By the Last Token Gaming Staff
As is the case, Nintendo just held another of their live conferences this year called “Nintendo Direct”. In these nearly hour-long events, Nintendo sends out their medley of top people to make major announces such as a new game or console. Other times, it can be relatively minor news, like changes in games or add-ons. One thing is for sure, however, and that is it’s a draw for people to watch.
And boy, did this Nintendo Direct have a lot to say.
Here’s some of our thoughts regarding some of the stuff brought up during the event:
Terry Randolph: I’m pretty sure the news everyone watched for was anything regarding Amiibos, and it’s hard not to see why. Amiibos, for better or worse, have reached the echelon of being unobtainable collectibles (unless you’re willing to stay up for insane hours waiting in front of a store, or at your computer). Personally, I’m starting to get tired of anything Amiibo related — wave 4 is already selling out and now there’s talk of wave 5, 6 and cards.
The other news I’m sure people were excited for were this: Mewtwo and Lucas are going to be in Smash Brothers! That, and we get to vote for characters to be placed into the game? Awesome!
However, the two things I’m incredibly excited for deal with two franchises I love and hate at the same time: Fire Emblem, and Shin Megami Tensei.
First, holy crap does the new Fire Emblem look like it’s going to be a great game! I mean, I loved Fire Emblem: Awakening as much as the next person, but this one has me more excited. Diverging paths to choose between? Your character being the main character? I’m already intrigued by the storyline and can’t wait to see the other trailers they release before the game. If they have a limited edition 3ds for it, I’ll probably go for it. Remembering the last 3ds Fire Emblem system’s look (which was nice), I don’t think I’ll pass it up this time.
Then Nintendo had to release a new trailer for Shin Megami Tensei x Fire Emblem to confirm that it’s not dead! Based on what the trailer is showing, it looks like the game is leading more towards blending the “Persona” series of Shin Megami Tensei with Fire Emblem more than the traditional Shin Megami Tensei gameplay. I’m OK with that, and I’m curious to see just how they’re merging the two franchises together. Either way, I’m way too excited to see differently.
Jake Rushing: After seeing the Splatoon and Yoshi Yarn Amiibos, I have a feeling that this madness is not going to end. I mean, wave 5 and 6 were announced, and I’m expecting to see more waves in the future for Super Smash Bros at this point. I’m started to get worn out by the Amiibos at this point. After I collected my last desired SSB Amiibo, I may call it quits with collecting the figurines due to the issues with pre-ordering the Wave 4 figurines.
The only thing that they could have done differently with Amiibo Tap is that touching Amiibos would unlock one full game instead of three minute demos. That would sell even more Amiibos. Hell, I’d get the three Mario Amiibos required to unlock Super Mario Bros 1, 2, and 3!
On the other hand, I feel that the Amiibos are here to stay. I really like how Nintendo’s overall approach with Amifree continue to shine through as they continue to integrate newer Amiibos into older games like Mario Kart 8 with Pac Man, Bowser, and other Amiibos.
I’m with Terry in regards to the Fire Emblem announcements. The idea of playing two different storylines is what got me excited about the newest FE game! Having your avatar being the main protagonist? If they create a story that is something similar to Robin’s in FE Awakening, it may end up being my top FE game! I would love to see more about this game and pre order it if possible! I’m also glad that Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem isn’t dead! Although I was rather disappointed on there fact that there isn’t enough FE to go around, I’m rather hopeful that there will be more of that later!
Out of all the things new with the Wii U, the one thing that surprised me the most was Fatal Frame for the Wii U. I’m glad that they are adding more variety to it’s game lineup. If this turns out well, hopefully it’ll be a start of opening doors for the Third Party support. We’ll see how that game fares when it hits the western shores this fall.
Last but not least, I’m glad that they are continuing to work on Mario Kart 8. I love that they are releasing the second track set rather early as well as releasing 200c in a free update! I’m looking forward to playing the new circuit when it comes out! It’s going to be insane!