Nintendo Switch First Party

Nintendo Switch First Party Titles Roundup

Nintendo Switch First Party titles are going to be the main draw for the new gaming system. So what did last night’s presentation bring from Nintendo themselves?

First up in the presentation, we were treated to a very colourful and energetic trailer for 1 2 Switch.

A party game designed around the JoyCon Controllers, this has the Titular two players competing in challenges. These challenges could be a gunslingers duel, using the controllers IR sensor to take a huge bite of a sandwich, or racing to milk a cow and feeling the movement through the HD Rumble feature. The game is charming, and reminiscent of WiiPlay and Sports. The real gimmick here is that the players are not looking the the screen when playing. Instead, they directly compete by facing each other, with instructions from the Switch unit. As suggested above feedback is provided through the JoyCons immediately. The game is very clearly designed to be played in parties, and with an audience. This is a launch title, appearing on March 3rd.

Arms is a fighting game, again designed around the JoyCons. Two players compete as fighters with stretchy arms. It’s incredibly anime in style.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the game that will sell the Switch. It is the Nintendo Switch First Party title to beat.` I have no doubts about that.

That trailer is incredible, and combined with all the previous footage, tells us some interesting things about the story and gameplay. For a start, that is now my favourite iteration of Zelda. Ever. We have the confirmation of other races, with the Rito bird people, Gorons, Zora and Koroks all making an appearance. Alongside the Deku Tree’s claims about something happening 100 Years ago, the running theory is that this game is going to be a convergence point for the Zelda Timelines. References to Calamity Ganon as a primeval threat and threats to the Hylian Royal Family only serve to reinforce that.
Beyond story though, this game is visually stunning. Pretty lighting effects on a wide variety of landscapes serve to highlight the diversity of the gigantic world map. I’m fully behind the decision to provide voice acting to Zelda and all the other supporting characters, as it seems effective so far. Most importantly of all, this game is a launch title. 3rd of March for both Switch and WiiU. Plus a Zelda and Bokoblin amiibo have been confirmed.

By holding the JoyCons in the palm of the hand, the player uses the gyroscopes to control the game. Punching in real life punches in the game. Blocking blocks. Shifting Sideways makes the character dodge. And if you don’t like those controls, supposedly it’s playable in a traditional gamepad format too. With customisable characters and an incredibly simple control scheme, the game looks simple, but with hidden depths. Local multiplayer, Singleplayer and Online play have been suggested, with a release date of Spring 2017.

As the initial teaser trailer suggested, Mario Kart is indeed getting a remaster for the Switch. So now we have Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

 

Several additions here, with Splatoon’s Inklings getting involved with their own course, as well as characters like King Boo. The big draw however will be battle mode being refreshed. The original version of Battle Mode in Mario Kart 8 was very poor. Taking place on standard courses, the game mode felt like a last minute addition. Now, with seemingly dedicated arenas, the problems should be solved. Mario Kart 8 was a shining jewel of the Wii U lineup, and so a fantastic game is now going to be improved majorly. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe will be getting a release on April 28th.

Splatoon 2 has been confirmed. Not just a remaster of the incredibly successful WiiU game, instead this game will feature new weapons, maps and an expanded story.

With a slightly more grungy style, and the addition of dual wielding weapons Splatoon 2 is offering an improved version of the territory control gameplay that made the original so popular. In particular, the ability to use the multiple controller styles will allow for real flexibility. The gyro controls for Splatoon were incredibly well regarded, offering a highly responsive control scheme, so more of the same will be great here. Online multiplayer is confirmed, plus Local Portable multiplayer, and single player campaigns. Splatoon 2 will be coming this Summer.

Another teaser from the 2016 trailer was a full 3d Mario game. And you can’t talk about Nintendo Switch First Party without a Mario game.

Super Mario Odyssey is a return to the classic sandbox worlds of Super Mario 64 and Sunshine. This time, Mario will be leaving the Mushroom Kingdom and exploring a host of new worlds including a Donkey Kong Themed New York analogue, a pastel shaded food world, dark and sumptuous rainforest and vibrant latin themed desert world. Each looks fascinating and charming.
The main story is that Bowser has kidnapped Peach, taken her even farther away than usual, and is going to marry her. Mario has to stop him. This time, with some new tricks. Mario is able to throw his signature hat, and use it as a jumping pad for extra height or reach. With a Holiday 2017 release Scheduled, this is the cap on a year of Nintendo Switch First Party titles.
In addition, I’d expect some more announcements at E3 for Autumn and onwards, as Nintendo seem committed to a staggered, but extended, Launch Window.