Over the weekend, Japan had a Nintendo Direct, prompting Nintendo of America to interpret. Hosted by a recently (and apparently literally) downsized Bill Trinen, today’s Direct looks to focus mostly at the 3DS. Here’s the breakdown:
Chibi-Robo is back! Currently in development for 3DS, Chibi-Robo Zip Lash is a new side-scrolling action adventure/puzzle game and is unlike anything in the series thus far. You can use your plug as a type of whip to attack enemies, destroy blocks, rip down towers, or more. Also announced is a Chibi-Robo Amiibo, exclusive to a bundle with the game included. Tapping the Amiibo transfers the base Chibi-Robo into a powered up golden version of the little robot. More Amiibo functionality coming as well. Chibi-Robo Zip Lash is currently slated for an October release.
Chibi-Robo isn’t the only character coming back to 3DS – Dr. Mario is getting a brand new entry in the classic series. Dr. Mario Miracle Cure incorporates the tried-and-true Dr. Mario game mode, the Virus Buster, and Dr. Luigi L-shaped viruses. However, a new item called a Miracle Cure changes the way the game can be played. Some Miracle Cures wipe out every virus of a matching color, some destroy entire rows/columns, and others are just bombs that explode in an area, destroy everything around. Multiplayer is confirmed as well, and you can use these miracle cures as weapons against your opponents. Dr. Mario Miracle Cure is available for pre-purchase now in the Nintendo 3DS eShop, with an official release date of June 11.
Pokemon is getting a new entry in its Mystery Dungeon series as well. Pokemon: Super Mystery Dungeon will have the main character suddenly transform into a Pokemon (one of twenty different Pokemon, including Pikachu, Fennekin, Bulbasaur, Totodile, and many more) and be transported into a land solely inhabited by Pokemon. You will need to explore the randomly-generated and ever-changing dungeons and help other wild Pokemon with their problems and make new friends. Pokemon adventuring awaits this winter!
It’s not just the 3DS getting attention though. Mario & Sonic at the 2016 Rio Games was announced for both the Wii U and 3DS, and will include sports such as the 100-meter dash, rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis, soccer (or futbol), beach volleyball, and more. There are also platform-exclusive sports; the Wii U version will include Rugby Sevens in honor of its inclusion in the Olympic Games this year, and the 3DS version will showcase Golf instead. No release window was announced, but more information will be coming soon.
Splatoon just launched this past weekend and Nintendo is already throwing out announcements for game updates. A free new weapon and map are launching today, June 1st, at 7:00pm PST. The weapon is called the N-Zap 85 and is modeled after the classic Nintendo Zapper from Duck Hunt! It’s incredibly ink-efficient, but not all that powerful. The new map is called Port Mackerel and seems to take place at a shipping port. Ranked Battles will also be available today at the same time as the new map and weapon.
Art Academy Home Studio is a follow-up to Art Academy Sketchpad for the Wii U. It will utilize the Wii U Gamepad to feature new tutorials, 360-degree landscapes, and a new way to share your art with friends. You will be able to upload a time-lapse video of your paintings’ creation to YouTube. It is currently available for pre-purchase and will be launching in the Wii U eShop on June 25th.
Little Battlers Experience, or LBX, is a new 3DS game based on the anime of the same name. It includes 6 person multi-player, fully-animated special attack routines, completely customized robots, and more. There are over 130 LBX models and more than 4,000 parts to customize each robot. You can also choose 2 weapons at a time from 9 different weapon types that can be switched on-the-fly in battle. The game will launch August 21st of this year.
The final announcement of the Nintendo Direct was a huge announcement for JRPG fans. Bravely Default, a massive breakout title released last year, is getting its first sequel titled Bravely Second: End Layer. Some time has passed from the events of the first game and there will be plenty of new adventures and challenges to encounter. Agnès Oblige has been kidnapped and it’s up to you to rescue her. You play as a knight fiercely loyal to Agnès, and you’ll get the chance to build a party for some of the most tactical JPRG gameplay ever seen. Bravely Second: End Layer is due to launch in 2016, so more information will be coming in the next few years.
That more or less wraps up everything from the surprise Nintendo Direct! For being micro-sized, there sure was a lot. What do you think, any games worth checking out? Excited for the new additions to familiar series or disappointed by the size of the Nintendo Direct? Sound off in the comments below!
Article submitted by Devon Aelick. Interested in writing for us? Click here to contact us!
