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Good news, there's a Nintendo Direct that just got dropped without any fanfare! The possibly bad news is that the Direct is yet another Mini, focusing purely on third party studios. The Direct Mini is fairly short, only clocking in at 11 minutes, though we do get some new information on Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, the latest Just Dance game, and Minecraft Dungeons DLC.

First shown was Kingdom Hearts: Melody of Memory, which has been revealed to have online and local multiplayer modes, where players can face off against each other. It'll be launching on November 13th.

Harmonix is back, using their Rockband developing experience to create FUSER, a game that focuses on mixing songs together to create entirely new pieces. There's a release window for this fall.

Two Taiko no Tatsujin games are getting localized, in the form of the Taiko no Tatsujin Rhythmic Adventure Pack, which will release later this winter.

World of Tanks: Blitz is a free to play online game, coming to the Nintendo Switch. You get to control tons of tanks and fight monsters with your friends. It's currently available to play today.

Square Enix is packing together more retro games in the Collection of SaGa. It takes three Game Boy titles, Final Fantasy Legend I, II, and III, and puts them on the Nintendo Switch. You can even play it vertically with the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode.

Just Dance 2021 releases on November 12th.

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 announced, adds a Skill Battle mode, in addition to all the other modes from the previous game. This game will also have a larger focus on online modes. December 8th launch.

• KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory: In this musical experience from SQUARE ENIX set in the world of KINGDOM HEARTS, players will match the rhythm with good timing and cast powerful magic spells to attack enemies. A variety of modes are available in the game, including Memory Dive, which involves matching past scenes from memory, and Boss Battle, in which players square off against fearsome bosses with special attacks. Clearing stages rewards players with cinematics and musical scores so they can relive memorable scenes from their journey. In addition to local* and online** multiplayer battle modes, a new mode exclusive to the Nintendo Switch version of the game called Free-for-all features local multiplayer action for up to eight players. Plus, players can also experience a chapter of KINGDOM HEARTS from popular character Kairi’s perspective. KINGDOM HEARTS Melody of Memory launches for Nintendo Switch later this year.
  
• FUSER: From Harmonix, the creators of Rock Band™, comes FUSER™, a non-stop digital music festival in which players control the music. In the next evolution of music gaming, players combine elements of songs from some of the world’s most popular artists to create amazing mixes, or partner with friends on epic collaborations. FUSER launches for Nintendo Switch this autumn.
  
• TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK: Two games from the Taiko no Tatsujin series make their way to Nintendo Switch in one collection. Join Don-chan in two great RPG adventures by time traveling into the future or by saving the world from strange incidents. Face off against enemies in rhythmic battles by chaining combos with powerful taiko drums. Recruit monsters to become allies, check each monster’s personality and create a formidable party to take down fearsome foes. And if players enjoy just playing along to the music, a rhythm mode is also available. More than 130 songs are included in this collection. TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK launches for Nintendo Switch in winter 2020.
  
• World of Tanks Blitz: In this epic free-to-play online multiplayer game, players pilot more than 350 unique and exclusive combat vehicles with thoroughly elaborate 3D models. Historically accurate vehicles, experimental tanks based on blueprints of famous engineers, armoured monsters from popular alternative universes – here they fight together! World of Tanks Blitz is now available for Nintendo Switch. New players who log in to World of Tanks Blitz on Nintendo Switch prior to 9th September can collect a special free gift from the in-game shop that includes a T2 Medium tank, three days of premium account access, 1000 gold (in-game currency) and an exclusive avatar.
  
• Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions: Rise through the ranks in this knockout boxing game starring some of the most famous fictional boxers of all time, like Rocky Balboa, Adonis Creed and Viktor Drago. Experience a true underdog journey through story-driven interactions and fierce battles with intuitive controls and hard-hitting fighting techniques. Plus, players can hone their boxing skills in classic Rocky training montages. In Freeplay Mode, fight as Rocky Balboa, Adonis Creed and an entire roster of fighting legends from the Rocky and Creed franchises, including Apollo Creed, Ivan and Viktor Drago, and Clubber Lang. Local* multiplayer is also available so players can go head-to-head with friends in adrenaline-fueled matches. Step into the boxing ring in Big Rumble Boxing: Creed Champions, launching for Nintendo Switch in spring 2021.
  
• COLLECTION of SaGa FINAL FANTASY LEGEND: Originally released on Game Boy, the first three titles in the SaGa series – FINAL FANTASY Legend, FINAL FANTASY Legend II and FINAL FANTASY Legend III – are coming to Nintendo Switch in one collection. Navigate through fantasy worlds as you fight monsters, customize your characters, and explore towns, dungeons and more. A high-speed mode and other helpful features have been added while retaining the appeal of the original titles. To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the series, a special anniversary song is included. And for players who want a truly retro experience, they can detach the Joy-Con controllers and hold the Nintendo Switch vertically to replicate the original Game Boy. COLLECTION of SaGa FINAL FANTASY LEGEND will launch digitally on Nintendo Switch on 15th December.

• Just Dance 2021: The Just Dance series is back with its newest instalment 2021. In this latest entry in the popular dance series, players can move to 40 hot new tracks, including songs from popular artists like “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa and “Feel Special” by TWICE. Players can even team up in co-op mode. Just Dance 2021 launches for Nintendo Switch on 12th November.
  
• Puyo Puyo Tetris 2: Two legendary puzzle games reunite for the ultimate puzzle match in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2. This vibrant new entry includes all of the modes from the original game, including the popular Versus mode, which lets players play Puyo Puyo against Tetris, and the playful Party Mode with special items and challenges. The new Skill Battle mode introduces character-based skills and item cards that can be equipped to power up the team and quickly turn the tables on opponents. In Adventure mode, players will traverse space and dimensions never seen before in a new story, with a colourful cast of cute characters, bringing to life the power of Tetriminos and Puyos. An expanded Online Mode** will bring the ability to spectate matches, in which up to four players can compete against each other in worldwide battles for online rankings. Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 drops onto Nintendo Switch on 8th December.
  
• Minecraft Dungeons Creeping Winter DLC: Fight the Frost in the Minecraft Dungeons Creeping Winter DLC. Brave new missions and take down relentless mobs on a journey to defeat the Wretched Wraith at the centre of the storm. Hunt down the source of corruption and discover new weapons, armour and artifacts when this DLC makes its arctic appearance on Nintendo Switch this September***. A retail version of the Hero Edition for Minecraft Dungeons releases on 8th September, including both the Creeping Winter and Jungle Awakens DLCs, a Hero Cape, two player skins, and a chicken pet.
  
• Jump Force Deluxe Edition: Unite to fight a dangerous threat and save humankind in Jump Force Deluxe Edition. Choose from a roster of more than 50 powerful manga heroes from One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto and more. Battle in various modes, including online modes and a local tag team mode exclusive to the Nintendo Switch version. Jump Force Deluxe Edition, which includes Characters Pass 1, punches its way to Nintendo Switch on 28th August.
  
• FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition: A grand adventure awaits in this remastered version of the classic co-op action RPG. This new version of FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES features new high-level dungeons and weapons, updated graphics and much more. Team up online with friends far and near, or with other players in a party matchmaking system, to battle foes and discover new adventures. FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition arrives on Nintendo Switch on 27th August.
  
• CAPTAIN TSUBASA: RISE OF NEW CHAMPIONS: Defy the rules of soccer in CAPTAIN TSUBASA: RISE OF NEW CHAMPIONS. Execute powerful offensive and defensive moves to gain the advantage during action-packed matches. Customise characters, build a dream team and compete in online and local play. Take shots and score in CAPTAIN TSUBASA: RISE OF NEW CHAMPIONS, launching for Nintendo Switch on 28th August.

 

[masagrator]

They would at least apologise again and explain the lack of content. That for a start at least

Well, they are doing that with covid-19 prologue at each direct with their games on it.

 

[gabisenk]

since the snowflakes took over social media

You mean the ones that are offended if you assume their gender?

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

Well, they are doing that with covid-19 prologue at each direct with their games on it.

I actually read that and it refers to the video in question, not the lack of content

 

[Xzi]

Yes, PS5/XBSX games don't have hard dates.
But, and that's a big but(t), they communicate about it.

Nintendo does not communicate, or they're being awful at it.

I don't see a distinction there, all three announce release dates several months in advance. You can't communicate on dates that haven't been decided yet.

It's like they're purposely trying to burn all the good faith accumulated with the direct brand over the last few years. And that's not a covid issue, that's not a next gen issue, that's a PR issue.

I guess? From where I'm standing, it still seems to be more an issue of setting expectations too high. They announce ahead of time whether a Direct will focus on third-party titles or indies or what have you, and then people still whine about there being no first-party games or AAAs announced. Granted, there was also some whining when it came to Sony's recent "showcase" focusing on third-party titles, so at least some of those people are consistent.

 

[gabisenk]

Either way, disappointing year in general. Worst year in recent times in all regards

 

[Axido]

I don't care what you think. I'm hyped for Puyo Puyo Tetris 2.

 

[UltraSUPRA]

The SaGa collection better be physical.

 

[deinonychus71]

I guess? From where I'm standing, it still seems to be more an issue of setting expectations too high. They announce ahead of time whether a Direct will focus on third-party titles or indies or what have you, and then people still whine about there being no first-party games or AAAs announced. Granted, there was also some whining when it came to Sony's recent "showcase" focusing on third-party titles, so at least some of those people are consistent.

They set these expectations themselves after years of quarterly, stellar directs.
They use the direct brand on these half-assed presentations, knowing the expectations it comes with.
They are setting people up for disappointment, it's not like these expectations came out of nowhere.

The disappointment is also not that there's no first party in a third party direct. It's that there's no first party at all. I don't know why some people try to twist that into "people can't read". They can. They just want something else.
"Don't you guys have phones????" is an infamous case of people wanting something, and the company incapable of reading the room and delivering something else that nobody was expecting. Somehow it's all good and fun with Blizzard, why does Nintendo get a pass?

And last, "whining" is not an argument. Consumers can complain about whatever they want, since they're the one buying ultimately.

 

[HaloEffect17]

Where is my Just Dance 2021 for Wii?

 

[mattyxarope]

Where is my Just Dance 2021 for Wii?

I had to look this up too, LOL. Apparently, they're not making it for the Wii this year. They said that the last one was going to be Just Dance 2020. :-(

 

[Nerdtendo]

There would have been at least a new trailer coming out until now if that's the case but nothing. We don't know any details whatsoever. Do you imagine that there are companies that reveal details about their games, screenshots, concepts and more stuff. Nintendo just released that trailer and that's it. Nothing else. And these are just the 3 top games. There's also a lot of untapped potential with their remasters that fans might accept it during the covid 19 situation. But even that, which requires MINIMUM game development is not on the table right now. Honestly at this point I don't really think that there's a game development anymore, but rather a problem in management. The top dogs in the firm are fighting over things which put the whole company in a disarray. This is also why there's that meeting that's rumored about. Why is a Nintendo meeting news? Because something seriously wrong goes on in the company and I'm afraid has been since Iwata's death.........

We got paper Mario and Pikmin announced months before release. The current expectation of "we need 8+months between release date trailer and release" is currently irrelevant

 

[gabisenk]

nintendo is slowly turning into shit, like all video game companies these days...

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

We got paper Mario and Pikmin announced months before release. The current expectation of "we need 8+months between release date trailer and release" is currently irrelevant

Quite irrelevant games IMO

 

[Dubbicakes]

Wish Nintendo would just say something to calm everyone down. At this point Nintendo's piss poor PR is hurting their partners every time they release one of these Directs.
People want something better from Nintendo and all they're getting is silence, and than everyone shits on the third parties and indies because they're not Mario.

This is especially bad for indies because they're receiving this blow back to the face without a mega corporation between them to soften it.

 

[MarkDarkness]

TAIKO! Awesome to see this!

 

[UltraSUPRA]

I don't know why we have to wait until December to get a collection of emulated GameBoy games. The Mana collection was released the day that E3 (RIP) happened, and they had to translate Seiken Densetsu 3 for it.

 

[Xzi]

The disappointment is also not that there's no first party in a third party direct. It's that there's no first party at all.

First-party titles this year have certainly been more scarce, but far from nonexistent. Nintendo so far has two new first-party games, and one HD port, along with another port and another new first-party game already announced. Sony has two new first-party games out this year. Microsoft...nada. When you actually take a look at the big picture, it again seems like cherry-picking to call out Nintendo in particular.

"Don't you guys have phones????" is an infamous case of people wanting something, and the company incapable of reading the room and delivering something at the wrong time. Somehow it's all good and fun with Blizzard, why does Nintendo get a pass?

Blizzard up to that point was known almost exclusively for PC games, and people pay a lot of money to go to Blizzcon. Had they announced Diablo Immortal in a "Blizzard Direct mini" either before or after Blizzcon, I can guarantee you the reaction would've been more positive. So Nintendo certainly doesn't get a pass, but the fact that they're up-front about what people should expect from each Direct is still worth acknowledging.

 

[skullkeeper94]

I can't be the only one that literally doesn't care what Nintendo announces right? Like 3rd party or not, it's a game. Jeez. Direct looks good

 

[deinonychus71]

First-party titles this year have certainly been more scarce, but far from nonexistent. Nintendo so far has two new first-party games, and one HD port, along with another port and another new first-party game already announced. Sony has two new first-party games out this year. Microsoft...nada. When you actually take a look at the big picture, it again seems like cherry-picking to call out Nintendo in particular.

By no first party I meant no first party direct, which from a PR perspective, matters. I know not everyone will agree, but to me, revealing a Paper Mario or a Pikmin in a direct would have been a much better reveal than just shadow dropping.
What I keep complaining about is really the PR aspect. They didn't present things well, didn't communicate well.

Blizzard up to that point was known almost exclusively for PC games, and people pay a lot of money to go to Blizzcon. Had they announced Diablo Immortal in a "Blizzard Direct mini" either before or after Blizzcon, I can guarantee you the reaction would've been more positive. So Nintendo certainly doesn't get a pass, but the fact that they're up-front about what people should expect from each Direct is still worth acknowledging.

Well. They're upfront but then it's either a few hours before or it's straight out shadow dropped.
"Up-front" would be that after years of pulling a Direct every quarter or so, if you're going to not do it anymore for over a year, be honest about it. Publicly say (not through leaks or rumors) that you're changing the formula, warn people not to expect any first party for a while.

To me Nintendo has not been upfront this year.

 

[GenNaz]

No fuck that, retard and all it's suffixes is a way to describe something. Now if i was using that term to describe a mentally handicapped person (which i wouldnt do) then that would be wrong. But to hell with all these pc bull shit fucks that whine about maybe hurting someones feelings. God the world has got so butt hurt over so much they cry about every little thing. Now to crawl back under my rock.

Your usage doesn't make it any less offensive. You're just insinuating that r*****="bad/dumb thing" by using it that way. There are people on this site who fall on the autism spectrum and have had that word thrown at them all their lives. The world hasn't gotten more sensitive. It's just gotten less tolerant of ignorant, redneck fucks like you.

 

[Silent_Gunner]

What a confusing name for a game. The SaGa collection/ Final Fantasy legend.

Square enix may have pioneered JRPG genre around the world, but they just relied too much on final fantasy to sell unrelated content. Final fantasy mystic quest, final fantasy adventure, final fantasy legend. None of them are even related to each other. Least collection of mana tries to make sense. Would just help to call it Legend of Mana collection cause that's what the japanese title translates to. But they couldn't drop the Final fantasy legend from SaGa series?

I bet europe has these names worst of all. @Cyan should know.

Not unlike ATLUS and SMT...

 

[GenNaz]

Not unlike ATLUS and SMT...

Are you referencing how 'Shin Megami Tensei' is/was tacked on to the beginning of Persona titles outside of Japan?