The January 2018 Nintendo Direct Mini presentation just dropped earlier today unexpectedly, and it came along with some surprise announcements.
The World Ends With You: Final Remix – Releasing Later This Year
The first trailer that we see will excite many Square-Enix fans as it is the first time we have seen it in over ten years since its original release exclusively on the Nintendo DS. TWEWY has been critically acclaimed for its innovative battle system and is well-loved by many fans of the franchise.
Pokken Tournament DX DLC packs
Pokken Tournament DX received several new characters who were originally exclusive to the arcade version including Darkrai and Empoleon. Decidueye was added to the Switch version as a free exclusive character, but now we have learned of at least two new playable characters and four new support characters who will be coming in a new Battle Pack DLC set.
The first set will include Aegislash as a playable character and Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyuu as support characters. The first set will be released on January 31st. The second set will include Blastoise as a playable character and Mew and Celebi as support characters. The second set will be released on March 23rd.
The battle pack can be bought as one set and costs $14.99. These cannot be purchased separately.
Kirby Star Allies – March 16th Fans of the Kirby series will be excited to learn that the newest four-player co-op game in the Kirby franchise will be releasing on March 16th. The fan-favorite ability to mix and match powers will be returning for this game. For example, mixing a water and ice ability will allow you to shoot icicle spears.
Dragon Quest Builders demo – Available Now
You can think of Dragon Quest Builders as a story-driven Minecraft with the quirky characters, monsters and excellent music which the Dragon Quest series is renowned for. The demo will take you through the first chapter of the game. The full game will be released on February 9th in the American and European territories.
Hyrule Warriors Definitive Edition – Spring 2018 Hyrule Warriors is coming to the Switch complete with all of the DLC from the 3DS and Wii U versions of the game as well as the ability to play co-op using split Joycon.
Mario Tennis Aces – Spring 2018
The Mario Tennis franchise is coming to the Switch with a story mode. This is the first time that a story mode has been included in a Mario Tennis game since the Game Boy Advance title.
Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of DANA – Summer 2018
This is the game that particularly captured my interest in this direct. It was originally released on the PS Vita, PS4 and PC in July 2016. Ys VIII is a JRPG with anime cut scenes and an action-oriented battle system. It follows the story Adol who is shipwrecked on a cursed deserted island with several other survivors who must create a new camp in order to survive. They will explore the island to try to discover why it is cursed and to uncover the mystery behind it.
Mario Odyssey Balloon World Free Update – February 2018
This mode originally struck me as unimpressive, but upon reflecting over it for the last couple hours, I can see the brilliance behind it. You could essentially think of these balloons as an infinite number of power moons to search for while also including leaderboards to give you extra incentive to play the mode frequently. I can see much potential behind this mode and it is certainly something to look forward to.
SNK Heroines Tag Team Frenzy – Summer 2018
For fans of fighting games, there is a little something here for you, too. SNK Heroines utilizes only the female characters from the series as the name implies, and it utilizes a fairly simplified input system only requiring one button. You will need to strategically switch between two characters while using a variety of items to whittle down your foe’s HP. However, winning a match is done similarly to Playstation All Stars. You win a match only if you are able to land an ultimate attack which is called a Dream Finish.
ACA NEOGEO Art of Fighting 2 – Available Now
Mario+Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Donkey Kong DLC – Spring 2018
Mario+Rabbids is one of those weird crossovers that shouldn’t work but somehow does. It has come to be loved by many and has even won a few awards at some game of the year ceremonies. The newest DLC will include a new story mode that finally includes Donkey Kong properly into the story.
Payday 2 – February 27th
Fans looking for some more mature titles on the Switch have been looking forward to this one, and it finally has a release date. Payday 2 will be coming to the Switch while making use of the HD rumble feature as well as utilizing the touch screen for menus in handheld mode. It will also be coming with a timed-exclusive playable character who has the ability to hack through any system.
Fe – February 16th
EA has mostly abandoned the Switch with the exception of this game, and it appears to be an exceptional game from them. Outside of their usual mold, this is a stylish 3D platformer utilizing music brilliantly within its game mechanics and doesn’t have loot boxes. Who knew? EA actually can still make games for gamers that doesn’t appear to be trying to pull any shady business on them.
Celeste – January 25th
This game simply looks brilliant. It is a 2D platformer that has taken some influence from Breath of the Wild in that you are able to climb up any surface provided your stamina doesn’t run out and you can essentially glide by using a series of air dashes. And if you aren’t looking for a challenge, you can slow down the gameplay or activate an invincibility mode. For those looking for an extra challenge, there is a mode for that, too.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze – May 4th
Donkey Kong has gotten some extra love in this Nintendo Direct. Not only is he coming to Mario+Rabbids, his own outstanding Wii U game is also getting ported to the Switch. This one includes split Joycon play, but it also comes with a whole new character that seems to be an easy mode in and of himself. Funky Kong is making his return, and he comes with all sorts of crazy abilities. He can hover, roll non-stop and perform non-stop underwater spin attacks.
Dark Souls Remaster- May 25th
This was the big one. The long-rumored Dark Souls 1 Remaster has finally be officially announced. Sure, it may a port of an old game, but it is an important game to many people. I personally know at least two people who have been waiting to get a Switch specifically until the announcement of this game.
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