Nintendo Direct September 2021: Highlights & Reactions!

Hey guys! Let's dive straight into the Nintendo Direct September 2021, which was jam-packed with awesome announcements, surprises, and a few things that left us scratching our heads. Buckle up, because we're breaking down all the major highlights and giving you the real, unfiltered reactions!

Metroid Dread Dominates the Spotlight

Metroid Dread was undoubtedly the star of this Nintendo Direct. Nintendo dedicated a significant chunk of the presentation to showcasing new gameplay footage, story details, and the overall atmosphere of the game. And let me tell you, it looks incredible. The environments are dark, moody, and dripping with atmosphere, perfectly capturing the feeling of isolation and dread that the title promises. Samus Aran, our beloved bounty hunter, is looking sleeker and more powerful than ever, equipped with new abilities and facing off against terrifying new enemies. The E.M.M.I. robots, in particular, seem like formidable foes, and the stealth-based gameplay sequences add a whole new layer of tension to the Metroid formula.

One of the most exciting aspects of the presentation was the deeper dive into Samus's new abilities. We got to see her utilize a new slide move, a powerful counterattack, and even a cloaking ability to evade enemies. These additions seem to add more depth to the combat and exploration, giving players more options for navigating the treacherous environments of Planet ZDR. The story also seems to be taking a darker and more mature turn, with hints of a deeper mystery surrounding the Chozo and the origins of the Metroid creatures. Metroid Dread is shaping up to be a true return to form for the series, and fans are understandably hyped. The reaction online has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the game's visuals, atmosphere, and the return to the classic Metroidvania gameplay style. Some are even calling it a potential game of the year contender. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Metroid Dread is definitely on everyone's radar.

Surprising Announcements and Unexpected Twists

Beyond Metroid Dread, the Nintendo Direct was filled with a bunch of surprising announcements and unexpected twists that kept us on the edge of our seats. One of the biggest surprises was the reveal of Kirby and the Forgotten Land, a brand-new Kirby game that takes the pink puffball into a post-apocalyptic 3D world. This is a major departure for the series, which has traditionally stuck to 2D platforming. The gameplay footage showed Kirby exploring abandoned cities and battling strange new enemies. It looks like a really interesting direction for the franchise, and the unique setting has definitely piqued our interest. The online reaction to Kirby and the Forgotten Land has been mixed, with some fans excited about the new direction and others expressing skepticism about the change in gameplay. However, most agree that the game looks visually stunning, and the post-apocalyptic setting is a refreshing change of pace for the series.

Another notable announcement was Bayonetta 3, which finally resurfaced after years of silence. The trailer showed Bayonetta sporting a new look and facing off against even more outlandish enemies. The action looks as stylish and over-the-top as ever, and fans of the series are eagerly anticipating its release. The reveal trailer was light on specific details, but it was enough to reignite the hype surrounding the game. The return of Bayonetta has been long awaited, and the trailer did not disappoint. In addition to these major announcements, there were also a number of smaller reveals that caught our attention. Voice of Cards: The Isle Dragon Roars, a unique RPG from the creator of Nier and Yoko Taro, was announced, and it features a beautiful card-based art style. Chocobo GP, a Final Fantasy-themed kart racer, was also revealed, and it looks like a fun and lighthearted alternative to Mario Kart. Overall, the Nintendo Direct was packed with a diverse range of games, catering to a wide variety of tastes. The mix of AAA titles and smaller indie games was well-balanced, and there was something for everyone to get excited about.

Disappointments and Missed Opportunities

Of course, no Nintendo Direct is perfect, and there were a few disappointments and missed opportunities in this presentation. One of the biggest complaints was the lack of updates on some highly anticipated games, such as Breath of the Wild 2. Many fans were hoping to get a new trailer or release date for the sequel, but Nintendo remained tight-lipped. This was definitely a letdown for those who have been eagerly awaiting the game's arrival. The absence of Breath of the Wild 2 was felt by many, and it left some feeling that the Direct was incomplete. Another disappointment was the lack of major announcements for the Nintendo Switch Online service. While Nintendo did reveal that more classic games would be added to the service, there was no mention of any significant upgrades or new features. This is an area where many fans feel that Nintendo is lagging behind its competitors, and they were hoping to see some improvements.

There were also a few missed opportunities in terms of showcasing games that have already been announced. For example, there was no mention of Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, which was originally scheduled to release in December 2021 but has since been delayed indefinitely. A brief update on the game's progress would have been appreciated. Similarly, there was no new information on Shin Megami Tensei V, which is set to release in November 2021. While the game has been heavily promoted in the past, a final trailer or gameplay demonstration would have helped to build even more excitement. Despite these disappointments, the Nintendo Direct was still a worthwhile presentation overall. The highlights far outweighed the lowlights, and there was plenty to get excited about. However, it's important to acknowledge the areas where Nintendo could have done better, and hopefully, they will address these issues in future presentations.

Final Verdict: A Solid Showing with Room for Improvement

So, what's the final verdict on the Nintendo Direct September 2021? Overall, it was a solid showing with plenty of exciting announcements and surprises. Metroid Dread stole the show, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land and Bayonetta 3 were also major highlights. The presentation was well-paced and featured a diverse range of games, catering to a wide variety of tastes. However, there were also a few disappointments and missed opportunities, such as the lack of updates on Breath of the Wild 2 and the Nintendo Switch Online service. Despite these shortcomings, the Nintendo Direct was still a worthwhile presentation overall. It showcased the strength of Nintendo's upcoming lineup and left fans feeling excited about the future of the Switch.

Here's a quick recap of the key takeaways:

• Metroid Dread looks amazing and is shaping up to be a must-play title.
• Kirby and the Forgotten Land is taking the series in a bold new direction.
• Bayonetta 3 is finally back and looks as stylish as ever.
• There were some disappointments, but overall, it was a strong showing.

What were your favorite announcements from the Nintendo Direct? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to stay tuned for more coverage of all things Nintendo.