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Not too shortly after the Pokemon Direct for the 20th Anniversary and core series announcements, we got a Nintendo Direct. Which presented to us a 41-minute long video, so let’s dive in and see what Nintendo has in stores for us for the Spring and Summer of 2016.

Star Fox Zero (Wii U)

Starting off the showcase, Shigeru Miyamoto was talking about the upcoming Star Fox Zero for Wii U. The game’s plot and gameplay is very similar to Star Fox 64 but they have made changes to the story and map structure are new. The Teleporters are a part of the story as they are important on the path you’ll take to Vemon. A new stage, Fortuna, will feature a bunch of bioweapons for you to dodge and gun down while challenging you. Alternate paths make a return to the game and more will unlock when you beat Venom on the normal difficulty.

Team Star Wolf will also make an appearance when newer paths are taken. However, the new gameplay features (such as the Target Mode, for example) should help with the challenge which they pose. Star Fox Zero will also feature a “2 Player Mode” where one player pilots, the vehicle and the other shoots the targets. This could be a nice little feature to bring back multiplayer couch sessions, and for those who have a Smash Bros. Fox amiibo. They’re in for a blast from the past. Using the figure will unlock the original SNES Arwing as a playable vehicle along with other bonuses that’ll be in the game.

There will also be another Star Fox along with Zero’s release. Originally teased “Project Guard” some E3s ago it’s finally ready as Star Fox Guard. In this game Slippy helps his uncle Grippy by setting up a defense perimeter while digging for rare metals in space. Slippy’s method is to use security cameras to watch the perimeter and blast the enemies off the map (think tower defense and Five Night at Freddy’s in the mix). On top of about 100 missions, players can create enemy placements lineups for others to download and play. Star Fox Zero will have Star Fox Guard as a bundled bonus in retail outlets, and the games can be purchased separately or together (for the same price as the physical.) from the Wii U’s eShop. Both games will be available April 22, 2016.

Star Fox Zero Let’s Rock & Roll Trailer

Splatoon (Wii U)

Sheldon Seal of Quality: Guaranteed to bring a smile and some ink to your face.

Splatoon will receive more updates this year. The first update will have some rebalancing. The lesser used gear abilities will be improved to become more useful to players. Adjustments will also be made to Ranked Battle matchmaking and Splatfest elements. This update will be released March 8.

The second update will focus on weapons. A number of weapons will be adjusted while putting in weapon set recommendations. These recommendations will be given by Sheldon for the popular and less appreciated gears in the game. The update will be split into two parts but only the first part of the update has a confirmation date of April. More details can be found on Splatoon’s official website.

Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games (Wii U & 3DS)

We have another title for this series. This time we have two new events for the Olympics: Rugby Sevens and Rhythmic Gymnastics Clubs. The venues in the game for each of the events are modeled after the real-life counterparts in Rio. The game will be released for the Wii U on June 24, 2016. More details on the game and the events will be announced. The 3DS port of the game will be released before the home console version on March 28, 2016.

Mario & Sonic at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games opening Movie

Super Mario Maker (Wii U)

ow many Marios does it take to save a Princess at the end of a Super Expert run? We may find out.

Even though it´s been over six months since “Super Mario Maker” got released, the level creators are still coming up with new stages for the game. There are currently more than 6.2 million user made levels, and now it’s time for Nintendo to take a shake at an update, and shaking is literally a part of it. In this update, you get to shake normal objects to transform them into something different: Thwomps turn into Skewers, P Switches into keys, doors into key doors, and coins into pink coins (which brings out a key once all of them from a level are collected.). Not only, users can add more challenges to their stages, but they can also make boss fights mandatory and have players search entire levels for a way out.

The update will also feature a Super Expert Mode, which will unlock after beating Expert Mode, for the 100 Mario challenge. After beating the six levels the player is rewarded with one of the mushroom costumes. All I can say is good luck and have fun. The Super Mario Maker Bookmark website will have new additions for searching world records such as first clears. The update will be available March 9, 2016.

Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE (Wii U)

At least Chrom gets a better role, right?

Perhaps one of the only sole reasons why I would get a Wii U is mentioned in this Nintendo Direct. The Atlus and Intelligent System collaboration combine the mechanics from the Persona and Fire Emblem series, while fusing it with an energetic pop idol theme. In the matter of fact, the tracks used for this title come from Avex, and Avex just happen to handle some of the biggest pop stars in Japan. And since this takes place in Tokyo, Japan the dubbing will retain its original seiyū voice over while the subbing will be in the dialogue boxes. I’m not going to Jynx it. Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE will make its big debut on June 24, 2016.

Lost Reavers (Wii U)

We finally got some news on Bandai Namco’s Free-to-Play title for the Wii since its announcement on a Nintendo Direct from last year. Go in a team of four, solve ancient puzzles, level up, and drag the treasure back for your paycheck. I actually think this direction is neat. It takes Tomb Raider and blends it with the B-Movie genre co-op games like Zombies Monsters Robots. The open Beta will be available April 14th with the full version following it on April 28th.

Lost Reavers movie

Paper Mario: Color Splash (Wii U)

A household of Toads seems to fall like a house of cards.

We get another game where you use a pallet of colors to paint everything. However, instead of an ink gun you get to use a hammer. In this Paper Mario game you find yourself on Prism Island where it is being drained of its colors. Using the new Paint Hammer you smack everything from flowers and walls to Toads and their houses to splash paint to revive the island and its inhabitants. In battle, you paint cards and use them in a fight by flicking them up from the GamePad. There will also be special cards that will overpower your enemies, such as a giant fan to blow them away. The latest Paper Mario game will be out around 2016.

Pokken Tournament Fighter (Wii U)

I want my Gengars to learn this move.

While some may be disappointed with how the spin-off games didn’t make it in the Pokemon Direct. I’m sure Pokemon fans will be glad to see more about this Wii U installment. In the Ferrum League, you start from being a rookie and move up on the ranks as you progressively fight more skilled trainers Tekken style. Since this is a fighting game, you won’t have to worry about buying Potions or Pokeballs. Instead, you’ll use your prize money to buy new clothes for your trainer like in Pokemon X & Y. Like any fighting game and Pokemon title each of these monsters will very in fighting style, such as the heavy hitting Machamp and the fast & furious Weavile.

With a number of main and support Pokemon you can create a play style right for you, and of course as previously mentioned in a Nintendo Direct last year. Those who have pre-ordered copies of Pokken Tournament Fighter, will get a Shadow Mewtwo amiibo card during the game session (the card will only be available for a temporary time period). So get ready to throw down on March 18, 2016 so all of you can be Lords/Ladies of Pokken and air juggle their tails (if they have them.).

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD (Wii U)

By the time this article goes live the game should be available in stores. If you are planning on getting yourself a copy then why are you still reading this article? And be sure to check out the Twilight Princess Retrospective while you take your breaks. They can be found on Nintendo’s YouTube Channel.

Twilight Princess HD features video

My Nintendo (Loyalty Program – Wii U/3DS)

As previously mentioned in another article My Nintendo is the successor to Club Nintendo. Through this program, you will be rewarded points for using services and apps published under the company. For more information on early signup for both My Nintendo and the upcoming Miimoto app check out this article here. Alternatively, go directly to the official Nintendo Account website and sign up or sign in with a current existing Nintendo Network ID or social media account.

Mini Mario & Friends amiibo Challenge (Wii U/N3DS/3DS w/ amiibo Portal)

“Mini mario and friends amiibo challenge” is an actual game that focuses on amiibos.

Looks like the Minis won’t stop marching. In this installment amiibo collectors can use their figures to call up a Mini based on the amiibo to complete a challenge, with each one having a speciality such as Mini Mario’s wall jumping. You can get early access to the game via purchasing an amiibo from GameStop, Amazon, or Best Buy starting March 26, 2016. The game will be free to download on Wii U and 3DS eShops on April 28th.

amiibo News

The next Animal Crossing amiibo card series will be coming out June 10th, 2016. An Isabelle amiibo will be attainable as an individual figure during that time. She will also be available in her alternative Spring/Summer outfit.

Virtual Consoles (N3DS)

They really got it backwards and twisted when it comes to Virtual Consoles. Gameboy Advance games for the Wii U and NES ones for the 3DS. To add more to the insanity SNES VCs will be available exclusively for the New Nintendo 3DS. These titles will have special features for the N3DS, including Perfect Pixel Mode, which keeps the game in its original resolution.

Pilotwings, Super Mario World, and F-Zero will be released by the time of this article’s publishing, followed by Super Mario Kart, Earthbound, and Donkey Kong Country on March 24th, and finally The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, and Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest on April 14th. To use a phrase my dad usually says, “Oy gevalt, what the hell?” But hey, at least N3DS users can enjoy the pleasures of home gaming away from home.

Pocket Card Jockey (3DS)

Game Freak can develop some weird games sometimes.

A.K.A., Card Game on Horses. To be more specific you play solitaire at a fast pace as you race other jockeys in the game. You level up the horse, race some, and eventually retire it so it can hook up with a mare and bare a pony for you to raise it to dare the challenge. Surprisingly, this is developed by Game Freak, the company that brings us the Pokemon Core Games. Sure they have made a number of other games before and during Pokemon. Nevertheless, I can’t help but feel that they just got someone who use to work at Konami. Any ways, the game will be raced to the 3DS eShop in May.

Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 (3DS)

The sequel takes the fast pace action from the first game and adds more features to it. In this installment you can play as Copen “The Adept Slayer” and use some special abilities. He can lock onto enemies by dashing into them and copy the exact abilities from the bosses in the game. Gunvolt 2 will be available this summer, but the first Azure Striker Gunvolt will be on sale for $9.99 between March 2 and June 1.

Gunvolt 2 Trailer

Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright and Conquest (3DS DLC)

…Can I go back to slaying dragons in Skyrim?

The third path, Revelation, is finally here. And it is being released with the DLC maps Museum Melee (acquire rare weapons) and Rainbow Royal. If you already purchased Map Pack 1, then all you have to do is download them. Revelation can be purchased for $19.99 from the “Explore Fates” option on the main menu.

Hyrule Warriors Legends (3DS/Wii U DLC)

The legends are coming true for the 3DS and there is more to come, but as a day one season pass. On release day, you can buy a Season Pass for four DLC packs coming in 2016. When you purchase the pass, you can get Ganondorf’s Wind Waker robes for free. DLC, of course, can be purchased individually. All preorders/launch day purchases of the physical game, will be bundled with a special code for a Hyrule Warriors Legends 3DS theme.

Not only that but there will also be a transfer code for owners for the Wii U Hyrule Warriors to use to download the new characters from Legends, especially Linkle. And for the final bit of news on preorders if you arranged one at GameStop in the U.S. you will receive a soft cover character art book. To add more to the hype Medli from Wind Waker will be a free DLC character for both Hyrule Warriors and Hyrule Warriors Legends. The 3DS game Hyrule Warriors Legends will be released on March 25, 2016.

Hyrule Warriors Legends Characters trailer

Disney Art Academy (3DS)

Some artists can’t let Elsa go.

Ever wanted to learn how to professionally draw your favorite Disney animation character? With this title you can, complete with instructor. In this game, you get to learn how to draw Disney and Pixar characters step by step while using various tools to utilize styles and add effects to the piece. Disney Art Academy draws near the shops on May 13, 2016.

Bravely Second End Layer (3DS)

Like Bravely Default it too will have a demo of the game with a separate storyline. And you will get the chance to play through the demo as the Cavaliers for special bonuses in the main game. Much like its predecessor Bravely Second will feature a host of jobs. These jobs include the Wizard that can use Spellcraft to combine spells. And the Catmancer who combines the art of the Blue Mage, and the skills of the Beastmaster to teach domestic cats special enemy moves. Bravely Second can be pre-purchased on March 10th, and both the standalone and Collector’s Edition will be out in April 15, 2016.

Bravely Second End Layer story trailer

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of a Forgotten Past (3DS)

New life has been brought back to this quest.

A classic from the Playstation era is remade for the 3DS game. The maps have been recreated. The characters went from sprites to 3D models, and the script is “re-translated.” As the main protagonist, you collect fragments of continents from a forgotten world and teleport there in the past. With over 30 classes to choose from and many places to revive in the world you’ll be rolling in RPG goodness. Expect this adventure in sometime this 2016.

Monster Hunter Generations (3DS)

The most customizable Monster Hunter Cross is coming to the states. In the Direct, we’re treated to the trailer (which I’ll add to the bottom of this section). Anyone who has Monster Hunter 4 save data on their 3DS will receive special item bonuses when starting a new game. To promote Generations MH4 is currently (at the moment of writing this) on sale for 48 hours at the price of $19.99. Finally to add to the hype the game will have a special Lodestar (Marth-base class) armor collab. Monster Hunter Generations will be here in the summer of 2016.

Monster Hunter Generations trailer

Lodestar trailer

Metroid Prime: Federation Force (3DS)

I can understand why people are upset about this title, and sadly enough Samus is still not a playable character. She is only mentioned in the story. While I can understand the frustration of the fans, I also need to look at it from another perspective. It’s a spin-off game based on a battle between the Federation and the Space Pirates. We all want to play Samus. However, she can’t fight an entire war non-stop while completely every mission in three hours or less. She’s only human/Chozo/Metroid.

Ranting aside Federation Force will have players take on a loadout based on the role they want to play, much like Alien Swarms. The items used for the loadout are divided from a pool that players need to pick from. More details will be available later, but I can give two positives about this game so far: You don’t play the Federation from the Other M universe, and you get to pilot mechs. That’s right, you’re a sort of Mech Warrior in this game’s story. Expect this title to launch around late Spring of 2016.

Federation force movie

Rhythm Heaven: Megamix (3DS)

This year rhythm players are in for a treat. Megamix will feature over a 100 rhythm games with about 70 of them from the previous titles in the series, including from the original GBA game that was never released outside Japan. There will of course be 30 new games in with the others, so there will be plenty to choose from. Rhythm Heaven: Megamix will chime in later in 2016.

Kirby: Planet Robobot (3DS)

He’s going to wreak ya with his mecha!

Kirby is coming right back at us on the 3DS again as the final announcement for this Direct. This time around Dream Land is being mechanized by brand-new invaders. Like games before it, Kirby will set out on a new adventure and use both old and new Copy Abilities but this time around Kirby gets an upgrade. In points of the game, Kirby will be able to use the enemies’ tech and ride around in Robobot Armor. Which can destroy just about any obstacle in his way. His Robobot Armor can also use the Copy Ability and produce powerful versions of them.

For amiibo collectors you can use, your figures to give Kirby Copy Abilities during gameplay. Just tapping any amiibos will do something, such as using the Smash Bros. Kirby figure to give himself his moveset from the Smash games. Speaking of amiibos there will be a Kirby series that can be used for this game. Each one will give a Copy Ability and costume based on Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Waddle Dee. Kirby’s own figure will give him the UFO Ability, which is the only way to get in this game.

Planet Robobot will also have a separate mode called “Team Kirby Clash” where four players can choose a role and fight powerful bosses. For the first time in a Kirby game you can level up and take on more difficult quests. This mode can be played with friends via Download Play or solo using sidekicks. Kirby Planet Robobot will be available June 10, 2016.

And that’s all this Nintendo Direct has to offer. We’ll be waiting for any news regarding mobile apps and the NX this year, but for now. Let’s hope that this winter blows over quickly, so that we can spring forward to these games.

***Disclaimer***
This is a personal opinion of the writer, and it doesn’t necessarily represent the other writers (nor The Gaming Ground´s) opinions.