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Feature

All The News You May Have Missed From Nintendo's Treehouse Live Stream

by Craig Taylor on Jun 16, 2017 at 04:00 PM

Nintendo's E3 Treehouse Live streams always provide some great demos and even game announcements not included in the company's recorded keynote presentation. But even for the hardcore Nintendo fans, there can be an overwhelming amount of content to sift through.

That's why we waded through the 20+ hours of Treehouse Live footage to handpick the most important reveals and demos so you didn't have to. These are the most significant nuggets of Nintendo information from its E3 livestream, in no particular order.

 

Super Mario Odyssey

There were multiple good reveals and demos on Nintendo's Treehouse Live for those who want to unpack every detail of the upcoming Mario title. First is a demonstration showing off the basics of the game in New Donk City. There's also an informative interview with Odyssey's producer Yoshiaki Koizumi and director Kenta Motokura, which gives good insight into some of the creative decisions behind the game.

Second, a Treehouse Live-exclusive forest stage was shown off. This level was not playable on the show floor, and it exhibits just how expansive the worlds are. Also, while no specific number is given, the presenters tease the fact that there's a large gap between the number of moons needed to complete the main quest and the total number of moons in the game, meaning there'll be tons of items for completionists to collect.

Additionally, Treehouse Live revealed that Odyssey will feature co-op, with one player controlling Mario while the other plays as Cappy. A second player will make some puzzles easier to complete in Odyssey. For the beginning of the co-op demonstration, skip to around 3:40.

Super Mario Odyssey is scheduled to release on October 27 for Nintendo Switch.

Splatoon 2 Co-Op Salmon Run Demo

Nintendo gave Squid Kid fans a peek at Splatoon 2's co-op mode, Salmon Run. You and a team of four other local or online buddies must collect a number of golden Salmonid eggs before time runs out. Like Super Mario Odyssey's co-op feature, Salmon Run was added to take advantage of the Switch's local multiplayer capabilities.

On top of Salmon Run, Nintendo also showed off Splatoon 2's single-player and multiplayer. Splatoon 2 will release on July 21 for Nintendo Switch.

Legends of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Master Difficulty Showcase

For the Zelda fans that have accomplished everything there is to do in Breath of the Wild, Master Difficulty will be a welcome mode to spice up their game experience. Enemies regenerate health mid-battle, detect Link from much farther away, and each creature in the world is leveled up. Other additions like the Travel Medallion and the Korok Mask are exhibited in this demonstration.

The first DLC for Breath of the Wild will be available on June 30 for those who've purchased the season pass.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Demo

The tactical Mario and Rabbids crossover which debuted at Ubisoft's press conference was given an in-depth demonstration on the Treehouse Live Stream. This demo shows viewers Luigi's abilities as a long-range fighter (3:30), and takes viewers through a boss fight with the gigantic and disturbing Rabbid Donkey Kong (15:05).

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle is scheduled to release August 29 on Nintendo Switch.

Metroid: Samus Returns Demo and Interview

Quickly after Nintendo's E3 presentation, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé announced another Metroid game not included in the keynote. Metroid: Samus Returns is a reimagining of Metroid II for Gameboy, with updated graphics and new gameplay mechanics. This particular Treehouse Live demo features an interview with Metroid series co-creator Yoshio Sakamoto, who's involved in the project.

Metroid: Samus Returns releases on September 15 on 3DS.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Demo

A lengthy demo for Chronicles 2 gives fans a good look at the upcoming Xenoblade game. On display are the game's humongous titan creatures, character customization, and battle system. Battle arts have been reworked in this entry, and a new chibi art style was adopted to convey the scale of Chronicles 2's creatures.

Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is scheduled for release sometime in 2017.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions Trailer and Demo

Another Treehouse Live announcement, Bowser's Minions is an enhanced port of the original Mario & Luigi: Superstar Sage for Gameboy Advanced. This port features updated visuals, an additional story quest, and Amiibo support.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowsers Minions will release on October 6 for 3DS.