Nintendo just announced the schedule for their E3 2021. This year, E3 will be a completely digital event, and as such, many things changed.
However, in the case of Nintendo, who has been using digital presentations for a while, the only real difference, aside from not having a booth is the Treehouse livestream, which was shortened to a single day, instead of 3.
The company was very clear about what the presentation is about. And it is all about sofware. There is still time before the event for rumored new Nintendo Switch model to be announced. But it doesn't looke like they will talk about it on the Nintendo Direct itself.
Regardless, we still have a 40 minutes presentation. More than enough time for announcements or first look into games we know are comming.
So, these are my top 10 hopes and dreams for the Nintendo Direct at E3 2021.
10 - Bayonetta 3
Since the game was announced at the Game Awards 2017, almost nothing was said about Bayonetta 3. All we had was the confirmation the game was still in development and that it was going well.
In January of this year, Hideki Kamiya said it is safe to expect we will get news this year. The director isn't exactly a reliable source of information, given how he likes to "troll" his fans, but at this point, we have to grab on to anything.
It has been 7 years since Bayonetta 2 released on the Wii U. And they even released Astral Chain in the meantime. They can't make us wait forever. This has to be the time we finally see the game in action, right?
9 - A new Metroid game
We are not talking Metroid Prime 4 here, but a brand new Metroid game we don't know about.
Maybe a "Metroid 5", to give continuation to Fusion's storyline. Maybe something different, like Other M. Or maybe a remake/collection of old titles.
One way or the other, I just want to see more Metroid. Samus Returns was a fantastic game, even if the ending was kinda weird. It wasn't a massive success, but the reception showed a 2D Metroid can still work on today's day and age.
And with the success of games like Hollow Knight and Ori, a high profile game on the franchise has the capability of capitalizing on the Switch's momentum.
8 - Splatoon 3
After the short teaser at the Nintendo Direct on February, we didn't get any more information about Splatton 3.
Of course, a few months is nothing compared to the years we are waiting for news on some other games on this list, but weirdly enough, I found some people who already forgot the game existed.
E3 2021 is the perfect timing to remind everyone of it. And show more of what the game has to offer, as the initial trailer didn't do much to set the sequel apart from its predecessors.
As someone who isn't much into competitive stuff, all I'm hoping for is a good single player mode and some sort of cooperative mode. Either a a brand new one or an expansion to Salmon Run.
Whatever it is, just let me play it whenever I want, please. Salmon Run's time restriction is what turned me off from the mode and ultimately from the game. Then again, if it is unlimited, I will probably play it until my eys fall off, so, I'm not sure which option is better.
Nintendo said they would focus the presentation on games releasing this year. But a 2022 title is not that far off.
7 - Shin Megami Tensei V
My first contact with the Shin Megami Tensei franchise was with SMT IV on the 3DS.
I liked it so much I ended up playing all games main line games afterwards, including the ones on the SNES.
With the recent release of SMT III Nocturne in the West, there is nothing more in the way of marketing for SMT V. Meaning E3 2021 is a good moment to start the title's campaign.
The game was announced before the Switch even released, and is the last game announced back then that isn't already out or cancelled.
So, I think I can speak for every SMT fan when I say, "Atlus, just give us the game already".
Edit: Looks like Sega leaked a lot of information about the game ahead of time by mistake. I'm not looking, or covering it, but I will link to Persona Central, who has the story, in case you are interested.
6 - Fatal Frame VI
Fatal Frame is a long running horror franchise that takes a different approach to fear from games like Resident Evil.
Focusing more on psychological horror and atmosphere, the game is probably my favorite in the genre.
Every single Nintendo system released after the company became the co owner of the IP has had a tittle in the franchise, so, I don't have a reason to believe the Switch will be any different. But the absense of any news regarding a new game has me a bit worried.
At this point, I would take even a re-release/remake of the original trilogy. Or a remaster of the 4th title, my favorite game of the franchise. The inability of getting 100% on that game haunts me to this day. Which is funny, considering what the game is about.
Nevertheless, the most exciting announcement would be a Fatal Frame VI. Giving continuation to the series. Hopefully, with much less boob physics for the ghosts, this time around.
5 - Eternal Darkness sequel/remake
That is not gonna happen.
4 - Some flavor of Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze is the best 2D pure platformer in recent years. At least in my opinion.
I would love a third game to complete the second trilogy, but Retro is busy with Metroid, so, that is probably too much to ask ( that is also why "Retro's new game isn't on the list" ).
That said, there are still things that can be done with DK. Either a remake of Returns for the Nintendo Switch or the rumored 3D Donkey Kong by the creators of Mario Odyssey would be very much welcomed.
Whatever it is, I just hope it lives up to DK's legacy, both in the gameplay and in the music department.
3 - Metroid Prime 4
Another long waited game. This one had its development rebooted 2019 and we haven't heard anything since then.
While 2 years is usually not enough to develop a full game, because the game was announced in 2017, before being restarted, fans are craving for something. Anything.
Even if Metroid Prime 4 doesn't come out this year, it would be really good to at least see what it looks like and what are the ideas the team is working on.
And since the title was originally announced at E3. Having it being shown for the first time at E3 makes sense as well.
2 - New game from Monolith Soft
Monolith has become a cornerstone of Nintendo's development. They did a lot of work in Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing and are probably working on the sequel to Breath of the Wild as well.
That said, since the company was acquired by Nintendo, they haven't released many games of their own.
The company's talent is undeniable. Heck, the first Xenoblade managed to dethrone Metroid as my favorite Nintendo franchise, which I didn't think could ever happen.
I believe now is finally time to see what they have in store for us. Maybe a new Xenoblade title. Or a remaster/reimagined of Xenoblade X. Or maybe a brand new IP.
Either way, it is almost certain whatever they show will be ambitious and fun to play. And hopefully have a great story behind it. Fingers crossed they finally get their time to shine.
1 - The sequel to Breath of the Wild
I'm sure everyone saw this one comming. My biggest hope for Nintendo's E3 2021 presentation. The sequel to Breath of the Wild.
My story with Zelda is a bit weird. There are games in the series I really enjoy, like Majora's Mask and A Link to the Past, while others, like Skyward Sword, I don't really care for.
Breath of the Wild changed everything. The world, the exploration, the combat. I enjoyed the game from start to finish.
It is not a perfect game, by any means. Almost all the shrines look the same. The Divine Beast's dungeons aren't as fleshed out, even if the concept is interesting. And what is up with so many gems stating they can be used for crafting, when crafting isn't even in the game?
That said, it is exacly because of this, that I'm looking foward to the sequel so much. Now, the team has time to flesh out many concepts they couldn't do. And improve all aspects of the original game.
Will they do it? Who knows, but I surely hope so. This list is about my hopes and dreams after all.
All I know is that if they make a game that gives the same sense of wonder of the first game while improving on the flawed aspects it had, this has the potential to be the best Zelda ever made. And maybe even the best open world game of all time.
Bonus - A Nintendo wacky game
Nintendo is always great with these types of games.
It can be a new Wario Ware, or a new Rhythm Heaven, or even a brand new IP.
All I want in this front is game I can look at and say: "Yeah. That is a Nintendo game alright".
And this is my top 10 hopes and dreams for Nintendo E3 2021. How does your list look like? Is it similar to my list? Or completely different?
0 Comments