E3 2021: Nintendo Direct Announcements That Stood Out For Unique Reasons

By Daniel Sumpton | Misfit Media Columnist

There were many games in the recent Nintendo Direct that generated a large amount of hype from audiences. Nintendo Switch owners and potential Switch owners have a lot to be excited about. While there were many heavily anticipated games showcased, here are 3 games that stood out for their own unique reasons on announcement.

Tony Hawk Pro Skater 1 & 2

A remaster of the two most well renowned skating games are making their way onto the Nintendo Switch before the month ends. This will be the first Tony Hawk game on a Nintendo system since the Wii, and the first time that players will get to experience the reputable remasters on the go. If the game sells well, it could mean big things for Nintendo’s relationship with Activision and the Tony Hawk franchise.

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is a survival horror game that was originally released on Nintendo’s last home console. The fifth entry of the Fatal Frame franchise making its way to Nintendo Switch marks yet another downsizing for the Wii U exclusive library. People who did not own the previous Nintendo system will now get to experience the game in all its glory, except they won’t get to control the Camera Obscura with the Wii U Gamepad. The game has a vague 2021 release date and will also be launching onto multiple other systems such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.

Strange Brigade

Strange Brigade is a cooperative third-person shooter that is available on the Nintendo Switch right now. There are multiple reasons why Strange Brigade was a severely underrated title in the Nintendo Direct. The game was released onto the Switch on the same day as its E3 announcement and is already cheaper in Australia than the PC version. Strange Brigade being showcased and released on the Switch also highlights Nintendo’s commitment to third party titles. The game’s announcement is further proof that Nintendo is worth investing in for people who want more than just a Mario and Zelda machine that the Wii and Wii U got a reputation for.

All games on this list show that Nintendo is pushing beyond predictability. Even so many years into the Switch’s lifespan, there is still diversity in experience for the player coming to the system. While the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X struggles to even be available for purchase, the Nintendo Switch is available for anyone and has experiences for everyone. 

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