author: GRG
Nintendo Direct Summary - Kirby, Bayonetta 3 and More
The third Nintendo Direct of 2021 is behind us. During the 40-minute stream a lot of news was presented, including some that pleasantly surprised Switch fans.
Well-known brands return in new editions, including one after nearly eight years, there are also classics and something for retro game lovers. A big surprise for everyone is certainly the announcement of a movie starring Mario.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land
Another part of Kirby's adventures will be a very original project. The cute pink ball returns in a quasi-post-apocalyptic world... As strange as it sounds, it looks really good. It is worth mentioning that Kirby and the Forgotten Land will be the first platform game from the Kirby' series in full 3D a'la Super Mario Odyssey. The release of the title is scheduled for the summer of 2022.
Bayonetta 3
Nintendo made a big surprise, showing a short gameplay from the long-awaited Bayonetta 3. The video presents how the main character deals with the monster and summons other giant beasts to help in combat. The whole things looks very dynamic and impressive. The last installment of the popular hack'n'slash series came out in 2014, and the first announcement of the third part took place three years later. Fortunately, the release of the third game will take place next year.
Chocobo GP
Mario has a racing game, Sonic and Crash Bandicoot too, so it was time for Chocobo, the feathered mascot of the Final Fantasy series. Classic kart racing with characters known from the iconic jRPG was announced. It will be colorful and with a large number of crazy tracks. We will race for example in the city of Zozo with characters such as Shiro and Vivi. Chocobo GP will appear on Switch 2022. By the way, does anyone still remember Chocobo Racing from PSX?
Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars
Interesting combination of board game, card game and fantasy RPG. Voice of Cards builds the narrative in the style of a dungeon master through cards revealed on the board as the player progresses. Up to four players will be able to play together. The game will be released on October 28 on PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4, and you can already try out a demo on the latter two platforms.
Monster Hunter Rise: Sunbreak
In the summer of 2022, Monster Hunter Rise will receive a large, paid DLC titled Sunbreak. We do not know more details at the moment, but in terms of new content, it's going to be what Iceborne was for Monster Hunter World.
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack + new controllers:
The Japanese company has announced enrichment of the Switch Online service with an additionally paid Expansion Pack, which is expected to appear in October this year. In the new offer we get access to a library of classic games known from Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis. The collection avalable at launch includes
Nintendo 64 games:
- Super Mario 64
- Mario Kart 64
- Starfox 64
- Yoshi's Story
- The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
- WinBack: Covert Operations
- Mario Tennis
- Dr. Mario 64
- Sin and Punishment
Sega Genesis games:
- Castlevania Bloodlines
- Contra: Hard Corps
- Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine
- Eco the Dolphin
- Golden Axe
- Gunstar Heroes
- Musha
- Phantasy Star IV
- Ristar
- Shining Force
- Shinobi III
- Sonic 2
- Streets of Rage
- Strider
Nintendo has also announced dedicated Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis controllers for the Switch console for $49.99 apiece. The offer will be available to all Switch Online subscribers and should arrive with the launch of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in October.
Super Mario Bros: The Movie
The big surprise was the announcement of a new Mario movie, the cast and release date were announced. Among the actors involved in the production are Chris Pratt, Charlie Day and Jack Black. Guess who will play Bowser...
Castlevania Advance Collection
Fans of metroidvania games will surely enjoy yesterday's release of Castlevania Advance Collection, which includes four classic titles from the Castlevania series (three from Game Boy Advance, and one from SNES). You can read more about the collection here.
Actraiser Renaissance - remake of a classic
This original combination of a platformer with a city builder, and a classic from the SNES console lived to see its remake after 22 years. The game is available on PC, Switch, PlayStation 4, as well as Android and iOS devices.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
The original version of KOTOR will appear on Nintendo Switch, and the port will be prepared by Aspyr, the studio working simultaneously on a remake for PC and next-generation consoles. The game will debut on the console on November 11 this year.
Splatoon 3
Multiplayer gameplay footage, as well as some new locations and characters from the Return of the Mammalians story mode, were shown. Splatoon 3 is a Nintendo Switch exclusive and is scheduled for release in 2022.
Dying Light 2: Stay Human
Switch owners will be able to play Dying Light 2: Stay Human thanks to streaming technology, on the day of release on other platforms (February 4, 2022). This is another (after Resident Evil 7, Control, AC: Odyssey, Hitman 3) cloud game that will be offered on Nintendo's handheld.
Dying Light: Platinum Edition
Dying Light with four DLCs and seventeen skin sets will hit Switch on December 19. The set includes: The Following, Bozak Horde, Cuisine & Cargo, Ultimate Survivor Bundle, and Hellraid.
Additionally...
As befits Nintendo, some games will get additional content. Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will have their own Nintendo Direct streams showcasing the news in December. Mario Party Superstars will receive maps from Mario Party 64 (December 29). Hyrule Warriors Age of Calamity will add new stories from the Guardian of Remembrance expansion pass (December 29). Super Koopa and other new characters have arrived to Mario Golf: Super Rush, and two new golf courses have been added (available now).
