News: Cubed3 Awards 2014 Winners - Readers' Vote Page 1

The results are in, and after a month of voting, discussion and debating - the winners for the Cubed3 Awards 2014 - Readers' Vote are eagerly waiting behind the curtain, as voted by you!

Best Nintendo Game of 2014 - Winner: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U / Nintendo 3DS

Image for Cubed3 Awards 2014 Winners - Readers

With rave reviews across the board, and two distinct versions - on Nintendo 3DS and Wii U - the latest inception of Nintendo's popular fighting series is certainly a tough contender to beat. The newest games are a smooth as Baby Bowser's bottom, running at a slick 60fps in gorgeous 3D. Coupled with up to eight players on the Wii U version, improved online play and an impressive roster, both editions take the well-deserved top spot in Cubed3's Best Nintendo Game of 2014.

Read our review of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Read our review of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Bayonetta 2
SILVER AWARD
Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire
BRONZE AWARD
Mario Kart 8

Best Wii U Game of 2014 - Winner: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Within the list of 2014 winners, there does seem to be a recurring candidate for favourite game amongst Cubed3 readers. Taking the crown is Nintendo's biggest, meatiest version of the long-running fighting franchise; Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Now drawn up in full 1080p HD, the game oozes colour, style and, most importantly, super tight gameplay. Where the Wii U edition excels is the sheer volume of content on offer: the ability to pop in amiibo figures, play with up to eight players at one time, draw custom levels and - in the future - host online tournaments Super Smash Bros. for Wii U is a definite must-have for Nintendo Wii U.

Read our review of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Bayonetta 2
SILVER AWARD
Mario Kart 8
BRONZE AWARD
Hyrule Warriors

Best Nintendo 3DS Game of 2014 - Winner: Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Just clinching the win from Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire is Nintendo's equally popular fighting romp, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS. For a portable version, the game doesn't cut any corners, weaving a tight; immerse experience in the palms of Nintendo players, with the added benefit of stereoscopic 3D. Throw in the same roster as the Wii U version, plus the exclusive "Smash Run" mode, and it's a recipe for fighting perfection on the move.

Read our review of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire
SILVER AWARD
Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
BRONZE AWARD
Fantasy Life

Best Nintendo eShop Game of 2014 - Winner: Shovel Knight

Indie studios have thrived on Nintendo Wii U and 3DS, particularly in 2014, with a vast number of contenders for Best Nintendo eShop Game. With many of these games receiving rave reviews across the board, 2D retro-styled platformer Shovel Knight seals the deal with an eclectic mix of nostalgic and contemporary gameplay. Want a classic challenge? Shovel Knight is certainly up there with the platforming greats of yesteryear.

Read our review of Shovel Knight

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Shin Megami Tensei IV
SILVER AWARD
Child of Light
BRONZE AWARD
Shantae and the Pirate's Curse

Best Story - Winner: Bayonetta 2

Whether it's film, non-fiction or games, a good and memorable storyline is certainly difficult to find in this day and age. Fortunately for Nintendo players, there have been a slew of solid tales to tuck into during 2014, from detectives to parallel worlds, princess to football. The winner of Best Story 2014 is the Wii U exclusive, blockbuster hit from Platinum games, Bayonetta 2, which goes to prove that a game that's woven from eye-watering action can still connect with players through a cracking story, and other notable assets, of course.

Read our review of Bayonetta 2

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
SILVER AWARD
Shin Megami Tensei IV
BRONZE AWARD
Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

Best Music - Winner: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U / Nintendo 3DS

Whether obscure or toe-tappingly popular, if there's a familiar Nintendo jingle, it's bound to be in the latest Super Smash Bros. games on Nintendo 3DS or Wii U. The folk at various studios have penned eclectic, unique arrangements and takes on the classics, whilst also slipping in some of the original melodies for good measure. It's without a doubt the "Best Music" goes to the fighting duo; however Mario Kart 8 and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, came close, both spinning solid playlists in their own right.

Read our review of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Read our review of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
SILVER AWARD
Mario Kart 8
BRONZE AWARD
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call

Best Graphics - Winner: Bayonetta 2

With many strikingly detailed and effortlessly charming games released in 2014 on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, there certainly were many contenders for the "Best Graphics" award. Clinching the win by a narrow margin, Bayonetta 2, is a fine example of how technically refined a game can run on Nintendo's home console. Boasting a slick, yet frenzied pace, the game is simply full on action from start to finish, with artwork coming to life in such a vivid and often surreal way. Mario Kart 8, from Nintendo themselves, takes the series to new heights with a visual direction that's just on another plane completely.

Read our review of Bayonetta 2

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Mario Kart 8
SILVER AWARD
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U / Nintendo 3DS
BRONZE AWARD
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

Best Multiplayer - Winner: Super Smash Bros. for Wii U / Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo are known for catering for heated multiplayer sessions, and it doesn't come much more intense than pelting Mario with electric bolts as Pikachu, or jabbing the tie-wearing ape Donkey Kong as the Hero of Time, Link. With gameplay that doesn't falter, a huge and near infinite amount of possible options, it's certainly a well-deserved win for the newest Super Smash Bros. games. Mario Kart 8, also known for causing faltering friendships, came a close second for solid multiplayer both on and offline.

Read our review of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Read our review of Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Mario Kart 8
SILVER AWARD
Fantasy Life
BRONZE AWARD
Bayonetta 2

Most Anticipated Nintendo 3DS/Wii U Game - Winner: Legend of Zelda

It's quite difficult to say no to a brand new Legend of Zelda game, and with Nintendo returning to the series' roots with a more open world approach, exciting things are certainly around the corner for the long-running adventure series. Coming in close second would have to be Xenoblade Chronicles X, a stunning project that melds mechs with traditional RPG shenanigans. 2015 is certainly looking promising for Nintendo fans, with the likes of Star Fox, Splatoon and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate on the way.

Read more on The Legend of Zelda (Wii U)

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Xenoblade Chronicles X
SILVER AWARD
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
BRONZE AWARD
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

Best Non-Nintendo Game of 2014 - Winner: Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

It's always difficult to put down a good murder mystery, and adventure experts Spike Chunsoft take the crown for "Best Non-Nintendo System Game of 2014". Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc for PS Vita finds players taking on the role of a young student called Makoto, who ends up within a game of mutual killings amongst his peers. Investigate; find contradictions - just like Capcom's Ace Attorney series. Coming a close second is the RPG heights of Tales of Xillia 2 and the rather magical, still hilarious South Park: The Stick of Truth.

Read our review of Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc.

Runner ups:

GOLD AWARD
Tales of Xillia 2
SILVER AWARD
South Park: The Stick of Truth
BRONZE AWARD
Dragon Age: Inquisition

Most Anticipated Non-Nintendo System Game - Winner: Persona 5

Outside the Nintendo circuit, there are certainly a wide range of gems coming out this year, including winner Persona 5. RPG nuts can go ga-ga over the likes of Tales of Zestiria and Final Fantasy Type-0 HD. Action fans will be able to tuck into Batman: Arkham Knight, Halo 5: Guardians and Uncharted 4: Thief's End - certainly a promising line-up for gamers over the coming twelve months.

Runner ups: