This thread is inspired by Leo-J's Best Buy Adventures.
So today was the last day Nintendo and Best Buy were holding the Wii U E3 Promotion, and luckily for me, a Best Buy 15 minutes away was participating. So I hopped in the car and drove off with my hopes high and my 3DS in my pocket (unfortunately I forgot to turn on the Street Pass feature before heading in, but that's another story.).
So I arrived around 12:55 (the event started at 1:00 and went on until 5:00) and there was already a line of folks 15 people long. All you had to do was sign your name and the demo you wanted to try (it was between Mario Kart 8, the disappointing Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD, and the shameful Super Mario 3D World. Hey, 2/4 ain't too shabby.
So I went ahead and signed up (I chose Super Mario 3D World) and went ahead and bought the Animal Crossing: City Folk players guide (gotta know how much those fish can sell for). While I was waiting, I actually ran into 3 of my old high school buddies. The more things change, the more they stay the same I suppose. So we chatted about how great Fire Emblem: Awakening is and how much fun we had with Luigi's Mansion and how we're all going to be playing Pokemon on October 12th... all while watching others play the different demos.
Mario Kart 8 was the most popular demo out there, and it wasn't hard to see why. Instantly accessable, fantastic visuals (game looks amazing on an HD TV at 60 fps), and neat gameplay elements (the crowd really enjoyed the anti-gravity elements). Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze definitely impressed me, as the screen shots and stills really didn't blow me away visually. But on that TV? Oh man, the game was as smooth as silk, and everything flowed together very nicely. The game is gonna be great guys, and I for one can't wait to see what Reto's been up to.
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD was the red headed step child of the group, as it's obviously just a remastering of the 2003 classic. But I have to say, they really did a bang up job with those visuals. The game definitely retains its cartoon inspired visuals, but everything is so crisp, clean, and flows together wonderfully. There were some control enhancements implemented as well, as the Gamepad could be used to aim your bow or hookshot (ala Ocarina of Time 3D). Yep, I'll be buying that game this fall. Looks great.
And then... they called my name! Hoo boy, it was time! So I was handed the GamePad (also compatable with the WiiMote, NES style) and chose the stage (I chose 6-4, the one with the Bullet Bills). Oh, and I chose Toad because as a Sonic fan, I had to go with the fastest character. So what can I say about the game? Well, shockingly enough, it was a blast to play. Tight controls, level design with a plethora of secrets and multiple routes, fun power ups (These cat suits are the real deal. Really add some fun mechanics to the table), and bright, crisp, engaging visuals. It was a fun time the entire level, and apparently I did well (people clapped for me when I finished haha). Definitely glad I chose that demo to play.
So yeah, all in all I'm glad I got to participate, and I'll be purchasing each one of these titles when they arrive for the Wii U. Good times all around, and I can't wait for more! Bring it on I say!
And now... off to work!
