Unnamed project set to rethink conventions of sereis, says producer
The latest Nintendo Direct video from company president Satoru Iwata has announced some new titles in development for the Wii U console, including a fresh entry in the Zelda series. The video also laid out an update schedule for the Miiverse and system firmware.
Iwata revealed that Nintendo is busy working on a new 3D Super Mario game, and a MarioKart, both for the Wii U. Although the company head did not mention a release date, he did state that both games will be playable at this year’s E3 conference.
A new party title is also in development, which Iwata says will focus on getting players communicating and interacting with each other. Gameplay footage showed two players using opposite ends of the GamePad, and a group using the GamePad in conjunction with Wii U remotes.
The team behind Kirby’s Adventure is also working on a brand new Yoshi game set to release on the home console. This marks the first time the character Yoshi has received its own game since 1998 on the Nintendo 64.
Developer Atlus is also teaming up with Nintendo to release a crossover title combining the Shin Megami Tensei franchise with the Fire Emblem series. Gameplay details are unknown at this point.
Iwata also shed light on the Zelda series and its status on the Wii U. The president confirmed that a team is currently working on a new title in the series. Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma said that the new game will “rethink the conventions of Zelda”. The project will break down series mainstays such as linear dungeon order, and gameplay restricted to single player.
Since development of the new Zelda game is expected to be lengthy, Nintendo is offering fans an olive branch. An HD remake of The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker is coming to Wii U in fall 2013. This game will update the graphics, overall gameplay experience, and support native Wii U features such as the GamePad in Miiverse.
Iwata also encouraged fans to keep an eye on the Virtual Console on Wii U, for promotions linked to Nintendo’s 30th Anniversary.
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