E3 2021 Nintendo Direct Summary
Nintendo's E3 Direct was chock-full of classic franchises making their return to the Nintendo Switch in 2021 and beyond!
During a 40-minute presentation Nintendo pulled back the curtain on its plans for the Fall 2021 release schedule and beyond. There were plenty of big game announcements and news for the Nintendo Switch platform. Here are some of the key highlights from Nintendo’s E3 showcase.
Metroid Dread
Release Date: October 8th, 2021
One of the biggest surprises during the direct was the announcement of a new 2D Metroid game. The title is a sequel to 2002’s Metroid Fusion and concludes the five-part saga focusing on the strange, interconnected fates of bounty hunter Samus and the Metroids, which kicked off with the original Metroid game for NES. In Metroid Dread, Samus is alone on a mysterious planet hunted by a dangerous mechanical threat, the E.M.M.I. robots. The platforming looks fun and addictive, returning to the franchise's core DNA.
Along with a standard edition of the game, The Metroid Dread: Special Edition will also be available at launch, which includes the game, a steelbook, a 190-page 2D Metroid artbook and five cards that feature box art from all the games in the saga.
There will also be a new Samus amiibo figure featuring her suit from Metroid Dread and an E.M.M.I. amiibo figure in a two-pack set at launch.
The sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Release Date: TBD 2022
A new Legend of Zelda game dropped from the sky during the direct, literally!
The exciting and unexpected announcement provided a look at gameplay and a look the vast new world. The biggest change so far is in the setting, with new areas to explore high above the kingdom of Hyrule. The sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is aiming to launch for Nintendo Switch in 2022.
WarioWare: Get It Together!
Release Date: September 10th, 2021
The classic Game Boy Advance title makes it return with a host of improvements on the Switch from graphics to gameplay. Another big change is Wario’s friends are playable now in the all the microgames. This new cast has distinct abilities, changing the way you tackle each mini game. Two players can now join in on the action on the same screen by sharing two Joy-Con controllers or using wireless play with an additional system and game.
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
Release Date: TBD 2022
The ultimate team-up has returned with Mario and his crew joining the Rabbids gang! They will once again work together to restore order to the galaxy. Explore planets filled with quirky aliens and uncover fun secrets. It’s up to you to squad up and stop a mysterious evil from plunging the universe into chaos.
Mario Party Superstars
Release Date: October 29th, 2021
The cream of the crop of Mario Party mini games comes together in one collection on the Nintendo Switch. Mario Party Superstars features five classic boards from the Nintendo 64 era and a collection of 100 minigames from across the Mario Party series. Superstars also allows for online play, so you are never alone when it’s time to party!
Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp
Release Date: December 6th, 2021
During the Direct another Game Boy Advance classic franchise made its return with Advance Wars! I put hours into this game when it originally launched in 2001 on the GBA and I am excited to see it come to the Switch this holiday season.
In the game you command an army in turn-based combat as a tactical advisor for the Orange Star Army. You control land, air and naval units across the battlefield to turn the tide of the battle. New to this Re-Boot is game-changing terrain and weather cycles which will present new challenges. Get ready to battle to keep the peace this December when the game launches!
Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda
Release Date: November 12th, 2021
The beginnings of the legendary Zelda franchise now fits entirely in your pocket. This latest Game & Watch system includes three classic games in the Legend of Zelda series – The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link and The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening – as well as a special version of Game & Watch classic Vermin starring Link as a playable character. You can also keep time in style with a clock based The Legend of Zelda and a timer based on Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.
There you have it, to cap off an exciting E3 week Nintendo shared some exciting news with classic franchises making a return on the Switch. What was your favourite from Nintendo’s E3 Direct? Let me know in the comments below!
Comentários