It’s been a long time since we have had a “proper” Nintendo Direct to hit the gaming scene. On February 17, 2021, all of that changed when Nintendo delivered a 50-minute presentation chock full of unexpected announcements and reveals. The variety of titles and gameplay presented during the show delivered something for everyone. For me, I was shown a lot of must-buy titles and—even better—new Intellectual Properties (IPs) coming to the Nintendo Switch.
I present to you my Top 5 new IPs that got me excited and are my must-buys for my growing library of Nintendo Switch games. With more games to be announced throughout the year (and having actual release dates), Nintendo is off on a good start to show us that they still have an abundance of titles to show off when they’re ready (and they have stuff cooking).
My list goes as follows:
5. Knockout City
Developer: Velan Studios
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Release Date: May 21
A very big surprise for me was Knockout City. This EA Original from Velan Studio, who also developed Mario Kart Live, brings 3-on-3 online dodgeball battles as you run, jump, platform, and hit your opponents in creative ways. The clean cartoon action seems fun and less chaotic as you and your teammates try to throw a ball in a city and knock out your opponents. Knockout City is a good fit and a great step for EA to show support to the Nintendo Switch.
4. Famicom Detective Club: The Missing Heir and The Girl Who Stands Behind
Developed and Published by Nintendo
Release Date: May 14 (Preorder available now)
I love a great mystery. I love adventure games. Since the sequel to Hotel Dusk: Room 213 by Cing never came to America, seeing Nintendo bring this (previously) Japan-only title to the West and also deliver it as a remake excited me beyond belief. Famicom Detective Club, The Missing Heir, and The Girl Who Stands Behind are separate games releasing for the first time outside of Japan. The Missing Heir will have you solve a complex murder surrounding a wealthy family in a haunted town while you deal with amnesia. The Girl Who Stands Behind will have you investigate a supernatural rumor of a mysterious death to 3 students from a sinister nightmare.
With original Japanese voice acting and subtitles, these games look to test your logic skills in many ways. I can’t wait to uncover the culprit!
3. World’s End Club
Developer: Izanagi Games
Publisher: NIS America
Release Date: May 28th
From the creators of the Danganronpa series, World’s End Club stars a 12-character cast known as the Go Getters Club who are trapped in an underwater amusement park. With their lives on the line (literally), they must endure various games and work in teams or solo to return home. With an art style reminiscent of Level-5 Professor Layton games, this quirky and colorful adventure is a perfect game-on-the-go for me. I cannot wait to encounter what this game has to offer.
2. Project Triangle Strategy
Developer: Acquire/Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Release Date: 2022 (Demo available now)
My jaw dropped. I was left speechless with this one. From the Octopath Traveler team, Project Triangle Strategy mixes JRPG tactical turn-based gameplay with old-school Fire Awakening strategy. With its 2D HD sprite-based graphics similar to Octopath Traveler, PTS seems to be a great fit for Final Fantasy Tactics fans and RPG lovers all around.
1. Neon White
Developer: by Ben Esposito
Publisher: Annapurna
Release Date: Winter 2021
Neon White. This fast-paced action in heaven title has you collecting soul cards to exterminate demons left and right. You climb, jump, melee, and shoot multiple demons in various areas. With the speed of Titanfall 2 merging with Mirror’s Edge’s parkour stylings, my blood started pumping. Watching this trailer excited me to no end and made me want to grab my controller (and revisit Titanfall 2 and Mirror’s Edge). It’s high on my must-have list.
With a lot of titles announced in this direct, these new IPs are games I plan on buying and are truly hyped for. Of course, a lot of other titles in the Direct that are ports, remasters, and sequels are on my list of Day One purchases but these five titles are the ones I am looking for in 2021 for a brand new experience!
