Player 2 Versus Nintendo Direct June 2024
Nintendo announced their intentions to have a big June showcase; today they delivered just that. Nintendo Direct is done for June 2024, and there were a lot of big reveals. Join Paul James and fellow Nintendo fan Jamie Penningh as the pair pull apart each reveal from this newest showcase.
Mario & Luigi: Brothership
Paul James:
Didn’t have this on my bingo card! With AlphaDream dead, my dreams of seeing a new game in this franchise died with it, so the fact that Mario & Luigi: Brothership exists is hugely exciting, let alone the fact that its coming soon! Lots of gameplay, and you could sense hints of the humour that the franchise is known for too. This ticked a lot of boxes, so consider me on board for it.
Jamie Penningh:
Oh wow, a new Mario & Luigi game! Considering previous developers Alphadream were shut down a while ago, I never thought we would see another game in this series. Surprise, surprise! It has a very distinct art style that really ties into the rest of the series. Can’t wait to see more!
Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition
Paul James:
A bit like another upcoming game, we knew about this. I’m quite excited to check it out in the near future, but until then, what was shown washed over me with little impact. As I said, I’m keen to try it out, but new trailers for Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, don’t carry much weight with me.
Jamie Penningh:
We already knew about this one, but it definitely appeals to people who chase records and competition. I like how there are tips and tricks built into the game to help out newcomers to the older titles. It will be interesting to see how much reach this game gets.
Fairy Tail 2
Paul James:
I had heard of Fairy Tail, but it doesn’t inspire much interest with its anime ties. Unless it turns out to be something extraordinary, then it’s probably not a game that I’ll be checking out at all.
Jamie Penningh:
I never knew that this was a series until today. FairyTail 2 does look very much like most anime games, so just by going off this trailer, I’m not sure what distinction it has from others.
Fantasian: Neo Dimension
Paul James:
I heard some rumblings that Apple Arcade games might soon be jumping to new platforms, and had heard that Fantasian might be among them. I was very excited to check this out on the Arcade but it just never transpired, but this new opportunity to play it on modern consoles guarantees my play time. To see Hironobu Sakaguchi returning to Square-Enix as well, is even more exciting for what it could present in the future too.
Jamie Penningh:
Fantasian has a very strong team behind it and the style looks inspired from many different Square-Enix franchises. After launching on Apple Arcade, Fantasian has now been given an extra life on home consoles which can only be a benefit to everyone involved.
Nintendo Switch Sports
Paul James:
I mean, beyond the obvious point that this addition is wayyyyyy too late, I’m actually pretty happy with the additional of basketball. I love the sport, and it was presented quite well in the Direct. I’ll fire the game up to check it out again
Jamie Penningh:
I honestly thought that Nintendo had stopped supporting this game. Adding Basketball now to the game 2 years after it was released just emphasises to me that Nintendo Switch Sports should have been cooking in the oven for longer.
MIO: Memories In Orbit
Paul James:
This wasn’t the Metroidvania that I was wanting (Come to me, Silksong!), but at the same time I was stunned by how incredible MIO looks. We didn’t see the depths of the gameplay in this debut trailer, but as a visual piece, I was mindblown by what the team showed. This is now firmly on my radar for the future
Jamie Penningh:
MIO immediately gave me “Ori and the Blind Forest” vibes with the watercolour textures and gameplay. While I haven’t played the Ori games, they have been very well received so hopefully MIO performs as good as it looks.
Disney Illusion Island
Paul James:
I enjoyed but didn’t adore Illusion Island when it first launched, and so I don’t really see this extra content being enough of a lure to bring me back. I am aware though that there is a group that really loves the game and so I’m sure they’ll be happy
Jamie Penningh:
Never got to play Disney Illusion Island but from all accounts, everyone I know has enjoyed both the main game and all the additional content that has already been provided so hopefully this update continues on this path.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure
Paul James:
The Simpons has long been revered for its ability to predict the future, and yet, now it is South Park’s turn – Hello Kitty Island Adventure, first referenced in the “Make Love Not Warcraft” episode in 2006 is actually real! Otherwise, couldn’t care less about this one
Jamie Penningh:
Of course there has to be a game in the Direct to appeal to the young ones but it also looks to appeal to the Animal Crossing crowd. Hopefully there is enough content within Hello Kitty Island Adventure to keep everyone playing for numerous hours.
Looney Tunes: Wacky World of Sports
Paul James:
Do people really care about the Looney Tunes anymore? It feels like they speak to our demographic, the group that were kids when the Looney Tunes were in their prime and Space Jam was sending them into orbit, but nowadays, kids don’t care, and those of us from that generation have well and truly moved on too. I’d happily be proven wrong though.
Jamie Penningh:
Well I can’t say that I saw this kind of game coming. It definitely has that style and substance with all the gimmicks but with only 4 sports, this might be a bit shallow for everyone’s liking.
Among Us
Paul James:
I guess people keep playing Among Us and so it needs to be supported. How long until the game no longer justifies a place in a showcase of some sort? And can we hit that date already?
Jamie Penningh:
It’s Among Us. It’s an update where you can play as different roles as both crewmates and the imposter. That’s about it really.
Farmagia
Paul James:
This name kinda sucks right? I struggled to ignore that through the entirety of this showing, but the game does have some redeeming qualities that appeal, such as the combat elements, and even streaks of Pikmin that is present. I can get around that stuff, but I can’t get around that awful name. You’ve got time to change it.
Jamie Penningh:
We have our farming sim game! Joking aside, if you enjoy this sort of game then you’re in for a treat. The battle style is interesting and the merging mechanic, while it doesn’t make any form of sense, could appeal to more people. Probably not me though.
Donkey Kong Country Returns HD
Paul James:
I know Retro was responsible for this, and they’re busy with another game that we’ll talk about soon, but I was pretty flat when this appeared because I desperately want a third game, and I’m quite tired of seeing this Wii game get dragged around from platform to platform. It’s time for a new game, or to put away the ports for a while and stop teasing us.
Jamie Penningh:
I have really mixed feelings about this one. For one thing, I’m happy to see this come to the Nintendo Switch and getting the HD treatment with the new levels from the 3DS version. On the other hand, I had really hoped to see a “new” Donkey Kong game come to this console. Here’s hoping that a brand adventure for the Kongs comes to the next Nintendo Switch.
Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake
Paul James:
The game I was most excited to see from this showcase was Dragon Quest III. Unlike the Final Fantasy games which were far more accessible out here, Dragon Quest was an IP that took me time to get into, simply due to it being nowhere near as prevalent in the West. The rumours already spilled that we were to be getting a full Trilogy remaster, and so to learn that I and II are also just a few months behind III is pretty hype.
Jamie Penningh:
These games look gorgeous. I am an absolute sucker for the HD-2D graphics ever since Octopath Traveler first debuted them on the Nintendo Switch. I’ve never played a Dragon Quest game before so this might be the time to finally jump in.
Funko Fusion
Paul James:
Can we all agree that Funko Pops are pretty much dead now? The game looked rubbish and doesnt’ really have an addressable audience either. Such a waste of screen time and the one real downer for the entire Direct.
Jamie Penningh:
This looks weird and I’m not sure who this appeals to. There will be mad collectors out there who would absolutely jump on this game but I’m not sure who else would be.
Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD
Paul James:
As is well documented, Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon is my favourite 3DS game, and the HD remake is something that I’m already playing. I’ll refrain from saying more, but hey, check out my preview!
Jamie Penningh:
I absolutely loved Luigi’s Mansion 3 on the Switch and this remake looks to be going on a very similar route. If they can translate the personality that 3 exudes into the remake, then this will be another winner for sure.
The New Denpa Men
Paul James:
Sorry, but what is a Denpa Man? And why should I care? This looked like a reject idea that didn’t make the cut as a Mii activity on 3DS. That crowd is still big and is likely looking for something new so this could yet be for them, but it looks pretty poor.
Jamie Penningh:
I had long thought developers Genius Sonority (the team behind Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness on GameCube) had completely shut down and yet here they are with The New Denpa Men. I have no idea how this game works or plays but I’m sure it will appeal to someone.
Metal Slug Attack Reloaded
Paul James:
Metal Slug continues to remain relevant long beyond its perceived expiring date, and that’s a credit to the team who keep putting the IP out there. The game has stealth dropped, so I could be tempted.
Jamie Penningh:
From the outset, Metal Slug Attack Reloaded looks like a mobile game ported to the Nintendo Switch and in a way, it is exactly that. I’ve never enjoyed tower defence games so this one is a miss for me but there are many Metal Slug fans out there who will give this a shot.
Darkest Dungeon II
Paul James:
I’ve been wanting to play Darkest Dungeon II and this might well be my best opportunity to do so. The game has ticked a lot of boxes and so I’m certainly interested, but I’ll need to see more on console before I’m fully swayed
Jamie Penningh:
The original Darkest Dungeon flew past me so I don’t know much about the series and I’d say the sequel doesn’t appeal to me either. However, the first game was very well received by both critics and fans so if Darkest Dungeon II continues with this trend, it stands to be well received.
Nintendo Switch Online
Paul James:
This was a nice top of up genuinely good games. A splash of Zelda, Metroid is amazing, Turok hit like a wet fart because even its remasters aren’t flash, but then the pièce de résistance was the arrival of Perfect Dark. The IP is in vogue right now thanks to that amazing Xbox Showcase, so for players to jump into the original while the IP is hot is a great thing.
Jamie Penningh:
I’m very happy to see the GBA A Link to the Past and Metroid Zero Mission on NSO. I played an absolute ton of A Link to the Past on GBA and now the side adventure Four Swords can be completed with online play! Zero Mission is a fantastic remake of the original Metroid and is a great addition to the service.
Turok Dinosaur Hunter intrigues me as it’s a game that I do want to try out. Perfect Dark is also a welcome addition to NSO and with another Rare game on the Nintendo Switch, we are yet again another step closer to seeing Diddy Kong Racing come to the system.
Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero
Paul James:
NIS low-key have some banger IP, and while I wasn’t familiar with Phantom Brave before this, I’m fairly certain that I want to learn more now. This game looked pretty cool, and through future showcases I’m hopeful that this is a game that continues to win me over.
Jamie Penningh:
Another game I didn’t know was part of a series until today. It looks like a strategic action game in which you can turn everyday items into phantoms to assist you in battle. This won’t appeal to me but it definitely will to someone.
Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection
Paul James:
I’m not a part of the FGC and my fighting game experiences don’t extend beyond some casual Smash, so while I understand the history of the Marvel Vs Capcom games, I also don’t have any history or interest either. This one washed right over me sadly
Jamie Penningh:
Never had any interest in the Marvel properties so this one has washed over me completely but there are a lot of excited people to see this collection come to the Nintendo Switch. With 7 games in the collection, this is going to certainly appeal to those who love retro fighting and beat-em-up games and anyone with an interest in these franchises.
Super Mario Party Jamboree
Paul James:
I don’t mind an excuse to party. Birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, or just because, but I’m going a bit tired of Mario Party. I don’t doubt for a second that the team has learned from what has and hasn’t worked this generation for the brand, and will make a better product for those experiences. But I just can’t get excited for these anymore. Hopefully the game is great though and it might inspire some interest.
Jamie Penningh:
Considering the original Super Mario Party is currently the 8th most selling game on the Nintendo Switch, it doesn’t surprise me to see a sequel in a similar style. It does look to have brought over mechanics from both the original and Mario Party Superstars so this game is going to be very popular especially with its release date coming in the holiday period.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
Paul James:
What a surprise this is! Eiji Aonuma is the name and face of the project as was clear during this presentation, but I cannot help but think that Grezzo is doing the heaviest lifting, and that’s really cool to see. The little remake team is getting more responsibility than ever before, and that is a great thing. Beyond that, the project itself looks really cool, a Zelda that I can absolutely get into with the constraints of A Link To The Past (it’s clearly that version of Hyrule), with elements of the freedom of Tears Of The Kingdom. This is a Zelda game (with Zelda playable!) that I can absolutely get into.
Jamie Penningh:
Eiji Aonuma, you and your team have outdone yourselves once again. Bringing the Link’s Awakening remake art style into a new game with Zelda as the main hero is so well matched. Using a similar creation mechanic from Tears of the Kingdom but different enough that it is still its own thing – everyone’s playthrough is going to be so unique and I can’t wait to see what combinations people come up with.
Just Dance 2025 Edition
Paul James:
Nintendo takes their bag from Ubisoft and so we need to endure a few minutes of Just Dance. Moving right along
Jamie Penningh:
It’s the yearly release of Just Dance. More songs, more options, more of the same thing that people look for in this series. It works for Ubisoft.
LEGO Horizon Adventures
Paul James:
I thought the absence of LEGO Horizon Adventures on Nintendo’s social platforms or YouTube was conspicuous, but there we go, the SGF trailer resufraces at Nintendo Direct. I’m really excited that this game gets to reach a new audience, and while it won’t be the Switch that I’ll be playing it on. I’m happy for that player base to get a chance to explore one of the best new IP of the last decade
Jamie Penningh:
Lego is such a broad appealing brand and is generally successful with each franchise it touches. Now it’s the turn of the Horizon franchise and it looks fantastic even on the Nintendo Switch. I’ve never played the Horizon games on PlayStation but they’re rated highly so I’d expect the lego version to hit similar highs.
Stray
Paul James:
I’ve got no need to play Stray again, and while I enjoyed it, I certainly felt like it got some unwarranted hype back in 2022. That said, for a new audience of players, this will be a nice new experience to check out.
Jamie Penningh:
Winner of Best Independent Game at The Game Awards in 2022, Stray was definitely a standout performer when it released back on PlayStation. The Nintendo Switch version so far lacks the polish that the other releases have unfortunately but if you are interested in playing it on the go, then you’re still in for a good time.
Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game
Paul James:
Cosy gamers, start your engines. I’ve been seeing a lot on social media abot this one in the months leading up to this trailer. There’s a swell of positivity for this one, and I myself feel a bit swept up in it too. I can get around this, and lord knows that we’re in need of something to save us from the Gollum PTSD.
Jamie Penningh:
Here’s a game for fans of the cosy genre. Tales of the Shire looks to be a nice, laid back experience with no real objective other than to cook and enjoy the company of your neighbours. It’s not my cup of tea, but it definitely is to many others.
Ace Attorney Investigations Collection
Paul James:
A lot of people including Jamie love Ace Attorney. I’m still yet to have checked it out but with the games so readily available, it’s only a matter of time from here. This was a cool showing too. I’m excited to check out more from the IP going forward, and if there’s a quiet spell, I might jump in.
Jamie Penningh:
Yes, yes, and more yes! Ace Attorney is one of my favourite game series and to see both of the Miles Edgeworth games, including the previously Japanese exclusive sequel, is absolutely awesome and I cannot wait to join back in. The updated visuals are right on point and it looks like it brings across the quality of life mechanics from the other Ace Attorney collections. Great to see!
The Hundred Line - Last Defense Academy
Paul James:
That logo truly is awful, and the game itself didn’t inspire much interest either. There is no doubt in my mind that there is a community for a game such as this, given the popularity of the likes of Danganronpa over the years, however it’s not a community that I’ll be a part of.
Jamie Penningh:
The Hundred Line comes across as several different genres ranging from tower defence, visual novel, to puzzle/mystery. It has an artstyle and a story baseline akin to the Danganronpa series by the same developer. I’m interested but being that the way to survive looks to be getting rid of waves progressively getting stronger, I’m probably going to pass on this one.
Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven
Paul James:
Despite being a massive JRPG buff, I’ve never tried a SaGa game, and while mechanically it looks pretty solid, I’m still for some reason not feeling super compelled to check it out. The game ticks a lot of boxes for me, but there’s something that I can’t quite put my finger on yet that didn’t jive with me.
Jamie Penningh:
Having never played any of the SaGa games before, this one intrigued me. It certainly has all the things that I enjoy in a JRPG with an open world, a turn based battle system with depth, as well as many different ways to influence your story. I’m curious to see how well this goes upon release.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Paul James:
Alongside Hollow Knight: Silksong, Metroid Prime 4 was the game I was most hanging out to see, and unlike Team Cherry, Retro Studios delivered. Gameplay, some narrative teases and some gorgeous visuals signalled that the Switch will be going out with a bang next year when this game launches. Given how good the game looks, I’d be surprised if this wasn’t a generation spanning title, akin to Breath Of The Wild, it would also be the best possible outcome for the franchise’s popularity as well with it exposed to more than 140+ million owners of Switch (and it’s successor). This could finally be Samus’ moment.
Jamie Penningh:
I had hoped to see a remaster of Prime 2 or 3 but seeing a trailer for Metroid Prime 4 Beyond has me even more ecstatic. It’s been over 5 years since development restarted with Retro Studios and we are now seeing the fruits of their labour with a stunning trailer. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is set to come in 2025, which to me is leaning on maybe a dual release on both the Nintendo Switch and its successor, or it could be on the new system itself. I absolutely cannot wait to see more!
Overall Thoughts
Paul James:
I had my expectations set relatively low for the most part (aside from Metroid and Hollow Knight), and while one of those two failed to show, I was so incredibly impressed by the other games that were revealed. High quality remakes, awesome new IP, and amazing new entries in established IP littered this showcase. I was super impressed and it shows that the Switch is set to go out in style.
Jamie Penningh:
Every time there is a presentation by Nintendo, I always go in with the lowest of expectations as you can generally get positive news with this mindset. I had no idea what was coming and I was blown away with what was presented. Zelda, Mario & Luigi, Metroid, Mario Party, and that’s just the first party games. A plethora of third party games very much rounds out this as being one of Nintendo’s best presentations in recent memory and a very strong showing ahead of a new console release.
