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Nintendo Brings Classic Franchises to 3DS

Pilot Wings, Star Fox, Mario Kart, Nintendogs, Animal Crossing and more on the way.

 

Nintendo shared a huge lineup of first party titles to accompany its formal unveiling of the 3DS at E3 today. Here's a list of what was announced along with, wherever possible, screenshots and details. Games that are playable in Nintendo's E3 booth are marked as such.

Kid Icarus Uprising

This is the mysterious project that has been in development at Masahiro Sakurai's newly formed "Project Sora" development outfit. It was the only 3DS game shown during Nintendo's press conference, a trailer which you can see here.

The game promises a mix of aerial and ground-based shooting via a streamlined and intuitive play control system. The game will be easy to pick up, but incredibly deep, satisfying both novice players and fans of the farnchise.

Main character Pit teams up with Palutena, goddess of light. Palutena gives Pit the ability to fly for limited stretches, meaning you'll alternate between aerial and ground play as you take on Medusa's underworld army.

In Japan, the game is known as Shin Hikarishinwa Palutena no Kagami. The original Kid Icarus was known in Japan as "Hikari Shinwa: Parutena no Kagami." Similar to the DS Fire Emblem titles, Nintendo has attached a "Shin," or "New" to the name.

Animal Crossing

The 3DS version of Animal Crossing promises new gameplay, a new graphical look, and enhanced wireless functionality. The premise is different this time, as you find yourself made Mayor just as you move into your new town seeking out the slow life.

Mario Kart

For this latest Mario Kart game, Nintendo promises "dynamically thrilling races" courtesy of the 3DS's 3D visuals. Players can look forward to additional connectivity options, including ghost data exchange and net-based play.

Paper Mario

Nintendo didn't share any details on this, only stating "The unique art style of the Paper Mario series gives new definition to 3D when coupled with the visual effects of the Nintendo 3DS system.

Nintendogs + Cats

At Nintendo's press conference, CEO Satoru Iwata said that Shigeru Miyamoto himself is working on this followup to Nintendogs.

Joining an all new lineup of feline friends, the game will let players interact with cuter and more expressive puppies. You'll find all the features you'd expect having played the original, including accessories to dress up your pets, and activities to keep them busy.

The 3DS's new technology is being put to use. Facial recognition technology is being used to have the pets react to your motions, jumping in to lick you as you approach the screen, and mimicking your head tilts. Nintendo also says the touch screen, microphone and 3D visuals will help to give players a deeper connection to the pets.

This is one of Nintendo's playable titles at E3.

Steel Diver

A new submarine action simulation. You guide a submarine through underwater 3D environments, using the stylus to manipulate levers and switches that control your sub's speed, depth, pitch and torpedoes. That's right, torpedos! You'll have to evade attacks from enemy ships.

Visually, the game is meant to make you feel like you're looking into an aquarium.

Steel Diver is a playable title at E3.

PilotWings Resort

The Super NES classic returns. This time, your flying activities take place on Wuhu Island, which you'll recognize as the setting of such titles as Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus.

You'll be able to fly a hang glider, jet pack or airplane, each with unique controls and a distinct feel of flight. The game promises a variety of activities, both for those who want to fly leisurely and those who want to face off against others in time and point challenges.

PilotWings is playable in Nintendo's booth at E3.

StarFox 64 3D

This is a remake of Nintendo 64's Star Fox. Nintendo says the game's 3D visuals will give players a clearer grasp of distance and position. Additionally, the game will make use of the 3DS's dual screen setup.

StarFox 64 3D is playable in Nintendo's booth at E3.

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