Nintendo Direct 9.13.12: Nintendo Land and other first party Wii U games

During yesterday's Nintendo Direct, a lot of emphasis was placed on the launch game Nintendo Land, and specifically on the Metroid-based game within, Metroid Blast. In it, the player with the Gamepad takes control of Samus Aran's ship, while Wii remote users fight a land-based battle in the shoes of the great bounty hunter herself. And by the way, the mix of Mii style and power suit style yields some pretty cute results. But back to the subject at hand...this basic scheme of things is the foundation of a few play modes that include the cooperative Assault Mode, a competitive ship vs. ground units mode, and a multiplayer free-for-all mode. Only Assault Mode was demoed at the presentation, but I'm certain there's a lot more variety in just this one game than meets the eye.

A second first party launch title, New Super Mario Bros. U (maybe you've heard of it), didn't get as much attention as Nintendo Land, but we did learn a thing or two. First, that only some of the levels will allow the player to don the Mario overalls as their own Mii character. Second, a rush mode in the game will see the player through scrolling levels that increase speed as more coins are collected, also increasing the challenge. Third, the game features "challenges" with special, often challenging (go figure), objectives. And of course, your mad Mario skills can be shared with friends via Miiverse if you so desire. New Super Mario Bros. U is shaping up to be another strong entry in the iconic franchise.

The Wii U exclusive LEGO City Undercover stars Chase McCain, an undercover crime fighter dispatched to take on Rex Fury. Players who pre-order the title can get their hands on a LEGO mini figure of Chase McCain. And a Wii U game previously known as Project P-100 has received its final title: The Wonderful 101. Click here to see the trailer. Personally, I think it looks like a pretty cool game!

What do you think about the first party titles coming to the Wii U?

More Nintendo Direct 9.13.12 Posts

• Wii U Launch Details
• Thoughts on Nintendo TVii