Nintendo Direct September 2021
Nintendo Direct, one of the few gaming/tech events that I pay absolutely no attention to every year, not out of disinterest towards Nintendo but because I know the only game I’m going to buy on my Nintendo product, be it the DS or more recently the Switch, is going to be the latest flagship Pokémon title. This year was different, having heard about cool new and old games coming to Switch and the endless Chris Pratt memes, I was intrigued enough to give it a go.
Unlike Sony, Nintendo has not taken to an Americanised performance and has stuck to their traditional Japanese roots, with very formal presenting which as a first time viewer I found very odd, yet they also brough old school dry and wacky humor also associated with Japanese culture which was refreshing. There were no interviews with developers unfortunately, but we were told on numerous occasions that more details on certain games were coming, so lets look forwards to more in-depth reveals from developers then.
October this year seems to be a big month for Nintendo. Right before November when they release massive new entries in to the Pokémon universe, they will be releasing a boat load of fun for all of us to enjoy. The most interesting games seem to be, Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars, an interesting take on table-top RPGs where everything, from environment to shops and battles, is represented through a card system and will releases October 28th. There is also, Disco Elysium – The Final Cut, another RPG where you play as a amnesia stricken detective which will release October 12th. Also releasing October 19th is Dying Light Platinum Edition, the prequel zombie thriller to Dying Light 2 Stay Human which releases for streaming only, February 4th 2022.
Also coming in October is a massive update that surprised many, Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, a new edition to Nintendo Switch Online that allows users to play classic N64 and Sega Genesis games like Super Mario 64 and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 from launch with more to come. Not only that but Nintendo is launch update wireless version of the classic controllers for those console so that you can play with the original controls on the Nintendo Switch. We are unsure if that means there are not updated controls but either way it sounds pretty awesome for retro game lovers and fans alike. Also coming in October is a Animal Crossing Direct, showcasing a new massive update scheduled for Animal Crossings in November.
This holiday season sees games like the Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic make it to Switch and a Castlevania collection. Not only them but Disney Magical World 2 makes its Switch debut along with a Pardox game, Surviving the Aftermath. Out now is one to watch, Actraiser Renaissance, with its acts of gameplay, between city builder and defense to 2.5d platformer.
Nintendo also teased us with some epic releases coming next year, with games like Bayonetta 3, Splatoon 3 and an epic and beautiful looking open world Kirby game, Kirby and the Forgotten Lands. Not much was shown for Bayonetta 3 but since its reveal in 2017 this is the most fans have gotten. Splatoon 3 looks fun and action packed with an intriguing singleplayer story mode that sees the return of the Mammalians. Kirby and the Forgotten Lands sees Kirby like never before with classic and new moves and way to fight, and has me considering a Nintendo game other than Pokémon for the first time since the last Zelda game. Also coming is the Sun Peak expansion to Monster Hunter Rise. Finally, the big Mario movie announcement staring a blockbuster comedy cast including the likes of Jack Black and Seth Rogen, with Chris Pratt as Mario.
The Nintendo Direct event was full of surprises and wonderful new entries to the Switch and the delivery was solid yet traditional. I look forwards to seeing this games in action first hand and in various lets plays that will no doubt arrive to various platforms. You can watch the event below.
Watch the show here
