Nintendo Direct at E3 2015
Ryan Smythe ‘16 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Welcome to Nintendo, where everything’s made up and third party IPs don’t matter. After Sony’s E3 Press Conference with exciting remakes and reveals, its main competition needed to step up in a major way to compete for the top spot at this year’s E3. Unfortunately, the Nintendo NX will not be making its way into the news until next year, so let’s focus on what we have now.
Immediately, Nintendo reminded everyone why their Directs are better than any press conference will ever be by removing the awkward live introductions by developers, and containing them in the pre-recorded videos. B-roll, voiceovers, and time to plan shots and transitions are what set Nintendo apart in terms of its presentation, and the light-hearted tone set by the Muppet-esque opening featuring Satoru Iwata, Reggie Fils-Aimé, and Shigeru Miyamoto.
Even the transition from puppets to game reveals was flawless, as the three transformed into Mox McCloud, Falco Lombardi, and Peppy Hare.
Star Fox Zero (coming Holiday 2015)
This new Star Fox game features massively open terrain and airspace to accompany the monstrous mechs that players will face off against. The Wii U gamepad will act as the cockpit view, while the TV will display the traditional third-person view. The gamepad will also allow gyro controls as well as R and L-stick controls. The combat will be updated to include four different fighters, including the R-Wing, the Landmaster, the Gyro Wing, and the Walker.
Skylanders SuperChargers (coming September 20, 2015)
Amiibos finally make their way into a complete game with Skylanders SuperChargers. Nintendo-exclusive figures, Turbo Charge Donkey Kong and his Barrel Blaster, and Hammer Slam Bowser and his Clown Cruiser will act just like any other Skylanders figure in the game, complete with their own unique movesets and level up abilities. On top of that, they will be able to transition to Amiibo-form to work in other Nintendo games.
Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes (coming Fall 2015)
Link makes his return with this three-player co-op game for the Nintendo 3DS. In this fashion-centric world, players will collect new outfits that grant various abilities and powers. Link can either team up online with two other players to complete the game, or switch between three units described during the Direct as “doll-like” to complete the game.
Hyrule Warriors 3DS (coming 1st Quarter of 2016)
Not much new to announce here, other than the Q1 release date and the reminder that Wind Waker characters will be making their way into the franchise.
Metroid Prime: Federation Forge and Metroid Prime: Blast Ball (coming 2016).
Metroid makes its return with four-player co-op missions based in the Metroid universe in Federation Forge, as well as 3v3 battles in Blast Ball. The details are still hazy, but look for these games to make their way to the 3DS next year.
Fire Emblem Fates (coming 2016)
There’s still a year to wait for the sequel to the massively popular Fire Emblem Awakening, but several new attacks and classes were teased in the trailer.
Shin Megami x Fire Emblem (coming 2016)
So much waiting, and so little information. At least Nintendo included another trailer in the Direct to show off how excited they are for this game.
Xenoblade Chronicles X (coming December 4)
It’s coming! Only a few more months to wait for the sequel to the incredible Xenoblade Chronicles.
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer (coming September 25)
This lovely add-on to the Animal Crossing franchise makes its way to the 3DS later this year.
Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival (coming Fall 2015)
What looks a lot like Mario Party crossed with Animal Crossing, this game may very well end up being DLC for Mario Party 10. Complete with several new Amiibos, including Isabelle and Tom Nook, more details for this title should be coming soon.
Yoshi’s Woolly World (coming October 16, 2015)
Some more information on Amiibos came out on what’s looking to be the most adorable platformer ever created. Using other Amiibos, Yoshi will transform in-game to look like the character used. Only Mario and Samus-styles were shown, but more connectivity is promised.
Yo-Kai Watch (coming Holiday 2015)
This game looks like a mix of the gotta catch ‘em all nature of Pokémon with the battle style of Shin Megami, with some minigame aspects thrown in to complete more powerful attacks. Players have a special watch that they can store the various monsters in, so expect a lot of toys to come out of this game. It looks promising, so keep watch for more details as they come out.
Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam (coming Spring 2016)
The next installment of the Mario and Luigi RPGs for Nintendo’s handhelds mixes in Paper Mario elements, including a third member for adventuring and battling. Fans of the series should enjoy this title, but keep an eye out for more details.
Mario Tennis Ultra Smash (coming Holiday 2015)
More Mario Tennis! Not much more to say here other than if you like the series, this is something to look forward to and add to your holiday wishlist.
Super Mario Maker (coming September 11)
Not only do we have a release date, now there’s official Amiibo support. Tap an Amiibo, and a mushroom will pop out that changes Mario into that character. Wii Fit Trainer was specifically mentioned, but throughout the Direct Both Link and Isabelle were shown in the Super Mario Maker world, so expect those and many more to work in this new title.
Only games coming out in 2015 and early 2016 made their way into this Direct, with a notable absence from the new Legend of Zelda console title. Does this delay mean it’s going to be a launch title for the NX? Leave your thoughts in the comments below, and keep checking back with Emertainment Monthly for everything E3.