Gaming

Nintendo Direct Mini Partner Showcase Shows Off Monster Hunter Games and Ori Sequel

By M. Kang

Posted on September 19, 2020

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Nintendo’s third Partner Showcase was perhaps the best one yet, announcing several big third-party games and even having a special single game focused direct at the end. Without further ado, here’s everything showcased:

Monster Hunter Rise

Monster Hunter Rise is the latest game in the action-packed Monster Hunter series. While all the games in this series have focused defeating almost larger than life enemies, Monster Hunter Rise deepens both its combat and world exploring through new movement mechanics. In particular, the protagonist can use “Wirebugs” as a tether point. These can be combined with attacks, to quickly get in and out, and to come in from a variety of angles. They can also be used to scale previously unreachable heights.

The game also includes a new companion, a canyne buddy called the “Palamute.” These can be ridden for quick transportation but are also attack types, meaning they will fight in battle. The felyne companions also return as a support type. In single player, you will be able to take two partners.

There are also new monsters in this expansive world. Many of the beasts shown are wyvern types, with the fanged wyvern Magnamalo being the titular monster. Additionally, the team at Capcom is working to have these monsters interact and fight each other like never before.

The game will also come with a Deluxe Edition. This will include armor sets and pieces, cosmetic items, and some gestures and poses. Pre-order bonuses for both the standard and Deluxe editions will include a Palamute Retriever and Palico Forest Cat Costume layered armor as well as a Novice Talisman. Three Monster Hunter amiibo, Palamute, Magnamale, and Palico, will be available on launch of the game.

Monster Hunter Rise will release March 26, 2021.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin

Set in the same Monster Hunter universe but focused more on RPG elements, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin follows the story of a protagonist trying to solve the mystery of why the Rathalos are disappearing from their habitats. The descendent of a legendary monster rider, the protagonist has a fateful encounter with a Wyverian girl who seems to be entrusted with a monster egg. This sets off a journey through the vast landscape, befriending monsters along the way in order to save the disappearing Rathalos.

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will release Summer 2021. There will also be elements connected to Monster Hunter Arise.

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise

A sequel to Fitness Boxing, Fixing Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise improves on the same boxing/rhythm game formula. Players will be able to work out in two player mode and transfer saves from the first game. There will also be nine instructors with different personalities and motivation strategies to help keep players active and interested.

Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm & Exercise will release December 4^th.

Ori and The Will of The Wisps

The previously Xbox Console exclusive game and sequel to the much acclaimed platformer Ori and the Blind Forest, Ori and The Will of The Wisps will be making its way to the Nintendo Switch. The metroidvania game improves on the original by adding a new combat mechanics which work well with the already smooth platforming gameplay.

Ori and The Will of The Wisps is available now. There will also be a Ori Collector’s Edition, with physical copies of each game and several other items.

Other games introduced today include: