Nintendo Direct
Good morning all.
The long-awaited Nintendo Direct took place on 02/17/2021. For those who don't know, there hadn't been a Nintendo Direct for almost 18 months. This is to say if the wait was long. Now, we will see together whether the expectations have been rewarded with good information from the Japanese firm or not.
I will not give any personal opinion. This is reserved for the conclusion. I am going to pass on to you here simply the most striking information from this video that so many people were waiting for.
Super Smash Bros DLC
The video finally begins. We are treated to a discussion between characters of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. We quickly realize that it is about presenting a DLC for the hit game Super Smash Bros.
We will therefore be entitled to the addition of Pyro / Mythra. A beloved character by fans of the game franchise and an additional swordsman to the long list of characters available in Nintendo's fighting game.
This is the first information to take from this Direct. This should set the tone and pace for the video, we also got a lot of details about Pyro’s arrival. For example a special Xenoblade-themed stage, the different attacks and movements of the character.
Hello from Shinya Takahashi
Shinya Takahashi then makes a brief speach to launch the rest of the presentation. He thanked the fans for their unconditional support and then left room for the rest.
FallGuys
From the start of this 2nd announcement, we know what it is. Fall Guys is coming to Switch. The game already known to the greatest number is no longer to present. The racing / battle royal game with characters in the shape of a giant Tictac is coming to the console for the summer of this year.
Outer Wilds
The presentation then continues with a game that could be quite promising. The title chosen to announce the game clearly sets the tone. “22 minutes remain until the solar system is destroyed”. It’s clear, but it poses a lot of additional questions.
This is a space exploration game called Outer Wilds. The solar system is in an endless loop that lasts 22 minutes. During this loop you have to discover as much as possible, collect information, decode messages, all in order to prevent the sun from exploding or at least to understand why? And above all, why is the solar system in an eternal loop?
Famicom Detective Club
We go directly to the next presentation. These are Famicom Detective Club: The missing heir and The girl who stands behind. These are two games sold separately, two separate themes.
A detective game, therefore, for the game called "the missing heir" we are investigating a so-called haunted village in order to discover the dismal mysteries that surround this village.
For the game called "The girl who stands behind" it is more of an investigation to prevent a sinister murder that could happen. A high school supernatural investigation that should be addicting if the presentation is to be believed.
Samurai warriors 5
We are entitled to a very rhythmic presentation for Samurai Warriors 5
As is often the case with franchises - Warriors, it's all about kicking the butt of massive hordes all on your own. We don't really know more, but it's not for nothing that these kinds of games are successful. The game is expected to arrive sometime in the summer of this year and no further information has been circulated yet.
The Legend of Mana
As the "Mana" franchise works well with its covers / remixes / remasters, we continue and this time we are entitled to Legend Of Mana which will be available on June 24th. Fans of the franchise can be happy, 20 years after the game has gotten a makeover and it's pretty cool graphically. We are explained the story and the game mode. It is (obviously) an RPG, with artifacts that we receive we must fill the world map which is empty at the start of the game. , bring back to the world its splendor and to find the so important tree of the franchise.
Monster Hunter Rise
We are presented with a new trailer for Monster Hunter Rise, with new very huge, fierce and nervous monsters to fight. We get a brief overview of what we need to do to fight them.
The franchise that has been working well lately. The game will be released on March 26, along with an exclusive console and an exclusive pro controller just like the game.
Mario Golf "Super Rush"
After a brief intervention from Mr Takahashi, we are entitled to a new presentation. Mario Golf Super Rush. We are presented with the game play and the iconic characters who are obviously present. The game has been pushed to the maximum in order to be able to perform the best shots.
There will be several game modes. We are presented with “Speed Golf” players play at the same time, powers are available in this mode which can be fun and at times infuriating depending of your friends. A story mode will be available.
The wait is not long for those who love this Mario game as it will be available on June 25 and pre-order is available now.
Tales of the Borderlands
Briefly we are told about Tales of the Borderlands which comes out on March 24. There is nothing significant otherwise, the video is quite expeditious.
Capcom Arcade Stadium
We then go directly to the novelty of Capcom, the "Capcom Arcade Stadium". The application itself is free and some Packs are available in addition but they need to be purchased. This brings together the most iconic arcade games of the firm. Everything is already available.
Aspyr
We are then presented with Aspyr, a zombie game that asks us to play on the zombie side. The goal is to create a zombie horde and take control of the city. We can do cool upgrades to be more powerful and more devastating, with even a Jet-Pack and other vehicules.
No more heroes 3
We are then entitled to details about No more heroes 3. Aliens invade the earth. The aliens have destroyed an entire city and you must save the world. We are presented with a fairly innovative game play and a pleasant and unique graphic style. It will be available on August 27
Neon White
We then arrive at the presentation of Neon White. Assassins are in Heaven to kill demons there, just that. Game play is introduced right away with a brief explanation of the story. This is a first person game. The game will be available in winter.
DC Super Hero Girls: Teen Power
We are entitled to another presentation. A game where we embody some of the DC super heroines. Which is pretty obvious, the cartoonish graphics, the quite funny storytelling and the in-game goal, save the city from the bad guys.
We are introduced to characters who will be available. We must not be recognized and save the city, all at the same time. We must therefore also play in civilian mode and do everything to not be recognized. The game is released on June 4
Plants vs Zombie: Battle for Neighborhood
The Battle Royal is coming to Switch on March 19. A pretty cool and energetic little presentation of the game. This one too many people already know, having it in portable mode on Switch or Switch Lite can be nice. This is the "Complete Edition", so certainly with all the DLC.
Miitopia
We are entitled to the presentation of a rather unexpected game. Beyond creating a very personalized Mii, you need to have good relationships with your allies for combat and successful missions. The release is scheduled for May 21, with pre-orders already available.
Animal crossing
We are entitled to new features for the hit game Animal Crossing last name. There will be items from the Mario universe available to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Brothers.
We will be entitled to these items thanks to a free update on February 25. In the game shop, you can then enjoy the items on March 1st.
Project Triangle Strategy (Provisional name)
We will be in the world of Norzelia where 3 nations exist. Each with a particular virtue. The story will revolve around these virtues and the choices we make.
Explanations are given of the mode of combat, the usefulness of different attacks, lands and associated magic to create modifications to the terrain on which we fight. The decisions we make are important in continuing the story. Tactics are important in combat as well as out of combat.
The graphic style is a 2D model close to Octopath Traveler and it’s a graphic achievement for anyone who enjoys this style, but in all fairness the hard work is visible.
The game will be available in 2022 and a demo is available at the end of the presentation.
Star Wars Hunters
The presentation of the game is short, there is no game play or story. We recognize the music, we see the logo, the voiceover just tells us that this is a competitive game, which takes place between Episode 6 and 7 of the franchise. The game will be available this year.
Knock Out City
An EA game, features video game characters, who play a Battle Royal / Dodge Ball on their Switch. The game is called Knock Out City and it will be released on May 21.
We are presented with the game and what needs to be done. It looks like one can "be the ball" to be used as a projectile against the opposing team. It looks like a fun game while keeping a competitive and tactical spirit so you can win the matches.
World's End Club
We play a team of 12 characters the “Goalgetter Club”.
Japan has no more inhabitants and when you return home you control different characters and you have to play as much solo as with several of the said characters. The game is released on May 28.
Hades
Hades will be released in physical play on March 19 with small extras like a code to be able to benefit from in-game music.
Ninja Gaiden Master Collection
This Collection includes Ninja Gaiden Sigma 1, 2 and Ninja Gaiden 3. A small presentation is made of the game play and its history. We find a style and very fast and intense actions. This presents itself as a great opportunity for players who have never enjoyed these games before. The game will be available on June 10.
Hyrule Warriors Age of Calamity
For 20 € we will be entitled to Expansion Packet we are given certain dates. May 28, June and November therefore arrive these novelties for those who have purchased this pack.
Bravely Default 2
The game is coming out soon and we are given a little explanation on its history and its combat mode.
There is a job system, the fights are turn based. A new trailer will be shown later and we remind you that the game will be released on February 26. Pre-orders are available for those most interested.
Ghost’s N Goblin Resurrection
Ghost’s N Goblin Resurrection is featured. This game is released on February 25th and pre-orders are possible too. A local coop is also possible. We are not given more info than that. We directly recognize the style of this game with a rather special graphic overhaul.
SaGa Frontier Remaster
A new presentation about a remastered game. This is SaGa Frontier (Remaster), this one comes out on April 15th. The game has been improved, new features made to appeal to fans of the original as well as to attract new players.
Apex
The game that is no longer due is released on March 9 on Switch. A special skin for Pathfinder and double EXP for Switch players are offered.
Eiji Aonuma Info
Eiji Aonuma (Zelda series prod.) Takes the floor, explains that there is nothing new to present for BotW 2 and apologizes. He explains that the project is progressing well and that we will be entitled to news during the year for the rest of the opus released on Nintendo Switch. He asks us to be patient because he still has information given.
Skyward sword
We are then entitled to the presentation of the HD version of the game released in 2011 on the Nintendo Wii. The game will be available on July 16 and pre-orders are already available.
We can always enjoy game play in motion with the JoyCons or the game with the joysticks. A bit of this game play is explained. We are told how to move the joysticks so that we can play without having to move our arms and risk hitting family members who may pass by.
Special JoyCons in honor of the game "The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword" will go on sale on July 16, along with the game. A thoughtful design and truly reminiscent of the game in question.
Splatoon 3
We find a character from Splatoon. We can see the modifications that can be done on the character and the little monster that accompanies him.
Immersed in an apocalyptic universe. A huge desert. A makeshift train. We arrive in a huge city full of skyscrapers. We are presented with 4v4 matches quite quickly. Levels as we know. Weapons crazier than ever. It promises to stay in the same vein as the previous games and should appeal to those who have played this franchise.
The game is scheduled for 2022 and therefore we are not receiving any more information than that regarding the game.
My personal conclusion
I'm not going to say disappointed but not far from it. There are no spectacular announcements for my taste. I also recall the initial communication: Only information on already existing games (quite true) and on games coming out in the first half of 2021. This was not really the case. We have games announced for 2022 or winter 2021. From this point of view alone, we can really be disappointed. The DLCs are also not necessarily the most exceptional.
I recall that for Super Smash Bros, although the desire to have lots of playable characters was communicated by Nintendo, we are entitled to an additional swordsman. It is starting to do a lot. The expansion pack for Hyrule Warriors is also not exceptional and / or is not very detailed. The first wave at the end of May, entitles Link to two new weapons. It's not much.
The big announcements that may have liked are those concerning The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword Version HD, with the JoyCons which are them really very beautiful. Mario Golf, which can be a lot of fun due to its fairly fun and playable game modes. I'm also thinking of the announcement for Monster Hunter Rise. We got to see a little more of the soon-to-be-released game and we got to see the Switch's dock-in station and Pro controller featuring the game, which are also quite nice.
Otherwise there is no announcement worthy of a 17 or 18 month wait. Warmed up games, arcade games, information for games coming out in winter or not even this year, games for which we have little information.
18 months waiting for what we got is pretty slim. It's a shame and we will hope that Nintendo will (soon) have new (more) interesting information to tell us.
