When it came to the recent, global Nintendo E3 Direct, we were warned about it weeks in advance. In the case of most Nintendo Directs, we’re given…a good day or two’s notice. But those Japanese Nintendo Directs—they like to be all stealth.
Since I didn’t see this one coming, I was unable to give it my usual care and attention. This smaller Nintendo Direct lasted about seventeen minutes. In case you don’t want to watch the entire thing (in a language most won’t understand), there are two big pieces of information to be taken from this:
First of all: The Denpa Men 3 has been confirmed, and will launch in Japan this month. Given the success of the franchise (read our review of the first game here, and I’m sure I’ve mentioned the second game somewhere on The Downpour Podcast) oversees, I imagine the West will eventually get wind of this third installment. Among many new features I saw: you can stun Denpa Men as you catch them, and you can fly to new areas. I’m sure there will be much more to learn about this game in the coming weeks.
Second of all: a new Chibi Robo game is in development. This one stumped me for a while when I saw it, because I’m actually unfamiliar with Chibi Robo. I know—I’m ashamed. Anyway: apparently Chibi Robo and other returning favorites decided to give reality a spin, because they’re here to help you in the real world. That’s right: this next new game is Chibi Robo with elements of photography. Scenes from the Nintendo Direct featured the tiny robots taking toilet paper from the real world, and taking it back into the world inside your Nintendo 3DS.
In the words of our Editorial Head, “I have no idea what this next game is…but I think I want it.” Will it make an appearance in the West? The last Chibi Robo game did not, but…as I’ve said countless times in the past: hope springs eternal.
There wasn’t much else spectacular to come from this Nintendo Direct, but hopefully those two games give you folks who are up this late something to get excited about. Here’s to hoping we catch wind of both these new, interesting titles in the West. And also: here’s to the element of surprise.
You can view the entire presentation here, or below.
