2014

On November 27, Nintendo presented a Nintendo Direct on the news 3DS Louvre Guide.

Since April 2012, the 3DS has been used as the Louvre's official audio guide. As you walk around the Louvre, the map on the Touch Screen will display where you are and give information on the artwork you see. If you select a particular route, the guide moves to the next point automatically. You can select which parts of the audio you want to listen to. There's a panorama icon to show you all of the artwork around you so you do not get lost. You can view sculptures from all angles, including from above. All parts of the Louvre can be viewed in 3D and there are high resolution images of the paintings. 3DS systems can be rented from the Louvre or you can download the software to your own 3DS. It is available on the 3DS eShop as Nintendo 3DS Guide Louvre. It includes about 30 hours of commentary, 400 3D photos of the museum, and 600 images of the artwork. These guides will receive the same updates as the software in the Louvre. You can take your 3DS to the Louvre and it will pick up on your location, just as the Louvre's 3DSs do. It is available now for $19.99. You can download it from the eShop or purchase a physical copy sold at the Louvre gift shop.

Monday, December 16, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Superstar Road-9 -- Flying Squirrel Ovation

If you thought this level was going to be a simple level where you could easily get the lives you lost back, you'd be wrong. There are several item blocks above you at the start. Hit them one at a time so you can get an Acorn. After a while, the brick blocks below will drop down onto separate paths. At a certain point, Waddlewings will appear and you'll have to glide on your own. You must avoid being hit so you don't fall to your death. The first Star Coin is in a ring of brick blocks that moves from right to left. Stand on the ring, then drop down for the first Star Coin, then start gliding again. The second Star Coin follows a path, so intercept it where you can. The third Star Coin is in a cloud that moves in a line. At the bottom are bouncy clouds and a pipe. The pipe will take you to a logo sign board with Luigi and Yoshi so Luigi can look out a hole and appear to be riding Yoshi. The timer is still counting down, so head for the flagpole.

And with that, we have completed all of the levels and collected all of the Star Coins in New Super Luigi U. It was a fun and challenging game, with new places to hide Star Coins and secret exits. I found quite a few of the hidden Luigis, but not all of them. What will I play next? Stay tuned to find out.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Superstar Road-8 -- Impossible Pendulums

The pendulums here are not impossible, but they are still difficult. They are several spiked ball and chains linked together, which means your timing must be good. The first Star Coin is underneath the first solo pendulum. Drop down under the ledge on the right wall to get it, then time your jump back up and to the right. Over the wall is a Red Coin Ring and the second Star Coin under the pendulum. You can't get both in one fell swoop alone, so pick which one you'll go for first. Go up the pipe and you'll find two more sets of pendulums. The first set swings in a circle. The third Star Coin moves in a circle with it, at a different speed. I recommend crossing over to the right side of the pendulums and getting the Star Coin from there. Ahead is the other set of four pendulums, but you do not have to deal with them. Drop down to the floor below and run to the flagpole. This opens up Superstar Road-9, the last level.

For completing this level, you'll get a fourth star on your file.

Saturday, December 14, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Superstar Road-7 -- Cloudy Capers

It's time to take to the skies! You'll have to steal Lakitu's cloud to get around. Grab a Fire Flower and a cloud. Every time you see a small blue block in the air, line up the cloud over it so you can land. The cloud will disappear soon. Use the Fire Flower to kill Lakitu and the Fuzzies ahead. The Fuzzies surround all three Star Coins. Past the third Star Coin, you'll have to transfer to a new cloud in midair. This can be tricky, so kill the Lakitu as soon as possible. Follow the trail of coins through the Fuzzies to the flagpole.

Friday, December 13, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Superstar Road-6 -- Fire Bar Sprint

There are giant fire bars in this level that require precise timing to avoid. You'll have to run at a full sprint to avoid taking damage. If you're having a difficult time with this level, I recommend using Nabbit. The first Star Coin is over a gap. Jump to get it. The second Star Coin is nearby, over some bricks. Cross the gap filled with single blocks to the other side where there are fast-spinning fire bars. The third Star Coin is near the flag, under some brick blocks. Be super and pound the bricks to get it.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Superstar Road-5 -- Under Construction

This level has blocks that appear and disappear over purple water. Get an item from the item blocks if you need it, then jump to the second set of brick blocks. The first Star Coin is here, surrounded by brick blocks. Break them to get the Star Coin and keep going. You'll soon see some Red Coins. Farther ahead is a set of brick blocks that you must wall jump up. Next to it is the second Star Coin over the purple water. Wall jump to get it. Ahead are some Boos floating around. Nearby are coins that form a square. They surround an invisible block with a vine. This will take you to a giant 8-bit Luigi from Super Mario World, with the third Star Coin on top. Drop down on the right side to reach the flag. Bowser Jr. is in the background.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Superstar Road-4 -- Hammerswing Hangout

It's time to deal with the swinging hammers again. Go through the pipe and you'll reach an area with the swing hammers. Once you step on the hammer, the level will start automatically scrolling up. The first Star Coin is on the left side, near the Fliprus. You'll have to dodge the snowballs they throw until you can defeat them. In the middle is a Green Ring. Quickly go to the right side, where you'll find the second Star Coin over another Fliprus. Go back to the left wall for the third Star Coin, also over a Fliprus. The pipe at the top will take you to a swinging hammer in front of the flagpole.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Superstar Road-3 -- Star Coin Deep Dive

It's time to go swimming and your swimming buddies are blue Cheep-Cheeps and Big Bertha. Swim quickly and dodge them if you can't kill them. Bring a Fire Flower and try to keep it. There is an invisible block at the start with a Starman. The first Star Coin is in a ring of Cheep-Cheep. Let Big Bertha kill the Cheep-Cheep if you can't so you can reach the Star Coin. The second Star Coin will move along the currents created by the pipes. It will stop at the top of the screen. Ahead are rotating pipes, Red Coins, and Bloopers, some of which are in pipes. More blue Cheep-Cheeps will appear near the end. You'll have to chase the third Star Coin as it rides on the currents. It will lead you to the red pipe that takes you to the flagpole.

Monday, December 9, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Superstar Road-2 -- P Switch Peril

There are several P-Switches in this level. Hitting the first one will send stones dropping down on you from the ceiling. It will also turn the brick block walls in front of you into coins so you can run ahead. You have to either keep moving or get out of the way quickly. Don't worry if you miss hitting a P-Switch as the stones will do that for you. The first Star Coin is next to a brick wall near the start. Get a running jump, wall jump, or triple jump to reach it. You'll have to duck under a brick wall or just be small for the entire level. There are Silver Coins and Spinies part-way through the level. The second Star Coin is here, but you'll have to time your jump well to avoid landing on the Spinies. Drop down, bounce off the spring, and keep running. Dodge the Waddlewings and you'll see the third Star Coin overhead. Leave it alone for now. Jump across the gap ahead and wait for the stones to fall. Once they do, jump over them to get the Star Coin without fear of getting hurt. On the other side of the gap is the flagpole.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Superstar Road-1 -- Spine Coaster Connections

Now that we've completed the main storyline, Mario blocks will appear at the start of all levels. This will change the settings to New Super Mario Bros. U settings, so Luigi will no longer slide or jump as high. There are several bone coasters here, so be prepared to transfer. On the coasters' tracks are Fuzzies you'll have to dodge. The first Star Coin is between Fuzzies. Keep transferring until you reach a set of three coasters that move together. You can reach the second Star Coin from the middle coaster, but you'll have to time when you go to the middle coaster, as there are Fuzzies on all tracks. The third Star Coin can be reached from the lower coaster. Transfer to another track to reach the flagpole.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Peach's Castle- Castle 2 -- The Final Battle

Bowser Jr. will chase you through the first part of the castle in his Clown Copter. He'll slam into the yellow platforms, which will make them drop into the lava. Grab the Red Coins if you like. The first Star Coin is surrounded by brick blocks. Lure Bowser Jr. to the area and let him slam the bricks so you can reach the Star Coin. The second Star Coin is under some item blocks that all contain 1-ups. Let Bowser Jr. pound the item blocks, then drop down to get the Star Coin. The third Star Coin is on a yellow platform. The door at the end takes you to the Bowser door, which adds 250 seconds to your time.

Past the Bowser door, you have to dodge Bowser's fireballs. At the end of the hallway is Bowser. Dodge his flames and run past him when he jumps so you can hit the switch. The floor will give out and he'll fall. Bowser Jr. has Kamek use his magic. Luigi goes to the top of the castle and finds Peach trapped in a tower. She calls to him before the window closes and a giant Bowser appears, along with Bowser Jr. in the Clown Copter. Stomp Bowser Jr. to kick him out of the Clown Copter and steal it. Use (B) to gain altitude, then [ZR] to ground pound Bowser. He'll go into a shell cycle and bounce around. Once he's done with that, he'll breathe fire that rains down. Use the opportunity to steal the Clown Copter again. Three hits will defeat Bowser. He falls and Bowser Jr. jumps off the castle.

Luigi goes to where Peach is. She kisses his hat. The tornado around the castle clears. The Koopalings and Bowser Jr. pack up and leave in an Airship, which Bowser drags down. They all trail from the Clown Copter until it crashes. Peach, Luigi, and the Toads cheer. The credits roll. You can collect coins in the bubbles.

For completing the game, you get a star on your file. You also get a star for clearing all of the courses through Peach's Castle, and another one for all of the Star Coins through Peach's Castle. You now have access to the Secret Island and Superstar Road.

Friday, December 6, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Peach's Castle- Castle -- Current Event

We're inside the castle and have to use a tilt platform to cross the rising lava. This one requires going to the right. The first Star Coin is between the electrical Bowser heads. Dodge the obstacles and you'll come to a pipe cannon. This will boost you near another tilt platform. Use the tilt platform here to get the second Star Coin nearby. There are Para Bob-ombs here that will make the tilt platform drop. This makes it a little easier to get the second Star Coin, but it can be dangerous. Try throwing the Bob-omb. Keep going to the right until you reach the door. The pipe cannon will blast you near the next tilt platform. The third Star Coin is in the middle of a V-shaped arc of electrical Bowser heads, so time your jump. The door to the right will take you to the flagpole, where a Para Bob-omb drifts down.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Peach's Castle-4 -- Firefall Rising

It's raining fire in this level and the stone platforms you can stand on will disappear, then reappear. That is, if fireballs haven't destroyed them yet. Cross the disappearing stones to the right side, then climb the wall. The first Star Coin is here in the upper right corner. Cross to the left side using the yellow platform, then climb up. Near the top, you'll see a set of disappearing stones. Above them is the second Star Coin. It can be difficult to get if the fireballs destroy the stones. Go to the right and you'll see a set of disappearing stones that form stairs. The third Star Coin is in the stairs, between some stones. Time your jump to get it so you can land and escape. The nearby pipe will take you to the flagpole.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Peach's Castle-3 -- Hot Cogs

It's time to platform on cogs in lava. The first Star Coin is in the first cog. It may disappear into the lava. The second Star Coin is over a cog that is low in the lava. Jump carefully. There's a hidden 8-bit Luigi nearby. Get the Red Coins if you like, then dodge the Podoboos. The third Star Coin is under a ledge, guarded by Podoboos. You can either try to run and get it if you're powered up enough, or use an Ice Flower to get rid of the Podoboos. There are cogs in front of the flagpole.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Peach's Castle-2 -- Magmaw River Cruise

This level features the raft that only allows a certain amount of enemies on board before it stops. There's a miasma rolling in, so you have to keep the raft moving. Dodge the Blaaargs in the lava and get the first Star Coin on the left ledge. The second Star Coin is over the lava, so use a shell to get it. The third Star Coin is with a Fire Bro. At the end of the ride, there are expanding blocks as well as a Fire Bro on the path to the flag.

Monday, December 2, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Peach's Castle-1 -- Magma Moat

It's raining fire in this level and the platforms move and bob in the lava. You'll find the first Star Coin nearby over the lava, but it dips into the lava periodically. Use a shell. The second Star Coin is in a gap above past the Red Coin Ring. Wall jump to get it, then jump to safety. Near the end of the level is a set of many brick blocks in a U shape. Let the fire get rid of some blocks, then jump onto them. Go to the right side and wait. The third Star Coin will appear. Drop back down and keep going to reach the regular goal. This opens the path to Peach's Castle-2.

Past the second Star Coin is a set of pillars with a line of brick blocks above them. Let the fire destroy some brick blocks, then jump onto them. Run to the right to find a hidden pipe. This will take you to the red goal. This opens the path to Peach's Castle-4.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Meringue Clouds- Airship -- Bowser Jr. Showdown

For this level, Luigi rides alongside the Airship on a moving cloud, meaning this level automatically scrolls. There are brick blocks in the way and the Para Bob-ombs can help clear the path and get in your way. Also getting in your way is the Airship's giant fist that will crash down periodically. Lead it to where you want it to punch through so you can get stuff and dodge it. The first Star Coin is surrounded by brick blocks. Let the Airship's fist punch through the blocks so you do not have to deal with Bob-ombs. The second Star Coin is in the clouds near the moving brick blocks where cannons that spew Bob-ombs. Get the Red Coins if you like, then go through the pipe. The pipe is a cannon that launches you aboard the Airship. There's a POW Block by the cannons. Hit it from below to make the third Star Coin drop down. At the end is a pipe and a crate. Pound the crate for an Acorn. The pipe will take you to Bowser Jr.

This battle hasn't changed from New Super Mario Bros. U. Bowser Jr. will fly around in his Clown Copter and will punch the floor and toss out Bob-ombs. When an arm punches the ground and stays there for a while, quickly run up the arm and stomp Bowser Jr. Do this three times. You can also stomp him when he's trying to punch the ground repeatedly. Once you win, the Airship crashes and Peach calls for Luigi. A bridge to the castle appears. You now have all of the Star Coins in Meringue Clouds.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Meringue Clouds- Castle -- Ludwig's Block-Press Castle

This level is filled with large moving blocks on rails that can crush you. You can duck in the alcoves below or jump into alcoves near the walls at the top. You'll have to deal with fire bars and Dry Buzzies on the way. The first Star Coin is near the top on the right side with the first block-press. The second Star Coin is in the top left corner of the second block-press. Jump up above it to find an alcove to dodge the block-press. The third Star Coin is near the boss door. Use the Ice Flower to freeze a Dry Buzzy and throw it at the Star Coin, which is near the bottom. Go through the boss door and battle Ludwig, who flies up, splits into three, then drops down. The one that shoots three flames instead of two from his wand, and drops down last, is the real Ludwig. Try to stomp him as he gets out of his shell cycle to make the battle easier. One you defeat him, move forward in front of Peach's Castle.

Friday, November 29, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Meringue Clouds-6 -- Three-Headed Snake Block

As the title suggests, the snake block in this level will split into three early on. This is an automatic sidescroller. Beware of the Foos and the fog they create. You can spin to clear it up. Stay on the bottom snake block for the first Star Coin. Get an Acorn and you'll find the second Star Coin hidden in a cloud near the top past the Red Coins. The third Star Coin is nearby, towards the top. The snake blocks will take you to the flag.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Meringue Clouds-5 -- Flame Chomp Ferris Wheel

This level involves dodging Fire Chomps by jumping from Ferris Wheel to Ferris Wheel. These Fire Chomps use up their entire tail to create a giant fireball, then will chase you until they explode. The first Star Coin is at the bottom part of a Ferris Wheel. Go past the giant Piranha Plant and the Luigi-shaped clouds and you'll see the second Star Coin as part of a Ferris Wheel with Piranha Plants. Kill them off, then get the Star Coin. Get the Red Coins if you like and keep going. The third Star Coin is in the air, near the flagpole.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Meringue Clouds-4 -- Above the Bouncy Clouds

This level features pink bouncy clouds. You can get Yoshi from one of the early item blocks. There are Boomerang Bros in this level. There is one near the first Star Coin. Have Yoshi eat a boomerang and spit it out to get the Star Coin. The second Star Coin is between two pipes. Dismount from Yoshi and wall jump to get it. The third Star Coin is with the circling clouds. Be patient and control your bouncing to get it. Keep going to reach the flag.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Meringue Clouds- Ghost House -- Vanishing Ghost House

In this Ghost House, the floor slowly disappears, piece by piece. There are fake item blocks here. The first Star Coin is over some real item blocks. Keep going and you'll come to a rotating floor. Transfer to another rotating floor, which will drop down. You'll find the second Star Coin over a real item block to the right. Keep going and you'll find a door. Drop down underneath the door from the left and you'll find the third Star Coin behind the hidden stairs. Go up the stairs, then walk through the wall to find a hidden door. This will take you to the flagpole.

Monday, November 25, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Mergingue Clouds- Fort -- Stonecrush Tower

This fort features moving stones that can crush you if you're not careful. The first Star Coin is near the start, on the right side in an alcove. Go to the right, dodging the fireballs of the Fire Bro between the moving stones. Climb up higher and walk to the left. You'll see some horizontally moving stones in front of a Fire Bro and a green pipe. The second Star Coin is behind one of the stones and comes into view when it moves. Drop down to get it and jump out quickly. Go through the pipe and the floor you're standing on will start to rise and the level will start to automatically scroll up. There are two pipes in the middle of the floor, which produce coins. As you rise, you'll pick up a couple of Fire Bros. Kill them quickly and coins will appear from the pipes. At the top are two sets of stones that come together. When they open, run through them quickly before they close. There's a Fire Bro at the end. Kill it and run past it, under the boss door, to find the hidden third Star Coin.

Kamek is the boss here. He'll create several blocks floating in the air that move horizontally. If his magic hits a block, it may turn into an enemy. The floor will turn into donut lifts. He'll keep disappearing and reappearing. Stay in the center or to one side and stomp him three times to win.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Meringue Clouds-3 -- Rainbow Skywalk

The floor in this level is rainbow-colored. Take the arrow platform up and dodge the Bullet Bills. The first Star Coin will be on the left side while you're going up. At the top, a Waddlewing will appear with an Acorn. Grab the Acorn, and get the Green Coins if you like. Take the arrow platform to the right, across the gap. Under the right ledge is a hidden pipe. This leads to an area with a narrow gap in the ceiling. Use the POW Block to drop the second Star Coin into the gap onto an arrow platform, making it rise. Quickly wall jump up to get it before it disappears at the top of the screen. Go through the pipe to return to the main level. There's a Silver Ring here above the arrow platform. Stand on it to make it rise, then activate the Silver Ring, waiting as long as you can. Silver Coins will appear and Waddlewings will fly in. Let at least one live so it can stand on the platform for you. You have to reach the top quickly as the Silver Ring also turns brick blocks into coins. This is the only way to reach the third Star Coin at the top, in an alcove. Take an arrow platform to the right and dodge Bullet Bills to reach the flag.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Meringue Clouds-2 -- Wiggler Rodeo

This level is filled with Nippers. To go over them, bounce off of the Wigglers walking around. Past the first patch of solid land is a Chomp. To the left of it is the first Star Coin behind brick blocks. Pound the Chomp's stake when it's facing to the left so it will break the bricks for you. In that area are more brick blocks, along with 8-bit Luigi. One of them has a Starman. Get it so you can run over the Nippers. You'll need it to get the first Star Coin, which is under a nearby mushroom, and the third one, which is farther ahead. Ignore the Red Coins so you can get both Star Coin. Keep going and you'll reach the flagpole.

Friday, November 22, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Meringue Clouds-1 -- Frozen Fuzzies

This level features Ice Bros and Fuzzies. The Fuzzies are on looped tracks. The Ice Bros will freeze them so you can use them as platforms. Grab the Penguin Suit so you can freeze Fuzzies on your own. In a long loop of Fuzzies, you'll find the first Star Coin hidden in a cloud. The second Star Coin is in a loop of Fuzzies. Freeze them yourself and use them to reach it. The third Star Coin is in the loop with the Ice Bro in the middle. Kill the Ice Bro, then pound through the ground to reach the Star Coin. There is a loop of Fuzzies to freeze to reach the flagpole.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines- Castle -- Roy's Ironclad Castle

Roy's castle has stone blocks that drop into the lava to serve as platforms. They move through the lava, then stop. Hit the ? Switch to make the first Star Coin drop down with a large stone. Move quickly to avoid being crushed. There's an item block with a 1-up in it. Going forward, there are several stones dropping onto conveyor belts, so time your jumps. Ahead, some blocks will drop down and carry the second Star Coin under a conveyor belt into the lava. Run quickly over the conveyor belt and drop down on the right side to get it. Ahead is another ? Switch that makes the stones form moving staircases. Transfer to the next one, which will take you to the boss door. Roy has his Bill Blaster and will fire Bullet Bills at you. Stomp him three times to win.

To get the third Star Coin, use the red switch near Rock-Candy Mines-5 to make a path to the back door of the castle. There are more moving stones as well as Podoboos. The third Star Coin is moving on the conveyor, then drops onto a stone moving to the right. Grab it, then transfer to another stone moving towards the boss door. Beat Roy again and you'll have all of the Star Coins in Rock-Candy Mines.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines-7 -- Switch-Lift Express

Go through the pipe to reach the main level. There are steel crates in this level with ? Switches. Hitting the switch will cause the platform to move quickly. It will remain wherever it stops. Hit the first ? Switch to move the platform to the right. There are two ? Switches nearby. Hit them both, then walk to the left. One of the crates is in position so you can jump on it and walk right to reach the first Star Coin. Past the first Star Coin is a ? Switch under a brick block. Get the item in the nearby item block if you need it, then pound the brick block to land on the ? Switch. This will allow you to hit the ? Switch near the first Piranha Plant. Keep hitting the switches to move the crates in place so you can jump over the Piranha Plants. One of them is on a lower crate that will move and rotate under a giant Piranha Plant, so pay attention. There are a couple of Fire Bros nearby. Go past the first Fire Bro and you'll see the second one with the second Star Coin. Kill this Fire Bro and get the second Star Coin before you hit another switch. Hit the switches so you can wall jump up for coins. After that is a Fire Bro with a ? Switch on either side. Hit the ? Switch on the right first, so you can reach the third Star Coin. Hit the left ? Switch and you'll soon reach the pipe to the flag.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines- Fort 2 -- Sumo Bro's Spinning Tower

This Fort is filled with Sumo Bros and orange platforms you can bump from below to get rid of the Sumo Bros. There are also gears to spin to make the platform with the gear rise. The first Star Coin is overhead past some fire bars. There is a Sumo Bro above. The second Star Coin is on the right side with a Sumo Bro. Keep dodging fire bars and the Sumo Bros and you'll make it to the boss door. Before you go through the boss door, stand in the center of that part of the Fort and jump to make invisible blocks appear. The third Star Coin is up here, with a Sumo Bro. Go through the boss door and Kamek will make a Sumo Bro giant. Bump the Sumo Bro using the platforms below it and quickly jump up to stomp it. Stomp it three times to win. Getting on the platform to stomp it can be a little tricky as the Sumo Bro tends to land on the edge.

Monday, November 18, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines-6 -- Spine Coaster Stowaways

The bone coaster is back and it's traveling over purple water. A giant Piranha Plant will drop down onto the bone coaster and go along for the ride unless you kill it.  The first Star Coin is above the bone coaster's path. The bone coaster will dive into the purple water, so be alert. There is a P-Switch that will make Silver Coins for you to collect. The second Star Coin is over some coins near the ceiling. After the second Star Coin, another giant Piranha Plant will drop onto the coaster, pinning you in a tight space. The bone coaster will dip into the purple water again, and you'll find the third Star Coin here. At the end, transfer to the yellow platform before the bone coaster falls into the purple water, then go to the flagpole.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines-5 -- Rising Piranhas

Grab Blue Baby Yoshi outside the level to help you with the enemies. This level is filled with Piranha Plants on moving platforms, so having Blue Baby Yoshi is very helpful. The first Star Coin is in the center of the path of a moving yellow platform. The second Star Coin is hidden in the square rock above the three Walking Piranha Plants. Nearby is Luigi's silhouette in the rock. Just past a Piranha Plant on a vertically-moving yellow platform is a set of three blocks. The top block has an Acorn in it. Get the Acorn, then jump back across the gap to the side with the Luigi silhouette. Jump and boost into the rock near the top of the screen. This will take you to the red goal, which opens the path to the red switch.

Past the block with the Acorn are more Giant Piranha Plants. There's a loop of platforms with one in it, along with the third Star Coin. Kill the Giant Piranha Plant with a nearby Koopa shell or with Blue Baby Yoshi's bubbles and get the Star Coin. Keep going and you'll see the regular goal.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines-4 -- Light-Up Lift Tower

This is a dark level filled with giant Light Blocks you can use as platforms. There are Fire Snakes here, so be careful. Step on the Light Blocks to get them to start moving. Once they start moving, the level automatically scrolls up. The first Star Coin is on the right side, blocked by Light Blocks that move away eventually. Get the Star Coin and quickly return to the moving Light Blocks. The second Star Coin is on the right wall. Higher up, you'll find Fire Piranhas. About halfway up is a P-Switch that makes Silver Coins appear. The third Star Coin is at the top of the level, in the left corner, guarded by giant Fire Piranhas. Use a Fire Flower to kill them, then wall jump to reach the Star Coin. The pipe nearby takes you to the flagpole.

Friday, November 15, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines-3 -- Spike's Seesaws

The Spikes in this level make dealing with the seesaws more difficult. The first Star Coin is over the first Spike on the right. Take the seesaw up and go past the Green Ring. There is a Spike standing on some brick blocks. Pound the brick blocks as Super Luigi to find the hidden second Star Coin. The third Star Coin is past the second seesaw that takes you up. Stomp the Spikes and jump to the green pipe overhead. This will take you to a seesaw with a Spike in front of the flagpole.

Thursday, November 14, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines- Fort -- Smashing-Stone Tower

Grrols are everywhere in this level. There are invisible blocks you can hit to guide where they go. There are invisible blocks under the first Star Coin in the center, but get the Star Coin quickly. The Grrrols will break the blocks after you reveal them. Go up higher and you'll see a pipe on either side. Take one and you'll see Luigi's face made of stone. The second Star Coin is hidden here. Return to the main level. Near the top are tons of brick blocks. Grrrols will drop down and clear the bricks, initially forming stairs, then removing the brick blocks out of reach. Move quickly up the left stairs to a pipe. The third Star Coin is here. Break through the brick blocks to get it, then leave through the pipe on the left, which leads to the boss door. Kamek gives Boom Boom wings, making him harder to stomp. Stomp him three times to defeat him. This opens the path to Rock-Candy Mines-3 and -4.

Ground pound under the third Star Coin while Super Luigi to reach a pipe cannon that will allow you to get the coin and reach the red goal. This opens the path to Rock-Candy Mines-6.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines-2 -- Porcupuffer Cavern

Take the yellow pipe past the crab. The main part of the level bobs in the water. There are music note blocks that allow you to reach a pole. Bounce on the third music note block from the left to trigger the appearance of the first Star Coin overhead. Keep going and you'll see another pole near a crab. Jump up to the right to find a hidden area with the second Star Coin and 8-bit Luigi. The third Star Coin will appear below. Take the pipe at the end and bounce on the music note blocks to reach the flagpole.

Nintendo Direct 11/13/2013

It's been a while since the last Nintendo Direct. Here's the latest news.

Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds- The anticipated sequel to A Link to the Past launches soon on November 22. It will be a great adventure for fans of the series and newcomers alike. Link has a new ability to turn into a drawing that allows him to move along the walls. There are all new dungeons to explore. Link must save two worlds: Hyrule and Lorule. There are all new characters such as Irene, the witch. She'll periodically fly overhead and the citizens will tell her to aid someone wearing green for good fortune. Touch the bell on the Touch Screen and she'll take Link to places of Hyrule where he's found a weather vane, making travel easier. Her broom can take Link between Hyrule and Lorule. Seres is the daughter of the sancturary's priest, and a target of Yuga, the villain. TA fourth new character is reached by using Zora's Flippers and a bottle of premium milk from the Milk Bar. Streetpass with other players to battle Shadow Link. To battle Shadow Link and create your own Shadow Link, talk to Gramps. You have nothing to lose in fighting Shadow Link and victory gains you rupees. Follow Nintendo on Instagram to view 4 mini trailers for the game from now until launch. Limited edition 3DS XLs with the game bundled with them will be available on launch day. -November 22

Mario Party: Island Tour- Play all 7 game boards with up to 3 friends using Download Play. There are 80 new minigames and new puzzles and extras. Bowser's Tower is a single player minigame challenge. Every fifth floor is a boss battle. Enable Streetpass to tag up to 10 players and challenge their Streetpass data. -November 22

Bravely Default- This is an RPG where each character selects either "Brave" for their action or "Default". "Default" means a character defends for their entire turn, building up "Brave Points". "Brave Points" can be borrowed from future turns. When a character has enough "Brave Points", choose "Brave" to spend "Brave Points", which allows a character to unleash multiple attacks that turn. Some features allow you to speed up battle or freeze time. Leave the software running while the #DS is in sleep mode to gain Sleep Points, which allow you to unleash powerful attacks. You can also customize your characters. Streetpass other players, who can aid you in battle or help rebuild your hometown. A Collector's Edition will be available, which includes the game, AR cards, an art book and the soundtrack. -February 7

Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy- Professor Layton, Emmy, and Luke travel all over the world to solve a mystery about a mummy. Along the way, they will pick up artifacts from an ancient civilization and solve puzzles. -February 28

All Nintendo Zone locations will still give you the data from the last 6 people to ping off their location and will continue distributing exclusive content. Furniture for Animal Crossing: New Leaf that was exclusive to Best Buy will be distributed via all Nintendo Zone locations. There will be a special Super Mario 3D Land Mystery Box and special Mii distributions, and content for other games through December.

In December, a new 3DS software update will be released. This update will allow you to combine the eShop balances on your 3DS and Wii U by registering your Nintendo Network ID on your 3DS. You will not need a new ID to download paid content. Miiverse for the 3DS will be available at the launch of the update. 3DS users will also be able to watch Youtube videos on the 3DS as long as they have an internet connection. The Wii U Youtube app will receive an update later this month.

Pikmin 3- Round 3 for Mission Mode will be released soon. These stages will be all new location based on realistic locations. One mission allows you to control Captain Olimar. Find Louie in each stage and take him back to the base to be able to use him as a playable character, allowing you to divide tasks more efficiently. This round contains 4 Battle Enemies stages and 4 Collect Treasure stages. A software update will be required to play these new stages. This will also give you two free stages, one of each type, in the "Fortress of Festivity".  -December 2

Animal Crossing Plaza- There will be an update to the software that allows you to post stamps on Miiverse. Stamps will be available to post in other titles, such as Super Mario 3D world, but you can only use stamps in the Miiverse communities of games that support stamps. Another part of the update will allow you to complete polls. The results will show up as rankings each month. More features will become available in the future, such as Resident Registration, which allows you to meet your residents in the Plaza. You can also save Miiverse pictures to your albums and move and delete multiple pictures at once. - Available later this evening

Here is a list of new indie games coming to the eShop.
Q.U.B.E. Director's Cut - Wii U
Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails - Wii U
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse - 3DS
Armillo - Wii U
Grinsia - 3DS
1001 Spikes - Wii U
Tengami - Wii U
Jet Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai - 3DS
Pier Solar HD - Wii U
Putty Squad - 3DS
Teslagrad - Wii U
Treasurenauts - 3DS
Wooden Sen'Sey - Wii U
Retro City Rampage - 3DS
Knytt Underground - Wii U
Unepic - Wii U
Siesta Fiesta - 3DS
Shovel Knight - Wii U

Spoiler Alert!
Super Mario 3D World- Here are ten new features for the game:
1. Touchscreen and Microphone Gameplay- Use the Touch Screen to interact with the level, hitting blocks, and crates, and moving parts of the level. Blow into the microphone to blow enemies away.
2. Golden Express Stage- There's a train filled with coins to collect.
3. Captain Toad Levels- Collect 5 stars in a 3D world without jumping.
4. Speed Run Levels- You have 100 seconds to clear the level.
5. Mystery Houses- Complete fast challenges to get Green Stars.
6. Motley Boss Blob- Challenge a giant boss with a growing number of clones.
7. Top-down Shooter Stage- Destroy enemies with the Boomerang while controlling from a top-down view.
8. Kart-style Stage- Run around a Mario Kart-style level, racing your friends.
9. Unlockable Bonus Game- Luigi Bros. game, playable out of the box if you have New Super Luigi U save data.
10. Unlockable 5th Character- Play as Rosalina, who has a spin attack.
End Spoilers

The game will be released on November 22.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Rock-Candy Mines-1 -- Mount Fuzzy

There are mine rafters at the start of the level and Fuzzies moving on paths. High up on the left side of the rafters is an invisible block with a Mini Mushroom. There's a mini pipe later on in the level that will lead you to some coins and 3 1-ups. The first Star Coin is in the center of a path with brick blocks and Fuzzies. Use a shell to get it. Go past the Green Ring and you'll see Fuzzies jumping in the air while moving on paths. Use the Ice Flower to freeze the Fuzzies and use the Fuzzies as platforms to stand on for a short while. The third Star Coin is in the center of another ring of Fuzzies. Freeze the Fuzzies so you can stand on them to reach the third Star Coin. The flag is nearby.

Monday, November 11, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle- Castle -- Iggy's Swinging-Chains Castle

Iggy's castle has waves of lava, which make good timing a necessity. To cross some of the large gaps, you'll have to swing from chains. The first Star Coin is near the end of one chain. Slide down the chain slowly to get it, and climb back up to avoid the lava. Ahead are some platforms. Over the set of three brick blocks is an invisible block with a 1-up. Keep going and you'll see a Green Ring. Towards the end you'll see some solid floor in front of a giant Dry Bones. Drop down on the right side of the floor when the lava's not there, then walk to the left. The second Star Coin is hidden here. The third Star Coin is over the giant Dry Bones. Nearby is the boss door.

Iggy will send three flames at you. Any flame that is red will turn into a Blaarg in the lava below and chase you. Iggy will use the pipes on the sides of the walls to go on the ceiling and move around during his shell cycle. Try to stomp him as soon as he gets out of his shell cycle. Stomp him three times to win. With that, you have all of the Star Coins in the Soda Jungle.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle-7 -- Wiggler Floodlands

This is a vertical level with rising purple water. There are giant Wigglers here you can bounce off of to reach higher platforms. You'll need to bounce off a Wiggler for the first Star Coin. Climb higher and you'll see a Red Coin Ring. A bit higher and you'll see the second Star Coin out of reach. There's a Koopa nearby, so quickly throw its shell to get it. At the top is a yellow pipe to the second part of the level. Here you can get an Acorn. Bounce off of a Wiggler or fly and boost to get the third Star Coin. Keep climbing, as the water will rise in this level, as well. At the top, bounce off of a Wiggler to reach the yellow pipe to the flagpole.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle-6 -- Sumo Bro Bridge

The bridges in this level tilt, and many have Sumo Bros above them to send lightning down. The first Star Coin is between the first two Sumo Bros. Jump and spin to get it. Ahead is a Green Ring and a pipe nearby, which is low on the level, near the purple water. This pipe leads to more bridges and the second Star Coin. Return to the main level and you'll see a random item block. The third Star Coin is directly below a Sumo Bro. Time your jump to get it, so you aren't struck by lightning. There are several bridges in front of the flagpole, so platform over them to reach the goal.

Friday, November 8, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle-5 -- Deepsea Stone-Eyes

There are a couple of ways to finish this level. To avoid getting wet, ground pound the second statue. This will make it drop down, revealing a hidden path to the red goal. This opens the path to Soda Jungle-6 and -7.

To reach the regular goal, and the Star Coins, go through the pipe. This will take you underwater. The first Star Coin is past a moving statue. It will slow down when you approach it. Dodge the Fishbones and swim up, avoiding the stones that can crush you. The second Star Coin is on the left, behind a statue that will rotate up to block off access to the Star Coin. Swim quickly. That statue will drop down after a while, allowing you to access a pipe hidden in the gap overhead. This will take you to an 8-bit Luigi and the third Star Coin. Use the pipe to the right to reach the regular goal. This opens a path that loops on itself.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle-4 -- Painted Pipeworks

This level has a Starry Night theme. There are Piranha Plants in the many pipes in this level, and some of the pipes move. Grab the Red Coins, if you like, for a Fire Flower. The first Star Coin is over a set of rotating pipes. The coin moves with it. The pipe below it has a Piranha Plant, so either time your jump or kill it. Ahead, pipes come down from the ceiling. The second Star Coin is between two of these pipes. Use a regular jump or a wall jump to get it, timing it so you land on the moving pipe to the right. The third Star Coin is between two pipes that are low it in the purple water. There's a pipe swinging overhead, so time a quick wall jump to get the Star Coin and land safely. The regular goal is ahead. This opens a path that loops back to the path to Soda Jungle-4 and -5.

In the area with the third Star Coin, between the swinging pipe and the flagpole is a red pipe coming down from the ceiling. Jump on the blue pipe when it swings that way to reach the pipe. This will take you to a painting of Luigi and the red goal. This opens the path to Soda Jungle-6 and -7.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle- Parabeetle -- Para-Beetle Parade

This level is an automatic side-scroller. There's a 1-up in the large item block at the start, with an Acorn and a P-Switch below it. The P-Switch makes Silver Coins appear over the Parabeetles in the air. Platform from Parabeetle to Parabeetle to stay alive. Keep hitting the P-Switches to keep the Silver Coins on screen. Some of the P-Switches are on the Parabeetles. They will show you how to jump. Collect them to get more lives. Be sure to dodge the Piranha Plants riding on the Parabeetles. The first Star Coin is on the left side, over a giant Piranha Plant. Hit the blocks under it to kill it. To the right, giant Banzai Bills will appear. There is a Red Coin Ring nearby. Follow the trail of Red Coins by gliding and they'll lead you to the second Star Coin. You'll need to boost to get it. Drop down before the giant Banzai Bill appears, and keep moving so the small Parabeetles do not rise into the giant Banzai Bill. You'll find an 8-bit Luigi here. Keep going and you'll see a trail of Silver Coins that lead down to the third Star Coin. Stand on a large Parabeetle to reach it. Stand on higher Parabeetles, then glide over the giant Banzai Bill to the flagpole. This opens the path into Meringue Clouds.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle- Ghost House -- Boo's Favorite Haunt

This Ghost House is dark. There are several Boo rings here. The first Star Coin is over the second Boo ring. Get the Acorn and you come across Boos that fly all over the place. Further ahead are Boo rings that expand and contract. The second Star Coin is in one of those Boo rings. You'll come to some pendulum platforms, which will take you to a door in the darkness. Ignore that door and glide far to the right  for the third Star Coin and another door. This door leads to a portrait of Luigi from Super Mario 64 DS and the red goal. This unlocks the path to Soda Jungle- Parabeetle.

The door after the pendulums leads to the regular goal. This opens the path to Soda Jungle-4 and -5.

Monday, November 4, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle- Fort -- Stone-Snake Tower

There is purple water in this fort, and it rises, so you'll have to keep moving. Go past the Grrrols and you'll see a snake block. It will snake throughout the fort. Wall jump to reach the first Star Coin. Grab the Red Coins if you like. On the left wall is a P-Switch which turns coins into blocks, leading you to the second Star Coin between two spiked ball and chains. Silver Coins also appear. Near the top, a second snake block will appear and the snake blocks will take you to the boss door. Near the left wall, the passage will narrow and you'll have to jump from snake block to snake block, following the coin arches. Jump at the first coin arch to reach the third Star Coin, 8-bit Luigi, and a 1-up. Go through the boss door and Kamek will make Boom Boom a giant. Stomp three times to win.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle-3 -- Heart of Bramball Woods

This level is a little darker, but you can still see. There are Bramballs all over the place. There's a Red Coin Ring before you reach the first Bramballs. There's a P-Switch that makes Silver Coins appear and gives you access to the first Star Coin. You'll have to bounce off of Bramballs to reach it. The second Star Coin is nearby over brick blocks and a Bramball. The third Star Coin is under some blocks where some Bramballs are. You'll have to run under and dodge the Bramballs to get it. In front of the flag are a series of Bramballs. Bounce on them to reach the flag.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle-2 -- Dancing Blocks, Poison Swamp

The dancing blocks are blocks that dive into the purple water. They will appear soon after, but you must time your jumps. There are also parts of a beanstalk that will expand and curl back up, allowing you to reach new areas. The first Star Coin is over the first set of diving blocks. Either time your jump so that the blocks will come out of the water when you're ready to land, or use the Acorn to glide to it. Ahead you'll find solid ground and some beanstalk parts. One goes under a ledge so you can reach the second Star Coin. You can either walk to it, or use a shell to get it. Near the flagpole is a set of arching blocks. Either walk to it or use a shell to get it. The regular flagpole opens the path to the Fort.

There's a pipe somewhat hidden near the purple water to the right of the diving blocks. You can't glide to it. One of the diving block sets has an item block. Pound the item block to make a P-Switch appear. This will make brick blocks appear over the purple water so you can run to the pipe. The pipe is a cannon that will take you to the red goal, which opens the path to Soda Jungle-6 and -7.

Friday, November 1, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle-1 -- Giant Swing-Along

The enemies and blocks are gigantic here. The first brick block has a 1-up. Swing on the vines past the Piranha Plants. Use a shell to hit a brick block to make a vine and an 8-bit Luigi appear. The vine will take you to where the first Star Coin is. Use a shell to get it. Return to the main level and you'll see the second Star Coin, blocked off by brick blocks. As Super Luigi, ground pound the brick blocks to get the Star Coin. Ahead is a giant pipe. Stand on it and kick a shell ahead of you. Follow it so you can get the third Star Coin. Ahead is the flag.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Soda Jungle- Airship -- All Aboard!

This Airship is special, because Luigi's on the stern. Jump to spin the nuts and bolts to cross gaps. There are Fire Bros, Ice Bros, Sumo Bros, and Boomerang Bros on board, as well as Mechakoopas. Defeat the first Fire Bro and run past it to find the first Star Coin. The second Star Coin is behind the second Sumo Bro on a lower part of the Airship. Blocks will appear so you can keep going. Ahead, you'll see some crates. Pound the first one for the third Star Coin. Go past the Hammer Bro near the water and you'll see the pipe. Take the pipe to the room filled with water. Bowser Jr. is here in a Clown Submarine. It fires homing Torpedo Teds. Lure the Torpedo Teds into the submarine three times. After each hit, regular Torpedo Teds will cross the screen. Once you win, the water drains and Luigi dodges the Airship's mechanical hand. The Airship flies off and you can continue further into the Soda Jungle.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Frosted Glacier -- Wendy's Thwomp Castle

There are Thwomps in this castle, and they hover over brick blocks, so you won't be able to stay in some areas for long. There are some areas of solid ground, where you'll find more Thwomps and Dry Bones. The first Star Coin is in the gap between stone platforms. Approach the Thwomps to make them fall, wall jump in the gap to get the Star Coin, then wall jump to safety. Keep going and you'll have to wall jump up. Trigger the Thwomp over the gap, then, when it rises, quickly drop down and jump to get the second Star Coin. Ahead is a Red Coin Ring. After that is a series of Thwomps that will crash down on to brick blocks. An 8-bit Luigi is hidden behind one of them. Run and time your jumps so that you collect the coins (they're there to guide you). Wall jump off the brick blocks under the Thwomp in front of the boss door, then jump over it to land near the boss door. Trigger it again, then drop down in its path, then run to the right for the hidden third Star Coin.

Go through the boss door and launch from the cannon to challenge Wendy. The ceiling is covered in icicles, the floor is icy, and she's wearing ice skates. She'll use her wand to send rings bouncing through the room. Stomp her three times to win. This will open the path to the Soda Jungle. We now have all of the Star Coins in Frosted Glacier.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Frosted Glacier- Fliprus -- Fliprus Floes

It's time to deal with Fliprus, the seals that like to throw snow. Go past the Bowser Jr. statue made of snow and you'll reach some water. There are crates on the water you can stand on. Stand on them long enough and they'll spring up, allowing you to jump higher. Stand on the crate under the gap in the rock above and jump with good timing to reach the first Star Coin. Avoid the icicles on the ceiling and you'll see some Fliprus. The second Star Coin is over the Water Piranha Plants. Keep going and you'll see the third Star Coin over a pillar with a Fliprus. Ahead is a Fliprus on brick blocks. There's a 1-up in the box above the Fliprus. Past the flagpole is a Bowser statue made of snow. Reaching the flagpole opens the path to the Rock-Candy Mines.

Monday, October 28, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Frosted Glacier- Ghost House -- Peek-a-Boo Ghost House

This is a tricky ghost house. When you start, the floor will disappear. Grab some coins on the way down. Go to the right and jump on a floating crate. Grab an Acorn from the item block. You'll approach a wall that will disappear when you get close. Ahead is a Boo ring with the second Star Coin. Boost over the Boo ring to get it. From the platform above the Boo ring, jump left and run until you drop down. This will take you to a hidden door. The door leads to the first Star Coin, which is high up, near the red goal. Boost to get the Star Coin. The red goal opens the path to Frosted Glacier- Fliprus.

To reach the regular goal, continue to the right from the second Star Coin. Wall jump up when you can to dodge Big Boo and get some items. There's another Boo ring ahead. Stand on a floating crate through the Boo ring to reach the third Star Coin. It's hidden in the platform surrounded by the Boo ring, and the only way to reach it is to jump from a crate when you pass through the platform. Stay on the crates and you'll see Luigi in a web. At the end is a door to the regular goal. This opens the path to the castle.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Frosted Glacier-5 -- Ice-Slide Express

Outside the level are a couple of blocks. Hit them to get the Penguin Suit, then take the pipe underground. This level lets you belly-slide through most of the level. The rolling hills will let you gain a little momentum. When the path splits, jump for the first Star Coin. Nearby is a Silver Ring which makes Silver Coins appear. The Silver Coin trail leads to a Red Coin Ring and the second Star Coin surrounded by brick blocks. Slide into the brick blocks to break them and get the Star Coin. Towards the end of the level, you'll slide up a large slope, then drop down the water. There are blocks of ice floating in the water under pipes with Piranha Plants. Get a running start, slide, then jump when the path splits to hit some brick blocks and break them. This will allow you to reach the third Star Coin, which is hidden in the alcove above before you reach the pipe. There's an 8-bit Luigi in the alcove. The pipe takes you to the flagpole.

New Super Luigi U: Frosted Glacier-4 -- Weighty Waddlewings

At the beginning of the level is a Toad made out of snow. There are Banzai Bills here, as well as balances. Waddlewings will fly in and land on the balances, which will make them drop. The first Star Coin is under a balance. Stand on the balance to make it drop to the Star Coin, then wall jump to safety. The second Star Coin is over the balances. Jump carefully to get it. Ahead is a slope. Slide down it to get an Acorn from a Waddlewing. The third Star Coin is over a gap. Drop down and boost to get it. You need the Acorn for this. Near the flag, bounce off of a Waddlewing and dodge or bounce off three Banzai Bills to reach the flagpole. At the end of the level are snow sculptures of Peach and Toad.

New Super Luigi U: Frosted Glacier-3 -- Fire and Ice

To make your life difficult, there are Goombas in pine cones and Fire Bros that can release the Goombas with their fireballs. Go past them and you'll see Fire Piranhas. To the lower right of the first Fire Piranha is a gap with a pipe. Take the pipe underground, where you'll find an ice statue of Luigi and the first Star Coin. Return to the main level, and collect the coins from the Green Ring if you'd like. Ahead will be several Fire Piranhas on the ceiling. Wall jump up the gap for the hidden second Star Coin. Past the ceiling with the Fire Piranhas is a Fire Bro. Hit the P-Switch in front of it and drop down under the ice. Run under the Fire Bro to reach the third Star Coin. Ahead is a platform and a Fire Piranha in front of the flagpole. This opens the path to Frosted Glacier-4 and -5.

New Super Luigi U: Frosted Glacier- Fort -- Icicle Tower

As the name suggests, there are icicles in this fort that will rain down on you when you approach. Some will remain on the ceiling and act like spikes. Go past the Bony Beetles and icicles and take the elevator up. For the first Star Coin, when on the elevator, run to the right. At the end of the elevator ride are several floors. There are spikes and icicles here. The second Star Coin is on the left side. Jump slightly to get it without going to the level it's on so you won't be damaged by icicles. Climb up and you'll see another elevator. When on the elevator, run to the left to get the third Star Coin. Use the pipe cannon to reach it and the boss door. Kamek powers up Boom Boom so he can jump higher. Stomp him three times to win.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Frosted Glacier-2 -- Cooligan Shrooms

There are many Cooligans sliding around the level, which has tilting mushrooms for platforms. The first Star Coin is over the gap between two mushrooms. Between two pipes that send out infinite Cooligans is the second Star Coin under a nearby mushroom. The third Star Coin is over a patch of Nippers. Freeze a Cooligan that comes out of a pipe and stand on top of it as it glides over the Nippers. The flagpole is nearby.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Frosted Glacier-1 -- Broozers and Barrels

This is a vertical level. At the bottom are a couple of Broozers blocked in by giant spinning stars. They can't escape, but can spin the stars to make platforming a little more difficult. Jump up from the stars to the next level. The first Star Coin is on the right side. Bounce off the Broozer to get it. There are Ice Piranhas here, so dodge the ice. The second Star Coin is on the left side under a pipe with a Piranha Plant. You can't wall jump up, so jump up, dodge or kill the Broozer nearby and jump to get it. Keep climbing up until you reach the top of the level. Quickly climb up the crates in the middle of the level to reach the third Star Coin before the Broozers destroy the crates. Take the yellow pipe to the flagpole.

Monday, October 21, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Sparkling Waters- Castle -- Larry's Trigger-Happy Castle

As the name suggests, you're going to be dodging some bullets in this castle. There are Bullet Bills and Banzai Bills in the air and Torpedo Teds in the water. The Ice Flower is available here. The first Star Coin is high in the arch of coins over the water between two Bill Blasters. Take the pipe near the brick wall down underwater. Here you'll find homing Torpedo Teds. Hit the block between two item blocks to make a P-Switch appear. Lure the Torpedo Teds into break the brick blocks around it and hit the switch. This will turn the brick blocks into coins so you can get the second Star Coin in the coins in the middle, near the floor. Alternatively, you can lure the Torpedo Teds into breaking the brick blocks surrounding the Star Coin. On the right side is a pipe and an 8-bit Luigi. Take the pipe to the main level. There is an item block to the left next to the wall of brick blocks. Get the powerup quickly if you need it, as a Banzai Bill will break through the wall very soon. Jump on the brick blocks to the right and keep going. Jump from the brick blocks to reach the third Star Coin before the Banzai Bill destroys the blocks. Keep going to the right to the boss door. Water pillars will appear in Larry's Airship, making stomping him and dodging his attacks a little more difficult. Stomp him three times to win. This opens the path to the Airship in the Soda Jungle. We now have all of the Star Coins in Sparkling Waters.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Sparkling Waters-5 -- Dragoneel Depths

It's time to deal with Dragoneels again. Take the pipe underwater. The first Dragoneel will appear from the left. It will not follow you as closely. To the right, on the shelf on the rocks are a group of Urchins guarding the first Star Coin. Kill them to get is. Fireballs will work. Swim up and you'll see blocks and crates moving in circles. The second Star Coin is in the center of some circling crates with Urchins. Swim carefully to get it. Swim to the upper right and you'll see a green pipe. Ignore the green pipe and let the Dragoneel kill the giant Urchin to the left. This will let you take a pipe to the third Star Coin and the flag. The green pipe leads only to the flag.

Saturday, October 19, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Sparkling Waters-4 -- The Great Geysers

The water spouts become geysers here, meaning they are much larger. You can get the Penguin Suit here. You'll start on solid ground, then you'll have to deal with the geysers. Cheep-Cheep will fly out of the water and drop back down, so be aware of where they are. The first Star Coin is in the second geyser, under some blocks. Wait for the geyser to drop down, then swim quickly to get it. The P-Switch makes Silver Coins appear. Keep going past the Water Piranha Plants and jump up the trees. The second Star Coin is over a tree. The third Star Coin is with a Water Piranha Plant. You can drop down on it if you're powered up, or use a shell to kill the Water Piranha Plant and grab it. The flagpole is nearby.

Friday, October 18, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Sparkling Waters-3 -- Waterspout Sprint

This level involves running on water spouts. The spouts will turn off, but not so long that you'll fall off screen standing still. You can fall off screen if you're moving with bad timing. Go past the Goomrats, the strange-looking Goombas and you'll find the first Star Coin behind a giant Piranha plant. Either kill it with fireballs or hit it with something like a shell or a frozen enemy. Past the Red Coin Ring is the second Star Coin in a column of water topped with a Piranha Plant. Use a shell to get it or freeze the Piranha Plant. They'll break when the water spout hits them. The third Star Coin is over a Piranha Plant by the flagpole. Freeze that Piranha Plant to get it.

Thursday, October 17, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Sparkling Waters- Leaf -- Beanstalk Jungle

This is an automatic sidescrolling level, that starts going up, then goes to the right. Climb up the first beanstalk and get Yoshi in an item block. Beware of the Piranha Plants and the Lakitus that throw them. There's a Green Coin Ring on the first beanstalk. Transfer to the next one. The first Star Coin is by a low leaf. Steal a cloud from a Lakitu to get it. The second Star Coin is over a leaf near a red pipe. Dodge the Waddlewings and go through the pipe. The alcove to the left has the third Star Coin. The brick blocks below have 1-ups. The flag is to the right. This opens the path to the Rock-Candy Mines.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Sparkling Waters- Ghost House -- Haunted Cargo Hold

This level features Boo rings and poles. In the water below are Fishbones. Take any pipe on the right to the main level. There are spinning crates in the water, where blue homing Cheep-Cheep are. There are more poles ahead and Boo rings circling them. The first Star Coin is right above one of the spinning crates. The second Star Coin is in the water, just past the Red Coin Ring. The third Star Coin is over some crates near the pipe to the flag. There is a Boo ring in front of the regular goal. This opens the path to Sparkling Waters-3 and -4.

The secret exit is just below the pipe to the regular goal. You may not have enough time to kill all of the Cheep-Cheep, so kill a few and swim quickly. There is a hidden area near the bottom between the metal bands on the wall. There is a pipe here that will take you to the red goal. This opens the path to Sparkling Waters-Leaf.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Sparkling Waters- Fort -- Shish-Kebab Tower

This fort features spike pillars. Climb past the Fire Bros and take the elevator behind the grate. While the elevator is rising, go to the right. Behind the green Bowser Jr. face on the wall is a hidden area with the first Star Coin. Take the elevator to the top and keep climbing. The second Star Coin is in the corner on the right with the spikes. Take another elevator up and you'll see a Luigi image on the side. The third Star Coin is above the image. Go left of the Fire Bro and pound the brick blocks to get it. At the top is the boss door. Kamek's magic will let Boom Boom jump and spin. Hit him three times to win. Outside, the clouds surrounding Peach's Castle get thicker.

Monday, October 14, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Sparkling Waters-2 -- Urchin Reef Romp

The main part of the level is underwater, but before you take the pipe underwater, run past the pipe, wall jump up, then run to the left for the first Star Coin. Go through the pipe to go underwater. You'll find giant and small Urchins, as well as Cheep-Cheeps. There are lots of currents in this level. The second Star Coin is in a current, under a giant Urchin. The third Star Coin is guarded by Urchins, so use a Fire Flower to kill them, then get it. Hit the P-Switch for Silver Coins through the series of giant Urchins to the pipe that leads to the flag.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Sparkling Waters-1 -- Huckit Beach Resort

It's time to go to the beach! There are lots of Huckits, the crabs that throw rocks, here as many huts above the water. You can walk into the huts to find hidden areas with coins, Huckits, and item blocks. Use the water pillars to reach higher places. The first Star Coin is in the first hut. Enter the hut from the right side. Below the boardwalk is a pipe in the water. It leads to an 8-bit Luigi and the second Star Coin. Ahead you'll see Huckits in tiers of brick blocks over the water. Pound the ground from the top tier to reach the third Star Coin. Use the water pillars to reach the flag.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Layer-Cake Desert- Castle -- Morton's Lava-Block Castle

This castle has lots of platforming on blocks that appear from the lava. There is a Red Coin Ring near the start. The platforms in the area of the first few Red Coins will appear from the lava, so time your run if you want to get them. The first Star Coin is surrounded by brick blocks over a platform bobbing in the lava. Be Super Luigi to break the blocks and get the Star Coin. Move quickly. There are Dry Bones in the castle. Pound the arrow sign for hidden coins. The second Star Coin is near the lava and is blocked periodically by a moving platform. With the Ice Flower, freeze a Dry Bones and throw it to reach it. Near the boss door, run and jump from the last platform in the lava to reach the third Star Coin. You'll go over the boss door to reach it. Once through the boss door and on the Airship, Morton will use his hammer to summon a giant Pokey and hit its segments at you. Jump to dodge, then stomp him three times, preferably before he can summon another Pokey. Victory will open the path to Sparkling Waters and Frosted Glacier. We now have all of the Star Coins in Layer-Cake Desert.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Layer-Cake Desert-6 -- Spinning Sandstones

This is a great level to collect coins for extra lives early in the game. There are rolling sandstone hills, some with lots of coins on them. Also in the level are Walking Piranha Plants and sand pillars. The first Star Coin is near a pipe where the Water Piranha Plants are. Jump over the Water Piranha Plants and go between the second and third Walking Piranha Plants. Jump up from the platform between them to find an invisible block with a vine. This will take you to an area with musical note blocks and the second Star Coin. Drop down to the main level and you'll see three statues, one of which looks like Luigi. The statues hide a hidden area with coins. Lakitu will appear when you step on the sandstone next to the statues. This Lakitu will throw Piranha Plants that will sprout when they land. There's a Red Coin Ring ahead with several sandstones spinning counter-clockwise. Collect the Red Coins if you like and you'll reach solid ground. There's a giant Piranha Plant and a Water Piranha Plant. Kill the giant Piranha Plant, then walk to the right to find the hidden third Star Coin. The sandstone to the right leads to the flagpole.

Monday, October 7, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Layer-Cake Desert- Fire Piranha -- Slippery Rope Ladders

This level has lots of ice. The Fire Piranhas can melt the smaller chunks of ice. There are rope ladders that let you reach new areas. The first Star Coin is near the second rope ladder. Jump from the ladder, then wall jump back to the ladder to get it. Slide down the icy ground, then go past the Piranha Plants in moving pipes. There's a Red Coin Ring in the area. The Red Coins lead to the second Star Coin. Go up higher and you'll find a couple of Fire Bros and 8-bit Luigi. The third Star Coin is up here. Keep going to the right past a pipe is the flag, set against a constellation backdrop.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Layer-Cake Desert- 5 -- Stone Spike Conveyors

This level features moving yellow platforms on paths and Stone Spikes on mushroom platforms. The first Star Coin is under the first Stone Spike. Use the yellow platform to get it. The second Star Coin is high above, on the right side of the third set of pipes. Past it is a Green Ring. The third Star Coin is over the gap near the flagpole. There's a fast set of yellow platforms with Stone Spikes before it. Get the third Star Coin at the last second and jump to safety.

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Nintendo Direct 10/1/13

It's time for another Nintendo Direct!

Super Mario 3D World- There's a celebration going on in the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Blue Toad stumble upon a clear warp pipe, which grabs their attention. A green fairy appears from it and Bowser captures it. The four will have to travel through different levels with some new powerups. As cats, they can sneak up on the wildlife, such as birds and rabbits. A cherry makes copies of the character. The Tanooki Suit makes a return and a new block appears that allows the character to fire cannon balls. Coin blocks and propeller blocks also make a reappearance. There is a new powerup that will disguise the characters as Goombas. There's an ice skate the characters can skate around in like a Kuribo Shoe. Other items they can carry include baseballs and soccer balls to throw at enemies. Piranha Plants can be carried and used to eat enemies. In Ghost Houses, some flagpoles may be fake. Boom Boom will also appear. Bowser gets to drive around in a car. -November 22

There are special Mario and Luigi-themed Wiimote + controllers that will be available November 1.

Wii Party U- Some of the new minigames were discussed, including Water Runners, where players scoop up water from the stream on the Game Pad and pouring it into jars displayed on the TV without spilling, and Dance with Mii, where players stand in a circle around the Game Pad and move their hands and rotate around the circle to the music. Button Smashers is a game where every player must press a sequence of buttons in order. In the packaged version, a horizontal Game Pad stand will be included. -October 25

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze- Released delayed until February 2014.

Mario and Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games- There will be a new feature allowing players across the globe to compete online. Real Olympic events short track speed skating, ski cross, and snowboard cross, as well as the Dream Event Winter Sport Champion Race will be playable. Earning a medal in an event online adds points to your country's total, allowing the nations to be ranked. There will be bundled copies of the game with a blue Wiimote + controller. -November 15

Super Smash Bros.- Sonic is confirmed to be a playable character.

Pikmin 3- There will be new Mission Mode stages available as paid downloadable content. The first round is the Collect Treasure Pack (Stages 7-10) for $1.99 on the Wii U eShop available now. More will come later. A new software update available now will allow you to see the Mission Mode's highest scores globally. The update will also include a free extra Mission Mode Stage.

Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl- This game contains two games in one, with five pre-made characters that get to explore parts of Etria not seen in the original release. Classic Mode has the same gameplay and dungeons from the original Nintendo DS entry, but will full 3D graphics and the Grimoire Stone system. The first run of packaged games is a special edition containing a CD with unheard tracks and a design book. - October 1

Just Dance 2014- There are over 40 new tracks to dance to, as well as World Stage Mode, allowing global online multiplayer. On-Stage Mode lets one player shine in front of their friends. Party Master Mode allows players to MC the party on the Game Pad. Just Sweat Mode allows for customizable playlists and calorie counting. There is a packaged bundled version with a Wiimote + controller. - October 8

Skylanders: Swap Force- A new layer is added to gameplay by swapping the upper and lower halves of the figurines to create new characters and abilities. The 3DS version contains a unique story and figurines not found on the Wii U version. The 3DS version also allows players to upload their characters so they can swap them out. - October 13

Lego: Marvel Super Heroes- There are over 100 characters with their own strengths and abilities. Big Fig characters like Hulk allow for greater destruction. Players can travel to locations such as Asgard and the X-Mansion. The Wii U version supports Off-TV play and the 3DS version covers the entire Marvel universe in 45 missions with additional challenges and modes. -October 22

Batman: Arkham Origins: Blackgate- This is a companion version to Arkham Origins and is a 2.5D adventure the delves deeper into the Dark Knight's past. Use the Touch Screen to scrub crime scenes clean with the Environment Analysis system. -October 25

Sonic: Lost World- The game is now available for preorder with the Deadly Six bonus edition, a level with boss battles against enormous enemies. Each version has unique Color Powers and levels, and the 3DS version has customizable gadgets. These gadgets can be shared between the Wii U and 3DS. -October 29

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag: Play as Edward Kenway in 1715. The naval gameplay has been enhanced and you can customize your ship with weapons, sails, and more. -October 29

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies- Exclusive to the 3DS eShop, Phoenix Wright is back with trials in 3D. Investigate crime scenes, present evidence, and challenges witnesses. Use the Mood Matrix to discover the truth in each case. A free demo is available now. -October 24

In Animal Crossing: New Leaf, go to the Able Sisters' Shop and ask to use the sewing machine. Scan the QR code found in the Nintendo Direct video to get Link's Outset Shirt from the Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker.

The Nintendo 2DS will launch alongside Pokémon X and Y. An update to the Streetpass Relay system will let you get the data from the last 6 people to participate in that Nintendo Zone's Streetpass Relay, making it easier to complete puzzles and games. There will be new Nintendo Zone distributions throughout October and November. For Animal Crossing: New Leaf, a Fedora Chair is available starting October 1 and a Sushi Platter will be available October 15. More special content will be available for the following games: Kid Icarus: Uprising, Super Mario 3D Land, and MarioKart 7.

Bravely Default- Play as Tiz Arrior, a young man searching for the truth of his village's destruction. Joining him is Agnes, a young woman on a journey to save the world from darkness. Ringabel has a diary that tells the future. Edea is trying to make her father proud, as she is the daughter of the Templar. The game contains voice acting in English or Japanese.

Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds- The game designers are reconsidering the Zelda conventions of getting new items in new dungeons and primarily solving the dungeon's puzzles with the new item. In this game, the order in which you approach a dungeon and the way you do so is up to you. The items will be sold in Ravio's shop and most will be available at the beginning of the game. Items can be rented and eventually purchased. Ravio may look like Nabbit from New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, but has nothing to do with the Mario series. Other characters make appearances throughout the game. -November 22

Kirby- Kirby can go into the background with special Warp Stars. -2014

On September 4, Nintendo released a Pokémon Direct.

A new feature called the Pokémon Bank will be available. This will allow you to store Pokémon on the internet in up to 100 boxes, allowing for the storage of up to 3000 Pokémon. You can take them from the Bank or add them to it whenever you like. There are several search functions that allow you to find the one you want with ease. Another application that works with the Pokémon Bank is the Poké Transporter, allowing you to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2. The Pokémon will go from the game to the Pokémon Bank, then to your games. A yearly fee will be charged for the Pokémon Bank.

In Pokémon X and Y, a friend will give you your starter Pokémon, instead of the professor. The professor will give you another Pokémon later on. This will be one of the Pokémon Red and Blue starter Pokémon, Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. These Pokémon can evolve into Mega Venasaur, Mega Charizard, and Mega Blastoise. They will change appearance and unleash a hidden power only found in the Mega Evolution. Trainers will get a Mega Ring, which will let a Pokémon evolve into its Mega Evolution when the Pokémon's Mega Stone connects with the Mega Ring. This requires a strong bond between trainer and Pokémon. These Pokémon are not the only ones to get Mega Evolutions.

The games will be released on October 12 in seven languages. Players can select which language they'd like to play the game in. There are Xerneas and Yvetal-themed Nintendo 3DS XLs now available, in either blue or red.

On Septembet 18, Nintendo released a Wii Fit U Direct.

Wii Fit U uses the Wii Balance Board for its activities as well as balance and monitoring. The game features dancing, as well as 19 new activities for a total of 77. Some of these new activities take advantage of the Game Pad. The trainer is sporting a sportier hairstyle of two short ponytails. With the Wii U Fit Meter, you can track calories burned while on the go. It's an activity meter that calculates step and exercise intensity with a 3-axis accelerometer, so it's more than just a pedometer. I t can measure changes in altitude with a pressure sensor to more accurately calculate calories burned. It is worn on the hip. The Fit Meter can transfer data to the Wii Fit U software via the IR port on the Game Pad. Up to 50 days' worth of data can be stored. The game allows you to create a gym community on Miiverse to communicate with other users. They can be closed communities so only close friends can see and talk about more sensitive topics.

If you currently own a Wii Balance Board, you can download Wii Fit U between November 1 and January 31 and play free for one month. If you purchase a Fit Meter and sync it up with this free downloaded copy, you can keep the game forever. The Fit Meter will cost around $19.99. After January 31, the free version will be replaced by the normal version. It has a large file size. On December 13, packaged versions including the game disc and a Fit Meter, or the game disc, Fit Meter, and a Wii Balance Board will be available for purchase.

Wii Street U- With the Wii Balance Board, step in place with this application open and it will appear as though you are walking around in the location on screen. Shift your weight to change direction. The update for this software is now available. The software is a free download until October 31.

Wii Sports Club- The sports in Wii Sports are back with better control due to the Wii Motion + controller functionality. You can play the games online with other players. You will play online as a registered member of your state's or region's sports club. Communicate with messages on Miiverse. You can compete casually or competitively with other sports clubs. The clubs will be ranked. Wii Sports Club will be available for download, or just the games Tennis and Bowling, on November 7. The Club Pass will allow you to purchase each game for $9.99. The Day Pass will give you unlimited access to all sports for 24 hours for $1.99. There will be a trial pass for a 24 hour period starting from when you start up the game.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Layer-Cake Desert-4 -- The Walls Have Eyes

The Easter Island statues with the moving eyes are here. They're on the ceiling and the floor and move to the left. Jump and run over them to go right. The first Star Coin is in the center of one statues. Pound the statue to make it drop into the ground, allowing you to reach the Star Coin. It will come back around if you miss it. To the right, you'll encounter Waddlewings. There are three statues near where the Waddlewings are. Pound the center statue to make it lower, then jump on it to find an invisible block with a vine in it. This will take you to the second Star Coin. Return to the main level and you'll see more statues, some of them on the ceiling. The third Star Coin is in this area, between two statues. Wall jump to get it. Keep going to the right and statues will appear so you can reach the regular goal. This opens the path to Layer-Cake Desert-6.

To reach the secret exit, go past where the vine in the invisible block is. There is solid ground to the right of the vine. Pound it to drop down to a pipe cannon. This will take you to the red goal. Statues will appear so you can reach it. This opens the path to Layer-Cake Desert- Fire Piranha.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Layer-Cake Desert- Fort -- Wind-Up Tower

This Fort has gears to spin that temporarily move stones into place so you can climb up. This is where Luigi's lack of traction can be a huge issue. You don't have a lot of time to climb back up if you fall, but keep trying. Spin the first gear and jump up before the stones come together. The stones form stairs. The first Star Coin is behind the vertically-moving stone. Jump quickly to get it before it is covered up. Keep climbing past the Dry Bones and get a powerup. Above is a second gear. To the right of the gear is an invisible block with a 1-up. Spin the gear, but do not move the stones all the way. This is where the platforming gets a little tricky. Climb up and get the second Star Coin. When you reach the top, go right, then up for the third gear. The stones will separate, but only briefly. You must move quickly to get out of there alive. Drop back down if you can to spin the gear again if you need to. There's an 8-bit Luigi here, and the third Star Coin is revealed towards the top. After surviving that, go through the boss door. Kamek will power up Boom Boom, making him spin. Defeat him and a tornado will surround Peach's Castle.

New Super Luigi U: Layer-Cake Desert-3 -- Piranhas in the Dark

Take the pipe underground into the dark cave. There are giant Piranha Plants, some of which breathe fire. The fire and the lights on the moving platforms provide some light. The first Star Coin is over a giant Piranha Plant. The second Star Coin is on the right side of a platform, behind a giant Piranha Plant. Kill the Piranha Plant and stand on the platform. It will eventually dip down so you can get it while standing on the platform. Over solid ground is an item block with a Yellow Baby Yoshi. It will help illuminate the area. Ahead are some Fire Bros and more giant Piranha Plants, some of which are on the ceiling or overhead pipes. One of the giant Piranha Plants is hanging from a green pipe. Kill this Piranha Plant (you won't have time to kill all of them, but you can kill some of the other ones) and go through the pipe. There's an 8-bit Luigi behind the Piranha Plant. The pipe will take you to the third Star Coin and the flag.

Monday, September 23, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Layer-Cake Desert-2 -- Underground Grrrols

The spike balls with faces called Grrrols are in this level, as well as giant Pokeys. The first Star Coin is over the platform where the first Pokey is. Ahead are some crushing columns. The second Star Coin is in here. Get it, then duck into the safe area where the columns will not crush you. At the end is a pipe over a Grrrol. The pipe leads to the flag. Go past the pipe to find the third Star Coin, then go to the flag.

New Super Luigi U: Layer-Cake Desert-1 -- Spike's Tumbling Desert

There are Spikes dropping spike balls, so destroy some of them to make the level easier. (You might run out of time if you try to defeat them all). The first Star Coin is over the moving brick blocks. The second Star Coin is nearby, hidden under a ledge with a Spike. Past the Red Coin Ring is a P-Switch that turns coins into brick blocks, allowing you to reach the third Star Coin. The flag is nearby. After finishing the level, Nabbit appears and steals something from Toad. He then goes to Acorn Plains-1. Luigi now gets access to the pipes between worlds.

New Super Luigi U: Acorn Plains- Castle -- Lemmy's Lights-Out Castle

The castle is dark, but has overhead lights that swing. Some of them move with the pendulums in the castle. The first Star Coin is over a high pendulum that swings over another. There's a Red Coin Ring that makes Red Coins appear over the pendulums swinging over the gap. Collecting them all will give you a 1-up or an Acorn Mushroom. You'll need it to reach the second Star Coin, which is below a pendulum. Drop down to get it, then boost to safety. Over solid ground are a set of three brick blocks. The middle one contains a P-Switch. This will turn the coins into brick blocks so you can safely travel over the Nippers. Drop down into the gap between two sets of Nippers for a pipe. This leads to the third Star Coin, over a pendulum. The boss door is ahead. There's an 8-bit Luigi on the right wall. Going through the boss door will add 100 seconds to your time. Launch from the cannon to the Airship. Lemmy stands on a bouncy ball and tosses bombs. Stomp him three times to defeat him. You'll open the path to Layer-Cake Desert. You'll also get a message saying that you've collected all the Star Coins, which should mean something good. Save your game.

New Super Luigi U: Acorn Plains-5 -- Piranha Gardens

Aside from Piranha Plants, there are Hammer Bros in this level. The first Star Coin is under the ledge with the Red Coin Ring. The second Star Coin is near the second Hammer Bro. There's a 1-up in the second brick block from the left on the top level of brick blocks where the second Hammer Bro is. Keep going and you'll see a giant Piranha Plant on the rock above. Enter the hidden area from the left side of the rock for the third Star Coin. Keep going to reach the flag.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Acorn Plains- 4 -- Piranha Heights

Before entering the level, have Pink Baby Yoshi follow you. This level has pipes and moving mushroom platforms with Piranha Plants. The first Star Coin is above and to the right of the first set of pipes. To the right is a long platform above a mushroom. You'll find an Acorn Mushroom over the mushroom. The second Star Coin is above the second set of pipes. There will be two pipes near the top that have coins between them. Fly between those pipes to reach a pipe to an 8-bit Luigi and the third Star Coin. The pipe on the right will take you to the flagpole.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Acorn Plains-3 -- Rolling Yoshi Hills

There are rolling hills here, which affect your speed. Monty Moles will pop out of the rocks, so keep an eye out for them. Throw a Koopa shell to the right, under a ledge, to get the first Star Coin. Nearby, you'll find a couple of item blocks, one with a Yoshi in it. To the right are hidden alcoves with coins. There's a low platform with lots of Piranha Plants. Use a shell on the other side of the gap to clear them out so you can get the second Star Coin. Up ahead are a couple of POW Blocks so you can get the coins in the sky. The third Star Coin is just in front of the flagpole. Use Yoshi or a POW Block to get it.

New Super Luigi U: Acorn Plains- Fort -- Flame-Gear Tower

This fort features gears and jet engines. Go over the first gear, avoiding the engines, then when the flames coming down on the right side stop, jump for the first Star Coin, then wall jump to safety. There are flames below the Star Coin. Just above it are a cluster of four engines spewing flames to the left. The second Star Coin is in the flames, so time your jump to get it. Keep climbing up and you'll see a Dry Bones on the right side. There are two engines above it. Between them are two levels of invisible blocks. This will allow you to reach the third Star Coin between the flames. At the top, there are a lot of Dry Bones by the boss door. Going through the boss door will give you 100 extra seconds so you can defeat the boss. Boom Boom is the boss again. Stomp him three times to win. After you win, you can save the game. The path ahead splits to Acorn Plains-3 and -4.

New Super Luigi U: Acorn Plains- Cheep-Cheep -- Cheep Chomp Chase

This water level has a lot of pipes. There is an invisible block over the red pipe with a Starman. Get it and go through the red pipe. There are lots of Cheep-Cheep as well as Big Bertha, the man-eating fish. Swim to the left, between the pipes, for the first Star Coin. The big item block below has another Starman. There's a Red Coin Ring between some pipes. Follow the coins, then swim up, over where the last Red Coin is and the second Star Coin will drop down from the gap in the pipes. Swim up through the gap to reach a new area with the third Star Coin. Keep going to the right, over the pipes and you'll see some rotating pipes. This will take you to the flagpole. This will open the path to Soda Jungle-1.

New Super Luigi U: Acorn Plains-2 -- Crooked Cavern

It's time to go underground. Drop down to the level of the Piranha Plants and walk to the left past them. You'll find a hidden area with the first Star Coin. Go through the middle pipe where there's moving crystal. Wall jump between the two left pipes to find a hidden block with a Starman. Go to the right and wait so you can safely jump to the next crystal. You'll see a couple of Koopas. Stomp one and pick up it's shell and throw it into the brick blocks to get the second Star Coin. Walk right, then drop down to a lower crystal when the coins between the crystals are visible. This way, you'll land on the brick blocks below. Jump onto the higher brick blocks, then go right, where you'll find some Koopas and Piranha Plants. To the right is a pipe with an arrow. This will take you to the flagpole. There's a hidden 8-bit Luigi in the brick block stairs. This will open the path to Acorn Plains- Fort.

Get an Acorn Mushroom to get the third Star Coin. You'll have to pick it up elsewhere; you can't find them in this level. Jump from the platform below the pipe to the flagpole and glide to the right. The third Star Coin is here. A little to the left of the third Star Coin are some hidden brick blocks in the ground. Pound them to drop down, then walk to the right, where there's a yellow pipe to the red goal. This opens the path to Acorn Plains- Cheep Cheep.

Friday, September 13, 2013

New Super Luigi U: Acorn Plains-1 -- Waddlewing Warning!

It's time for Luigi's first solo platforming mission! There are lots of Waddlewings here, the flying squirrels. Each of them carries an Acorn Mushroom, so there are plenty of opportunities to power up. At the start, there's an 8-bit Luigi with a sort of "title screen". There are hidden 8-bit Luigis throughout the game. As with all levels, you have only 100 seconds to complete the level, not leaving a lot of time to explore. The first brick block has a 1-up in it. The first Star Coin is nearby. Follow the first trail of coins up by boosting as Flying Squirrel Luigi to get it. There are a few Piranha Plants in lower parts of the level. The second Star Coin is below one of the moving pieces of land. Glide from the right to get it, then boost to safety. Follow another trail of coins and glide past some flying Waddlewings, then boost to get the third Star Coin and reach the flag. This will open the path to Acorn Plains-2.

New Super Luigi U -- Save the Princess. Save the Kingdom. Without Mario.

Princess Peach, Luigi, Blue Toad, and Yellow Toad are sitting at a table eating cake and drinking tea in the castle. Mario's cap is on the table Eight Airships fly to the castle, seven bearing the faces of the Koopalings, and the largest bearing the face of Bowser. Bowser's Airship extends a mechanical hand into the castle, pulls Peach's chair away from the table, then pounds Luigi and the Toads. The hand picks them up, winds up for the pitch, and throws them as far from the castle as possible. The four are thrown into an acorn tree and slung out, releases some acorns in the process. They land near some baby Yoshis, pick themselves up, and start running. Nabbit appears from behind a rock and follows. The Koopalings' Airships take off in all directions. Lemmy's goes to Acorn Plains, with Lemmy laughing all the way.

Once again, Bowser hasn't kidnapped Peach this time, but he's holding her hostage in her own castle. It's going to be a long journey there, and Luigi only gets 100 seconds for each level. He also jumps higher and slides to a stop. Luigi gets to fly solo, out of the shadow of his brother. Let's get started!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Mario and Luigi: Dream Team -- Part 28: Bowser's Rainbow Rank

The bros have just defeated Antasma and have breached the castle's defense set up by Corporal Paraplonk, Sergeant Guy, and Private Goomp. At the top of the stairs past the elevator is Peach, in a cage. She calls to the bros. Before the bros can reach her, Bowser destroys the floor in front of the cage. Starlow and Dreambert tell Bowser to relinquish the Dream Stone. Starlow backs away. Bowser says he'll use the Dream Stone to make the bros disappear. He tries, but Starlow and Peach zap him with beams of good thoughts. Dreambert tells them to destroy Bowser and the Dream Stone, saying it's better destroyed than in Bowser's hands. They ramp up the power and the Dream Stone shatters. Bowser isn't ready to give up and inhales the Dream Stone fragments. He doesn't find them palatable. They transform him into a larger, rainbow version of himself. Dreambert and Starlow try to stop him, but he's too powerful. Dreambert fully heals the bros. Bowser's enjoying his new power and is going to take over the world. The battle starts.

You can attack Bowser or either of his arms. Attack his arms first so he can't use them. Take out the left arm first as the right one will block Bowser's head. Bowser will summon minions and some meat that he'll inhale in the background. Shy Guys will bounce over the bros, Bob-ombs will explode if landed on, and Koopas will go into their shells. Stomp the shells to hit the enemies behind them. After a couple of turns, Bowser will return. He will chase the bros with three rows of flames. Jump over the flames when he moves. He'll also jump, creating a shockwave to dodge. He'll also summon a Dreamy Shy Guy Airtub that will chase a bro, spewing fire. Jump to dodge. The other bro is on board, so hit their button to deal with the Shy Guys. The flame may shrink the bro. Bowser can summon a hammer which will hit a bro and unleash a shockwave. He'll target the bro by flipping a coin. Counter with the hammer. Bowser can also breathe fire and split into two while doing so. Jumping to dodge at the same time won't work. Attacking Bowser's head after dealing with the arms will do critical damage. Bowser will pick up a bro and throw him. Press the other bro's button repeatedly to line up with the other bro to catch them. This battle can take a long time, especially if Bowser frequently heals. Hit him with your best Bros. Attacks. He has around 2400 HP.

The Dream Stone shatters again, returning Bowser to normal. The bros hit him into the cage, then away from the castle. The impact opens the cage and Peach thanks the bros. She thinks everyone on the island should be safe now, but the castle starts collapsing. Everyone retreats. The bros have to go back the way they came, so back down the rainbow ramp. Bob-ombs will drop in from the sky. They catch up and most of the castle has already collapsed. The castle, along with their escape route, falls away. The piece of stone they're standing on breaks apart and falls. The Zeekeeper catches Mario, Luigi, and Peach. As they fly off, the castle explodes.

In front of Pi'illo Castle, Peach asks if the bros are okay. The Zeekeeper drops in, saying it was cool that he caught them at the last second. He's feeling pretty good, so everything he's done is on the house, meaning the bros won't have to find 80 million coins. Toadsworth appears, saying he was worried sick. Dreambert, Eldream, and a couple of Pi'illos appear with a bottle of something. Dreambert says is the dust that burst from Bowser. Peach apologizes for destroying it, but Dreambert says the Dream Stone can be restored. The Zeekeeper zaps it with a beam and it turns into a giant coin, a Dream Coin. Dreambert is shocked. The Zeekeeper gives the advice to not rely on the Dream Stone or other things, but to rely on oneself and each other. He says to use the Dream Coin to make all dreams come true. He flies off, declaring his love for coins. The Zeekeeper flies through the Dream Coin, shattering it into many smaller coins that rain down. Broque Monsieur says it's the ultimate tourist attraction. Peach finally gets Dreambert's attention and he recovers from his shock. Peach thanks him and thinks the Pi'illo Kingdom can be revived. He says they will take the advice of the Zeekeeper and restore the kingdom with their own hands. He thanks the bros and tells them to enjoy Pi'illo Island on the ultimate vacation. The bros agree.

Up in the air, Bowser, Kamek, Goomp, Guy, and Paraplonk are flying on the Clown Copter. Bowser wants to fly faster, but Kamek wants to lay low for a while. Bowser blames Antasma for their failure. He says the minions did pretty well by their usual standards, which is the best compliment they'll ever get out of Bowser. Bowser says he will keep kidnapping Peach over and over until he's successful. Losing and giving up are not options. The minions declare their undying loyalty while Bowser says he'll be back. He calls Luigi by his name for once when coins start raining down. The minions get excited and jostle the Clown Copter, making it drop out of the sky. Roll credits!

At the end, you get some game stats. Here are mine:
Time to Clear: 65:46
Mario and Luigi's Final Levels: 43
Excellent Rate: 85%
Block-Recovery Rate: 94%
Enemies Defeated: 6036
Escapes: 1
Times KO'd: 28
Times Damaged: 1548
Mushrooms Eaten: 140

For finishing the game, I unlocked the Jukebox and Hard Mode. This was a fun and imaginative game. I had a great time playing the latest game in my favorite part of the Mario series. Aside from the technical difficulties, I wished that Fawful had made an appearance somewhere. This was probably one of the longer games in the series. I hope you enjoyed the summer of Mario and Luigi as much as I enjoyed playing the games. Stay tuned to see what game is next.