Nintendo Direct Announcements 3/3/16

New Nintendo Direct broadcast reveals new Kirby and Paper Mario games, announces the latest Monster Hunter™ game will come to Europe this summer, and much more

 

4th March, 2016 – In a new Nintendo Direct video, Nintendo revealed new games on the way for its Wii U and Nintendo 3DS systems, as well as additional details about previously announced titles. From new games in the Kirby and Paper Mario series to a companion game for Star Fox Zero, this is one video that can’t be missed. To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit http://www.nintendo.co.uk/nintendodirect or Nintendo UK’s YouTube channel for the compete video and additional new trailers.

Highlights revealed in the video include:

Wii U

·         Star Fox Zero: Fox McCloud returns in an action-packed new adventure. Multiple paths branch out to give players plenty of places to explore, and each route gives them a completely different experience and unique challenges. Players will notice their skills get better and better over time, as they become top-notch pilots. In two-player mode, one player can fly the Arwing while the other player aims and shoots. The game launches on 22nd April, with a limited First Print edition including Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guard on separate Game Discs, and an exclusive SteelBook® case. This package is the only way to get a physical copy of Star Fox Guard, so collectors won’t want to miss out.

·         Star Fox Guard: Players set up 12 cameras to find and defeat enemies who are attacking the mining site of Slippy Toad’s uncle, Grippy Toad. The game includes about 100 missions, but players can also create their own challenges by editing the placement of enemies and uploading them online. The game will be available as a download code at retail, or directly from Nintendo eShop, from 22nd April.

·         Paper Mario: Color Splash: Paper Mario returns to a Nintendo console! Prism Island is being drained of its colour in this action-adventure. Paper Mario’s Paint Hammer splashes paint on anything it hits, so he uses it to bring the colour back to the island. The game will be released in 2016.

·         Super Mario Maker: Fans who want a real challenge will soon be able to try the 100 Mario Challenge’s new Super Expert difficulty, coming as part of a free software update on 9th March. The mode is unlocked after players clear Expert mode, and dishes out six extremely tough courses. The update also adds 12 new Mystery Mushroom costumes to unlock in 100 Mario Challenge, and provides level creators with even more tools:

o    Shake a P Switch to turn it into a key, and shake a Door twice to turn it into a Key Door. Creators can make enemies hold keys – perfect for creating boss battles.

o    Shake a Coin to turn it into a Pink Coin: when players collect them all, a key appears.

o    Shake a Thwomp to turn it into a massive Spike Pillar from Super Mario World.

o    Additionally, the Super Mario Maker Bookmark site will be updated with ranking categories for world records and the number of first clears on courses.

·         Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE: Slay monsters – and slay like a pop star – all at the same time, in this brand new RPG from acclaimed developer Atlus. A sinister force from another dimension has invaded modern-day Tokyo, resulting in a fantastical barrage of style, fashion, music, and, of course, danger. So play to your strengths in high-energy turn-based battles, then fuse items to craft powerful weapons and crush your foes. Around every corner you’ll find fan-service – including Fire Emblem references – original songs by Japanese entertainment giant Avex, dungeons themed after the entertainment industry, and eye-catching music performances. The one-of-a-kind game launches on 24th June.

·         Splatoon: The hit multiplayer game is getting more updates, starting on 9th March with an update that balances some gear abilities to improve some of the lesser-used ones and make them more appealing. Additional tweaks to matchmaking, Ranked Battles and Splatfests also aim to improve the overall user experience. In addition, two further updates will adjust some existing weapons and add new weapons set recommendations called “Sheldon’s Picks”. The first round of Sheldon’s Picks will arrive in April.

·         Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games: The Wii U version of the game launches on 24th June and includes two events new to the series: Rugby Sevens and Rhythmic Gymnastics (Clubs).

·         LOST REAVERS: BANDAI NAMCO’s latest free-to-play* online co-op action game asks players to team up with other adventurers online to fight zombies and solve puzzles as they search for valuable treasure. As players complete missions, characters will level up, unlock additional skills and increase their in-game funds to acquire new weapons. An open beta version is coming on 14th April, and the full game arrives on 28th April.

Nintendo 3DS

·         Kirby: Planet Robobot: Invaders have mechanised Dream Land! To restore his home to its original form, Kirby must use the invaders’ technology against them with the new Robobot Armour, which can even destroy a variety of obstacles in his way. The Team Kirby Clash mode lets up to four players select one of four roles, and participate in a co-op quest to defeat foes while supporting their team. Completing a quest grants players experience points to level-up and grow more powerful. The game is compatible with all amiibo figures, some of which give Kirby character-specific abilities. A new series of Kirby amiibo figures that includes Kirby, King Dedede, Meta Knight and Waddle Dee gives Kirby a copy ability specific to each character. Tapping the Kirby figure is the only way to get the UFO ability. The game and these four amiibo launch on 10th June.

·         Fire Emblem Fates: Having just had the best-ever launch for the series in the United States, Fire Emblem Fates arrives in Europe on 20th May. Three distinct campaigns await players: fight for Hoshido in Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright, side with Nohr in Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest, or refuse to choose a side in Fire Emblem Fates: Revelation, launching as add-on content in Nintendo eShop on 9th June. Ardent strategy RPG enthusiasts can pick up all three campaigns at once on 20th May in the Fire Emblem Fates Special Edition, which contains all three games on one Game Card, an art book, an exclusive SteelBook® cover and a double-sided poster. The New Nintendo 3DS XL Fire Emblem Fates edition system** also launches on the same day.

·         Metroid Prime: Federation Force: This next chapter in the Metroid Prime series is a first-person adventure fused with puzzle solving, focused on shooting and co-op gameplay. Players take on missions that tell the story of the battle between the Galactic Federation’s elite Federation Force unit and the Space Pirates. Each player must select and carry specific sub-weapons based on their preferred roles. The game launches this summer.

·         Rhythm Paradise Megamix: The game offers more than 100 rhythm games, with 30 brand new rhythm games on top of 70 selected from previous entries in the series, including the original Game Boy Advance title, which was never released in Europe. Rhythm Paradise Megamix launches later this year.

·         Monster Hunter Generations™: The newest instalment in the popular action RPG series from Capcom is making its way to the west this summer. The new Style system and Hunter Arts create the most customisable Monster Hunter experience yet, while players will now have the option to play as a Felyne for the first time ever. The game will feature a special collaboration armour set based on Marth from the Fire Emblem series, while anyone who plays Monster Hunter Generations on a Nintendo 3DS system with Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate™ save data will unlock bonus content in the new game. Hunters can get a first look at the English version of the game in a livestream hosted by Capcom Europe at http://twitch.tv/monsterhunter_eu from 17:00 to 19:00 (UK time) on 4th March.

·         Disney Art Academy: Discover your inner artist to capture the stunning visuals of over 80 Disney and Pixar characters. With advice and lessons inspired by Disney art and Pixar animations, learn to use a bundle of different drawing tools to create Elsa and Olaf from Disney Frozen, characters from Disney Inside Out, Mickey Mouse, and more. You can even share your creations with your friends. Disney Art Academy launches on 15th July.

·         YO-KAI WATCH®: This series is already a big part of videogame culture in Japan, and European fans will get to seek out and befriend mysterious Yo-kai that are causing mischief all around the town of Springdale. The game will arrive on April 29th, and players keen to jump into the world of YO-KAI WATCH® can get a sneak peek with a new demo, available to download from Nintendo eShop. now.

·         Hyrule Warriors: Legends: Players can leap into battle with a demo available to download from Nintendo eShop. When the full game launches on 24th March, players can buy a season pass to get access to four upcoming DLC packs and an exclusive bonus costume for Ganondorf. These packs will also be available for purchase individually during the next few months. In addition, Medli from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker will be available as a free download – for both Hyrule Warriors: Legends on Nintendo 3DS and Hyrule Warriors on Wii U – at the same time as the first DLC pack.

·         DRAGON QUEST VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past: Travel to the past to save the present in this classic DRAGON QUEST adventure that has been completely remade from the ground up for Nintendo 3DS. The world has been rebuilt, the characters have new 3D models and the story has been completely re-localised. The game launches later this year.

·         Virtual Console update: Super NES games are coming to Nintendo eShop on New Nintendo 3DS and New Nintendo 3DS XL systems, starting with Super Mario World and EarthBound. Each week in March will see two more titles hit Nintendo eShop, available as a buy one, get the other half price offer during their first week on sale. All games will be the full-speed 60Hz North American versions and can be played in original resolution mode for a more authentic visual experience. Titles announced as on the way are:

o    Week A – 3rd March: Super Mario World and EarthBound

o    Week B – 10th March: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Super Metroid

o    Week X – 17th March: F-Zero and Super Mario Kart

o    Week Y – 24th March: Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

·         Azure Striker GUNVOLT 2: Gunvolt’s rival Copen joins the fray as a playable character in this new title from Inti Creates, coming exclusively to Nintendo eShop this summer. Players can dash into enemies to lock on to them, then unleash a devastating homing shot. Copen can also copy the abilities of all seven new boss characters and use them as his own. In the meantime, action fans can get 33% off the original Azure Striker GUNVOLT in Nintendo eShop until 1st April.

Additional updates

·         My Nintendo: Users can still preregister for Nintendo’s first smart device app, Miitomo***, and sign up for a Nintendo Account. When the service begins in March, users will then be able to become a My Nintendo**** member and start earning My Nintendo points. Anyone who signs up to My Nintendo during the launch period will be able to download Flipnote Studio 3D to their Nintendo 3DS for free. More details will be provided in the future.

·         amiibo: Series 4 of the Animal Crossing amiibo cards will reach Europe on 17th June, alongside the accompanying collectors’ album. amiibo fans also have plenty to look forward to when the following amiibo launch in Europe on 18th March:

o    Super Smash Bros. collection: R.O.B. (Famicom Colours), Roy, Ryu.

o    Animal Crossing collection: Isabelle (Summer Outfit), Rover, Timmy & Tommy, Kapp’n.

o    Animal Crossing amiibo cards series 3 and accompanying collectors’ album.

* In-game purchases available. Broadband internet connection required. The registration of Nintendo Network ID and acceptance of the Nintendo Network Agreement and Privacy Policy are required.

** Software not included.
***Miitomo will launch in the following countries in March: the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, U.S., Canada. Preregistration is only available in these countries. Miitomo at launch will support the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Russian and Japanese.

***My Nintendo will be available from March in the following countries: the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Malta, Greece, Sweden, Estonia, Hungary, Slovenia, Slovakia, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, Russia, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil.