«Zelda Breath of the Wild 2», a new «Game & Watch» and more from Nintendo Direct
40 minutes of trailers sounds like a lot. However, apart from 90 seconds of «Zelda Breath of the Wild 2» and a new «Game & Watch», there were few highlights. At least «Metroid» fans got their money’s worth.
Nintendo was the last big company to end its E3 press conference marathon on Tuesday night. There were few surprises to be seen, but a slew of new editions for classic games. At least Nintendo felt gracious enough to reveal the long-awaited new teaser for «Zelda Breath of the Wild 2.» There was even hardware on display, though not the kind we were hoping for. Here’s the biggest news from the most recent Nintendo Direct.
«Zelda Breath of the Wild 2»
Fans are eager for any details regarding the new «Zelda». Granted, Nintendo has delivered, but in an extremely marginal fashion. We barely even got 90 seconds of content. Visually, it looks a lot like its predecessor, although the title will no longer be dragged down by the shambling corpse of the Wii U. However, the world does seem a bit airier. By this I mean that part of the in-game world is floating, requiring Link to become even more of an aerialist. And apparently our blond hero can dive through floors as well. Wowee Zowee. Breath of the Wild 2 won’t be released this year, but sometime in 2022.
«Metroid Dread»
This year marks the 35th anniversary of «Metroid». It was about time that Nintendo celebrated the series accordingly. This is now being done, with the first 2D «Metroid» in almost 20 years. If you were hoping for «Metroid Prime 4», I’m afraid Nintendo merely put you off, promising that they’re diligently working on it.
Game and Watch: The Legend of Zelda
After the initial relaunch of «Game & Watch» mini consoles was a big hit, it’s not surprising that Nintendo is fleecing nostalgia victims like me yet again. In keeping with the 35th anniversary, this new toy includes «The Legend of Zelda», «Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link» and «The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening.» On top of that, there’s a «Zelda» mini-game adapted from the original «Game & Watch» title «Vermin». Another gimmick is that you can also display the in-game time and visually make it part of your experience.
The device will be officially available from November 12.
«Mario Party Superstars»
If you can’t get enough of funny mini-games, you’ll get new fodder with Mario Party Superstars. Included is a collection of mini-games and maps from past instalments – now also in respectable HD.
«Mario Party Superstars» will be released on the 29th of October.
«WarioWare Get it together!»
The new «WarioWare» should once again be brimming with microgames. For those who don’t know the series: in it, you jump from game to game every few seconds, always with new mechanics and in crazy settings. The whole thing is now also available for two players.
The game will be released on September 10.
«Super Monkey Ball Banana Mania»
For the 20th anniversary of «Super Monkey Ball», the first three entries in this apish adventure are getting a visual makeover.
Get ready for monkey business, starting on October 5.
«Shin Megami Tensei 5»
Atlas’s post-apocalyptic JRPG set in a demon dominated Wasteland has been given a release date. On November 12, the game will come exclusively to the Switch.
«Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water»
Nintendo is on a roll this year when it comes to reissues. This includes the horror game «Fatal Frame» for the Wii U. In order to allow a few more players to enjoy this obscure supernatural title, the remaster will be released on the Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series and PC at the end of the year.
«Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp»
It’s not a new instalment, granted, but it’s probably the next best thing fans of the classic strategy game for Game Boy Advance could hope for. Namely, a visual overhaul of the first two entries for the Switch.
To release on December 3.
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.