Paige FTW: Nintendo Wants A Big 2018
How do you follow up releasing two of the most critically acclaimed games of all time? A tall order lies ahead for Nintendo, but the company started 2018 strong with a Nintendo Direct loaded with big announcements.
NEW FRANCHISE INSTALLMENTS
Mario and Link lead Nintendo’s two most valuable franchises, and a year with new mainline games from both is rare indeed — so the B-team is tagging in this year. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Kirby Star Allies bring two of their most recognizable friends to the Switch. Are these system sellers? No. But the pressure is on to keep the Switch’s momentum going, and Nintendo needs to keep its lineup of properties robust. Of course, this also entails Mario Tennis Aces (beginning Nintendo’s inevitable Mario sports lineup anew) and a definitive edition of Hyrule Warriors. There’ll also be DLC for Super Mario Odyssey, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Pokken Tournament DX.
REMASTER HEAVEN
Dark Souls arrives for the first time on Nintendo as Dark Souls: Remastered. Old, but, well, it’s something. More interesting is The World Ends With You: Final Remix, an HD update of the 2008 Nintendo DS cult hit that features improved graphics, new controls and new story content. TWEWY is one of the finest games ever released for the DS, and it’s appropriate the game has resurfaced in honor of its 10-year anniversary. You can also expect to see Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana (originally a PlayStation Vita title) and PAYDAY 2.
NO PORTS HERE
The Switch is finally starting to get included on cross-platform releases, bringing SNK HEROINES ~Tag Team Frenzy~, Celeste and Fe. I don’t know that the Switch will be the best place to play any of these titles, but at least we have the option.
The year looks promising. I’m feeling cautiously optimistic for Nintendo. And maybe I will finally get around to grabbing a Switch…
