Thursday, September 14, 2017

Discussing the Nintendo Direct of September 13th 2017

Oh boy while I was gone for those past three days Nintendo dropped some major news for games releasing in the near future during their recent Nintendo Direct so grab your read tights, get some popcorn, your copy of Pokemon Sun and Moon and let’s dive right in!

This direct aired yesterday at 6:00 PM Eastern America Time and while there was no Smash reveal boy was there some news revealed. 


Discussing a majority of the direct as well as the kickoff was Mr Yoshiaki Koizumi, a Nintendo Video Game Design Veteran and Deputy General Manager of the Entertainment Planning & Development division, coupled with a sweet updated Nintendo Direct layout. The first thing they discuss? Only my most anticipated games of the entire year, you guessed it, no it’s not Super Mario Odyssey (That’s number two), Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon!

They’re really letting details out in small trickle, which is a relief compared to how spoiled Pokemon Sun and Moon was, but in this new trailer and update we got to see a few huge tidbits of news. First off is an incredibly cinematic trailer, coupled with the new opening theme, where we get to see what I’m assuming has to be cut scenes but they seem so crisp compared to Sun and Moon (Which is saying something Sun and Moon are incredible for 3DS games).


Necrozma seems to be the main point of the story which I can confirm now is an actual alternative story similar to Pokemon Platinum was a retelling of Diamond and Pearl but it appears to be more of a different storyline. (Also the whole Multiverse/Ultra Wormhole thing makes this makes total sense, think about it.) Seriously though, are those actual cutscenes? Obviously it’s pre-rendered but is it really going to look like that? It’s incredible.

A lot of new locations will be available to explore in Alola as we’ve seen previously with also from the looks of it new trainer types, more Beaches are always welcomed but I don’t think I’m ever going to leave that Pikachu Valley, ever. A small reminder about the Dusk Form Rockruff which you can receive if you buy Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon before January 19th was discussed as well as an announcement regarding Lycanrock’s new Z-Move/Z-Crystal which unleashes an incredible move called “Splintered Stormshard” it removes all field effects from the field which is sweet. (Does it actually remove stealth rocks and spikes? Someone correct me on that in the comments.)

For those who purchase the Gold and Silver Virtual Console games when they release on September 22nd on the 3DS you’ll be able to get a Celebi in Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon similar to the Mew given out during the Red and Blue Virtual Console release. (Wait did America ever get that event? I never purchased the Red/Blue/Yellow virtual console games.)

So that’s pretty much it for Pokemo… Wait what. Are those new… HOLD THE PHONE!


This is not a drill, we got new Pokemon! While they don’t usually add new Pokemon in the 3rd Version/Sequel we actually have new Pokemon in the form of two new Ultra Beasts coming through that Ultra Wormhole and oh boy they’re just as crazy as their predecessors. UB-Assemble and UB-Burst (We’ll get their names later) are here to wreck havoc and oh my god they look awesome and weird. UB-Assemble looks similar to a brick tower or a pyramid and he seems to morph himself around which is pretty cool. I’m not sure why I felt nostalgic when seeing him, he seemed to remind me of an older Pokemon. Maybe Duskclops but I’m not sure why he would remind me of Duskclops. UB-Burst is completely insane, it’s a DISCO BALL with arms and legs and crazy explosives. You know what? This guy reminds me of Miror. B from Pokemon Coliseum and Pokemon XD Gales of Darkness.

Introducing the Dabbing Pokemon, oh boy.

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon releases November 17th and the wait couldn’t be any harder, especially when a Pokeball themed New Nintendo 2DS XL is releasing.

Mr. Koizumi then went over a few things for Nintendo 3DS such as the remake of Mario & Luigi Superstar Saga which I can’t wait for, I absolutely adored the original game so with this game plus the new Bowser’s Minions mode is worth the buy. Oh yeah you can get stamps from Amiibo for extra equipment which is cool. This game will release October 6th.

Kirby has a new game for the 3DS, actually I think this was announced before, Kirby Battle Royale releases January 19th, 2018 and will pit four players together playing as different Kirbys in an overtop free for all battle, it looks like a lot of fun actually. There’s a Kirby Poll happening for the 25th anniversary by the way! Go vote for your favorite Kirby game at Kirby.nintendo.com/poll

Yokai Watch is releasing two Ultimate versions of Yokai Watch 2, which is cool but also possibly a dig at Pokemon releasing Ultra Versions. I’ve never played Yokai Watch, never been interested in it, but Johnny Young Bosch voices the main character so that’s pretty cool. Yokai Watch 2 Psychic Specters launches September 29th.

The Professor Layton franchise gets a new entry in the form of Layton’s Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires’ Conspiracy.


This time however instead of Professor Layton taking spotlight his daughter, Katrielle as she follows in her father’s footsteps and starts her own agency. (Wow, never thought Layton had time for a daughter.) I have shamefully never played a Professor Layton game which really is a shame considering how captivating the art style throughout all 7 games have been as well as, from what I’ve heard, some pretty awesome storylines included with some mind boggling puzzles. Is there a mega collection released anywhere that I could buy? Anyone got any ideas on WHICH Professor Layton game I should start with? I’ll blog it for you guys, haha. This game releases October 6th.

Well guys, we made it, it happened. Minecraft is coming to the New Nintendo 3DS XL, oh boy. It seems to have all the features from the PC version but I haven’t played Minecraft in so long so I’m not sure. It seems like a perfect fit for the 3DS actually so I can see this being a popular version. When is this game releasing? Well it’s already out there! Go get it, if you like your creations being blown up by those stupid Creepers anyway.

Well I thought I would never hear anything about Mario Party ever again but for the 3DS (Ack) we’re getting Mario Party Top 100 which takes the top 10 best levels from all 10 console Mario Parties and puts them all into one game. I’m not sure if this game will have a board game and if it does I kind of hope its boards from the old games too. Mario Party 5 and Mario Party 2 are the only two Mario Party games I own believe it or not so this may be a great way to experience the Minigames I’ve never played before. Only problem is... Pushy Penguins is returning from Mario Party 5 and I have some bad PTSD from that minigame. Kind of wish it was coming out on the Switch but we’ll probably get a Mario Party 11 at some point. Plus this has Download Play eliminating the need for more than one cartridge. This game releases November 10th, who said the Nintendo 3DS was dead? Shame on you!

I’ve not been keeping up with it but Fire Emblem Warriors releases October 12th, I’ve never played a Fire Emblem game but you guys love that series so check that game out! It plays similar to Hyrule Warriors. This isn’t the only version of this game releasing I’ll get on that in a bit.

Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney releases November 2017, I have no clue about the Pheonix Wright series as well as the Layton series, another shame. I gotta try out some new games.

If you thought that was a lot of blog, I’m not even half way through the direct yet, it’s time for the Nintendo Switch portion of the blog.

I’ve never played Xenoblade Chronicles, so this sequel Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is confusing to me but it looks pretty beautiful with a massive world full of all sorts of characters and kingdoms. Looks like a blade called the Aegis is involved, the Aegis is also a girl. Can she turn her arms into mini swords and slice things up? Maybe I’m thinking of Soul Eater too much. This game looks absolutely beautiful and the battle system reminds me of Crisis Core. (Which is a good thing.) Seems there are two different types of playable characters, drivers and blades, the blades being characters like Pyra. (Did I accidentally guess that she’s the Aegis? If I accidentally spoiled the game before it’s released I’m so sorry.) There’s a lot to take in so I may go more indepth in a separate blog, is the Xenoblade Chronicles New 3DS XL version still available? I suddenly want to play that game. Wonder if Shulk will play a part in this game, I’m really feeling it to be honest. This game releases December 1st of this year! This may make a great Christmas gift for you RPG lovers! I really need to buy a Nintendo Switch (Yeah I still don’t have one, forgive me. I’ll get one eventually.)

Splat Tim is getting a new update with some new weapons and stages, one of these weapons is a… Umbrella? That you can propel forward? Is that over powered? I really need to play Splatoon. This update looks to be available tomorrow.

Fire Emblem Warriors is bringing another new character to the massive Fire Emblem get together, Lyn!


While I’ve never played a Fire Emblem I always wanted her to be in Smash Brothers so this is pretty awesome. This version of Fire Emblem Warriors is releasing on the Switch on October 20th.

There was another new game revealed by the name of Morphies Law. It’s a 3rd person shooter where teams play as robots that can expand, shrink and morph. The winner is decided by however has the largest avatar when the timer runs out. This game will release this winter as a console exclusive, it looks pretty awesome to be honest with a unique gameplay twist to shooters.

Rocket League! Yes this game is finally coming to Nintendo Switch with some incredible custom Nintendo cars that you can unlock in the game (Without Amiibo needed) so this is probably going to be the best version due to its portability.

You guys like Mobas? I’m not a big fan of them but if you like League of Legends you’ll love Arena Valor. You pick a character and join up with friends to dominate the online game modes. Apparently this was a mobile game first and when I go to the web page it actually has Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman there so hold on are there DC characters included? I might have to check this out.

Okay these next two games I’m going to talk about are Mature games so you kids close your eyes for a minute, or not I can’t control you but seriously just take caution.

DOOM and Wolfenstein 2 are coming to Nintendo Switch. Yeah I’m not kidding you; Nintendo is finally getting that third party support, FINALLY. I don’t like these games, but some of you do so check these games out when they release this Holiday season and Wolfenstein 2 in 2018.

So releasing classic games is no unusual event for Nintendo but it’s usually Nintendo Console Games that are released. However they’re now going to be releasing classic Nintendo Arcade games that are truthful to the actual Arcade versions for the Nintendo Switch, starting with Mario Bros. You’ll be able use both Joy-Cons as separate controllers for multiplayer action just like the Arcade games but on the go. These will start rolling out September 27th.

Remember that Kirby game announced at E3? It’s finally got a title “Kirby Star Allies” and it looks like a great Kirby Adventure game with some new elements such as the ally system… Wait hold on a second is that King Dedede? What on earth? This dude’s been working out! I never realized he was holding all those muscles under that get up of his. Swole Dedede Star Allies will release early next year.

So I still got some huge Super Mario Odyssey news to talk about but I can’t avoid talking about this absolutely incredible game coming from Square Enix. Bravely Default and Bravely Second are amazing games that added new twists to typical Square Enix traditional RPGs and now that same production team are coming together for a new Nintendo Switch RPG, it’s not related to Bravely Default but it’s incredible regardless.


This game is currently named Project Octopath Traveler, it was announced during E3 as a 2D sprite in 3D environment game, it’s basically a 2D traditional RPG with depth, this is probably what Final Fantasy 6 would of looked like if it was created in this day and age. It’s absolutely gorgeous and really takes the whole roleplaying aspect to a new level, you’ll be able to start playing the game as one of 8 protagonists each with their own story and way of interacting with the world around them. The battle system seems kind of similar to Bravely Default where you can store BP in order to unleash stronger or multiple attacks at once. A demo is now available for you guys to try out and be sure to give the developers feedback as their accepting all concerns regarding this game! This game will release in 2018 and I’m assuming they’ll give it a new name but Octopath Traveler is a good name by itself so I’m not sure why they don’t just keep that name.


Finally, it’s time for Super Mario Odyssey. I’ve never been so excited for a Mario game, which is saying something I’m usually very excited for Mario games but this game looks better and better with every announcement.


This time they revealed two new worlds, Shivera of the Snow Kingdom and Bubblaine of the Seaside Kingdom. You can’t have a Mario game without a beach level and a snow level and these levels look to be just as awesome as previous games. That Snow Kingdom looks to be possibly one of the toughest Snow Worlds, there’s absolutely depth of vision the blizzard is so harsh.

The Super Mario 64 references are strong in this game, racing Koopas? That painting you jump through? The return to an open world feel? This game is a love letter to a younger me who grew up not being any good at Super Mario 64 but loving every second of the game regardless.

Apparently Cappy isn’t the only hat possessing ghost around it seems he has a sister who can possess a Tiara that Princess Peach is seemingly wearing. Mario’s cap gets absolutely destroyed in what I assume is the beginning of the game so it seems Cappy is the one pulling it back together.

Besides the outfits you can buy Mario you can also buy stickers for the Odyssey, the Top Hat shaped ship Mario travels in, which are powered by Power Moons you collect in each world. You can also buy items for placing inside of the Odyssey which is absolutely awesome. There’s so much to this game I’m not sure how they could add anymore into this stuffed Odyssey of a game.

Oh wait there’s a snapshot mode, that’s how. Yes you can take snapshots at any angle, at any time, even having them formatted for mobile phones. Before I end I have to say Pauline looks fabulous in this game, look at that shiny dress and fabulous hat of hers.

This game will be released in a Nintendo Switch bundle! Everyone loves bundles, right? Let’s just hope they actually stay in stock, I have no idea what’s happening with the Nintendo Switch stock lately.

There were a lot of small details in this direct so maybe I can put together a separate blog if the demand is high enough.

Well that’s it! I think I’ve over stuffed this blog enough, I didn’t even discuss everything announced either so now you guys can go watch the direct yourselves as well as other trailers at Nintendo’s Youtube Channel! (Actually the direct was actually embedded above if you didn’t see it, go back up and watch it.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztMGTTAjsAQ&t=1252s

Am I done? Well with Videogame news anyway. Remember a few months ago I discussed the new movie “The Hero”?


It’s pretty much Sam Elliot’s big return to the screen in a storyline that seems kind of personal in a way to his own life. It stars himself and his wife Katharine Ross in what is her comeback as well. Sam Elliot plays as a aging movie star who deals with terminal illness (I really hope Sam Elliott doesn’t have a terminal illness) as he struggles to leave a legacy with one last big role in this Comedy-Drama. Oh yeah Krysten Ritter aka Krysten Knitter (I’m so sorry Krysten, I had to) stars as Sam Elliot’s character’s estranged daughter Lucy.

You can now buy this movie for $14.99 on iTunes and I'll be buying it myself, it really does seem like a great movie.


No, we’re not done yet. I think I still have room for at least a small FREE knitting pattern! This one is perfect for the upcoming Halloween season and surprisingly looks a bit like Cappy so it’s fits in. This is “Halloween Ghosties” by Jean Greenhowe.


These little ghosties are quick knits and perfect for your newbie knitters to get involved too! You’ll need US 6 / 4 MM Needles and one Larger Single Needle like a US 10. As far as yarn will you could use any yarn I believe but for this pattern I would go with white DK scrap yarn. You’ll also need a quick drying all purpose glue and googly eyes.

The pattern looks to be a fun project for Halloween so you might want to get your kids involved too! You can check this pattern out right here: http://www.jeangreenhowe.com/Images/Halloween%20Ghosties.pdf.

So with that three course meal done I’m heading out.

This was ZAK Entertainment

See you on Monday!

DON’T FORGET

THE MALABRIGO KNITTING YARN GIVE AWAY ENDS ON OCTOBER 2ND


WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED OCTOBER 2ND INSTEAD OF THE 29TH OF SEPTEMBER DUE TO THE NEW SCHEDULE

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