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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.