This year is bound to be an exciting one for all Nintendo fans as a plethora of games have been announced for release. Looking at the collection, there is more than likely going to be a game for everyone, and some titles may even stir up feelings of nostalgia.
“Kirby’s Return to Dream Land Deluxe” will be released starting Feb. 24. As of right now, players can try out a demo of the game. This remaster of the 2011 Wii game is sure to bring excitement to those who have memories sitting in front of their televisions playing through the levels.
A couple of new things are being added to the game, including mecha and sand abilities, making Kirby’s collection of skills grow even more. There will also be an epilogue story upon completing story mode following the character Magolor as he tries to regain his powers.
Following “Kirby” will be the release of “Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon” on Mar. 17. The story takes place before Cereza becomes Bayonetta, when she was just a girl aspiring to become a witch. She goes into the forbidden Avalon Forest riddled with faeries in order to save her imprisoned mother. She gets help from a demon named Cheshire who possesses her stuffed toy.
The game takes on a fairytale storybook art-style and promotes cooperation. Players have to help Cereza and Cheshire work together against enemies, as Cereza binds them with her magic and Cheshire goes in to attack.
Another new game I am sure many “Minecraft” fans will be ecstatic to hear about is “Minecraft Legends,” an action strategy game, will be released on April 18. Players will have to protect the Overworld from the Nether forces of the Piglins. This will require alliances and leadership to protect their homes. This game will offer online campaign co-op as well as competitive multiplayer options.
And of course, my personal favorite and the reason why I need this school semester to hurry up and end, “Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” will finally be released on May 12.
After years of waiting, it’s finally happening and there is nothing to stay calm about.
This game marks the return of Ganon’s form as Ganondorf, which has not been seen in the timeline since “Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.” There is also the mention of islands in the sky that Link will be traveling between, making me wonder if there will be references to “Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.”
This game has been highly anticipated, especially since “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” was such a success, ranking as the No.4 best-selling game for the Nintendo Switch. After years of being pushed off, there is much to look forward to when Link returns to the spotlight.
Finally, on July 21, Nintendo will be releasing “Pikmin 4.” Not only is the game introducing a new main character, but players will also gain an adorable dog companion named Oatchi. Players will have to navigate different areas using all of the friendly Pikmin we know and love to fight enemies and solve puzzles. There will also be a new Ice Pikmin.
This year is a win for Nintendo gamers. I know I personally will not be able to pull myself away from my TV the second “Tears of the Kingdom” releases. There are some other games that will release intermittently that are worth checking out, including: “Samba de Amigo: Party Central,” “DECAPOLICE,” “Illusion Island,” “Raincode,” “Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time” and “Professor Layton and The New World of Steam.” The last game is especially exciting as the last “Professor Layton” game released was in 2017 on the Nintendo 3DS.
I look forward to keeping up with everyone’s reviews as the year progresses and these games finally come into existence. I am personally going to try and play “Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon” and, of course, “Tears of the Kingdom.” Now get out there and play some games!
pbortner@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of Nintendo, Wikipedia
