The recent Nintendo Partner Direct, a showcase highlighting games from Nintendo's global partners, was packed with announcements, but it left much to be desired for fans looking for more substantial content.
Among the reveals were two Xbox games going multiplatform—Grounded and Pentiment—alongside a slew of remakes and the announcement of a new Endless Dungeon game. However, the direct felt more like a trickle of minor updates rather than the flood of exciting news we've come to expect.
First, the inclusion of Xbox titles such as Grounded and Pentiment was interesting, representing Microsoft's strategy to extend its gaming ecosystem beyond its own platforms. Phil Spencer's commentary on the Xbox Podcast last week highlighted a shift towards less exclusivity in the gaming industry, aiming to reach as many players as possible. This approach is commendable but also reflects a broader trend in the industry towards cross-platform availability.
However, even these two Xbox games, the direct felt lackluster, with the exception of a couple of titles. Unicorn Overlord, set for release on March 8, stands out as a beacon of hope in a sea of mediocrity. Its new trailer captured the imagination, and the immediate availability of a demo is a welcome surprise.