RIP, Mario Kart 9, it just wasn’t your day.
Nintendo recently dropped a Nintendo Direct presentation, with over 40 minutes of announcements focused on Nintendo Switch titles releasing in the first half of the year. I thought it was an overall good Direct, definitely great for JRPG fans but not mind-blowing. There were definitely some mind-blowing things there though.
If you’d like to watch the full Direct yourself, you can do so by following this link, but I’d like to talk about all of the headlines and what I personally think of them. Let’s get into it.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes
The team behind the Warriors games are back at it with a Fire Emblem Warriors game focused on the universe of the Switch title, Fire Emblem: Three Houses. However, it’s not going to be telling the same story. It’s set to release on June 24th. These games always looked like a lot of fun to play and I want to give them a try.
However, the trailers they always make for it never look that great, and this was no exception. I guess it’s because of the amount of enemies loaded in, but the frame rate was horrible with this one. Maybe that’ll get ironed out before it releases, but in any case, it wasn’t a great start to the Direct unless you’re buying this game anyway.
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
This is a game that was announced a while back, but it got delayed from its initial release date. But not only did they come back with a release date for the game (April 8th), but they gave us a pretty substantial update. The game has voice acting, a mode where you can create your own maps, online play, and a new campaign for the second game.
It looks like a charming and fun strategy game, but I’m gonna be skipping out on it as I’m not a huge fan of games like it. I know this franchise was a big deal back then and it still is, so I’m happy for those that get to relive the experience on a modern console.
Mario Strikers: Battle League
For the first time since the Wii era, Mario Strikers finally returns. With the ability to play with up to eight players on a console, as well as up to 20 players in the newly added Online Club mode, there’s more ways to enjoy the game than before. It’s set to release on June 10th.
This was easily one of, if not the biggest announcement they had in the presentation. I’ve always been interested in trying out the Mario Strikers games because so many people wanted the series to make a return. I’m happy they finally got what they wanted and I hope it plays as good as fans of the past games say it did.
Salmon Run: Next Wave (Splatoon 3)
Nintendo gave us a first look at the second wave of one of Splatoon’s game modes, Salmon Run, as it returns in the third game. It features new Boss Salmonids as well as new actions for the players, such as being able to throw eggs. We also finally got a release window for Splatoon 3, which is Summer this year.
When it comes to the Salmon Run trailer, you’re either a big fan of the games or mode and were hyped about what you were seeing, or you weren’t a big fan and you were wondering what the heck was going on with the music they used for it. Personally, I’m both a fan of Splatoon and Salmon Run is my absolute favorite mode, so Summer can’t come soon enough.
Front Mission 1st: Remake
The original Front Mission game is getting a remaster for the Nintendo Switch. Pilot your way to victory with the Wanzers (Why is that so fun to say?) in this tactical strategy game, while customizing their parts as well. It’s set to release during Summer this year, along with the remake for the second game, Front Mission 2, coming sometime in the future.
Personally, it’s the exact same deal as Advance Wars, I’m not exactly a fan of this. I’m sure people that either enjoyed the games back then or people that are interested in the genre will like it. It also looks really good too, Square Enix worked hard on this one… Now properly port the old Kingdom Hearts games-
Disney Speedstorm
Race across Disney and Pixar inspired tracks, brought to you by the creators of the Asphalt series. Use characters like Mickey Mouse, Sully, Mulan, and more to race your own way, with each character having their own proficient stats. With regular updates including new characters and courses, this Disney racer will be free upon release this Summer.
Graphically, it looks alright on the Switch. It definitely appears to play like Asphalt as well, so fans of that game will probably enjoy this. To be honest though, if this game wasn’t free, it wouldn’t get anywhere on the Switch, with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe right around the corner (in more ways than one). I’ll still give this a try though.
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition
A remaster of the original Chrono Cross game makes its way to the Switch. With many improvements to the RPG adventure, such as improved music and turning off encounters, fans can enjoy the game even better on the modern console. It’s set to release on April 7th.
It’s cool that they’re bringing this back, but I feel like people would’ve preferred Chrono Trigger instead. Either way, this looks…pretty rough around the edges. Hopefully that gets ironed out as well before it comes out, even though it’s pretty close.
Kirby and The Forgotten Land
We got a bit of an update on Kirby’s latest 3D platformer adventure. This time around, you’ll be able to utilize a new ability with random objects in levels with the new Mouthful Mode. You’ll also be able to upgrade the Waddle Dee town and eventually unlock a shop that lets you enhance your Copy Abilities. The game’s still set to release on March 25th.
Although I didn’t say this in my last post talking about the Nintendo Direct, I expected there to be some news or at least a mention about Kirby’s anniversary. It’s probably a good thing they’re saving it for another time though. As for the game, I’ve been sold since they first showed it and I’m still sold on it now.
Kingdom Hearts: Integrum Masterpiece for Cloud
Nintendo Switch owners can finally enjoy the Kingdom Hearts games on their portable console. With a stable internet connection, you can enjoy every game that the three collections have to offer. You can also buy each collection separately. They were released for the Nintendo Switch on February 10th.
I’ve said how I felt about this before in a past article about the demos, but to make it simple here, it’s not worth it. I also thought that the price was reasonable, but seeing as you can get the same thing on PS4 for way cheaper, it’s even less worth the purchase in my opinion. Just properly port the first game at the very least, Square Enix.
Klonoa: Phantasy Reverie Series
The first two Klonoa games are returning for a Nintendo Switch launch. Relive the story and unique gameplay of the classic side-scrolling platformer when they release as a two-in-one collection on the Nintendo Switch on July 8th.
Anyone else thought this was a Sonic character when they first saw him years ago? Jokes aside, I’ve never really been into Klonoa but this game looks pretty cool, I might pick it up to see how it plays.
Portal: Companion Collection
Portal comes to the Nintendo Switch in the form of a two-in-one deal. You can enjoy both the original game and the sequel, Portal 2, which has split screen and online multiplayer capabilities. The collection launches on the Switch sometime this year.
I’m not into Portal so there’s no bias here, but this is one of the only ports in the Direct that actually looks good. That’s kinda why I didn’t want to talk about the others that appeared in this Direct, such as No Man’s Sky or the Assassin’s Creed collection, and especially MLB The Show 22. When you have games like those on other consoles, there’s just not much point in getting them on the Switch when they tend to look and run so badly. It’s only really good when the Switch version has cross progression or something (and even then, how bad they often run doesn’t help its case).
Live A Live
This RPG will finally make its debut outside of Japan. Embark on adventures set in separate periods however you’d like, from Prehistory and the Wild West, to Twilight of Edo Japan and The Distant Future. It’s going to release on the Switch on July 22nd.
I’ve never heard of this game before, but it looks really good. I’m absolutely interested in the Twilight of Edo Japan chapter as well as whatever there was at the end. I’m sure whoever wanted to play this game officially is losing their minds and I’m glad for them.
Nintendo Switch Sports
It’s finally time for the next iteration of the Wii Sports game. In Nintendo Switch Sports, players can enjoy playing locally or online against others in three sports activities from the original Wii Sports games, along with three brand new ones. There’ll also be a new one added in an update. This game comes out on April 29th, with the update coming in the Fall.
This was a huge announcement for sure, I’m honestly surprised we’re nearly five years into the Switch’s life and this is just now happening. It also sucks that, at the moment, there isn’t any boxing. Obligatory Nintendo fan complaints aside, I can’t wait to play this. There’s also gonna be an online play test, so it’s great to see they’re putting a lot of care into making sure this title is a good one for online play. Maybe we’ll also get a Switch Sports Resort game if this does well.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival
Become a taiko master in the latest iteration of the Taiko no Tatsujin game. You can now cooperate or battle against other players with up to 76 songs, including the newly added Megalovania and orchestral version of the main Legend of Zelda theme. You’ll also gain access to 500 songs on launch with an in-game subscription plan. Taiko no Tatsujin launches sometime this year.
I’ve never tried Taiko no Tatsujin but I’ve always heard about how good it is. I recently started getting into rhythm games thanks to Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, so I may give this a try as well.
Earthbound/Earthbound: Beginnings
At long last, Earthbound finally comes to the Switch as part of the Nintendo Switch Online’s NES and SNES service. With an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription plan, you can enjoy the first two Earthbound games. They launched later the same day as the Nintendo Direct, February 9th.
People have wanted to play Earthbound for so long, so it’s great that Nintendo finally remembered it existed. It’s a bit sad that there’s no sign of Mother 3, but any Earthbound is better than none. A good friend of mine absolutely loves the series to death, so I’m playing it to really see what it’s about.
Booster Course Pass (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe)
Get ready to enjoy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for more years to come, with the Booster Course Pass. With this paid DLC, players can enjoy racing on remastered courses from across the series, such as courses from Mario Kart: Double Dash and even the mobile game, Mario Kart Tour. They plan to release 8 new maps across 6 different waves, making 48 new courses added by the end. The first wave will drop on March 18th. You’ll also get it at no additional cost with the Nintendo Switch Online+ Expansion Pack.
If I had to say one announcement was the biggest of the entire Direct, I’d give it to this one. I’d like to talk about this in depth at a later time, but to summarize, I’m…not on the completely positive end of this, honestly. Of course, it’s still cool that they’re making more content for the game, and it gives players more to look forward to from Nintendo throughout this year and the next, especially if they’re fans of the older Mario Kart games. I’ll also check it out because, however much I may or may not like it, I’m a Nintendo fan.
Xenoblade Chronicles 3
Xenoblade Chronicles receives its next addition to the franchise. The story of this one ties together the first and the second Xenoblade Chronicles games. I highly recommend looking on the official Nintendo news page for the game if you’d like more information from the executive director of the Xenoblade games. Surprisingly, this is set to release in September this year.
It’s crazy that their last announcement actually has a release window, and one that’s relatively close. The game looks really good visually and, from what little we’ve heard, the voice acting isn’t completely awkward and forced. I’m not sure if I’ll play it because I’m way too attached to all the characters of the second game, but maybe way later down the road, I’ll give it a shot.
And that’s all for the Direct. I know I skipped around some games and announcements, so if you’d like my opinion on them too, let me know. Also, share your opinions on all the things that were shown off and what you’re most excited for. I’d love to hear your thoughts.