1. Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam (3DS)
2. Star Fox Zero (Wii U)
3. Fire Emblem Fates (3DS)
4. Shin Megami Tensei IV: Final (3DS)
5. Dragon Quest 7 (3DS)
The release of XCX, the first Nintendo Direct in months, and other announcements and footage shook this list up.
Paper Jam gets the top spot despite being named after a minor inconvenience that happened to me at work the other day. Yes, the game appears more M&L than Paper Mario, but the game doesn't pretend not to be M&L first and crossover second. The story can be a bit simple provided there are fun character interactions, and the gameplay seems to be a step forward.
I've been more optimistic about Star Fox Zero than most since it was first shown,but I think we can mostly agree it is noticably better looking in the new footage. Watch a comparison video and note the better textures and lighting. I just have a good feeling about it.
Fire Emblem Fates and SMT4: Final both get on here because they're sequels to some of the best RPG's of recent years. I am a bit nervous about Fates's 3-way structure and would like more info on Final, but am still eager. And DQ7 is a long-awaited localization for me. Three years!
Honorable mentions to both Zelda U and Twilight Princess HD. I still need more info/footage/screenshots/something to get excited for Zelda U. I am impressed with what I've seen of Twilight Princess HD so far. The game returns to the Zelda remake pattern of looking as good as you remember through rose-colored glasses. But like Zelda U, I want info on gameplay and/or design changes.
Love and tolerate.
