If you're a fan of Luigi, no doubt you're tickled pink by Nintendo's proclamation that 2013 is the 'Year of Luigi'. Although the lean, green plumber's only starred in a single game so far this year (the excellent 3DS spook hunter Luigi's Mansion 2), he's already set to pop-up in a supporting role in several other titles over the course of 2013, along with taking centre stage for a platform game all of his own in New Super Luigi U - which now has a release date.
Set to launch on the 20th of June on the Wii U eShop as a download for those who own New Super Mario Bros U, Nintendo shone a spotlight on weegee's latest outing in their recent Nintendo Direct, putting our minds at rest about some of our concerns. While early trailers and screenshots (not to mention the crossing out of "Bros" in the title) left many thinking that New Super Luigi U would be a single-player only affair, Nintendo have confirmed that the game will support full, four player co-op - just like New Super Mario Bros U before it. Not only that, but along with Luigi and two toads, you'll have the option of playing as new character, Nabbit.
Odd purple bandit rabbit Nabbit is great for new players.
Originally making his presence felt in New Super Mario Bros U, and more commonly known as "That annoying thing you have to chase across the levels", Nabbit has been introduced as a character for new players, or those who are, like us, less than skilled at platform games. While he can't collect power ups, young Nabbit is actually completely invincible against enemy attacks, and can simply run straight through legions of enemies without taking a scratch. Sadly, Nabbit is only playable in the multiplayer mode, however, so don't expect to be able to claim him for single player action and breeze through the levels. Speaking of levels, with 82 brand new stages to transverse, New Super Luigi U is certainly looking to be a pretty substantial package, even if you already own New Super Mario Bros U.
As another somewhat surprise turnaround, Nintendo have also announced that the game won't only be releasing as a downloadable add-on for New Super Mario Bros U, but will also be available in store as a stand-alone game, on a disc, which will be playable even if you don't already own New Super Mario Bros U. As a nice concession to those of us who prefer to buy physical games, or those who haven't yet picked up New Super Mario Bros U, the disc version will arrive in stores slightly after the download on the 26th of July.
With Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, and Mario Golf still to come, the "Year of Luigi" continues. Here's hoping New Super Luigi U can live up to his big brother's name.
