We have not had a full blown Nintendo Direct in quite some time. Totally understandable. 2020 was a real bummer to put it mildly. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us to stay home and in many cases, work remotely. Game development has suffered heavily with a some 2020 releases being pushed to 2021. Nintendo Directs were also hit hard. Yesterday's presentation was the first one in this scale in well over a year. This led some people to speculate (incorrectly, I'd like to add) that Nintendo Directs were no more. And outta the blue, just days prior to the 17th, Nintendo announced that they would have a 50 minute long Nintendo Direct. When you throw that much time behind one of these babies, you've got a lot to show.
Me after yesterday's direct:
Pyra/Mythra for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
I know some people like Alpharad were popping off because he's a huge fan of the Xenoblade games. I have yet to play any of them so the appeal of Pyra/Mythra is lost on me, but she/they could be a pretty fun character. I'm happy for Xenboblade Chronicles fans and the salt of the haters is making me laugh myself silly. The new Xenoblade Chronicles stage we'll be getting looks dope.
Hades Physical Release
Yes, yes, yes, YES!!! This game so deserves to get a physical release and it comes package with some sweet extras like an art book and a download code for the soundtrack. I've yet to complete Hades but have pumped hours into it. The world, the characters, the art style, the weapons the way it goes about rogue gameplay all combines to make it one of my favorite games of 2020. I have no problems double dipping for Hades.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD
No doubt people wanted to see some news update on Breath of the Wild 2. I had a hunch we wouldn't get anything regarding that game with this Direct but we were told there would be information later this year. Take your time, Nintendo. Skyward Sword HD? I had heard about Skyward Sword being trademarked recently but I had assumed Skyward Sword would be part of some 3D Zelda Collection. That'll teach me to make assumptions based off past anniversary releases.
I bought the original Skyward Sword but never got around to playing it. This may have been due to the polarizing reception it received thanks to the game's motion controls. Well a lot has changed in 10 years and not only have the motion controls been improved but if you wish, you can play Skyward Sword HD with buttons. I hear the linearity of Skyward Sword was also criticized. I love none linear experiences but at the same time linear gameplay gets and undeserved bad rap. I caught a jingle in the game's trailer that I'm all too familiar with in Breath of the Wild. Turns out a number of things debuted in Skyward Sword that carried over to Breath of the Wild like the stamina meter, gliding and using materials to upgrade equipment.
I'm debating just how I should play Skyward Sword HD. The button controls definitely sound like a welcome feature since motion only for sword fighting was the very reason for the game being so decisive. I feel like I have to at least give the motion controls a try. Sigh, time to invest in some new Joy-Cons. Those special Skyward Sword Joy-Cons look really nice.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity DLC
I finished Age of Calamity a few weeks ago and I'm still playing due to side quests and post game missions that opened up. I thought about all the DLC content the first Hyrule Warriors game got and hoped Age of Calamity would get added content. The Expansion Pass gives me even more reasons to hack and slash with Link and the gang. More time to wreck fools with Impa's clones and more time with the best water waifu of all time, Mipha. Just inject the DLC right into my veins.
Famicom Detective Club Remakes
I thought it was great to see the original NES Fire Emblem game get translated and released on the Switch eShop (limited release is still bonkers). It made me wonder what other Nintendo games could see the same treatment. Rather than translate the NES games, we are getting full blown remakes of both Famicom Detective Club games, The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind.
I never thought we would see these games. When the narrator said these were deep cuts, he was not whistling Dixie. The Famicom Detective Club titles are some super obscure Famicom Disk System titles. The first time I'd even heard a mention of them was a trophy I'd gotten in Super Smash Bros. Melee, Ayumi Tachibana. Adventure games have become quite plentiful on the Switch and perhaps the system's success has made Nintendo more willing to throw cash at releases such as these. I mean, just look at that above screen! These were originally 8-bit games and they dressed them up. The soundtracks are remade as well but we have the option to switch to the original 8-bit music. I not only want to throw money at this, I have to.
More remakes like these Nintendo, PLEASE!!!
Mario Golf Super Rush
It has been almost 20 years since Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour on the GCN. There have been Mario Golf games since ToadStool Tour but Super Star Rush is the first entry in a long time to land on a console and it looks mad fun. Speed Golf is one of my favorite modes in the Mario Golf series and it looks crazier than ever here. If the game supports online play (and it runs smooth) we could be in for some insane multiplayer. Story modes are usually pretty goof in the Mario Golf handheld entries so I'm hoping that trend continues.
Also, we get Waluigi in fedora. Day one purchase, baby.
Splatoon 3
I can't convey my excitement for this in words so I'm gonna let Kermit take over for a bit.
I. LOVE. Splatoon. Like, really. I FREAKING LOVE this series. My love for Splatoon isn't just limited to the games. I've got Splatoon plushies, art books for the first two titles, manga, a backpack. I am all about some Splatoon merch. I did not think Splatoon 3 would be a thing this soon. Yeah, the game isn't coming until 2022, but the player base on Splatoon 2 is still massive. The game provides an immense amount of fun and Nintendo could have easily saved Splatoon 3 for the whatever the successor is for the Switch. But nope, they pulled the trigger for Splatoon 3 and I (and millions of you) are alllll for it.
It looks like the story mode of Splatoon 3 will take place in a wasteland. We have Team Chaos to think for that. The desolate world of Splatoon 3 is all thanks to Team Order losing the Splatfest. Sure it looks real depressing but we get a little buddy this time and more hair options and is that a bow and arrow? And we can choose are starting point on the map? Man, that is SO cool. I'm getting jazzed just thinking of all the awesome new music Splatoon 3 will have. That remix of Splat Attack was a banger.
Who will our new idol waifus be? That's the million dollar question.
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The first Nintendo Direct in over 500 days and Nintendo came out swinging. Ya did good Nintendo. Ya did dang good.
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