NINTENDO DIRECT 9/4/19 RECAP
NINTENDO DIRECT 9/4/19 RECAP
Nintendo had an absolutely jam packed Direct on September 4th. This presentation was filled to the brim with updates on announced games, new reveals, and some fun surprises. For a Nintendo fan, this was a treasure trove of goodies. They started the show off with a bang, announcing that Blizzard’s insanely popular and critically acclaimed multiplayer masterpiece, Overwatch, was coming to Switch and it launches on October 15, just over a month away! As an added feature for Switch users, this version of Overwatch will enable motion controls for gameplay.
LUIGI'S MANSION 3
Next up was Luigi’s Mansion 3, which launches Halloween (October 31st.) This update trailer showcased several floors from the hotel, each with their own theme (Tomb Suites, The Dance Hall, and The Spectral Catch). Also announced, was a new multiplayer mode called Scream Park, which allows a group of up to eight players to compete against each-other in ghost hunting teams.
KIRBY, MANA, OBRA, & LITTLE TOWN
A new title, Super Kirby Clash, was announced as a free to start game. In this game, players can join other players on quests against bosses, with RPG elements mixed in. The HD Remake of Trials of Mana was given a new trailer, and a release date of April 24th, 2020. Unlike the original, this Mana title will have full range of movement for characters. The critically acclaimed Indie title, Return of the Obra Dinn was announced for Switch, and will release this Fall. Game Freak’s Little Town Hero, was given a new gameplay trailer, and was revealed to have a soundtrack composed almost entirely by Toby Fox, creator of Undertale. Little Town Hero releases October 16th.
SUPER SMASH BROTHERS ULTIMATE
Super Smash Brothers Ultimate had several important announcements. First, Banjo and Kazooie are now available to play in the game. Second, Terry Bogard from Fatal Fury, was announced as a guest fighter, and will arrive in November. And last but not least, it was announced that even more characters are in development for the game, (outside of the remaining fifth character of the previously disclosed Fighters Pass.) The amazing cast of characters for Smash Ultimate, is going to get even better.
ZELDA & DRAGON QUEST
The next Legend of Zelda title, the Link’s Awakening Remake, was given a new trailer, and showcased amiibo support. The new game and amiibo both arrive September 20th. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age – Definitive Edition was given a new trailer, and will arrive on Switch September 27th.
TOKYO MIRAGE SESSIONS # FE ENCORE
In a surprising announcement, an HD Remaster of the Wii U RPG, Tokyo Mirage Sessions # FE, was revealed. This updated version will include a new song and other additional content, including Fire Emblem Characters. Tokyo Mirage Sessions # FE Encore will launch January 17th, 2020.
DEADLY PREMONITION 2 & ORIGINS
Another real shocker of the Direct, was the reveal of Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing in Disguise. This sequel to the cult classic Deadly Premonition, will take place in Boston, and will feature both a new FBI detective, and the protagonist from the first game, Agent York. Deadly Premonition 2 arrives in 2020. Also announced was a Switch port of the first Deadly Premonition, titled Deadly Premonition: Origins. This game is available now for Switch.
DIVINITY 2, DOOM 64, & ROGUE COMPANY
Larian Studio’s hit RPG, Divinity: Original Sin 2: Definitive Edition, was announced for Switch, and is available now. Bethesda’s classic game, DOOM 64, was revealed to be receiving an HD Remaster, and will launch on Switch November 22nd. A new game from Hi-Rez studios, Rogue Company, was revealed, and showcased its squad combat. Rogue Company comes to Switch in 2020.
Pokémon Sword & Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield showcased four features of the titles. These titles will have far more customization for player appearance than any previous title, including hair styles, makeup, tops, bottoms, etc. Players can now camp with their Pokémon at sites on the map, either by themselves, or with up to three players. At the camp sites, players can interact with their Pokémon and improve relationships with them. Cooking curry on rice has been added, with various recipes and effects for each type you make. The last feature revealed was two new Pokémon: Polteageist and Cramorant. Polteageist is a ghost tea Pokémon, inhabiting a tea cup, and Cramorant, (a Pelican), is a water-flying Pokémon, with a special ability in combat when provoked. Sword and Shield launch November 15th.
NINTENDO SWITCH ONLINE
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers are receiving a nice surprise. Starting September 5th, they will have access to twenty Super Nintendo titles through the service. These games will all include the rewind function, and a wireless Super Nintendo controller will be available for purchase to subscribers at $29.99. More Super Nintendo titles will come to the service at a later date. Another Nintendo Switch Online update, was the announcement of new features coming to Tetris 99. A physical edition of the game will be available starting September 6th, with a 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online, included with purchase.
SO MANY GAMES COMING TO SWITCH
Mario & Sonic at the Olympic games: Tokyo 2020 was given a new trailer, showcased fun retro graphics for some game modes, a brand-new story mode, and a November 5th release date. Daemon X Machina, which launches next week on Switch, revealed a new prologue demo, available now, with saves from the demo carrying over to the main game. After Daemon, was an onslaught of game announcements and release dates. The beloved Star Wars classic, Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast, was announced for Switch, and will arrive September 24th, CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher II: Complete Edition, will arrive on Switch, October 13th, Assassin’s Creed: Rebel Collection (Black Flag and Rogue, with all DLCs) comes to Switch December 6th, Dauntless is available now as a free to play, Just Dance 2020 comes November 5th, GRID Autosport launches September 19th, Farming Simulator 20 launches December 3rd, Ni no Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch arrives September 20th, NBA 2K20 launches September 6th, Call of Cthulu arrives October 8th, The Outer Worlds comes soon, Devil May Cry 2 arrives September 19th, and Vampyr launches on Switch October 29th.
ANIMAL CROSSING: NEW HORIZONS
Animal Crossing: New Horizons was given a lengthy gameplay trailer. This newest entry in the acclaimed series looks to incorporate more crafting elements and other skills to the core gameplay. Among the new features are a Nook Phone and the accumulation and use of Nook Miles to use for rewards. This will arrive March 20th, 2020.
XENOBLADE HD REMAKE
To end the show, Nintendo revealed an HD Remake of Xenoblade Chronicles, a hit Wii, and New 3DS title. This remake features a new engine and showcases a massive graphical upgrade from the original. This title will be releasing in 2020.