by Finn, Grade 7
While I was gone, some stuff happened. You know, nothing big except 50 MINUTES of pure Nintendo announcements. So yes, while I was gone, Nintendo Directs made a triumphant comeback in the form of 50 minutes of non stop announcements, and they were some big ones. From Zelda to Mario, this Direct had a little something for everyone. So, let’s go over the major first party news revealed in this Direct:
Smaller Announcements
This is where I’m going to put smaller, third party announcements so that they at least get a little attention along with their scheduled release dates:
Fall Guys: This Summer
Legend of Mana: June 24
No More Heroes 3: August 27
Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Complete Edition: March 19
Project Triangle Strategy: 2022/Demo Available Now
Knockout City: May 21
Hades: Physical Version: March 19
Ninja Gaiden Master Collection: June 10
Apex Legends: March 9
Pyra/Mythra in Smash
At the beginning of the Direct, we see characters from Xenoblade Chronicles 2 looking for where Pyra is, with the main character Rex being concerned. After finding where she is, it turns into a reveal that she’s joined Smash. From the brief gameplay we saw, she seems to have a unique moveset and to not be an echo fighter to someone like Shulk, the only other Xenoblade character in Smash. The trailer then reveals that Pyra can freely transform into Mythra, who seems a faster but weaker character to Pyra’s slow but seemingly strong attacks. This will function similarly to Pokémon Trainer except they seem to have the same moveset with slight altercations. The stage doesn't really have much since it is just a stage but there is a sad fate for Rex. Rex is only included in taunts and in their Final Smash, with the only hope of a playable Rex coming in the form of the previously revealed Mii Swordfighter costume. These characters are scheduled to release in March.
Mario Golf: Super Rush
After Mario Tennis Aces, Mario Golf is making a return on the Switch. The base gameplay seems to be the same as previous Mario Golf games, as you line up a shot and do a small minigame to determine the length it goes. There are more tools to help you though, like a visual indicator on what angle your ball is going and a scanner to map out other details of the course in third person. Along with the button controls, motion controls will also be an option, seeming to function like the golf from Wii Sports. Along with this, they’re introducing a new mode/way to play golf: Speed Golf, where it’s always your turn and you have to get it into the hole as fast as possible, using various power ups to assist you. Along with that, there’s a story mode, kind of like Mario Tennis Aces but more like the old alternative Mario Golf/Tennis games for the Game Boys. Your Mii will participate in this story with features like RPGs, where you level up different stats you have relating to golf to become the best. Your Mii can also be used during regular VS play or other modes. Mario Golf: Super Rush will release on June 25th.
Miitopia Port on Switch
Miitopia, a RPG from the 3DS featuring your Miis and whatever Miis you like is getting a port to the Switch. Miitopia, like I said, is an RPG involving whatever Miis you want in various classes, like Mage or Knight or even something like a Cat. Relationships and various items change the flow of battles here, with positive relationships helping to defend others and deal more damage. With the Switch, the graphics have been changed to look like a more modern game on the Switch and therefore look really nice. They’ve also added makeup to add to your characters, which won’t affect your Miis outside of your file of Miitopia. Oh yeah, there’s also a horse now. Anyways, Miitopia will re-release on the Switch on May 21st.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons x Super Mario
Sometime this month and early next month, Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be receiving a Super Mario themed update, adding themed clothing and items. The only one worth mentioning is the Pipe, which warps you to another pipe on your island, acting like a fast travel system. This update will launch on February 25th with the actual items becoming available on March 1st.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity DLC
The spinoff prequel to Breath of the Wild, Age of Calamity will be getting a DLC/expansion pass. Similar to the Smash Fighters Pass, the DLC will release over a span of time, providing a steady flow of content. A purchase bonus will be released on May 28 including a new costume and weapon for Link to use. Wave 1 of the DLC will be released in June of this year, and expands the roster, adds new weapon types, and new challenges in the Royal Ancient Lab and challenging enemies. Wave 2 will release in November, also this year with brief character episodes, new stages, more characters again, and new skills to learn. This will all cost $20.
The Legend of Zelda: BotW 2 News + Skyward Sword HD
The Direct cuts to Eiji Aonuma, producer of the Zelda series, who says that he has no news to share about Breath of the Wild 2 right now, but that development is going along smoothly and more news will be out later this year. He then reveals something to keep us held over until the news is released, revealing Skyward Sword HD, a port of the last home console mainline Zelda from the Wii. They’ve changed the controls to allow both Joy-Cons to be used for motion controls of the sword and shield and even button controls for those who want to play it on the go or only have a Nintendo Switch Lite. There will also be matching themed Joy-Cons launching alongside the game. This game and its Joy-Cons will release on July 16th, with pre-orders already being live.
Splatoon 3
With the final reveal of the Direct, it cuts to a desert similar to a wasteland, with knocked over trains and rocks everywhere. It then cuts to an Inkling- you know what, I’ll go into more detail on this in another article. Let me just give my thoughts on the reveal: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA IM SO EXCITED I LOVE SPLATOON BEST REVEAL OF THE DIRECT NO QUESTION ABOUT IT AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. Anyways, with that out of the way, that’s Splatoon 3.
And that was it. The Direct to make a grand return. This Direct has caused some controversy, but I believe this Direct had some really good reveals and at least something for everyone. So I’m hopeful about the future of the Directs, because its probably going to get better from here on out.