Sam Thorne on Nintendo’s ‘Mini’ Direct announcements…
Nintendo have certainly upped their marketing & PR game in recent months (and years), playing up to several rumours since the turn of the new year regarding a Nintendo Direct in January. As you probably know, the Nintendo Switch is selling like hot cakes, but it does need to keep up the momentum for 2018, even after showing their hand with promises of Metroid Prime 4, Bayonetta 3 and a currently untitled mainline Pokemon game. After several cryptic tweets yesterday, such as this one;
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) January 10, 2018
It became apparent that the big N weren’t just teasing us, they in fact dropped a brief 15-minute Nintendo ‘mini’ Direct today with some new 1st party and 3rd party announcements. However, there’s a clear reason why Nintendo didn’t want to casually announce the direct, instead of just dropping it today, as the direct is pretty brief and is clearly only a taster of things to come for 2018. They also probably wanted to prevent anyone from being disappointed as the direct arguably avoids dropping any huge announcements or date, that we’ll be expecting at later directs or at E3 2018. That being said, let’s take a look at what Nintendo had to announce.
Game updates, DLC & Demos
Please note, all quotes in italics are straight from Nintendo’s press release.
‘Super Mario Odyssey: A new mini-game called Balloon World is coming to one of the highest-rated games of all time. Once players download the free update and complete the main story, Balloon World will become available. In “Hide It” mode, players have a certain amount of time to hide a balloon. In “Find It” mode, players have the same amount of time to locate balloons hidden by other players from around the world. Players can move up the rankings** by finding hidden balloons and becoming expert hiders. The free update will be released in February with new Snapshot Mode filters and new outfits.’
Our thoughts: A free update is always nice, but this looks relatively thin in terms of appeal. If you could do it directly with friends, maybe that’d be a laugh, but it sounds like it works via ranking, and randomisation only. It seems an odd choice, considering there’s already an abundance of things to do in Super Mario Odyssey, but let’s not complain about free game content in 2018.
‘Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: A new hero swings into action! Donkey Kong is headed to the game as a playable character, complete with an exclusive new storyline and world to explore. The DLC pack will release in spring and will be available for purchase individually, or as part of the Season Pass or Gold Edition of the game.’
Our thoughts: It’s nice to see Ubisoft continue to support Kingdom Battle after its strong reception. The Donkey Kong tie-in was perhaps a little too obvious given the kong-sized Rabbid in the game, but at least it adds a new character and a little more than just a story extension.
‘Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack: The Battle Pack is now available for purchase in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch and includes two Waves of Battle Pokémon and Avatar items. Wave 1 of the Battle Pack contains Battle Pokémon Aegislash and a new Support Pokémon Set featuring Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu. Aegislash can change between two formes, and players can wield them both. Wave 2 includes the new Battle Pokémon Blastoise and a new Support Pokémon Set featuring Mew and Celebi. Wave 1 will be available Jan. 31, and Wave 2 is scheduled for Mar. 23.’
Our thoughts: Not too much to say here, but will be interested in seeing how far the support goes on for, considering the game was an enhanced port with DLC to begin with.
There’s also a demo out now on the Eshop for the new Kirby 3DS game, and for Square Enix’s Dragon Quest Builders on Nintendo Switch.
Dates and Details
‘PAYDAY 2: As players join with friends* locally or online to execute elaborate heists, full touch-screen support makes menu navigation easier than ever, while the HD Rumble feature lets them feel everything from explosions to weapon recoil right in their hands. Debuting in the Nintendo Switch version of the game, a new playable character named Joy will be introduced. Joy is a Japanese computer whiz who wears a custom LED light mask that changes her appearance as she sees fit. PAYDAY 2 launches for Nintendo Switch on Feb. 27.’
Our thoughts: It’s hard to be too excited for Payday 2 given Starbreeze Studios’ lack of care for the console versions so far, compared to the PC version. The PS4 and Xbox One iterations have been trailing behind missing crucial updates, bug fixes and DLC additions, leaving them feeling somewhat inferior, and it’s hard to imagine that the Nintendo Switch version won’t be more of the same. However, it does tease being able to play online with friends, which’ll help fill that online multiplayer FPS niche in the Switch’s young library alongside Bethesda’s Doom. It could be good, but probably best to wait for reviews.
‘Fe: In this new type of platforming adventure, players run, climb and glide their way through a dark Nordic forest to explore its living, breathing world. Use the motion controls of the Joy-Con controllers to sing in tune with creatures and plants to unlock new abilities. Each song has a distinct sound and feel thanks to HD Rumble. The game launches digitally for Nintendo Switch on Feb. 16.’
Our thoughts: Ironically, it was EA’s leaked marketing schedule for this game that lead everyone to believe there’d be a Nintendo Direct in January, in the first place. The game looks very abstract, but visually stunning and presumably quite fun. I would argue it might be buried by more established indie games on Switch, but it could fill a dull gap in February.
‘Kirby Star Allies: Kirby’s debut on Nintendo Switch is a grand new adventure packed with content. The new Artist ability lets Kirby unleash his creativity, while the new Spider ability lets him ensnare enemies in webs. Kirby also can hurl new friend hearts at enemies to win them over with love and add them to his party. Plus, up to four friends* can team up and combine Kirby’s unique abilities with ally abilities for powerful new Friend Abilities. The game launches for Nintendo Switch on March 16.’
Our thoughts: We first saw Kirby at the last E3, the game looks fun, with great local multiplayer potential, doing what Nintendo does best. It’s early March release date isn’t too surprising, it feels like a spring title, as it’s not the kind you want drowned out by big holiday blockbusters. It’s also unsurprising that it’s the one game from the E3 show that got a title, as it was the only one that looked anywhere near finished.
‘Celeste: This modern take on the pure action platformer lets Madeline climb any surface on Celeste Mountain if she has the stamina. Playing in Assist Mode lets players tweak the difficulty, from a slower pace to full-on invincibility. Unlockable B-side chapters offer even more challenging adventures. The game launches digitally for Nintendo Switch on Jan. 25.’
Our thoughts: Celeste is a fun, but challenging sidescroller that should fill out Nintendo’s line-up of impressive indie games quite well. The January 25th release date is a nice boon to an other wise dull month.
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