On March 8th, Nintendo fans and gamers alike received the first full Nintendo Direct of 2018. While many were happy with the Nintendo Direct Mini in January, fans eagerly waited to hear news of big releases coming from Nintendo this year. And personally, I don’t think Nintendo disappointed anyone. Here’s a look at the highlights from the March Nintendo Direct! 

RELATED: Highlights from the January Nintendo Direct Mini

Luigi’s Mansion 

Luigi’s Mansion is headed to the Nintendo 3DS! You will now be able to play this Gamecube classic once again! This time Mario has been kidnapped, and it’s up to everyone’s favorite green plumber to save him. Luigi’s Mansion has been completely remade for the 3DS. The bottom screen of the 3DS now contains a map of the Mansion, so it’s easy to see where you are. Additionally, there is a new “Boss Rush” mode that puts your ghost-vacuuming skills to the test! Luigi’s Mansion for the Nintendo 3DS will become available later in 2018. 

Okami HD

Speaking of re-releases, fan-favorite Okami is getting a Nintendo Switch release! Okami originally debuted for the PS2 in 2006 and went on to win IGN’s Game of the Year award. It’s beautiful art style, exploration of Japanese Myths, and unique gameplay are what made it so memorable. The game follows the goddess Amaterasu (in wolf form) and her traveling companion Issun, as they attempt to remove the curse that has plagued the land. Players will be able to use the God Brush via touchscreen in the Switch’s Handheld mode. Or, you can use the Joy-Con controllers to control your brushstrokes in TV or Tabletop mode! Okami HD will be released this Summer. 

 

Octopath Traveler

Octopath Traveler was a game that sparked many interests when it was first announced in January 2017. During the Nintendo Direct, we got a look at two more characters in the game: Tressa the Merchant and Alfyn the Apothecary. Each character has their set main job, but they can equip one additional job in battle. And finally, we were provided with a release date and information on the Special Edition release of the game. It will come with a pop-up book, map, soundtrack CD, and a rare coin replica of the currency in Octopath Traveler! There is sure to be more information to come about this game in the coming months. I would not be surprised if Octopath Traveler is one of Nintendo’s highlights at E3 2018Octopath Traveler will be available for the Nintendo Switch on July 13.

Mario Tennis Aces

This is the first Mario Sports game to hit the Nintendo Switch! Mario Tennis Aces will feature 15 different characters with 15 unique playing styles. Characters range from classics like Princess Peach and Yoshi, to Boo and even a Chain Chomp! Likewise, there are many ways you can play Mario Tennis Aces! One form of gameplay is Swing Mode for the Joy-Cons, which harkens back to the days of Wii Tennis. Up to four different players can hit the court, locally or online! Moreover, there will be periodic online tournaments. And the prizes from these tournaments range from special in-game outfits to additional characters!

Gameplay

There are several different kinds of shots in Mario Tennis Aces. Slices, Lobs, Topspins, and now Focused Shots just to name a few. With a Focused Shot, players can send the ball to any part of the court they wish by using the motion controls. And these shots are not only hard to play back, but they can also damage your opponent’s racket too! If a racket sustains too much damage, that player automatically forfeits the game! You can always attempt to save a shot by implementing Zone Speed. Or try and knock out the competition with your character’s unique Special Shot! This game isn’t just about making the hardest hits-its about making the smartest ones. Mario Tennis Aces will be available on June 22. 

Undertale

The fan-favorite indie Undertale is making its way onto the Nintendo Switch. In the similar vein of Stardew Valley, Undertale is an indie game that became an instant hit. This modern take on classic RPGs was inspired by the classic Nintendo game Mother, which makes it a perfect match for the Nintendo Switch. You play as a human child trapped in the Underground (a world ruled by monsters) and try to find your way home. If you have not played Undertale yet, this is a game I highly recommend you pick up! Undertale will be headed to the Nintendo Switch “…Eventually” (their words, not mine). 

Little Nightmares: Complete Edition 

This critically acclaimed puzzle platformer is on it’s way to the Nintendo Switch as well. In this horror game, you control Six, a child who is trapped in Maw. You must solve puzzles in order to survive the grim Hell you’re trapped in. Little Nightmares: Complete Edition for the Nintendo Switch will contain two different stories for players to explore: Six’s story and the Kid’s story. This version will also include all DLC that has been previously released for the game. Little Nightmares: Complete Edition will be released for the Nintendo Switch on May 18. 

RELATED: The Next Year for the Nintendo Switch

Splatoon 2

Splatoon 2 has a lot coming its way this year! Starting in late April, the game will be updated to version 3.0. Included in this update are 100 new pieces of gear, 3 new stages, and the ability to pass Rank S+ and become Rank X! 

Nintendo then released a dramatic cinematic trailer for the new DLC headed to Splatoon 2- Octo Expansion! In this new single-player campaign, you play as Agent 8- an Octoling who wakes up without their memories. This DLC contains new puzzles, maps, and challenges for you to face! Additionally, once you’ve completed the campaign, you’ll be able to play as an Octoling in online play! Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion will be available this Summer. 

Super Smash Bros. 

And then, of course, we got the announcement that broke the Internet. The announcement that so many Nintendo fans have been waiting for: Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo Switch. There is a lot of speculation whether the game will be the most recent Super Smash Bros. with added characters, OR if it will be an entirely new game. I believe that it will be an entirely new game. With a special announcement this big, and knowing that Nintendo works tirelessly to have the best games on the market, a new Super Smash Bros. seems right in the ballpark. I would not be surprised if this game is another focus of Nintendo’s during E3 2018. Super Smash Bros. for the Nintendo Switch will be released sometime in 2018. 

In Conclusion

Altogether, this Nintendo Direct was wonderfully jampacked with exciting game releases. Honestly, I was a little surprised we didn’t get more information about the developing titles set to be released this year. We still do not have any information on Bayonetta 3 or the untitled Fire Emblem game, both set to be released later this year. However, this may be a plan by Nintendo to make sure E3 2018 is full of new announcements and hype. Overall, I’m very impressed by what Nintendo is offering this year, following a showstopping 2017. And I personally can’t wait to see what else they have planned for 2018! 

 

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