A healthy mix of Wii U and 3DS games pump up Nintendo’s April release schedule. The long-delayed Star Fox Zero, the prequel to the iconic space shooter franchise that hasn’t been heard from in years, is one of the most exciting April releases on any console. The 3DS also has a couple of promising exclusives, with the JRPG Bravely Second: End Layer and old-school game anthology Sega 3D Classics Collection making for alluring pre-orders.
Here’s a look at the best Wii U and 3DS games coming out in April:
5. Lost Reavers (Wii U)
Publisher: Bandai Namco
Developer: Bandai Namco
Release date: April 28
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6SRm1QdQjU
Following a wildly successful December release in Japan, this free-to-play game echoes the mobile release style rarely seen on a Nintendo platform. Working in the manner of an MMO, you team up with up to three other players online, then work together to take down sprawling, multi-room dungeons in raids. The better you work together, the bigger beasts you’ll be able to take down and the more loot you will own to upgrade your characters and come back for more.
PRE-ORDER: Lost Reavers here
4. Terraria (Wii U)
Publisher: 505 Games
Developer: Re-Logic
Release date: April 12
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15acD8p0Igw
Five years after release on other platforms, Terraria comes to the Wii U to take advantage of the GamePad’s touch screen, which will allow for quick inventory access and item selection. A more adventure-minded take on the Minecraft concept, Terraria sets you free in an open land to plunder its resources, construct shelters and weaponry and scrap your way to survival.
PRE-ORDER: Terraria here
3. Sega 3D Classics Collection (3DS)
Publisher: Sega
Developer: M2
Release date: April 26
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUXFUqJOe38
Eight great games from the 1990s — pimped out with updated 3D graphics — make their way to the 3DS on one tiny cartridge. The slate includes arcade classics Space Harrier and Fantasy Zone: Opa Opa Brothers, Sega Mega Drive bestsellers Streets of Rage, Ecco the Dolphin and Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master, and Sega Masters system games Space Harrier 3-D and Out-Run.
PRE-ORDER: Sega 3D Classics Collection here
2. Bravely Second: End Layer (3DS)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Square Enix
Release date: April 23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlAmnAC4VO4
The follow-up to the 2012 JRPG stunner Bravely Default looks to improve on that game in nearly every way, with sharper visuals, a deeper, more engaging combat system and a richer story. Set two and a half years after the original game, the plot follows four adventurers who search for a kidnapped colleague who can help them overthrow evil and restore balance to the realm. Expect plenty of glorious cinematics.
PRE-ORDER: Bravely Second: End Layer here
1. Star Fox Zero (Wii U)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developers: Nintendo, PlatinumGames
Release date: April 21
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htMRhXPzYhY
The series reboot eschews the pointless tactical and on-foot segments in the past few Star Fox games, going back to its roots as a breakneck interstellar shooter. Expect the game to take full advantage of the GamePad’s gyro controls, and lots of quirky interplay between Fox, Slippy, Falco and the rest of the anthropomorphic fighter pilot crew. As an added bonus, the game comes bundled with a free copy of the tower defense game Star Fox Guard.
