Cubed3 Awards 2014 Winners - Readers' Vote

By Jorge Ba-oh 06.01.2015

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

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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:
  • Vote for Bayonetta 2GOLD AWARD
    Bayonetta 2
  • Vote for Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha SapphireSILVER AWARD
    Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire
  • Vote for Mario Kart 8BRONZE AWARD
    Mario Kart 8

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

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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:
  • Vote for Bayonetta 2GOLD AWARD
    Bayonetta 2
  • Vote for Mario Kart 8SILVER AWARD
    Mario Kart 8
  • Vote for Hyrule WarriorsBRONZE AWARD
    Hyrule Warriors

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

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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:
  • Vote for Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha SapphireGOLD AWARD
    Pokemon Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire
  • Vote for Persona Q: Shadow of the LabyrinthSILVER AWARD
    Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth
  • Vote for Fantasy LifeBRONZE AWARD
    Fantasy Life

Best Nintendo eShop Game of 2014 - Winner: Shovel Knight

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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:
  • Vote for Shin Megami Tensei IVGOLD AWARD
    Shin Megami Tensei IV
  • Vote for Child of LightSILVER AWARD
    Child of Light
  • Vote for Shantae and the Pirate's CurseBRONZE AWARD
    Shantae and the Pirate's Curse

Best Story - Winner: Bayonetta 2

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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:
  • Vote for Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney TrilogyGOLD AWARD
    Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy
  • Vote for Shin Megami Tensei IVSILVER AWARD
    Shin Megami Tensei IV
  • Vote for Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace AttorneyBRONZE AWARD
    Professor Layton Vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney

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

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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:
  • Vote for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical FreezeGOLD AWARD
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
  • Vote for Mario Kart 8SILVER AWARD
    Mario Kart 8
  • Vote for Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain CallBRONZE AWARD
    Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call

Best Graphics - Winner: Bayonetta 2

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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:
  • Vote for Mario Kart 8GOLD AWARD
    Mario Kart 8
  • Vote for Super Smash Bros. for Wii U / Nintendo 3DSSILVER AWARD
    Super Smash Bros. for Wii U / Nintendo 3DS
  • Vote for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical FreezeBRONZE AWARD
    Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

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

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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:
  • Vote for Mario Kart 8GOLD AWARD
    Mario Kart 8
  • Vote for Fantasy LifeSILVER AWARD
    Fantasy Life
  • Vote for Bayonetta 2BRONZE AWARD
    Bayonetta 2

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

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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:
  • Vote for Xenoblade Chronicles XGOLD AWARD
    Xenoblade Chronicles X
  • Vote for The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3DSILVER AWARD
    The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D
  • Vote for Monster Hunter 4 UltimateBRONZE AWARD
    Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate

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

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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:
  • Vote for Tales of Xillia 2GOLD AWARD
    Tales of Xillia 2
  • Vote for South Park: The Stick of TruthSILVER AWARD
    South Park: The Stick of Truth
  • Vote for Dragon Age: InquisitionBRONZE AWARD
    Dragon Age: Inquisition

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

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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:

  • Vote for Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom PainGOLD AWARD
    Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
  • Vote for Tales of ZestiriaSILVER AWARD
    Tales of Zestiria
  • Vote for Batman: Arkham KnightBRONZE AWARD
    Batman: Arkham Knight

What do you think of the results - do you agree? Who did you vote for in the Cubed3 Awards 2014?

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