When Nintendo announced they would be holding one of their Nintendo Directs on April 1st, you may have been wondering if what they had to show was nothing but an elaborate April Fools prank. Thankfully, there was no fooling to come from Nintendo as what they did show us was a collection of exciting and surprising announcements.
Here are what we thought were the Top 5 moments:
5. Mario Kart 8 Gets a 200cc Mode
Near the end of the direct, we were shown a video of one of the new tracks for Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 2. The Animal Crossing track showed off a bright and colourful race course, which changes season every time you race. It was very nice to see, but we already knew about it, and had expected to see it. What we weren’t expecting was what followed.
After 23 years, Mario Kart is finally getting a 200cc mode. Iwata revealed that this free update will be coming to Mario Kart 8 on April 23rd and will be available on all the existing cups, as well as the two new ones that arrive with the second DLC pack. If you thought that 150cc was too easy, then this fast and furious update should offer you a tougher challenge.
Check out the trailer for the blisteringly fast new 200cc mode below:
4. Fatal Frame: Oracle of the Sodden Raven Gets Localised
Western audiences have been slightly burned in the last few years when it comes to the Fatal Frame series, but now they have a reason to celebrate. The latest game in the series — that is exclusive to the Wii U — was confirmed to be localised later this year with more details about it still to come. Are you looking forward to this survival horror game as much as we are?
3. New Fire Emblem “If” trailer
We’re suckers for any new announcements that involve Fire Emblem, and getting to see a new trailer for the next 3DS game in the series is enough to put it in our Top 5. Once again, the trailer showed off beautiful animated cutscenes, mixing in the traditional gameplay we’ve all come to expect. One of the more interesting aspects of the trailer was its focus on the story. Being able to choose which path to take the story into is something that excites us very much.
Check out the glorious trailer now:
2. Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot
The Mewtwo trailer and the surprising return of Lucas both nearly made it into this Top 5, but the announcement that proceeded them completely overshadowed their debuts. Sakurai has clearly taken some crazy pills recently as he has decided that we, the public, get to choose who the next playable fighters are for Super Smash Bros.
Using the Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot website, you’re able to suggest any character you would like to become a downloadable fighter. Once Sakurai has sifted — and rejected — through all the Naruto, Goku, and Ridley requests, the possibilities are endless. Who will you be voting for? If you’re having a hard time deciding, may I suggest Ricky Winterborn from 1080 Snowboarding… *cough*.
1. Shin Megami Tensei X Fire Emblem is alive
It’s alive! IT’S ALIVE!!
The Shin Megami Tensei series has proven time and again that sticking to classic Japanese RPG roots has yielded great, emotional and memorable games. The prospect of a crossover with the fantastic tactics series Fire Emblem, beloved by many for their complex, hardcore character driven games, is likely a reason we are all so excited for this 2016 release. (Written by Josh Speer).
Check out the over the top trailer right now:
So those were our Top 5 moments. What were your favourite moments from Nintendo’s Direct? Let us know in the comments below. P.S: Vote Ricky!
