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Luigi's Mansion
··6 min read

Doublejump Digest: September 16, 2018

This week in gaming: Nintendo talks Switch online, Yakuza’s developer returns with a new project, Belgium investigates EA, and more!

In the spirit of keeping our readers up to date with what’s happening in the video game industry, the Doublejump Digest is a brief collection of the major news stories from the past week. Keep an eye out for the Digest every Sunday night, and head on into the archive for news from weeks gone by!

From Doublejump:

  • John channeled his inner ninja and delved into Sabotage Studio’s The Messenger, which turned out to be a surprisingly deep throwback to the original NES Ninja Gaiden.
  • Nick donned a fresh pair of surgeon gloves to examine Two Point’s homage to Theme Hospital, Two Point Hospital, and the diagnosis is a game that’s  “hilarious, fun and surprisingly addictive”.

Major news:

Nintendo details Switch Online service and new games in a Direct:

After postponing the broadcast due to a typhoon last week, Nintendo finally held its latest Direct presentation and focussed the Nintendo Switch Online service. Nintendo previously announced that the new service is slated to go live on September 19 while Nintendo’s Shinya Takahashi revealed that players will need to log in weekly to continue playing the NES titles that will be included in the subscription. However, if players choose to not renew their subscription, Nintendo will delete their cloud saves straight away (compared to both Microsoft and Sony which keep saves for a further six months).

The company is working on a new Luigi’s Mansion for release on Switch as well as Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe (which includes New Super Luigi U Deluxe) and Katamari Damacy REROLL, with the company also releasing wireless NES-style controllers for the system. The company also confirmed a new title named Yoshi’s Crafted World that sees Yarn Yoshi reprise his role as a hero for a new adventure. As for the 3DS, Nintendo also announced that Kirby’s Epic Yarn, Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey, Luigi’s Mansion will be coming to the ageing system.

Animal Crossing fans will be delighted to learn that Isabelle will be taking on Mario, Ness, and friends in Super Smash Bros. before joining Tom Nook and co. in a new Animal Crossing Switch title next year. Speaking of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo revealed a new themed Switch dock and Joy-Con set and GameCube controller in addition to a new four-port GameCube controller adaptor.

During the presentation, Square Enix also announced that it was bring a slew of older Final Fantasy titles to Nintendo’s system, with Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy X-2, Final Fantasy XII – but not Final Fantasy VIII –  making the lineup. Square Enix also separately announces that these ports will also be coming to Xbox One before confirming. Furthermore, the company also revealed that it is remastering Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles on Switch and PlayStation 4.

Yakuza series developer announces Project JUDGE:

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studios and publisher SEGA have unveiled their latest collaboration, a new “courtroom thriller” that follows the story of a remorseful former attorney-turned-private eye. The PlayStation 4-exclusive title will star actor Takuya Kimura as protagonist Takayuki Yagami, with players tasked with collecting evidence by tailing suspects, infiltrating buildings, and donning various disguises. Furthermore, as with the popular Yakuza action games, players will get to partake in wacky minigames outside of the main storyline.

Belgian government investigates EA over FIFA’s loot boxes:

According to Belgian publication Metro (via Eurogamer), the Brussels public prosecutor’s office has begun a criminal investigation into EA and its loot box practices after the company refused to remove them from FIFA 18. At the time, the company said that it did not believe that its practices could “be considered as any form of gambling”, but this line of think may mean that the Brussels office may take its case to court. EA has not responded to this development as of this writing.

There a Pokémon: Let’s Go! Nintendo Switch, and it’s adorable:

Separate to this week’s Direct, Nintendo unveiled two gorgeous Eevee and Pikachu-themed Nintendo Switch bundles that include a themed Switch dock, gold and brown Joy-Cons, and either a copy of Pokémon: Let’s Go! Eevee and Pikachu respectively. The limited bundles currently retail for AU$599.95.

EB Games Australia launches “Zero Regrets” trade-in policy:

The retailer announced the new policy earlier this week (via Press-Start), which now allows EB World members to repurchase games that they have traded in for the same amount that they received or “the current Preowned sale price” – whichever is lower. The company later clarified that the the policy does not apply to games traded in before September 10.

Bethesda confirms Wolfenstein III’s existence:

Speaking with Metro at Gamescom, Bethesda Softworks VP of PR and Marketing Pete Hines said that the company has approved development on a proper sequel to last year’s Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus.

“Yeah, sure. Absolutely we’re making a Wolfenstein III,” he said. “[Machine Games] said on stage [at E3] that they’re taking a break from the larger story to do [Wolfenstein: Youngblood]. But we all have to see how that ends.”

While he did not provide a release window for the upcoming sequel, Hines did confirm that The New Colossus “did well” in terms of sales.

Notable game releases:

  • Shadow of the Tomb Raider (PC, PS4, and Xbox One)
  • Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut (Switch)

Videos and trailer releases:

Shadow of the Tomb Raider – Launch Trailer:

Let’s be honest, you’re probably already playing this right now.

Kingdom Hearts III – Big Hero 6 Trailer:

Baymax and crew join Sora in his latest quest.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey – The Power of Choice:

Player choice is the big new feature in the game’s story.

SOULCALIBUR VI – Cervantes reveal trailer:

Captain Barbossa may be a more appropriate name this time around.

Dead or Alive 6 – Release Date Announcement

Sorry, everyone, we’ll have to wait until next year to re-enter the arena.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – TGS Trailer

A Japanese-themed Souls game looks like an excellent adaptation of the formula.

Indie spotlight:

Hollow Knight is headed to PS4 and Xbox One this month:

Just a few months after bringing its Metroidvania title to Switch, Team Cherry has announced two new ports for the game complete with all previously-released downloadable content!

Interesting reads from other outlets:

  • Seeing farther: the advert that changed the games industry: Eurogamer

Other news:

  • Remedy Entertainment is bringing Alan Wake back as a TV show: Variety
  • PUBG has dropped below one million daily players for the first time in a year: Eurogamer
  • Overwatch’s Busan map is now live: Official
  • Microsoft is bringing Super Lucky’s Tale and ReCore to Steam and other storefronts: DualShockers
  • Valve is seemingly reallowing adult games on Steam: Eurogamer
  • Microsoft squashed rumours about Halo 5: Guardians PC port: CNET

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