So, the latest Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase is all done and dusted, and wasn't it a cracker?
In case you're looking for a full recap, we've put together a list of all the show's highlights and plonked them below for you. If you like, you can even rewatch the show itself – ideal if you missed it the first time around.
Ready? Tuck in.
Nintendo Direct Mini: Partner Showcase September 2020 - The Presentation
Monster Hunter Rise
This latest entry in the action-RPG series finds players battling fearsome monsters and reaching new heights. Prepare to be transported to the colorful Kamura Village, a new serene mountain locale where players will experience unique culture and innovative hunting technologies. Using a special insect called a Wirebug, hunters will be able to grapple themselves in any direction, making it possible to scale towering cliffs and structures. All combat areas within each quest are seamlessly connected, allowing for exploration of the vast and vertical landscapes with no loading times.
Read more: It's Official, Monster Hunter Rise Confirmed For Nintendo Switch
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin
Currently in development, MONSTER HUNTER STORIES 2: Wings of Ruin puts players in the role of a Monster Rider who befriends iconic monsters from the Monster Hunter series as they embark on epic adventures together. More information about this story-based role-playing game coming to Nintendo Switch in summer 2021 will be revealed in the future.
Read more: Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings Of Ruin Hits Switch Summer 2021
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
The little spirit Ori is no stranger to peril, but when a fateful flight puts the owlet Ku in harm’s way, it will take more than bravery to bring a family back together, heal a broken land and discover Ori’s true destiny. From Moon Studios, the creators of the acclaimed action-platformer Ori and the Blind Forest, comes a new adventure in a vast, vibrant world filled with new friends and foes that come to life in stunning, hand-painted artwork. Set to a fully orchestrated original score, Ori and the Will of the Wisps continues the Moon Studios tradition of tightly crafted platforming action and deeply emotional storytelling.
Read more: Ori And The Will Of The Wisps Launches On Switch Today
Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise
The sequel to Fitness Boxing has entered the ring! Grab the Joy-Con controllers, select the music and courses, and get to a variety of boxing exercises! Players can pick any one of nine instructors, each with their own distinctive personality, with three making their debut in the game: Karen, Janice and Hiro. As players continue exercising, their bond with the instructors will grow. Players can even customize their outfits, providing more variety to their workouts. Several features are included in this instalment, including a two-player mode, an alarm function and the ability to remove certain boxing actions. Save data can even be carried over from the first Fitness Boxing game!
Read more: Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise Punches Its Way To Switch In December
Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny
As a result of Super Reincarnation, the boastful zombie Zed gets stronger the more he dies! By reincarnating their way through a variety of worlds, players will face off against the strongest God of Destruction. Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny marks the first time the series uses 3D models, with vibrant characters full of personality and the return of the series' over-the-top battle system. Get ready for an experience that defies common sense, genre and destiny when Disgaea 6: Defiance of Destiny comes exclusively to Nintendo Switch in summer 2021.
Read more: Disgaea 6: Defiance Of Destiny Is A Nintendo Switch Exclusive Coming Summer 2021
Hades
Defy the god of the dead in this Greek mythology-inspired dungeon crawler. Thousands of story events and ability combinations ensure a unique experience each time players hack and slash their way out of the Underworld, wielding the powers and mythical weapons of Olympus to aid in their escape.
Empire of Sin
In this new strategy game, players enter the criminal underworld of Prohibition-era Chicago in the 1920s. It’s up to players to hustle, charm and intimidate their way to the top of the pile and do whatever it takes to stay there. Empire of Sin launches for Nintendo Switch on Dec. 1 and is available for pre-order starting today.
Sniper Elite 4
Across the largest and most diverse world ever seen in a Sniper Elite game, players can look forward to the series-defining ballistics, tense stealth and third-person action. Sniper Elite 4 launches for Nintendo Switch this holiday season.
Read more: Take Aim In Sniper Elite 4, Coming To Nintendo Switch Later This Year
PGA TOUR 2K21
The fairway is open in PGA TOUR 2K21! Play against the in-game pros on visually stunning real-life courses, hit the links with friends locally and online, or run full seasons and tournaments with Online Societies. Design and share the ultimate golf course using tons of custom options with the Course Designer. The digital version of PGA TOUR 2K21 is now available in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, with the physical version of the game launching on Sept. 25.
The Long Dark
In this exploration-survival game, players are on their own as they journey through a frozen wilderness in the aftermath of a geomagnetic disaster. A chilling narrative awaits players in the WINTERMUTE Story Mode, or they can choose to enjoy hours of permadeath gameplay in Survival Mode.
Read more: Exploration-Survival Game The Long Dark Is Available On Switch Right Now
Balan Wonderworld
As Leo and Emma, players will don costumes to wield a variety of abilities. A costume with a gear ability, for example, lets players rotate gears to open doors or access new paths. There are more than 80 costumes to find, with the ability to carry up to three at once. Change between costumes to collect crystals and Statues scattered throughout stages. A two-player mode is also available! By combining costume abilities with friends, players may be able to reach new locations. BALAN WONDERWORLD will make its grand entrance on Nintendo Switch on March 26, 2021.
Rune Factory 5
Build a new life amidst a grand adventure in this heartwarming RPG. As a young man or woman with no memories, players will get a fresh start in the rural town of Rigbarth as a peacekeeping ranger. In addition to protecting the town, players’ day-to-day lives will include harvesting crops, fishing in the river and participating in local festivals. They may even find a special someone to start dating, fall in love with … and get married to! A new battle system allows players to perform combo attacks with allies to take down monsters. Begin life anew in a fantasy world when Rune Factory 5 launches on Nintendo Switch in 2021.
Read more: Rune Factory 5 Pushed Back To 2021, First Gameplay Footage Appears
Which announcements were your favourites? Any games mentioned here that you're looking forward to playing? Feel free to share your thoughts on the show in the comments.
Comments 28
It was, definitely, the best of these presentations.
Even got me interested on getting MH Rise. I've never played the series before and it looked very interesting.
Ori was also a nice surprise and the gangster game looks fun.
All in all there was more 'meat' in this presentation than the previous ones and it would have been perfect if we had got a release date for Doom.
Monster Hunter Stories 2 caught my attention quickly as i recognized the drawing style from MonHun Stories 3DS.
Monster Hunter Rice... eh, Rise 😅 caught my attention slowly as i watched again from Monster Hunter Direct but i need more time to consider that game as i'm not familiar with MonHun games.
Fitness Boxing 2....if the song list better than than the first game, i think i will consider.
Great showcase. I mean, starting it off with two Monster Hunter games?!
Rune Factory 5, Disgeae 6, Ori 2 and of course the reveal of Karen! The list goes on and it had a great selection of game genres.
Balan Wonderworld was also a lovely treat/surprise that piqued my interest.
Well done partners!
2021 has the potential to be the year I buy the most Switch games since launch.
This was a petty good mini Direct for me! Excited to see a sequel to Monster Hunter Stories and very excited for Ori 2!
I'm curious about Hades but the rougelike description I've seen applied puts me off. I've tried 5-6 rougelikes now I and just don't get on with that format sadly. Balan Wonderland looks fun but to be honest, looked a little janky in the Direct. I'll be keeping an eye on it though.
Not exactly sure how Monster Hunter Rise will stack up to previous entries but it looks better than World at the very least so I'll definitely give it a chance to win me over. Stories 2 looks really nice but not sure if it matters if I haven't played the first game or not. Been really keen for Rune Factory 5 since its announcement and it's looking great so far. Gonna have some big time sinks next year between Monster Hunter and Rune Factory. Already downloaded Hades (but haven't played it yet) and will likely grab Ori when it goes on sale as I still need to play the first one.
I can't believe Ori is here! I thought the devs said that they couldn't bring Will o Wisps to switch? Didn't I hear that somewhere?
Either way, most of the games looked great but I can't wait to play Ori (as soon as I finish 3d all stars, as soon as I finish etc etc )
Monster Hunter is always good, and Ori was a nice surprise. Hades is great but already have it elsewhere. Very excited for Balan Wonderworld but the Switch version looks awful so I'll definitely be getting that for another platform.
Sniper Elite, Rune Factory, The Long Dark, PGA, Empire of SIn, Disgea and Fitness Boxing all looked dire. So a mixed bag for me, with more bad than good.
I'm interested in both Monster Hunter Rise and Monster Hunter Stories 2. If I end up buying one of them (or both) it will be my first Monster Hunter experience.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps I will also purchase, probably next month. Balan Wonderworld also looks interesting but the footage they showed was very shoddy, so I'm going to hold off on that one.
All in all an excellent showcase of third party software. Much better than the previous two for sure!
This was JRPGlicious. More Monster Hunter is neat even though I still lean more towards the franchise's more story-driven successors like God Eater and Toukiden (in which regard Stories 2 might be more fitting, especially with the trailer's HtTYD vibes), but I'd need to cover its prequel first) - but Rune Factory 5 is decidedly THE item of the presentation for me. :3 Worth noting that it seems to adopt the behind-the-shoulder view once exclusives to the home console spinoffs, too.
And to think Disgaea has come from barely visiting Nintendo platforms to becoming a regional Nintendo exclusive. How the turns have tabled.😅 I certainly prefer 2D sprites over polygonal models myself, but animesque polygons usually manage to retain enough of the charm. In other news, Ori sequel is a welcome surprise drop as well.
@BenAV I don't think it matters much if you haven't played the first. I haven't played much of it but from what I know it's basically the same as not needing to play previous entries to enjoy a Pokemon game.
I have never played any Monster Hunter games but Rise has caught my attention; I'll probably get it if my gaming schedule would be less crowded. I'm really digging that Empire Of Sin game and Hades is just perfect - like everything else by Supergiant games.
Pretty decent showcase, although recently Nintendo has had the tendency to reveal at the beginning what I would wait till the end for.
Hopefully they bring the first Monster Hunter Stories to Switch, have it on 3DS but it'd be nice to play it on the big screen.
But... but... there are no good games coming to Switch!
Stuff it, complainers.
Some great stuff, I’m glad to see some Monster Hunter love.
Just popping back in to say, good gravy, what an awesome Direct.
Maybe I am in the minority as it doesn't seem to have generated much buzz at all, but I really liked the look of Empire of Sin.
This was a pretty good partner showcase. But hope there will be a normal nintendo direct soon too. This year im getting oceanhorn 2, immortals fenix rising, and probably the mario 3d collection. Hyrule warriors is not my kind of game but looks interesting..
Glad Capcom gave Monster Hunter for Switch some love. Also will keep my eye on Sniper Elite 4, nearly bought it on Xbox so many times but if it runs well on Switch I may grab it for that to show my support to Rebellion.
Monster Hunter Rise!!!
The game looks gorgeous. It’s using the RE Engine adapted for Switch, which is an upgrade over the old MT Framework that MH World and MH Generations Ultimate ran on. And it shows. It’s not quite as pretty as World, but it’s close, which is an incredible achievement given the hardware.
Monster Hunter is my favorite series of all time. And I’m even more excited for MH Rise than I was for World. I loved Generations Ultimate- even more than World, but Iceborn was so good it took the top spot. It filled out the roster and added some much needed maps. But this? Oh my gosh. That mobility, that verticality, open maps in a portable entry... this is a dream come true.
Anyone who hasn’t played a Monster Hunter before... don’t miss out on Monster Hunter Rise. I’d say MH World is my GOAT, and by all accounts, MH Rise is going to top World.
Also, Monster Hunter Stories 2!! Dear goodness it looks amazing! Incredible artwork, fully voiced... what more could one ask for?!
Sniper Elite 4 is hype, Hades is hype, and Ori Will of the Wisps is INSANE hype. Can’t believe they did it! They brought it to Switch!
So I’m buying MHR, sniper 4
@dugan you’re right! They definitely led us to believe that Ori wasn’t coming for a long time if at all...so this was a big surprise! Especially since it came out on Xbox so recently.
I’m actually stoked for Fitness Boxing 2, to accompany my Ring Fitting. My massage therapist has been playing FB1 and said it’s such a good workout for body and brain bc it has you doing the same routine on both sides of your body...great for strength and for combatting Alzheimer’s even:)
@tourjeff Yaaay I'm glad that someone on here is interested in MH. I always been looking for a MH player on here because everyone l'm friends with don't know MH. I own a lot of the MH games but l was never able to find a friend to play with!
@Dethmunk I like your avatar xD Makes me laugh
@JaxonH I couldn't agree more! As a lifelong fan since Freedom 1, I can't be more excited for the Monster Hunter Rise. From embodying the Portable 3rd entry I always wanted to play to the huge verticality even more expansive than World and even MH4U, I'm dying already waiting for March to arrive. The graphics look incredible for the Switch, and the fact that they managed seamless worlds and near limitless platforming ala BOTW at the scale that the Shrine Ruins boasts speaks to the sheer capabilities of Capcom's RE Engine.
@Mr_Persona I would be happy to add you and hunt together in Rise and even GU if you like! I still don't have many friends to hunt with online.
Those pair of Monster Hunter games! 😍
FINALLY! After two mixed presentations, they finally delivered the Partner Showcase I always wanted ever since they announced the format.
Many announcements here caugh my attention, but Monster Hunter? It turns out reconciliation happened after all
They're really hyping up their content for next year I see. Rune Factory 5 is something I'm really looking into.
I hope the next Partner Showcases do their best to match this level of announcements. But first, you need to have the third-party support going for it. As they say many times, new hardware always attracts newer and bigger software.
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