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Here’s everything that happened in the September Nintendo Direct

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For those not in the know, the September Nintendo Direct happened last night, with lots of shiny new Ninty information jam-packed into 45 minutes.

While there was no mention of Animal Crossing (which will disappoint a lot of people on Twitter I expect), there was a lot of new stuff to get excited over. We’ve summarised them all below for your pleasure.

Nintendo Switch stuff

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 finally has a release date

And that date is December 1st, 2017! With gameplay that appears to follow closely to Xenoblade Chronicles, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 offers detailed cutscenes, improved voice acting, and stunning visuals, even if it doesn’t appear to be on a new engine.

With multiple Titans to traverse and each Titan having unique scenery, we got a look at the exploration and combat present in the new game. The game will have a special edition at launch that includes artbook, steelcase and soundtrack. A special Xenoblade Pro Controller will also be available.

Xenoblade Pro Controller

DOOM and Wolfenstein 2: New Colossus on Switch!

Okay so this was definitely a surprise. While everyone knew Skyrim was coming to Switch, no-one expected both Doom and Wolfenstein II. There are no solid release dates yet but if you’re after an FPS fix on Ninty’s new console, Bethesda has got your back.

Doo

Super Mario Odyssey is gonna be huge

The main focus of the evening was obviously Super Mario Odyssey. We saw a lot more gameplay and graphically, this is probably the best looking Mario game ever made. We were introduced to Crazy Capp, a store that allows you to obtain new outfits for Mario and online leaderboards for mini-game scores and time attack modes.

There were also glimpses of wedding-themed Mario Amiibo, if that’s what you’re into.

Mario Wedding Amiibos

Project Octopath Traveller

Another welcome surprise is Project Octopath Traveller, a brand new RPG from Square Enix and a Nintendo Switch exclusive. With a mix of turn-based play and new mechanics called ‘The Boost System’, it features 8 playable protagonists with differing origins, strategies, and goals. From the producers of Bravely Default, it features a mix of CGI and pixel-art to create a unique art style.

A demo is available right now so check it out if you’re pining for more RPG action on the Switch.

Project Octopath Traveller

Dragon Quest Builders

A mashup of Minecraft and Terraria but wearing Dragon Quest clothes. Dragon Quest Builders allows you to rebuild and defend towns in the DQ world, featuring gameplay similar to Minecraft.

Kirby Star Allies

This was shown at E3 and gets a bit more love here. The first Kirby game for Nintendo Switch sees players going on an adventure with up to 3 other allies, mixing abilities to create new powers and going up against a dark force that’s taking over Dreamland.

L.A Noire

With all DLC, special suits with abilities, Joy-Con compatibility and a usable touchscreen, LA Noire is the full package. A welcome return to the Nintendo fold by Rockstar. Now, where’s Red Dead Redemption?

LA Noire Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Arcade Games on Switch

All the fun of the arcade without your nan getting angry at the coin pusher. Arcade Archives are bringing some classic Nintendo arcade games to the Switch including the original Mario Bros. We’ll also see Balloon Fight, Ice Climber, Pinball and Clu Clu Land.

Arena of Valor

One of the more interesting surprises of the Direct event, this is a League of Legends style MOBA for Switch. With up to 30 controllable heroes, you can go head to head in 5v5, 3v3 and 1v1 PVP battles. A free beta is launching this Winter.

Skyrim

It’s Skyrim. It’s portable. It won’t have mod support but it will have a Breath of the Wild outfit. You can be a Stealth Archer.

Splatoon 2 Updates (now with added Kelp Dome)

Nintendo showed off a number of updates to Splatoon 2, including new stage Snapper Canal, a new weapon in the Tenta Brella and the return of fan favourite, the Kelp Dome. Kelp Dome returns this Friday, 9/15.

Rocket League Switch

No solid release date for this yet but we did get a glimpse of some new Nintendo themed vehicles. Mario and Luigi also made an appearance.

Fifa 18 / NBA 2k18 / WWE 2k18

Not much to report on here, just a reminder they’re happening. FIFA 18 will be fully built from the ground up, designed for Switch rather than a direct port and releases September 29. NBA 2K18 is a similar experience to it’s console counterparts, feature complete but running at 30fps rather than 60fps. It releases September 15. No release date for WWE 2K18 unfortunately.

Fifa 18 Switch

Nintendo 3DS/2DS Stuff

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (available November 17)

The stream kicked off with a bunch of 3DS information, including games and hardware. As you’d expect, the two new Pokémon titles were a big focus. Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon will include a bunch of new areas, clothing items and Ultra Beasts as well as a new way of choosing starters. Most importantly, there were whispers of a Pikachu farm which sounds lovely. It’ll also include a new story involving Necrozma, a legendary Pokémon that steals light and has transformed Solgaleo and Lunala from the original games.

Metroid Samus Returns (available September 15)

Samus is back. Metroid Samus Returns features new weapons, abilities and bosses, all in a remastered version of Metroid II which released 16 years ago. It’s joined by a snazzy limited edition 3DS which you can see here.

New 2DS designs!

To coincide with the new Pokemon games, Nintendo are releasing the Poke-Ball edition of the New Nintendo 2DS XL which lands November 3rd. To coincide with (presumably) Fall, they’re also releasing an Orange and White New Nintendo 2DS XL.

Pokemon Edition 2DS

Kirby: Battle Royale (available January 19 2018)

So this is the “3DS Kirby” that no-one knew about. Featuring a single-player story mode, online battles, and a battle arena mode, the game sees Kirby using a variety of abilities to fight versions of himself with the last Kirby standing being crowned the winner. No confirmation of pans or Kirby finding a Kar98k in a Supply Crate just yet.

Minecraft: New Nintendo 3DS Edition (available… right now) 

Minecraft continues its quest to be available on every single electronic device available. With five skin packs, 2 texture packs, survival and adventure mode, it’s a surprise but it’s also really not. Look out for Minecraft on your toaster soon.

Mario Party Top 100 on 3DS (available November 10)

For the first time ever, a collection of the best Mario Party games can be played on a hand-held. Featuring the top 100 mini-games from the console series, Mario Party Top 100 supports Download Play. This up to four players can take part as long as one of the players owns the game card, which is pretty great.

Atlus releasing multiple games in 2018

The other big piece of news for the 3DS is Atlus is set to release Etrian Odyssey V, SMT Strange Journey Redux and Radian Historia Perfect Chronology in 2018. There’s not much information to go off but it’s great news for Atlus fans in the West.

As you can see, despite this Nintendo Direct being 45 minutes long it was absolutely jam-packed. This is just a selection of what was shown and you can see the full livestream below.

 

 

 

UK based gaming writer, raised on a diet of Street Fighter and Isometric RPG's. I enjoy playing every game I can get my grubby little hands on.

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Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

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Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games

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Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.

In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.

According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.

In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!

Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5

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It appears that many

are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.

We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.

It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.

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