The last Nintendo Direct Partner showcase of this year was shown a couple of days ago. Always nice to see what’s ahead, so which of the games stood out to me? I’ll talk about them here, and add other news that I have found as well.
So, let’s look at Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town, Bravely Default II, Surviving the Aftermath, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Tropico 6, The Switch Collector, Windbound DLC, Rune Factory 5 and Pikmin merchandise.
Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town
We have a date for the very first fully new Story of Seasons game! Coming to the Switch on March 23, 2021. Of course we had the cooperation game about Doraemon, and the remake of Friends of Mineral Town. But this one is entirely new and will offer the usual SoS goodness: farming, taking care of animals, forging relationships and crafting, it’s all going to be there.
“Inspired by tales of your grandfather’s pioneering days, you decide to pack your bags and leave the hustle and bustle of big city life for the frontier in Olive Town. When you arrive, you run into Victor, the town’s mayor and your grandfather’s old friend. He brings you to the old farm, which has been reclaimed by nature over the years. Determined to breathe life back into your grandfather’s dream and follow in his footsteps, you rolls up your sleeves and get to work.
Olive Town—which is just a stone’s throw away from the farm—is a port town built on the tip of a peninsula. It might be a quiet little town, but it is home to a whole host of unique characters. And while the townsfolk get by well enough in this picturesque seaside locale, a little more tourism never hurt anyone… ”
Bravely Default II
Did you play the demo for Bravely Default II that’s in the eShop and gave feedback about your thoughts on it? Based on 22,000 questionnaire responses Square Enix made a feedback video that you can check below.  Lot’s of positive responses on the music, the graphics and the role system, but some negatives too, for example on the difficulty and the way the user interface is set up. Square Enix is bringing us the new Bravely Default title on February 26 next year and it is exiting to see if they take the comments on board and make it an even better game.
In the series’ new adventure, four heroes, brought together by fate, will set off on an epic journey, visiting stunning locations, meeting intriguing characters and battling dastardly villains. By defeating enemies called Asterisk bearers, the heroes will acquire Asterisks, which allow them to change jobs. By using the right combination of jobs, you can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Some of the jobs that can be acquired include the powerful Vanguard, the White Mage, the Bard, the Beastmaster and the Gambler, among many others.
Surviving the Aftermath
Not exactly a cute looking title but it could be an interesting one. You have to survive and thrive in a post-apocalyptic future. Resources are scarce, but opportunity calls. You have to build the ultimate disaster-proof colony, protect your colonists and restore civilization to a devastated world.
The Nintendo Switch version of Surviving the Aftermath launches in spring 2021.
Tropico 6
A game that is near, to be released on November 6, is Tropico 6. A title that is on Steam already, but this will be the first time you can play it in handheld!
“Prove yourself once again as a feared dictator or peace-loving statesman on the island state of Tropico and shape the fate of your nation through four distinctive eras. Face new challenges on the international stage and always keep the needs of your people in mind.
Manage extensive archipelagos, build bridges to connect your islands and use new means of transportation and infrastructure. Send your Tropicans on raids to steal the wonders of the world, including the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower. Customize your palace at will and give election speeches from your balcony, to win the favor of your subjects.”
Our strategy games specialist Paula is playing the game to give you her review at launch!
Immortals Fenyx Rising
Would you say that copying is the best form of flattery? When I looked at the video of Immortals Fenyx Rising I was reminded of Breath of the World everywhere. From the gameplay to the way the inventory was built up. Still, the game looks very good, and is already close: to be released on December 3rd.
“The fate of the world is at stake. Play as Fenyx, a new winged demigod, on a quest to save the Greek gods and their home from a dark curse. Take on mythological beasts, master the legendary powers of the gods and defeat Typhon, the deadliest Titan in Greek mythology, in an epic fight for the ages.”
The Switch Collector part 2
In 2019, the  first volume of The Switch Collector was released? The Switch collector book is a great idea to give to gaming fans, so if you’re looking for a nice Christmas present?
The book covers all the physical releases for the Nintendo Switch along with the must play digital-only releases the writers would like to see come out physically.
The initial volume, titled “Volume One” is the first of its kind about the system and covers the first year of the Nintendo Switch from the launch all the way to its first year anniversary. From Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey to indie favorites like Retro City Rampage and Azure Striker Gunvolt, there is a ton of ground to cover in the first year alone! Though in limited supply, it can be ordered here.
Want to be one of the firsts to get the second book? Then make sure to support the Kickstarter campaign for Part 2! It is, once again, a full-color, comprehensive guide to every game physically released in the first half of the Nintendo Switch™ console’s second year. This year’s edition is expected to be even bigger at over 400 full color pages, featuring the inclusion of Indie Limited Edition publishers new to the Switch scene. The Kickstarter campaign is here.Â
Free Windbound DLC
Did you enjoy Windbound as much as Paula did? (Her review is here) Then you will be pleased to know that free DLC is available now in the eShop. Aside from the fixes needed, there’s an Endless Mode, a Photo Mode and a Witch outfit and weapon for Kara as well as an update to Blessings!
https://twitter.com/WindboundGame/status/1322132881175621632?s=20
Rune Factory 5 Has a Release Date in Japan
The Japanese fans also got a Direct Mini, and in this one, Rune Factory 5 got a release date on the Switch: May 20th 2021. We of course have to wait a bit longer, but it’s a start!
After having lost their memory, the protagonist Ares/Alice gets recruited into a band of rangers called Seed. Similar to past Rune Factory games, you’ll get to farm, fish, and take on monsters. In Rune Factory 5, you’ll also get to team up with townsfolk to bust out powerful combo attacks in battle.
Pikmin Merchandise
They never fail to make me smile: Pikmin. And I remember the keychain I had very fondly, of the little Pikmin on a big strawberry. So it’s nice to see the merchandise My Nintendo is offering if you want to spend your platinum points. You’ll find a set of Pikmin 3 Deluxe-themed coasters or colorful and unique Pikmin character decals for on your glass. Remember, the offer only lasts till the end of November.
