Today Nintendo hosted another Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase to show off some upcoming games coming to the Nintendo Switch from third party companies. The Direct Mini had quite a few announcements, so let’s get started.
The first announcement was the reveal of not one, but two new Monster Hunter titles coming to the Switch from Capcom:
Monster Hunter Rise
The Rise in Monster Hunter Rise comes from a new focus on vertical exploration, allowing the player to scale up the side of mountain sides and the like, aided by a weird little insect called a Wirebug that acts a lot like a grappling hook, allowing you to sing all Spider-Man style through the landscape.
Monster Hunger Rise will launch March 26th, 2021 and will include a deluxe edition offering additional content. Players will also be able to pre-order either version for more exclusive content, and Amiibos based on the game will be available as well.
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
A sequel to Monster Hunter Stories on the 3DS, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin follows a Monster Rider who befriends the series iconic monsters. The story opens with the concerning disappearance of the Rathalos. The protagonist descends from a legendary rider. He encounters a strange girl with an egg and they go forth upon an epic journey.
You can expect Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin to launch sometime in summer of 2021.
The Direct was not exclusive to Monster Hunter, however. Many other announcements were made too:
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise
Continuing the legacy of the legendary Wii Fit games, Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise adds some new features including new instructors, the ability to customize your instructors outfits, an alarm mode and the option to remove certain boxing moves if you wish. It’s also compatible with your save data from the first game.
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise launches December 4th, and can be pre-ordered as early as later today.
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny
The newest entry in NIS America’s popular tactical RPG series is of course coming to Nintendo Switch. Zed’s dead, baby… But fortunately for him he’s come back as a zombie thanks to “Super Reincarnation”. Players will follow the exploits of Zed as he does battle with the God of Destruction. This marks the first time in the series that 3D models are used instead of 2D sprites.
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny will launch in summer of 2021 but that’s not all… Nintendo Switch Online members will also be able to download Disgaea 5 Complete in a limited trail from September 23rd-29th.
Empire of Sin
Empire of Sin is a strategy game that takes place in 1920’s Chicago during the height of Prohibition. it’s up to the player to take over Chicago’s underground and rise to the top.
Empire of Sin launches December 1st, and can be pre-ordered starting today.
The Long Dark
After a geomagnetic disaster the player must survive that leaves you stranded in the frozen wilderness. The Long Dark will feature both a story mode as well as a survival mode with permadeath.
The Long Dark will be available today.
Balan Wonderworld
A game that kind of took me by surprise was Balan Wonderworld, a new 3D platformer from Square Enix. The players will utilize costumes that will grand them different abilities as they traverse the vast stages to collect statues and unlock more levels. It features to playable characters, Leo and Emma, and features couch co-op multiplayer.
Balan Wonderworld launches March 26th 2021.
Rune Factory 5
Finally, we get to the much loved farming sim/action RPG hybrid, Rune Factory. Rune Factory 5 includes all the features you’ve come to expect from the series: Farming, fishing, fighting, managing your social life, finding love, ect. What’s new though is a battle system allowing you to perform combos against enemies with your allies.
Rune Factory 5 launches sometime in 2021.
That was a lot to take in, and I admit I didn’t cover every game in the showcase. If you’d like to see the Nintendo Direct Mini in full you can do so below:
