Longtime Nintendo fans and Switch owners eagerly tuned into today’s Nintendo Direct Mini, to see what the legendary video game company and its third-party partners intended to announce. JRPG fans were surely the happiest afterwards, but there was more on offer than just one genre.
Here’s a quick recap:
Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope:
This newly announced sequel to the original Mario + Rabbids game will feature new tactics, mechanics and characters. This includes a unique Rabbid creature called Sparks, whom players must attempt to save.
Sparks of Hope will be released on October 20th.
Sonic Frontiers:
SEGA shared a new look at open world Sonic Frontiers, which is still speeding towards a Holiday 2022 release date. That is, despite quite a bit of fan backlash and online controversy.
Monster Hunter: Rise – Sunbreak Expansion:
Set in a new location called Elgado Outpost, Monster Hunter: Rise’s upcoming Sunbreak expansion promises a single player storyline in which the user investigates and hunts for three special monsters. It’s due to release on June 30th, and received a new trailer today.
Nier: Automata – The End of YoRHa Edition:
Folks have been waiting a while for it, and it’s finally here. Now, Nintendo Switch owning JRPG lovers can play the hybrid console’s port of Nier: Automata. One which includes all previously released DLC, as well as some unique-to-Switch costumes.
Lorelei and the Laser Eyes:
Coming from the devs behind Sayonara Wild Hearts, Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is a surreal puzzle game. It’s currently in the works for Nintendo Switch, with Annapurna Interactive handling publishing duties. You can expect to play it in 2023.
Super Bomberman R 2:
Fans of mazes, puzzles, bombs and classic gaming will be happy to hear that a new Bomberman game is in the works. Konami calls it Super Bomberman R 2, and expects to release it next year.
Mega Man Battle Network Legacy Collection:
Touting ten classic Mega Man Battle Network games from the Game Boy Advance Era, this Legacy Collection has a lot to offer to nostalgic, longtime fans.
Blanc:
Gearbox Publishing revealed a new, monochrome puzzle game called Blanc. This interesting and easy on the eyes game is said to feature a story campaign and a co-op mode for those who like to play with friends or family.
In fact, its tagline reads: “Forge an unlikely friendship.”
Expect this one in 2023 as well.
Return to Monkey Island:
Although we already heard it was coming, Ron Gilbert shared a new trailer for Return to Monkey Island. It’s still on track for a 2022 release, and is coming to Switch.
Little Noah: Scion of Paradise:
Described as being a casual roguelike fantasy RPG, Little Noah comes to us from the team behind Dragalia Lost.
It’s out now.
Railgrade:
Those who like to really think and plan while they game might find Railgrade of interest. It’s a newly announced title in which players must design their own railways and plan a shipping network for their fictional industrial colony.
If that’s your kind of thing, look for it this fall.
RPG Time: The Legend of Wright:
In this new IP, players will control a hand drawn character. To solve puzzles and progress within his storybook world, he will have to use writing utensils and wit.
This fantasy RPG is expected to draw together on August 18.
https://youtu.be/jnYnMORpP4w
Disney Dreamlight Valley:
Have you ever wished to hang out with some of Disney’s more iconic characters? How about a game that mixes The Sims with Disneyland? If so, Disney Dreamlight Valley may be right up your alley.
Early access begins September 6.
Live A Live:
Square Enix has confirmed that Live a Live -— its sixteen-bit Super Famicom RPG —- will finally see a Western release on Nintendo Switch.
The full game won’t release here until July 22nd, but there’s a surprise: Those with interest can now play the first three chapters.
Doreamon: Story of Seasons: Friends of the Great Kingdom:
One of the most influential animes will return with this sequel to the original Doreamon: Story of Seasons.
This new instalment will be released later this year.
Minecraft: Legends:
Mixing strategy and a more story oriented approach, Minecraft: Legends is a new take on the incredibly popular sandbox game.
It’s coming to Switch as well, and will do so in 2023.
Dragon Quest Treasures:
Search for treasure in this spin-off experience.
Dragon Quest Treasures will release on December 9.
Portal: Companion Collection:
Bundling both Portal and Portal 2 together, this collection brings two iconic games to Nintendo’s Switch.
It’s out now.
Harvestella:
Another farming sim, Harvestella hopes to set itself apart by mixing elements of Rune Factory and the Tales games.
You’ll be able to plant your crops on November 4th.
Persona:
The Persona series is coming to Nintendo Switch, just like it is with Xbox.
Fans of the franchise will be able to eventually play Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden on their Switches. However, Persona 5 Royal will come first, on the 21st of October.
They’ll all be sold separately.