Now we’ve all had time to digest the swathes of gaming goodness we were served last week, and time to recover from the hilarity of “VGE3,” hosted by Joe and me over on Twitch, its safe to say, we gaming aficionados, are eating good.
From Sony’s God of War: Laufey reveal, to Summer Games Fest’s Resident Evil: Code Veronica Remake and FF7 Revelation, through to XBOX’s Gears showcase and Spyro reveal. There’s a bit of something for everyone. Plus of course, special mention to our ever faithful indie devs, hitting us with titles like Playtonic Games’ Super Yooka-Laylee Kart, a kart racing game featuring characters from Banjo Kazooie’s spiritual successor in an 16-bit styling, and Red Octane’s Stage Tour; the Guitar Hero revival we’ve been so desperately waiting for all these years.
There were plenty of smashes, and plenty of passes. As Joe has so expertly covered here with Sony’s State of Play.
One company though, has decidedly left a somewhat sour taste in my mouth…
Whilst Geoff Keighley and Lucy James over at SGF served up slay with their outfits, and reveals as delicious as a delectable Sunday roast; XBOX a familiar yet still slap up steak dinner; and Sony a summer BBQ brisket for the soul, served with enough beer and cider to rival a stocked bar at Download. Which incidentally Joe is heading home from right now, having drank the place dry while his wife mulls how she forgot the tent poles…
But you may notice one company is missing from that line up. Yes, that’s right; that sour taste I mentioned earlier, was left by Nintendo.
I mean, it’s clear no one at Nintendo has been on the Pineapple Juice recently, that’s for sure.
They came. They saw. Released their blue balls. Wiped it on the curtains on the way out. GGs girl see you next time.
As I mentioned in my piece a while back on a Ocarina of Time Remake – Treading the line between Innovation, Nostalgia and Disappointment, I don’t get the fascination with Nintendo dropping updates on Directs the day before they happen. We’re simply just not allowed to get excited for these things anymore.
I’d love to speak to whoever in their Marketing department decided to show it at the most inconvenient times across the globe too. I mean, middle of the afternoon for us here? Some call this classic Nintendo fashion. I call this out of touch. You decide which.
So in that 50 minutes of glug glug shaft work, what did we get?
A vastly disappointing load. (As I said, no one is on the Pineapple Juice over at Nintendo)
So let’s run through what was shown, but of course, in classic VGT-fashion we don’t just list the games here. We Smash or Pass ’em.
So with that said… SMASH Or Pass?
Rhythm Heaven Grove – PASS
Don’t get me wrong, the concept of Rhythm Heaven is fine – especially in an age where we’ve been lacking on the rhythm game front since Guitar Hero’s demise. But, this just isn’t for me.
It looks okay, and this iteration features coop for up to 4 Groovers and Grovettes, with over 30 cooperative minigames to bop through, and 80 odd single player challenges for you solo groovers out there. But again, this just isn’t for me; I’m more Rhythm Hell than Heaven anyway – a neat concept, but it feels like a game that you’ve already played on the DS.
Pass.
Release – July 2nd 2026
Onimusha: Way of the Sword – PASS
Honestly, Joe has a much better going-over of this, over on the PlayStation State of Play – Smash or Pass piece.
I’m decidedly less of an optimist than he is.
For me, this is just jet another samurai game in a never ending sea of samurai games. These kinds of games leave me so flaccid, not even Viagra could stiffen me up for a swing of the old joycon. Yes, that’s right, this game features motion controls Skyward Sword style, alongside conventional controls. Wowzers.
This mind-blowing concept drops a day after every other game seems to be dropping this year too.
Pass.
Release – September 25th 2026
Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen – PASS
Dragon’s Smegma more like. Pass Piss.
Release – October 9th 2026
Stellar Blade – PASS*
Let me level with you real quick – I know Stellar Blade 1 has a lot of acclaim since release, but I’ve just not played it. I won’t sit here pretending I know what I’m talking about either.
From what I understand, it’s like a Bayonetta x Sci-Fi x Jiggle Physics kind of game. Which to be fair, sounds right up my street. I’ll let you decide which order I prioritise those 3 in…
*I just would never play this on Switch 2 though, so Pass.
Release – 2026
Orbitals – Pass
Who loves anime games? Who loves cooperative anime games? Who loves cooperative anime games where you travel through space, to save the home of your anime main characters?
You do? Well, you’re in luck come September friend-san.
Me?
I’m busy that day… probably playing “Jiggle Physics x Sci-Fi x Bayonetta Sim” Stellar Blade on a different system sorry… Pass.
Release – September 3rd 2026
Rayman Legends: Retold – Smash
The first Smash of the Direct!
It’s just a shame this was already a smash at it’s reveal the week before.
You know me, and my love for Rayman 2 and 3.
While I enjoyed Origins and Legends too, this is arguably one of the more questionable Remakes we’ve had – was anyone really clamouring for a Legends remake, out of all the Rayman games? Not really.
There’s something very timeless about the original and it’s hand drawn assets. A charm that feels is missing from the transition to 2.5D here, but at the same time, I dig it. I’m curious to see how more of the game’s iconic musical levels make a return.
But yeah, this is a Smash.
A game I’ll be smashing, on a different platform at first. Then probably on Switch 2 again down the line because Rayman is worth buying twice.
Did I say it comes complete with online coop too? Hell yes.
Smash again.
Release – October 1st 2026
Big Walk – Pass
Weird one this.
Untitled Goose Games creators have essentially made a goofy walking sim, where communication is the biggest challenge.
Get separated from your group? Use walkie-talkies to communicate.
Lose your walkie-talkie? Use alternative means of communique, like laser pens or megaphones.
Lose them? Well, I don’t know what happens after that.
Getting lost and just mindlessly chatting with friends seems to be key to the game experience.
There’s also various points of interest you’ll discover as you walk along, each with unique challenge rooms and puzzles for you all to solve, leading to key items to aid you and your pals in your progression through the game.
To be fair, it’s a neat idea – I can see us streaming it over on Joe’s Twitch come launch, but at the same time, it feels like it’s a one trick pony kind of game. One stream and you’ll have seen all the game has to offer. It’s hard to see what kind of longevity a game like this has, if any. For now though, it’s a Pass from me.
Release – August 4th 2026
One Piece: Grand Gourmet – P A S S
I’ve never seen One Piece. But somehow I doubt One Piece fans wants to build a floating restaurant and serve characters from the anime. It sounds ball-achingly boring.
Pass.
Release – October 23rd 2026
Pokemon Pokopia DLC – Smash?
We all know how big a hit Pokopia turned out to be on launch. Probably moreso than Nintendo ever expected it to be. So it was inevitable we’d be getting DLC at some point.
Starting this August, the game’s first paid expansion will be dropping; adding an ocean-floor town to explore, make merry, decorate and enjoy.
It’s cutesy stuff.
The thing is, I just can’t help but feel like this game is going to go the same way as Animal Crossing: New Horizons did – supported for a year, then dropped. Which makes me reserved on the whole thing.
We see on the DLC road map there are 3 major DLCs coming – 1 this year, 2 in 2027, but after that? Who knows… but I think we all know what’s going to happen, if ACNH was anything to go by.
Uncertain Smash for now.
Release – August 2026 (Future DLC in 2027)
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave – Pass
Outside of Marth and Ike in Smash Bros, which wonderfully autocorrects to IKEA as I type, I have never played Fire Emblem.
Honestly, I have no opinion on this game. The title is cool, but I won’t be picking it up. Pass.
Release – September 17th 2026
Ninjala 2: The Uncharted Planet – Smash?
First and foremost, this game needs a PART 1 in the title.
To be clear, this is the first of 2 halves of the game. A point I feel is woefully misrepresented in the naming. Especially in age of of FF7s, Godfathers and Last of Us’ Parts 1 and 2.
The game itself though, looks kind of cool.
Imagine Splatoon crossed with Tears of the Kingdom, with your character gaining powers from the type of chewing gum he chomps on; ranging from “Gum Hook”, to “Gum Balloon” and “Gum Boost” just to name a few. Plus you get an arsenal of rockets, katanas and the like, to take out enemies, as you traverse the world that is almost Zelda-like in scope.
I mean I’ve got to give credit where credits due; it’s something different. It has a charm about it that’s hooked me a little too. It’s definitely giving stocking-filler vibes though, but I’d be interested to see more of it and how it reviews next year.
There’s even 4 player coop too. Nice.
Tentative Smash, pending further gameplay.
Release – 2027
DK Bananza Challenges – Pass
Literally just limited time challenges for DK Bonanaza, finishing the start of September.
I’d rather wipe my arse with a banana peel. Now there’s a challenge.
Release – Now through September 1st 2026
Jujitsu Kaisen Rumble Survivation – Pass
Survivation? Ain’t even a word mate.
Also equally ain’t no chance I’m playing this.
An 8 player auto-attacking battle royale, utilising PvE elements, where you fight against spirits to gain points against other players.
This game is so dead on arrival at some point this year, it might as well make a cameo as an ingame spirit.
Release – 2026
Lords of the Fallen 2 – Smash*
*but on a different platform
Love myself a souls-like. I just love them on PC or PS5 more.
I don’t remember Lords of the Fallen 1 that much to be honest, enough to know I didn’t finish it and had my gripes with it. Here’s hoping the sequel irons out those creases come Autumn though, and the game gets bonus points for having Ghost in the trailer last year.
Release – Autumn 2026
Lies of P: Complete Edition – Smashed
Completed it m8.
To be fair, Lies of P is great.
Taking the story of Pinochio and adding a dark, souls (lol) tweak to the story, works so good.
I never played the DLC, which comes bundled in this version, but I’m not too bothered about getting round to it.
As far as the main game goes, the atmosphere is on-point, enemy and character designs across the board too. Combat is fluid too, complete with weapon customising – think swapping handles and blades between one another, to find your ideal moveset and playstyle that suits you. “P” also has himself a mechanical arm that can aid you in battle, ranging from electrocuting enemy puppets, to laying mines, or burning, and more.
Plus, an interesting take on Souls’ idea of humanity, in a more literal form when it comes to Lying or being truthful. Mainly only affecting the end of the game
It’s good stuff, but probably “free” on PS+ or Gamepass at this point. A better alternative.
Smashed.
Release – August 6th 2026
DMC5: Devil Hunter Edition – Pass
I’ve never played Devil May Cry.
Joe rates it. So there’s that.
Isn’t this the game where one of the characters did a Michael Jackson dance, or something?
Anyway, it looks alright. I’m just clueless on the series, and it isn’t something I’m in any rush to get.
Perhaps a Smash in another lifetime.
Release – June 23rd 2026
Muramasa: Event Blades – Pass
Remember what I said about samurai slop earlier? This perhaps is an exception to my dislike of the tirade of samurai games in recent years.
I won’t be getting this, just for the record.
But there’s something about the art, or animation style, that reminds me of Dust: An Elysian Tale. A PS+ game (and Steam) I tried on a whim many years ago, and ended up quite liking.
Again, this is something I’ll not be spending money on.
After my critique of samurai games earlier, I’ll not be playing this on principle.
Sorry Devs.
Pass.
Release – 2027
Xenoblade Chronicles Switch 2 Editions – Pass
Xenoblade is a weird one for me. I’ve never played them, but I remember being quite intrigued by them for a time during the Wii era.
For a time at the end of the 00s, the Wii was my main console. Despite having an OG PS3 in the house. I was also an avid reader of “Official Nintendo Magazine” back then too, and I distinctly remember the articles and news pieces surrounding Xenoblade Chronicles 1 when it released here, in 2011.
The wonderful musings of the ONM team is about as close as I got to Xenoblade, and probably about as close as I’ll ever get.
I have to say though, the release scheduling is bizarre to me. There are entire months between the releases of the Digital Versions of the first two games, and their Physical counterparts. I’ve never seen that with a game release before, if I’m not mistaken.
Release:
- Xenoblade Chronicles Switch 2
- Digital – Now
- Physical – July 30th 2026
- Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Switch 2
- Digital – July 30th 2026
- Physical – October 1st 2026
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Switch 2
- Digital/Physical – December 3rd 2026
- Digital/Physical – December 3rd 2026
Xenoblade Genesis – Pass
See above.
Also, too much water.
Release – 2027
Nintendo Switch Sports Resort – Pass
Man I love myself some Wii Sports. I mean, who doesn’t?
I also love myself some Wii Sports Resort too.
I spent countless hours across the two games on Wii, from yeeting Wii Remotes across the room in Wii Sports’ Tennis, to flying around Wuhu Island in the plane on Wii Sports Resort. These games had so much charm and wonder to them, fully capturing the imaginations and minds across generations, whilst remaining simple yet fully utilising the controls styles the Wii Remote/Motionplus offered.
I’d argue this was the last time gaming felt truly magical.
So, what happened with Wii Sports Switch, and now Nintendo Switch Sports Resort?
These two titles feel utterly devoid of the charm that the originals had, and you know what, I think I know why… it’s those weird ugly humanoid characters.
Apart of the charm on the Wii were the Miis – simple characters, anyone could easily make to look like family members, friends, idols etc. They were simple, yet it was their personification that gave them their character. I mean, was it not always funny when a Mii of your Grandad would go up against you in Boxing or something?
I know you can pick to have a Mii-style character in these new games, but they should just be the default option in the character builder. These humanoids are more akin to some sort of Splatoon-like “kid now, squid now” being, than a human, and ultimately end up making these games look like the wannabe Wii Sports imitations you’d see on Wii back in the day.
Of course, gameplay looks more responsive thanks to joycon tech. Wuhu Island looks stunning now too. But, is it me or have they axed some sports to make way for the new modes in that trailer? Even then, the only new mode that peaked my interest was the skateboarding one, and that’s only because exploring Wuhu Island by ground sounds interesting.
Got to Pass cause of the massive thumb wrestling game though.
Release – October 22nd 2026
Runescape: Dragonwilds – Smash
Hello Kitty Party Land – SMASH SMASH SMASH x10
If me and Joe don’t say Smash, the women in our lives will not be happy.
We CANNOT WAIT to play this this Halloween! October 29th cant come fast enough!
Release – OCTOBER 29TH, GET IT BOOKED OFF WORK!!!!!
Star Fox – Pass
Let’s face it, Star Fox 64 will be milked until Miyamoto dies. This is no different.
It looks nice, but the gameplay demo shown off on YouTube looks awfully slow and honestly, I’ve no interest in picking this up in any way shape or form.
I mean, the Starfox 64 demo on Smash Bros Brawl did a better job at selling me on the game nearly 2 decades ago, than any modern trailer released so far. It’s also not being developed internally by Nintendo, but instead has been outsourced to Velan Studios. A developer who’s repertoire includes Mario Kart Live, the Augmented Reality racetrack circuit thing, for those RC Mario Karts that were all the rage for 2 days a few years back.
I dread to think who’s heading up another popular N64 remake announced this Direct…
Release – June 25th 2026
Final Fantasy Resonance – Pass
Honestly, I’m not sure I get what this game is…
Is it a remake? Is it something new?
It sets itself up as an evolution of the OG 2D pixel arty FF games, but has the “HD” moniker atypical of Remasters or ports.
Either way, this is a solid pass from me.
Release – October 22nd 2026
Pikuniku 2 – Pass
The thumbnail for this video makes the game look like Yoshi’s Story on N64, explained by someone high on crack.
The game itself though, looks like it was made by someone high on crack.
It’s… bizarre. I don’t get what’s going on, but at the same time, it’s somewhat likeable?
Maybe its the goofiness of it all, or me just laughing to myself imagining a smack head making a game like this. Either way, there is no chance in hell I’d be caught dead spending actual money on this. I’ve never heard of the series before, but then again, looking at it, I can tell why I’ve not heard of it before…
Pass.
Release – 2027
Dragon Quest Monsters: Withered World – Pass
I know Dragon Quest is huge in Japan but, it doesn’t have the same appeal in this part of the world.
To be honest, I have even less of an interest in this after rewatching this trailer, and even less to say too.
Hard Pass.
Release – December 3rd 2026
The Duskbloods – Smash
It’s so hard to look at Duskbloods WITHOUT seeing Bloodborne. Even down to the character model of that old man drinking from the goblet, he looks like he could’ve been ripped straight from the world of Yharnam.
It’s a shame we didn’t get a better look at the game here to be honest. From Software have been radio silent as of late, without so much of a whimper regarding what their teams have been working on. Miyazaki has confirmed there are unannounced game projects, being made my teams with free reign to do whatever their wild imaginations see fit to do. Encouraging stuff in an era of game development, where the “safer” option is seemingly always pursued.
What’s not encouraging, is how little we’ve seen of Duskbloods.
Perhaps we’ll see more from Closed Network Test users, or perhaps we’ll get some extended looks at Gamescom come August. Either way, it’s From Soft, and in Miyazaki we trust.
I just want some Bloodborne 2 action to be honest, and to see this “PvPvE” concept in action.
Smash.
Release – Closed Network Test Summer 2026
Splatoon Raiders – Pass?
This is one I’m willing to be swayed on.
At the moment I’m 50/50.
I like Splatoon, the concept is great and the whole paint being a weapon thing, but also a means of traversal, is awesome. I also loved the PvE Coop mode in Splatoon 2 too, so an entire game based around that concept seems fun. But, what exactly is there to look forward to in this? It feels like a step backward for the series, to the point where I don’t see any reason this couldn’t just be on Switch 1 to be honest. There doesn’t seem to be any new mechanics or tweaks that make full use of the Switch 2, except just looking extra pretty.
There’s a Direct focused on the game coming up so maybe we’ll see new gimmicks there, but honestly, it’ll take some serious convincing to get me onboard.
Pass for the moment. 5% chance of Smashing down the line.
Release – July 23rd 2026
Deltarune: Chapter 5 – Pass
I’ve never played Undertale. It was gifted to me many moons ago, and has sat collecting digital dust in my steam library ever since.
Deltarune however, I have watched a good chunk of. Maybe chapters 3 and 4, streamed by long-time friend and OG FF7 guide @RubyKnuckle over on Twitch.
Suffice to say, I had no real idea what was going on. But it was a vibe.
I know Mr Fox has a loyal following, I’ve just not played anything of his to warrant hoping on the bandwagon. And have no plans on joining it any time soon.
Pass.
Release – June 24th 2026
Metaphor: ReFantazio – Pass
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”
We are truly blessed to live in a world graced by so many great literary mights… each imparting their own wisdom and teachings on the world in the form of metaphors, and written speech… be it William Shakespeare and “all the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” Or “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.” Or
Metaphor: ReFantazio however, is a literally shitstain on a world equally graced by many literary shites. The only wisdom this game is leaving behind on the world, are the skidmarks in the toilet as it get flushed away.
P A S S
Release – November 12th 2026
Minecraft – Pass, but Smash on PC
Minecraft is too clunky on console, and I’m sure the mouse controls on Switch 2 wont do much to alleviate that. Besides that, what else can I say. It’s Minecraft.
Pass. PC only for me.
Release – 2026
Atelier Karia: The Night Kingdom and the Guide of Memories – PASS
Talking of literary shites, here’s a game that should have you on a watch list and not allowed within 200 metres of a school.
Release – 2027
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Pass
I have never been a warhammer lad. I remember going into one of their stores as a kid, looking for games instead of mini figures.
I appreciate the lore and all that, but it’s just not my bag. Maybe in another lifetime. I can’t even really comment on what the game actually is, I just wouldn’t do it justice for the mega fans out there. Someone more well versed in it is more deserving of your reading time to be truthful.
Drops this winter for you Warhammer lovers out there. Passes me by this winter.
Release – December 9th 2026
Observer: System Redux – Pass
I don’t even remember seeing this at the Direct to be honest. It’s blink and you’ll miss it in the Partner Sizzle Reel.
There’s 5 seconds of a trailer I won’t get back.
Pass.
Release – June 18th 2026
DayZ – Pass
This game gets the award for 2026’s deadest game of the year. And that’s not because it’s got zombies in it.
Let’s be real here DayZ had its time a decade ago. You can call me a negative Nancy and all that, but literally no one is playing this on Switch 2.
Definition of “Dead on Arrival.”
Pass.
Release – 2026
MGS: Master Collection Vol.2 – Pass?
Joe’s going to CQC me for this, but I’m not interested in MGS on the slightest.
It was fun watching him play a couple over the years on Twitch, but all I’ve played is Ground Zeroes and Phantom Pain. Arguably the worst entries to have experienced in the franchise.
So these collections are ideal for people like me.
I did in fact have an interest in playing MGS4 back in the day, but just never did. Perhaps a lack of care, plus knowing zi hadn’t played the previous games to understand what was going on.
With that said, the Vol 2 collection is a pass for me purely because of that. I’ll watch Joe stream it, but not try it out myself. Much like Oblivion Remake, and Expedition 33.
Release – August 27th 2026
Rise of the Tomb Raider – Pass… but have Smashed
Its weird to me we’re getting Tomb Raider Reboot rereleases, all these years later.
Played this when it originally came out, and… I dont think I enjoyed it that much to be honest.
As mentioned in previous pieces, the PS4 gen was when I started to burnout on games. Like with og Black Flag for example. Maybe it was the same with RotTR, I played it to competition but it was more of a chore than a pleasure. And I don’t think I’ve any interest in reexperience this entry in Lara’s story. Or any of them for that matter. It’s out already on the eShop, but at the same time, if you havent played it by now, are you really going to?
Sorry Lara, but I’m passing you by this time.
Release – Now
Tales of Eternia: Remastered – Pass
Pass.
Release – October 16th 2026
SnowRunner – Pass
SNOW thank you. Pass.
Release – Now
Fitness Boxer 3: Your Personal Boxer, Switch 2 Edition – Hard Pass
Wii Sports Boxing vs your Grandad, or nothing.
Smash the chick in the thumbnail from the Switch 1 trailer last year though. Pass on the commitment.
Release – July 16th 2026
Everbloom – Undecided
I love me some cutesy coop games, but in an age where seemingly every day some form of cute game drops on Steam, just to die a death days later, its hard to
This is one of those titles that looks great to play with a partner, and couple-friends, we just need to see more of it before Spring next year, to see how much staying power this game will have.
Release – Spring 2027
FF14 Online – Pass
Sensing a theme here… if you’ve not started playing this already on other platforms, you’re not starting now on Switch 2.
Sure people will pick it up, but just to try it out, before returning to it on their platform of choice.
Release – August 26th 2026
Kingdom Hearts Collection 1-3 – PASS
Honestly, Kingdom Hearts looks like the most unappealing game to me.
I’ve not seen many Disney films, so I have no ties to the characters. I’ve never played KH, besides share play when 3 came out with my brother from another mother, and fellow planeboi @Talostheinvincible. So I have no nostalgia for the games at all.
I can see how it’d appeal to those who played it as kids, but i literally couldn’t care less when it drops.
Release – October 8th 2026
Kingdom Hearts 4 – Pass
As above.
To be honest, what they showed for KH4 looks absolutely mindnumbingly dull. The environment was just concrete grey, and bland shadow enemies.
Release – No one knows
Ocarina of Time Remake – Smash
Man, I feel like I could write an entire piece about this reveal all in itself. But I’ll leave that to our favourite Zelda Theorists on YouTube.
Honestly, I don’t know how I feel about how this tease…
Yes sure we’re getting a remake of the greatest game of all time, but Nintendo revealed it officially, in the most boring way possible. Like, what on earth were they thinking? Literally a 5 second look at Link and parts of a tapestry, job done.
The only stand out bits were the music, you watch any reaction turn from a puzzled look, into an instant nostalgia hit, as soon as they that Lost Woods ditty kick in.
Conversely, I don’t know if I like what I see.
I’m not complaining for the sake of complaining, I legitimately found the voiceover at the start jarring. Plus, something just looks off with the visual styling – it’s giving whimsical vibes.
When we watched the XBOX Showcase, “whimsical” was the word of the day, thanks to Joe’s wife; you see, XBOX games have a particularly distinct visual style. Normally you can tell if something is made by an XBOX Studio, that errs on the side of whimsy. Which I feel is entirely captured here with what we’ve seen with Ocarina of Time Remake/Reborn/Rewhatever – it’s got a Fable-esq, Unreal Engine 5 styling to it, and… it just doesn’t look right to me.
Also, doesn’t Link look weird too?
It’s almost like he’s got Adult Link’s head, plonked on a kid-sized body.
Maybe it’s a combination of the lightning and the camera angle, giving that illusion. But at the same time,
I stand to be corrected in due course, and I’ll be getting it and the inevitable OoT themed Switch 2, but for a remake coming in 2026 and touted as THE Nintendo game of the year, yet alone the one game that could rival GTA6 for overall Game of the Year, we should’ve got a much better showcase of just what this remake is going to be like.
I mean, even after the leaks a couple months ago, they’ve had more than enough time since then to change tact, and make a trailer that truly flaunted the game, instead of just sticking with this trailer. Leaks are never a fun thing to endure at these companies I’m sure, but there’s a difference between letting them define you or deciding to exceed expectations.
It’s no secret to everyone that Nintendo fans can be the most passionate out there, but when Nintendo had the ability to control the narrative surrounding the biggest hitting title they’ll release in years, but just called it a day with that teaser and thought we’d be happy… they were sorely mistaken.
People have had months to speculate and theorise, and Nintendo could’ve so easily wowed us; bringing the attention back on them in every discussion about the game since. Instead, discussions have been marred by featuring a particular name, over Nintendo’s, in any topic regarding Ocarina of Time since.
Exceed our expectations. Embrace the chaos. Take back control from leakers, instead of fearing them. You lost control of when the title was announced, but you could’ve so easily taken the spotlight away from that Nintendo. Be better.
Release – 2026
Conclusion
All in all, this was perhaps one of the most mediocre Directs we’ve ever had, held aloft only by Ocarina of Time and a select couple titles.
By my count, 45 titles made an appearance at this Direct. Out of these, potentially 9 smashes. 9. Which even then are subject to change depending on what gets shown of them, in months to come, and of course, how much they will be on release.
To be honest, I think the whole Direct speaks volumes for the state of Nintendo at the moment.
Long gone are the minds that approached these events with a sybilance of spectacle, who knew that we craved substance in these things, as well as entertainment. These Directs feel more like investor showcases nowadays; more corporate and devoid of fun than they used to be. I don’t know if it’s worth saying but ironically, Nintendo’s stocks dropped after the Direct aired, perhaps a sign that, maybe more than just the gaming audience were unconvinced at Nintendo’s offerings over the coming year.
Only (Ocarina of) Time will tell.
Let’s hope they have some pineapple juice before dropping their next load ey?
VGT-Joe