Dec. 14 to 20 Nintendo News Roundup

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U

Early in the week, Masahiro Sakurai hosted the final presentation for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. In it, he uncovered the last two characters to be added to the game, Corrin and Bayonetta, explained their abilities together with Cloud’s, revealed the final batch of Mii Fighter costumes, and shared a few details on upcoming amiibo figures. You can take a look at all that and more below:

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 15, 2015 – In the final video presentation dedicated to the Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U games, creator Masahiro Sakurai provided many details about previously announced character Cloud from FINAL FANTASY VII, as well as introduced two new playable fighters to the franchise: Corrin from upcoming Nintendo 3DS game Fire Emblem Fates, and Bayonetta from the critically acclaimed Bayonetta games. Bayonetta was the overall top pick in the recent Fighter Ballot, which asked fans to nominate characters that they would love to see added to the Super Smash Bros. series. Bayonetta was the No. 1 pick in Europe and in the top five in North America. When factoring in the amount of votes, Bayonetta was the clear worldwide choice.

In addition to detailed information about the new characters, Sakurai also revealed two new stages coming to both Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U as downloadable content. Midgar – a familiar location for fans of FINAL FANTASY VII – will join the series as Cloud’s stage, while Bayonetta will feel right at home in the Umbra Clock Tower stage. New Mii Fighter outfits will also be added to the game, highlighted by a full costume inspired by Geno from the Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

All of these new additions will be the last downloadable content for Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. This new content brings the total number of playable characters to 58, the total number of stages in both versions of the game to 84 and the number of costumes and hats to 99 and 97, respectively.

“Mr. Sakurai knows how to go out with a smash,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “With the inclusion of even more surprising characters, stages and costumes, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U cement themselves as two of the most robust fighting games of all time.”

Launching as downloadable content planned for February 2016, Corrin from Fire Emblem Fates joins the roster of both Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Like Wii Fit Trainer, Robin and the Villager, players can choose to play as a male or female version of the character. Corrin has the blood of a dragon in his veins, allowing him to transform and pull off attacks like no other fighter. Corrin will be available as a download in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS or Wii U for $4.99, or both game versions together for $5.99.

As revealed in the Nintendo Direct presentation last month, Cloud from FINAL FANTASY VII is coming to Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. The character will have two costumes: one inspired by the original FINAL FANTASY VII game and one from FINAL FANTASY VII: Advent Children. Like in FINAL FANTASY VII, Cloud possesses Limit Breaks when fighting in Super Smash Bros. As Cloud gives and receives damage, or uses his Down Special Attack, his Limit Break meter will fill. Once full, Cloud can activate his Limit Break. While playing on Midgar, Cloud’s new stage, players can grab Summon Materia that call forth summons from the FINAL FANTASY universe like Ifrit and Bahamut ZERO. Once activated, only the player who triggered the summon will be safe from damage. Cloud and the Midgar stage will be available as a download in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS or Wii U for $5.99, or both game versions together for $6.99, beginning within hours of today’s video presentation.

Launching at the same time as Cloud, a new Chocobo hat for Mii Fighters will release as downloadable content. Also launching is a costume based on fan-favorite character Geno from Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, a classic role-playing game for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System created in collaboration with SQUARE ENIX. Additionally, Mii Fighter costumes for Sonic the Hedgehog series characters Knuckles and Tails, and even costumes inspired by more characters from other franchises will be made available for download in February 2016.

The Umbra Witch herself is joining the giant cast of playable characters in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U as a result of the worldwide Fighter Ballot. Just like in her action games, Bayonetta is a combo fighter in Super Smash Bros., chaining different kinds of attacks together. Her signature move is Witch Time, which slows down opponents if they are within range. Her new exclusive stage is called Umbra Clock Tower and is filled with moving platforms and even an alternate world. Bayonetta and the Umbra Clock Tower stage are planned for launch in February 2016, both available for download in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS or Wii U for $5.99, or both game versions together for $6.99.

As with all the other playable Super Smash Bros. characters, Cloud, Corrin and Bayonetta will also get their own amiibo figures. More information about these upcoming amiibo figures will be revealed in the future. Additionally, amiibo figures for current fighters Ryu and Roy, along with a Famicom Color version R.O.B., will launch on March 18. All amiibo figures are sold separately.
For more information about Super Smash Bros., visit http://www.smashbros.com/us/.

Additionaly, the latest update for Smash Bros. Wii U and 3DS is now live. Players can now download version 1.1.3. With this new update, users can also purchase Cloud and the Midgar stage from the eShop. Moreover, Nintendo says “Adjustments have also been made to make for a more pleasant gaming experience”. The update takes 555MB on Wii U and 3,104 blocks on the 3DS version.

Cloud Overview:

– Cloud has been the most requested Final Fantasy character;
– Uses the iconic Buster Sword and his costumes are from the original Final Fantasy VII and the Advent Children movie;
– All his hit sounds are inspired by the original Final Fantasy VII game too;
– His Limit Break abilities also make an appearence. A gauge fills up as you receive damage and attack opponents. When maxed out, Limit Break will be activated, slightly increasing Cloud’s stats, and can be used to perform more powerful, one time specials;
– Neutral B is Blade Beam: a wide range sword beam attack that works as a projectile but is more powerful on the ground. The Limit Break version performs a combo of hits and has increased launch power;
– Side B is Cross Slash: a powerful multi-hit sword slash combo attack, also leaves Cloud more vulnerable. The Limit Break version deals more damage and has increased launch power;
– Up B is Climhazard: an upwards sword slash that can be used for recovery and then carrying the opponent back down with a second button press. Only press the button once when recovering or you will KO yourself. The Limit Break version has increased recovery height;
– Down B is Limit Charge: lets you manually charge the Limit Break gauge. When the gauge is charged, this special becomes Finishing Touch, which deals only 1% damage but has extremely high launch power, KO most opponents at medium percentages;
– Final Smash is Omnislash: Cloud’s special aerial combo attack that finishes with a massive explosion;
– Cloud comes with the Midgar stage, based on the initial city of FFVII, which features Summon Materia and various Summons from the game, with these being Ifrit, Ramuh, Odin, Leviathan and Bahamut ZERO;
– Cloud and the Midgar stage are now available on the eShop.

Corrin Overview:

– Main character of Fire Emblem Fates. Players can use both the male and female versions;
– Use the Omega Yato sword and his Dragon Fang body transformations to fight;
– Neutral B is Dragon Fang Shot: a chargeable energy shot that paralyses opponents. The hand claw can also damage and launch them at close range;
– Side B is Dragon Lunge: a side lunge that lets you pin the opponent to the ground and follow up with a kick, jump or cancel;
– Up B is Dragon Ascent (no he isn’t Rayquaza…): a wide attack recovery move with controlable angles;
– Down B is Counter Surge: a counter move where Corrin transforms into a dragon, avoids enemy attacks, and counters from both sides sending opponets upwards;
– Final Smash is Torrential Roar: a water tornado pulls opponents in and sends them flying, KOing them in the process;
– Trophies for Ryoma and Xander will be added to the 3DS version when Corrin releases;
– The Wii U version is also getting two extra music tracks, the original Fire Emblem Fates main theme, Lost in Thoughts All Alone, and a remixed version of said music;
– Corrin’s release is targeted for February.

Bayonetta Overview:

– Revealed as the final character to join Smash 4’s roster;
– She was the top pick in Europe and in the top five in North America. In the end, she was the number-one most requested fighter in the Fighter Ballot worldwide among realizable characters;
– True to her games, she’s a combo fighter. Moves are slow to start but have high damage potential, with each move striking multiple times;
– “Bullet Arts” feature Bayonetta’s trusty guns. After an attack, you can press and hold the button for continuous gunfire. It doesn’t cause hitstop, so enemies can keep attacking. You can also use the gun shots to steal KOs from afar;
– “Wicked Weaves” summons demon limbs for all her smash attacks;
– Neutral B is Bullet Climax: Bayonetta fires her guns. You can press and hold the button to charge up the shots;
– Side B is Heel Slide: slides on the ground, and you can combo out of it. In the air, the move becomes known as AfterBurner Kick and can be followed up with a second kick;
– Up B is Witch Twist: a recory move that spirals upward. Can be used twice, or you can press the button to shoot;
– Down B is Witch Time: a counter move that slows down time for the opponent that triggered it, allowing you to punish. The time of the slow down varies depending on the opponents damage percentage and the number of times you activate the special in a row. When triggered late, it becomes Bat Within, reducing the amount of damage received;
– Bayonetta comes with the Umbra Clock Tower stage, which recreates the opening scene of the original Bayonetta game as the battle progresses. Contains several music tracks from her games;
– Trophis for Bayonetta, Jeanne, Cereza and Rodin will be available to those who purchase the DLC for the Wii U version;
– Bayonetta and the Umbra Clock Tower stage are planned for release alongside Corrin in February.

The final set of Mii Fighter costumes was also announced during the presentation. Here’s the full lineup:

– Geno (Gunner)
– Chocobo Hat
– Bionic Armor
– Takamaru (Sword Fighter Male)
– Ashley (Sword Fighter Female)
– Gil (Sword Fighter Male)
– Tails (Gunner Male)
– Knuckles (Brawler)

The Geno costume and Chocobo hat were released with Cloud, while the remaining costumes will be released with the remaining content in February.

Finally, Sakurai announced that the amiibo for Ryu, Roy and Famicon R.O.B. will be arriving on March 18th, while the recently revealed DLC characters will be getting amiibo figures in the near future. In the gallery below you can take a first look and the Roy and Ryu amiibos.

Finally, you can find a new batch of screenshots and artwork from all the other things mentioned above in the gallery that follows.

Splatoon

Another Splatoon patch is now out, taking 393Mb and bringing the game up to version 2.4.0. This update makes some adjustments to matchmaking, Rainmaker and stages. Some battle fixes have been implemented as well. The full patch notes can be found below:

Matchmaking Adjustments:

• In Regular Battle and Splatfest, players of similar skill will be matched more often.

Rainmaker Adjustments:

• Added prohibited areas in Walleye Warehouse, Saltspray Rig, Arowana Mall, and Flounder Heights in Rainmaker mode.
  • When players enter the prohibited area while carrying the Rainmaker, the amount of time they are allowed to hold the Rainmaker will decrease faster as a penalty.

Stage Adjustments:

• Arowana Mall: Adjustments will be made to prevent users from taking certain shortcuts in all modes.
• Port Mackerel: Adjustments will be made to prevent users from taking certain shortcuts in all modes.
• Flounder Heights: Adjustments will be made to prevent users from taking certain shortcuts in all modes.
• Museum D’Alfonsino: Adjustments will be made to prevent users from taking certain shortcuts in Rainmaker mode.

Battle Fixes:

• Fix the issue in Rainmaker mode in which the countdown moves more than usual when a player gets the Rainmaker in the air.
• Fix the issue in Rainmaker mode in which the bombs’ blast waves inflict damage on the Rainmaker shield even when there are obstacles between the bomb and the shield.
• Fix the issue in Rainmaker mode in which Splash Walls placed near each other by the same team take damage when one of them blocks an ink splat.
• Fix the issue in which bombs that are thrown near a wall do not fly straight and makes contact with the wall.

Other:

• Adjustments have been made to make for a more pleasant gaming experience.

During the week, two new Splatoon maps were revealed in a Youtube video uploaded by Nintendo. These are the “Piranha Pit” and the “Ancho-V Games” maps. You can find the video below:

Besides this, a new weapon was added to the game, the Tri-Slosher Nouveau. You can find a few screenshots and a video overview of the weapon in question, below:

Moving on, the 9th North American Splatfest has ended, so here are the results:

North America (9th Splatfest) – Naughty vs. Nice

– Votes – 41% / 59%

– Wins – 59% / 41%

– Final Results – 395 / 305 – Naughty Wins

Nintendo has also confirmed that Japan’s 9th Splatfest will be taking place next weekend. The event is set to begin on December 26 at 9 AM and is actually a repeat of the same topic held back in July. Players are asked to choose between Red Fox and Green Tanuki as a promotion for the Maruchan brand of instant noodles.

Moreover, Splatoon has managed to sell over one million copies in Japan, or so Nintendo announced on its news blog.

Also, the Squid Sisters will be performing at the finale for Splatoon’s Japanese tournament – Splatoon Koshien 2016 – on January 30. The event will be held at the following times:

– 12 AM PT
– 3 AM ET
– 8 AM in the UK
– 9 AM in Europe

Here’s the announcement:

Finally, Game Informer has recently published a new interview with Splatoon’s co-director Yusuke Amano and producer Hisashi Nogami. The developers talked about things like the single-player campaign, upcoming updates, why the game wouldn’t work well on the 3DS, the Splatoon community and why there are no plans for voice chat or paid DLC. You can find the interview over here.

Super Mario Maker

A new update for Super Mario Maker was just released, taking up 298MB of memory space and bringing the game up to version 1.30. The Bookmark web portal, which was announced during last month’s Nintendo Direct, has also been made available at the same time. You can find trailers and an overview of all the new features below:

REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 17, 2015 – The courses in Super Mario Maker are about to get even more interesting – and a lot easier to find. A free Dec. 21 update will deliver a new set of never-before-seen items for players to use as they create courses in the Wii U game. On the same day, Nintendo launches a Web portal called Super Mario Maker Bookmark that lets players search for courses to play by using their computer, tablet or smartphone.

“Players have already created and shared a huge number of courses, and now it will be easier and more fun than ever for players to create and find levels they will love to play,” said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Combining classic Mario game play with the creative fun of making and sharing levels, Super Mario Maker is a perfect experience for the holidays.”

New features coming to the game include:
– Fire Koopa Clown Car: This volcanic vessel is capable of shooting fireballs as well as a powerful charged shot that can even destroy Blocks. It’s perfect for creating shoot-’em-up-style courses.
– P Warp Doors: Unlike regular Warp Doors, these are only visible while a P Switch is active – perfect for creating truly devious Ghost House courses.
– Bumper: This bouncy donut-shaped object sends Mario bounding away when touched.
– World Records: Now pages will display the World Record for each course uploaded, displaying the fastest clear time.
– Super Mario Maker Bookmark: Levels that players have bookmarked to play later using the Web portal will be accessible from the Course World tab.

Players can access the Super Mario Maker Bookmark portal site from their computer, tablet or smartphone, using their Nintendo Network ID to log in. The portal will let players browse recommended courses or search for courses with filters like difficulty, game theme or course style. Players can also search using a selection of tags, making it easier to find courses that fall into a specific category such as automatic, puzzle or music. Appealing levels can then be bookmarked for instant access the next time players fire up the game. These comprehensive options are also accessible on Wii U via the Course World in Super Mario Maker, allowing players to find a course and hit the Play Now button to jump straight into the action. A link to the new portal site will be available on the game’s website when it launches.

Meanwhile, Game Informer interviewed Super Mario Maker director Yosuke Oshino looking for some insight into next week’s update. For his comments on the inclusion of the Fire Koopa Clown Car, P Warp Doors, Bumpers and other features, go read the interview over here.

Additionally, several new costumes are being added to the game, including one which is from a collaboration with the Monster Hunter franchise. Keep reading for the level overviews and costumes trailers.

– “Ma Rio Hills” level – unlocks a Felyne costume inspired by the Monster Hunter series.

“As a Felyne warrior, your quest is to face the gigantic monsters that roam the uncharted region of Ma Rio Hills and make it safely from your camp to the target point.

Genre: Mario Hunting Action”

– “Nintendo Badge Arcade” level – unlocks costume based on the bunny from Nintendo Badge Arcade.

“Hey there! Welcome to the Nintendo Badge Arcade! It’s the place to be if you want to play crane games and catch badges you can use to jazz up your HOME Menu.

…HUH?! The arcade got turned into a Mario course?! Ooh. I hope the boss approved this, or I’m gonna be in big trouble!”

– “Welcome to Saturn Valley” level – unlocks a costume based on Mr. Saturn from Earthbound.

“This is Saturn Valley. The Mr. Saturns live happily here, along with many unusual creations. Try searching for the Mr. Saturns hiding over the place – in houses, caves, and more! If you reach the goal as Mr. Saturn, you’ll have good luck all day long! … Probably.”

– “Belch Base” level – unlocks a costume based on Master Belch from Earthbound.

“Nobody can stop you when you’re the great Master Belch! Use your slime powers to assert dominance over, er… your own base.

By the way, you have precisely 4 chances to transform into the great Master Belch. If you find them all, you’ll be filled with an overwhelming sense of satisfaction! Probably.”

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Nintendo of Europe has uploaded a new overview trailer for Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. Check it out below:

Animal Crossing Amiibo

According to Nintendo, the third wave of Animal Crossing amiibo cards are coming to Japan on January 14, with pricing set at 324 yen per pack. You can get a look at many of the different cards featured in the upcoming series over here.

Xenoblade Chronicles X

The fifth and final episode of the “Survival Guide” videos for Xenoblade Chronicles X has now been released. You can find it below:

Meanwhile, TIME has once again interviewed Monolith Soft’s Tetsuya Takahashi. In the interview he discusses Xenoblade Chronicles X’s data packs, western games, and his next project, which he wants to “look and feel pretty different”. If you are interested in the interview, go check it out over here.

Genei Ibun Roku #FE

Another week, another dose of Gamitsu details in Genei Ibun Roku #FE, right? This week’s issue features a mix of new and old tidbits, which I have summed up below:

– Chikaomi Tsurugi, a newly-revealed character, is voiced by Kosugi Jurota, and is a famous actor shining in Japan’s art history, who is also the father of Yashiro. With thorough training and self-study, he has unmatched acting skills which let him do any roles, which is something he is proud of. He’s the owner of a Performa that exceeds ordinary humans, said to be the origin of that acting skill;
– Story-wise, there was an accident five years ago where everyone including Chikaomi, Yashiro and Tsubasa’s sister Ayaha were swallowed by black mist. However, only Tsubasa alone survived;
– The convenience store Heehaw Mart has a secret second clerk (the purple mask one) who is only visible to Mirage Masters and sells special items. Other than Tokyo, as previously mentioned, the game will also take place in an alternate world named Idolsphere. While in this world, the GamePad will show the map. Enemies will appear as Symbol Encounters and will cause battles if touched;
– Genei Ibun Roku #FE will have a weapon damage system very similar to Fire Emblem, such as the Sword -> Axe -> Spear -> Sword triangle, and Bows being super effective against fliers. Also, Mirages have classes which of course can be promoted by using Master Seals;
– Other features from Atlus RPGs are making it into Genei Ibun Roku #FE. There are occult features in the story, partners that are not humans, and session battles where allies keep attacking if an enemy weak point is hit;
– Famitsu’s article also shares details about DLC. Here’s what is known on that front:

“Tokyo Millennium Collection”

– Also known as Fashion Show Set;
– Special cosplay costumes for the female characters.

“Go to the Secret Hot Spring!”

– Also known as the swimsuit set;
– Separate boy/girl sets;
– A special program where the characters (talents and idols) bathe in the hot spring while wearing swimsuits.

“Mirage Hunter”

– Extra support quests made by Tiki to help grind things up;
– 3 quests available here;
– Experience part: increases character experience and level;
– Proficiency part: Get items to increase weapon proficiency;
– Wild Festival: Lots of strong enemies appear which will drop stat-raising items.

The Fortissimo Edition of Genei Ibun Roku #FE comes with the costume sets mentioned above. This will also be offered in the upcoming Wii U bundle, which also has Tiki’s “Mirage Hunter” support quests.

(Thanks to Nintendo Everything for translating the original information I used to write the text above, since some of it is untouched.)

Additionaly, Nintendo updated the Japanese website with a new trailer and details on Extra Skills. Check them out below (translation of the website info is courtesy of Gematsu):

■ Extra Skills

In addition to normal command skills, there are also various Extra Skills that trigger various effects. These skills feature showy actions that make the best use of each Mirage and Mirage Master’s characteristics. Here, we’ll introduce three types of Extra Skills: “Ad-Lib Performance,” “Special Performance,” and “Duo Arts.”

Ad-Lib Performance

With Ad-Lib Performance Extra Skills, you can enjoy enhanced actions through the entertainment power of the Mirage Master. An enhanced version of the command skill, it has a wide attack range and additional effects. This Extra Skill has a possibility of occurring when using a command skill.

Special Performance

Special Performance Extra Skills are your “special move,” so to speak, that unleashes the power of the Mirage or Mirage Master. You can attack ignoring enemy attributes, recover from a critical situation, or use it to turn around the battle in a pinch. This Extra Skill can be triggered by consuming SP.

Duo Arts

A combination attack between two Mirage Masters that maximizes the entertainmente-like charm of the pair. In addition to various effects, you can also activate an additional session, so it’s possible to earn even more combos. This Extra Skill can be triggered by selecting the trigger icon during a session.

Pokémon XY and ORAS

A new official trailer by The Pokémon Company recently introduced the mythical Pokémon Volcanion. Also, a trailer for the Pokémon XY&Z 2016 movie is now out too, which also features Volcanion. You can find both trailers and an overview of the Pokémon below. More info will soon be made available by The Pokémon Company in the future.

“Unlike any Pokémon discovered before it, this Pokémon is both Fire and Water type. It uses fire and water to create steam within its body, expelling explosive shock waves and boiling steam from the arms on its back. The power is said to be great enough to blow away an entire mountain, gouging out the earth and changing the shape of the land.”

Pokkén Tournament

A new Wii U introduction trailer for Pokkén Tournament has recently been released. Check it out below:

https://youtu.be/bDEsmk7VWo4

Additionally, four new support Pokemon have been revealed for Pokkén Tournament. These are Togekiss, Rotom, Dragonite and Victini. However, no specifics about each Pokémon are known at the time.

Meanwhile, a few details about the Japanese Wii U bundle have been made public. Consumers who purchase the bundle will receive several items, including a 32GB Wii U console, a digital copy of the game, a Shadow Mewtwo amiibo card and a “Battle Pokémon Action List”. The pricing for the bundle is set at 36,800 yen, and reservations are now live in Japan since Saturday, while the actual product will be available in time for launch on March 18.

It seem like HORI will also be releasing a special Wii U controller in Japan, inspired by the Pokkén Tournament arcade machine controller. It’s due out on March 18 for 3,480 yen.

Niantic & Pokémon GO

GamesBeat recently released a new interview with Niantic, the studio behind Pokémon GO. The site spoke with chief executive John Hanke as well as chief marketing officer Mike Quigley. Discussed topics include the origins of Pokémon GO and having Nintendo on board with the project, how the game could reach a massive audience, and the Pokémon Go Plus device Nintendo is making. They also talk about other things, like how Niantic wants players to be able to participate no matter how small their area is in terms of population, and how the Pokémon you encounter in your region will differ from those found in other regions of the world. If you want to learn more about Niantic and Pokémon GO, I strongly suggest to give this one a read, over here.

Virtual Console Trailers

Below you can find new trailers for several Virtual Console titles that were recently released.

Mario Tennis (N64, Europe)

New Super Mario Bros. (NDS, Europe)

F-Zero Climax (GBA, Japan)

Drill Dozer (GBA, Japan)

Mother 3 (GBA, Japan)

Nintendo Minute

In the latest episode of Nintendo Minute Kit and Krysta tackle three more Game of the Year categories, including the best Wii U game, the best looking game and the best narrative. Check it out below: