Nintendo has always had a very strong E3 lineup, though for this year they seem to be focusing more on the Switch as opposed to a more solid roundup with the 3DS or the N2DS. Given the Pokemon Direct announcement just last week, you’d think that they wouldn’t have more surprises in store! Despite the brevity of the conference, Nintendo has managed to dangle some very tantalizing tidbits for fans.
While announced earlier this year, Fire Emblem Warriors confirms playable characters from Fates (Ryoma, Xander, female Corrin), Awakening (Chrom), and the ubiquitous Marth. The game comes out in fall 2017. Nintendo seems to really be riding the Fire Emblem wave after Echoes and Heroes made news earlier this year. For people sick of Fire Emblem, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 has also been announced for the holiday season of this year, with a trailer that looks entirely anime-opening inspired.
Some projects under development have been name dropped: Metroid Prime 4 and a new Pokemon RPG title have been announced, but with no solid release dates on either – perhaps for next year’s E3? Other Nintendo mainstays have also been revealed, with Yoshi receiving a cute paper-and-cardboard motif platformer and Kirby promising four-man multiplayer action.
On the Mario side of the news, Mario Rabbids is shaping up to be an interesting take on both franchises, with tactical grid-based gameplay involving hiding behind cover. This is definitely an unexpected title on all accounts but I’m predicting it’ll be a hit – the game comes out in August 29. Mario Odyssey is also looking to be an extremely gorgeous title, bringing Mario back to earth and down in the American continent – some mechanics have been spoiled, including some segments where the game shifts Mario into 8-bit wall graffiti to complete some platforming elements, and a mechanic where Mario can take control of enemies and certain overworld creatures using his hat.
The devs have not abandoned Zelda, and Breath of the Wild is receiving two DLC packs – the Master Trials pack, available at the end of June, and the Champion’s Ballad pack. The Expansion Pass gives you a pretty good bargain for both packs. The Master Trials pack includes new gear inspired from older Zelda games like the Majora’s Mask and a Tingle outfit, new shrine quests, and a harder difficulty mode, while the Champion’s Ballad pack teases story content for the four fallen champions. (I am super hyped, I finally get to hang out with Revali- ehem.)
Expanding the Switch roster are several ports; Fifa 2018 and Rocket League are confirmed. It’s unknown whether the Fifa fellows will be sporting Mario hats, but the Rocket league cars certainly will – the port will contain console exclusive gear and customization options, but also confirms cross-platform play! Skyrim also makes an appearance, as previously announced at the Bethesda conference, and features what appear to be exclusive Breath of the Wild-themed gear. Personally I think the gear is too colorful to be taken seriously but the Master Sword and Hylian shield items look very cool.
Amiibo collectors should be on the lookout for Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild figures – wedding versions of Mario, Peach and Bowser have been confirmed, as well as Divine Beast champions Mipha, Daruk, Revali and Urbosa. The latter four are confirmed to be usable in the Breath of the Wild DLC packs. While there’s no indication that other series are getting Amiibos, I have a feeling that we may be getting more from the leaked titles…
That’s it for the E3 conference proper, but I’m seriously looking forward to other content that’s on the show floor this year! Be sure to stay tuned for more E3 news this week!