Nintendo Direct is the place for all things Nintendo related — and we just got treated to another one on April 12. During the sizeable stream, we got all the latest news on release dates, upcoming games, and more.
Here’s a recap of tonight’s live coverage:
Nintendo Switch
Since the release of the Nintendo Switch people have been speculating what games will come out and when. During the Nintendo Direct coverage, we got a glimpse as to what to expect in the next year.
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition
Minecraft: Nintendo Switch Edition, according to Nintendo, allows you to:
Create, Explore and Survive alone or with up to 8 ‘crafters together online, while 4 can join each other in local multiplayer on the TV or in tabletop mode, supporting both split screen and the Pro Controller.
The game will be released on May 11, 2017 with Super Mario Bros. themed content such as: 40 themed skins (Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, etc.), Super Mario World, islands shaped like Warp Pipes, Mario themed puzzles, etc.
Sine Mora EX
Sine Mora EX is a shoot-em-up game that has both a story and arcade mode. Story mode can be played in local co-op mode. This game has two story lines. In one, you are a father who seeks revenge against the Empire that murdered your son. In the second, you want revenge on the Empire for destroying your race — known as Enkies. You are one of the few remaining survivors. The game is set in different eras on a planet similar to Earth.
This version has 7 diverse stages, risk and reward, a versus mode, and time extension based gameplay. It is set to release this Summer (2017).
Namco Museum
Namco Museum is essentially a compilation of several Nintendo games including: Pac-Man (1980), Galaga (1981), Dig Dug (1982), Tower of Druaga (1984), Sky Kid (1985), Rolling Thunder (1986), Galaga ’88 (1987), Splatterhouse (1988), Rolling Thunder 2 (1990), and Tank Force (1991).
Nintendo has had success with this type of compilation in the past, so we’ll see if it’s the same for the Switch. Namco Museum is set to release in Summer 2017.
Battlechasers: Nightcrawler
According to Nintendo, Battlechasers: Nightcrawler is:
An RPG inspired by the classic console greats, featuring deep dungeon diving, turn-based combat presented in a classic JRPG format, and a rich story driven by exploration of the world.
In this game, you have a choice of playing one of three characters, who you must help survive. The game has a lot of exploration, and is known for its world building. It will be available for the Nintendo Switch during Late Summer of 2017.
Monopoly
Monopoly is a classic game that is beloved by most people — when blood isn’t being shed over who owns what property, that is.
In the Nintendo Switch version, set to release in Fall of 2017 there are three different 3D boards to choose from, you can play using 1 of 6 different sets of rules (no making it up like you do with the board game), and you can play with other people online. It’s the game that keeps on giving.
Arms
Arms is a fighting game created by Nintendo themselves. It’s a two player game in which competitors are able to choose a character and the type of arm that they wish to battle with.
Choose from characters like Minmin, who fights using ramen and martial arts, Springman, who is able to emit waves that deflect punches and powerful counterattacks, as well as a few others. Their arms vary as well including a glove type, multi-shot, curve, heavy, and whip. Each arm has special attributes like Fire, Electric, Wind, Ice, Explosion, Stun, and Blind.
One thing that might be interesting to see with this game is the two on two battle mode.
Although Amazon had released two different dates for the game, the official release date was confirmed as being set for June 16, 2017.
Splatoon 2
Splatoon 2 is a team based third person shooter that was created by Nintendo for the Switch. In this game, there can be up to eight players in online four-versus-four matches. This version contains a new boss known as a “Steelhead” and the goal of the game is to beat him while placing Golden Eggs in a basket to be harvested.
Along with Splatoon 2 is the release of three Splatoon Amiibo’s including: Inkling Girl, Inkling Boy, and Inkling Squid. Each of these figures can appear in game as friends. You can swap outfits with them, snap pictures, and they’ll even remember your favorite settings. The game is even compatible with previous Amiibo models.
Although Amazon had two different release dates for Splatoon 2, rest assured that the official release date is July 21, 2017.
Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo Switch is not the only console worth covering on the Nintendo Direct page. The Nintendo 3DS is also getting an entire new set of games to be released this year. Below are a few of the titles mentioned.
Bye-Bye BoxBoy
Nintendo’s Bye-Bye BoxBoy seems like it will be intense. Nintendo uses the following description as a way to lure players to the world where a box named Qbby is the only hope for the world:
Qbby is no ordinary box. Using his four startling new powers, you must solve hundreds of puzzles across 18 deadly worlds. Create boxes to climb, hover, warp, and bomb your way to salvation! Whether you’re a newcomer or an old vet, thinking outside the box has never been more fun.
The game lets you visit 18 different worlds, create boxes that help you solve never before seen puzzles, and save something known as a QBaby. It is set to release tonight, April 12, 2017.
Team Kirby Clash
For the 25th Anniversary of Kirby, Nintendo has released Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, a free-to-start multi-player action game. You can play as four different characters: Sword Hero, Beam Mage, Dr. Healmore, or the Hammer Lord.
This version contains a ton of quests, new armor and weapons, and new amiibo figures! It was released today.
RPG Maker Fes
Have you ever wanted to create a game, but didn’t have the know-how to do so? Enter: RPG Maker Fes. A game that allows you to create your very own RPG.
The easy to use tools, customized content, and the ability to play and share makes developing games look easy. Be ready for it on June 27, 2017.
Culdcept Revolt
Last on our list of Nintendo 3DS games is Culdcept Revolt. It’s celebrating its 20th Anniversary in style. Nintendo had this to say about it:
…the addictive card game-meets-board game is back, bigger and better than ever with hundreds of new cards, inventive boards, and exciting multiplayer!
In this game, you follow a character named Allen who is a recruit for a force known as the “Free Bat” forces. Your job is to fight for freedom and gain your independence from the dictator Count Krannis.
With its boasts of addictive fantasy gameplay, near endless strategy, and the ability to play solo or online Culdcept Revolt might just make it to the top of games to play. It will be on the market on August 29, 2017.
In Case You Missed It…
If you missed the Nintendo Direct coverage, don’t fret. I’ve got you covered. Just check out the video below!
Happy Playing
Whether you decide to wait for the releases of Arms and Splatoon 2 or play a few games in between, I support your gaming decisions — probably.
Happy Playing!
