Topic: 2016 Nintendo Directs Discussion - September 1st 3DS Direct Confirmed!

I'll get more specific in other threads, but I thought this Direct delivered pretty hard — and this is coming from someone who probably won't buy most of the games covered (in fact, my stupidly backlogged ass is pretty happy that there's a four-month gap between Xenoblade Chronicles X and Twilight Princess HD). Pacing wise, it was one of the best yet; the info kept coming, they never dwelled on anything for too long, they glossed over the "mandatory" items (like Amiibo Festival, Mario Tennis) real quick, packed the whole 45 minutes with an excessive amount of content, and bookended the presentation with an opener that everyone wanted and a closer that no one predicted. I certainly missed Mr. Iwata's presence, but I'm glad Bill Trinen headed this one up in the states — I think he's more charismatic and watchable than Reggie. Would love to see the Directs open up to more Treehouse staff in the future.

Anyway, lots of high points, smiles and surprises for me, and I imagine I'd be even more chuffed were I a big Pokemon fan. It's been a bit of a slog for Nintendo fans since E3 (especially in the U.S.), but this presentation reminded why I enjoy the company so much.

It was kind of a specialized Direct. If you don't care about Cloud, you're not too interested in another Zelda remake, and have never played a Dragon Quest game, you're probably not going to find a whole lot of things to get hyped about. Not everyone plays Splatoon, and not too many people are done with TriForce Heroes and looking for more content. The reactions I see here are mixed, and it's usually because some say nothing was shown, while others say something cool is happening with their favorite franchise. But we didn't get any Mario game, and we got a very specific SSB character. There weren't any wide-reaching reveals; Nintendo only just fell short in showing a variety that covered everyone's interest.

Looks like Mario Kart 8 is done. I suppose more content would be a fitting reveal for the Game Awards, but it feels like Nintendo has moved on from Mario Kart and is putting their focus elsewhere.

They didn't talk about Genei Ibun Roku #FE at all...

Edit: Oh I guess they did in the Japanese Direct

@Nicolai: LMAO. If someone hasn't played a Dragon Quest game then they need to fix that.... badly.

@OlicityBlows: Lmao you are so wrong. Sooooo wrong. Evolve is the biggest money making rip off in gaming right now. Fire Emblem: Fates even gives a option to buy all 3 experiences for just $80.00. Gimme a break. You're yelling for no reason.

Well the other option was sticking to the franchises' roots and making it die. Heck, Path of Radiance and Radiant Dawn actually did poorly in Japan

You're talking about Giant Robot. Guard was still listed for this year as of the last financial briefing.

@Whitewatermoose: The only reason it would be announced during the Smash Direct is if the blocky avatar dude was becoming a Smash character. Maybe at the Game Awards, though.

I've never heard of Project Guard being cancelled officially, but it seems like it's been forgotten, considering we had a 2015 release date for it. I still like to bring up my humorous theory that the demos were only created to show that Miyamoto still works on things at Nintendo other than banjo practice and making movies, and there won't actually be a release of them.

@OlicityBlows: So your saying that just because a creative group changes their approach to appeal to a larger market they are sellouts? This is simply a smart move to adapt to change. Also the marraige system is not entirely new to the series. I admit the artstyle is completely different and could appeal to the anime dating sim crowd but regardless the studio is trying to apply to a larger audience. Regardless, the gameplay is the same if not better than it has ever been before.

@Whitewatermoose: @Nicolai: Platinum Games is co-developing Project Guard. I'm not sure if it will make it in time, but it's probably coming sometime in the future. I doubt they would've put that much effort into the game if it was just a demo to show that Miyamoto is still making games.

Well, that's why I said that the notion of the games being just for show is merely a joke. I didn't know Platinum was co-developing it, though.

Bit late on this, but here's how my bingo card turned out:

I left out the Iwata tribute cause it seemed more like an acknowledgment of his passing and a thank you for the fan community's support than an actual tribute. I wouldn't have scored bingo either way, so...

That's pretty much the definition of selling out.

They're not exactly unrelated, but they're not the same thing. Selling-out means to do something for money regardless of your audience, regardless of passion or drive. Sometimes when you're going for a different audience, well, you're going for a different audience. It can still have drive behind it. As for money, well, that's behind almost everything in some way, shape, or form.

@cookiex: Does Pokemon Picross not count as a new game that isn't twilight princess hd?

It was a solid direct. Served its purpose. I suppose it's probably the last one for the year. I'm thinking a late January direct next time to go over 3ds and Wii U for the rest of the year, mainly spring titles.

Selling out or not, Fire Emblem needed a face lift to keep going. Yes, some of the new additions are unnecessary to some, but there is still an audience for it.

they already announced the next Direct in December, it will be focusing on Smash Bros

@DefHalan: Should''ve specified, i mean a general purpose direct. Looking forward to the smash direct. but yeah I don't think there'll be anymore general directs this year.