Friday 14 September 2018

Nintendo Direct 13-September-2018 [Gaming]


Well, that was a content packed Direct. And it all started with Luigi’s Mansion. While I’m not big on the series, it was still great to see a third game announced as coming to the Switch. The original game being ported to the 3DS was also shown off with a new local multiplayer mode.

Other 3DS games included Kirby’s Epic Yarn going Extra Epic with a port, Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey being shown off and given a date of 25-Jan, and Yo-Kai Watch Blasters getting new content at the end of the month.

Splatoon 2 is getting new content in Version 4. It looks as though some sort of 1vs100 mode is being added, so that should be interesting. Along with new styles and new weapons, it also looks as though there might be new things added to the solo missions and Salmon Run.

Mega Man 11 was shown off, Capcom Beat ‘em Up Bundle was announced with seven classic games being available for it, Katamari Damacy is being remastered for Switch, Diablo 3: Eternal is coming, as is Cities Skylines.

Mario Tennis Aces is getting four new characters, two of which I’m happy to be seeing. Paratroopa was one of my favourites in Mario Kart: Double Dash, and Petey Piranha was fun to race with, so getting them in Tennis Aces when both have seemingly dropped off the radar somewhat is a surprise. The other two are Birdo and Shy Guy.

A decent surprise in a deluxe version of New Super Mario Bros. U with New Super Luigi U included. The only two of these I’ve played are the DS and Wii games, and while I’ve got my eye on this, 2D platformers are not for me. I’ve tried countless times, but it never feels right with me.

Yoshi’s new game has appeared for the first time in ages, and it certainly looks a lot better than it did during E3 2017. Crafted World is coming sometime in the spring, and it certainly has taken the crafted feel to the maximum.

Pokémon Let’s Go: Pikachu / Eevee featured, as did Super Mario Party, and Starlink: Battle For Atlas. A sizzle reel included Warframe, Just Dance, FIFA, NBA, Team Sonic Racing, and LEGO DC Super-Villains. The World Ends With You Final Remix and the Xenoblade 2 DLC featured as well, along with Daemon x Machina.

Tabletop games are being brought to Switch via Asmodee Digital. Real tabletop games in video game form. Seems like it could provide some fun. Civilization VI is also coming to Switch with four player local play. Game Freak are also building a new RPG in the form of Town [Working Title] that keeps the focus exclusively in one village. I’ve got my eye on this.

Before the end, a Final Fantasy explosion happened. Crystal Chronicles is being remastered for Switch, and XV Pocket Edition HD is already out. These two we knew of. What we didn’t know of was World of Final Fantasy Maxima, Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon, VII, IX, X, and X-2. A lot of Final Fantasy, then.

Last was expected. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate content. After the special edition Switch was announced, Isabelle was shown in her office. She got an invite. TO SMASH! Yup, Isabelle is in Smash Ultimate. After showing her off in-game, the trailer shows Tom Nook. Surely he can’t be in Smash, too? Nope, ANIMAL CROSSING IS COMING IN 2019 FOR SWITCH!

I just wanted to know it was coming, and it is. The Direct was full of content, running at a very brisk pace to show it all off, and the announcements… I can’t choose what I liked the best. Well, Animal Crossing of course, but aside from that there was a lot shown off. Nintendo Switch Online had a charming trailer featuring Mario characters, though it didn’t show much off we didn’t already know. Those NES Joy-Con are good for people who like playing with them.

It was enjoyable, and thanks to the announcement of Animal Crossing, I know I’ll be in for a good time next year. And with that announcement, I can announce this early. The Future of Mario Kart series on this blog is ending, with the new series of ideas generation looking at Animal Crossing and how that can grow.

So that was the Direct of 13-September. I’ve had my say, so what did you like best from it?