Latest news with #MonsterHunterStories3:TwistedReflection
Metro
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
The Nintendo Partner Direct left me wondering: where's the ambition?
A reader is disappointed by the recent Partner Direct and worries the Nintendo and third party publishers are already playing it safe on Switch 2. I tuned into the July 31 Nintendo Partner Direct with cautious optimism. The Switch 2 is out, the gaming landscape is shifting, and I was ready to be wowed. Instead, I walked away feeling deflated. What should have been a showcase of bold new directions and creative risks felt more like a safe, predictable parade of sequels, remakes, and ports. If this is Nintendo's vision for the future of its hybrid console dynasty, then I'm worried they're coasting on goodwill rather than pushing boundaries. Let's start with the obvious: Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. Sure, it's a new entry in a beloved series, and the cinematic teaser hinted at a darker tone. But no gameplay? No innovation teased beyond a vague 'new story arc'? It felt like Capcom was banking on nostalgia and brand recognition rather than showing us why this game deserves to exist on a next gen platform. Then there was Octopath Traveler 0, Square Enix's latest HD-2D offering. I love the aesthetic, I really do. But we've seen this style multiple times now. The town-building mechanic and character customisation are welcome additions, but they don't scream 'next gen'. They whisper 'safe sequel'. It's a prequel, too – another sign that publishers are more interested in mining existing IP than forging new ones. Just Dance 2026, EA Sports FC 26, Madden NFL 26 – these are annualised franchises that feel more like contractual obligations than creative endeavours. Their inclusion in the Direct made the whole thing feel like a corporate checklist rather than a celebration of gaming artistry. Even Plants Vs. Zombies: Replanted, while charming, is a remake. And Pac-Man World Re-Pac 2? Another remake. Where's the originality? I kept waiting for that one surprise. That, 'one more thing'. But it never came. Hyrule Warriors: Age Of Imprisonment was probably the closest we got to something intriguing – a canonical prequel to Tears Of The Kingdom sounds promising. But again, it's a spin-off of a spin-off. And while I appreciate the lore expansion, it's still rooted in existing material. Even the indie offerings felt muted. The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millennium Tales had potential, with its HD-2D action role-playing flair, but it didn't feel like a game that could define the Switch 2 era. It felt like filler. And Chillin' By The Fire? Cozy, yes. But ambitious? Not remotely. Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. What frustrates me most is that this was a Partner Showcase, not a mainline Nintendo Direct. So, I get it – no Mario, no Zelda, no Metroid Prime 4. But even within the third party space, there's room for boldness. Where's the weird, the experimental, the genre defying? Where's the spirit of the Switch's early years, when every Direct felt like a treasure hunt? Instead, this Direct felt like Nintendo and its partners are playing it safe. Maybe too safe. The Switch 2 is supposed to usher in a new era, but this showcase felt like a continuation of the old one. And that's the problem. Nintendo seems content to ride the wave of the Switch's success without truly challenging itself – or us. More Trending I want to believe that the Switch 2 has more to offer than prettier ports and sequels. I want to see games that couldn't exist on the original Switch. I want to be surprised, delighted, and maybe even confused. That's what Nintendo used to do best. But right now? It feels like they're coasting. And if they don't shake things up soon, the Switch 2 might end up being remembered, not for its innovation, but for its complacency. By reader BaldB3lper The reader's features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro. You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot. Just contact us at gamecentral@ or use our Submit Stuff page and you won't need to send an email. MORE: Why is Sony trying to kill the concept of the video game console? - Reader's Feature MORE: The Nintendo Switch 2 is the closest thing to a modern day Commodore Amiga – Reader's Feature MORE: Star Wars Outlaws is Ubisoft's best game and you should get it now it's cheap - Reader's Feature
Business Insider
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Nintendo Stock (NTDOF) Gains Alongside Direct Partner Showcase Game Reveals
Nintendo (NTDOF) stock was up on Thursday after the video game company held a special Direct presentation. This Direct Partner Showcase provided reveals and updates for several games coming to Nintendo's consoles, including the Switch and Switch 2. All of the games featured in it come from the company's development and publishing partners. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Here are the biggest game announcements during the Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase: Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection is a new game from Capcom (CCOEF) coming to the Switch 2 in 2026. New details about Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment were revealed during the presentation. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a new HD2D game revealed by Square Enix (SQNXF), coming to the Switch 2 in 2026. Square Enix also revealed Octopath Traveler 0, which will be released on the Switch and Switch 2 later this year. Once Upon a Katamari is a new entry in Bandai Namco Entertainment's (NCBDF) long-running series that will be released on the Switch later this year. Several other games were also revealed to be coming to the Switch or Switch 2. That includes Dragon Ball Nintendo Stock Movement Today Nintendo investors and gamers appeared receptive to the games shown off during the Direct Partner Showcase. This has NTDOF stock up 0.6% on Thursday, extending a 47.69% year-to-date rally and a 60.1% gain over the past 12 months. It also showed that Nintendo will get plenty of third-party support for the Switch 2 over the next couple of years. Is Nintendo Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold? Turning to Wall Street, the analysts' consensus rating for Nintendo is Moderate Buy, based on eight Buy, two Hold, and a single Sell rating over the past three months. With that comes an average NTDOF stock price target of $94.23, representing a potential 12.13% upside for the shares.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Nintendo reveals new Switch 2 games including Monster Hunter, Zelda, and Dragon Ball at July showcase
Nintendo's July 2025 Partner Showcase unveiled a lineup of upcoming games for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. The presentation featured new entries in major franchises, updates from third-party developers, and a strong focus on the next generation of titles. Capcom opened the showcase with Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, set to arrive on Switch 2 in 2026. Square Enix followed with two new HD-2D RPGs: Octopath Traveler 0, releasing December 4, and The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, scheduled for 2026. The Zelda franchise returns with Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, a prequel set in the Tears of the Kingdom universe. While a specific release date has not been confirmed, it is expected to launch this winter. Other featured titles included Once Upon a Katamari (October 24), Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted (October 23), Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles (September 30), and Persona 3 Reload (October 23). Ubisoft's Star Wars Outlaws also makes its way to Switch 2 on September 4. Additional announcements included Pac-Man World Re-Pac 2, EA FC 26, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, Madden NFL 26, Yakuza Kiwami and Kiwami 2, and Cronos: The New Dawn. A smaller title, Chillin' by the Fire, was released immediately following the showcase. The broadcast reinforced Nintendo's growing third-party support for Switch 2 and highlighted the console's potential with enhanced versions of popular franchises and new IPs.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Watch: Nintendo Direct showcases new 'Hyrule Warriors,' 'Octopath Traveler'
July 31 (UPI) -- Nintendo on Thursday livestreamed a new Direct presentation that featured upcoming Switch 2 games from third-party partners. The show kicked off with a cinematic trailer for Capcom's Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, which is coming to Switch 2 in 2026. The game, which features a stylish, animated art style, is the first Stories entry in the Monster Hunter franchise since Wings of Ruin in 2021. The Plants vs. Zombies series will also return with Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, which brings back the franchise's classic, tower defense gameplay. Replanted, which releases on the original Switch and Switch 2 on Oct. 23, also features new co-op and PvP modes. Nintendo also released a new trailer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which is coming to Switch 2 this winter. The action game, which takes place before the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, has players taking on large waves of enemies. Nintendo said more info about the game will be announced soon. Developer and publisher Square Enix ended the show with two games: The first, titled The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, is an action role-playing game that features HD-2D graphics and co-op capability. Players take on the titular hero on a grand, fantasy-themed quest. The game is coming to the Switch 2 in 2026 with a demo available for download today. Square Enix also showcased another entry in their critically-acclaimed role-playing series Octopath Traveler, titled Octopath Traveler 0. The game, which also features HD-2D graphics, is coming to the original Switch and Switch 2 on Dec. 4. Square Enix said players will start from zero in the new game as they go on a quest for restoration and retribution. Players will also be rebuilding their hometown. Other games showcased and announced for Switch 2 include Once Upon a Katamari which arrives on Oct. 24, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero on Nov. 14, Pac Man World 2 on Sept. 26, Apex Legends on Aug. 5 and Star Wars Outlaws on Sept. 4.
UPI
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- UPI
Watch: Nintendo Direct showcases new 'Hyrule Warriors,' 'Octopath Traveler'
July 31 (UPI) -- Nintendo on Thursday livestreamed a new Direct presentation that featured upcoming Switch 2 games from third-party partners. The show kicked off with a cinematic trailer for Capcom's Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, which is coming to Switch 2 in 2026. The game, which features a stylish, animated art style, is the first Stories entry in the Monster Hunter franchise since Wings of Ruin in 2021. The Plants vs. Zombies series will also return with Plants vs. Zombies: Replanted, which brings back the franchise's classic, tower defense gameplay. Replanted, which releases on the original Switch and Switch 2 on Oct. 23, also features new co-op and PvP modes. Nintendo also released a new trailer for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, which is coming to Switch 2 this winter. The action game, which takes place before the events of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, has players taking on large waves of enemies. Nintendo said more info about the game will be announced soon. Developer and publisher Square Enix ended the show with two games: The first, titled The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, is an action role-playing game that features HD-2D graphics and co-op capability. Players take on the titular hero on a grand, fantasy-themed quest. The game is coming to the Switch 2 in 2026 with a demo available for download today. Square Enix also showcased another entry in their critically-acclaimed role-playing series Octopath Traveler, titled Octopath Traveler 0. The game, which also features HD-2D graphics, is coming to the original Switch and Switch 2 on Dec. 4. Square Enix said players will start from zero in the new game as they go on a quest for restoration and retribution. Players will also be rebuilding their hometown. Other games showcased and announced for Switch 2 include Once Upon a Katamari which arrives on Oct. 24, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero on Nov. 14, Pac Man World 2 on Sept. 26, Apex Legends on Aug. 5 and Star Wars Outlaws on Sept. 4.
