Nintendo is very excited about their upcoming motion-controlled fighting game ARMS, coming exclusively to Nintendo Switch on June 16. The latest Nintendo Direct detailed new features, characters, and battle modes. There’s also a “Global Testpunch” demo coming at the end of May.
“With games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS and Splatoon 2, the next few months will be a summer of social competitive gaming on Nintendo Switch,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s SVP of Sales and Marketing. “This Nintendo Direct presentation offered great reasons why ARMS is perfect for players of all ages, whether they are familiar with fighting games or not.”
The Direct revealed the rest of the 10 character roster. New reveals include Byte & Barq, a police robot and his robo-dog, and celebrity star Twintelle who uses her massive hair as her offensive appendages.
In addition to different fighters, players will be able to customize both their left and right ARMS. This choice dynamically changes how the arms attack and move, from boomerangs that go sideways to missiles that launch straight ahead. Each ARM has its own element attribute, special attack, and weight. Heavier ARMS will beat lighter ones when both slam into each other, but will also slow down your movement. As you play and earn currency you’ll be able to upgrade your favorite ARMS and purchase new ones.
A bevy of multiplayer modes will be available at launch, including traditional one-on-one battles to endurance tests and mini-games. Mini-games include playing explosive volleyball, hitting targets, and playing basketball where you try to grab and dunk each other.
Party Match allows up to four players to jump online and battle together. Two local players can also jump online with up to 10 total systems, bringing a max of 20 players per multiplayer lobby. Ranked matches will be available as well as an offline Grand Prix that resembles a single player campaign of 10 matches.
Nintendo also mentioned that they will support ARMS in the future. Free DLC and updates will add more fighters, stages, and content to the game.
Get ready to fight by downloading the #ARMS Global Testpunch demo in the #eShop now! pic.twitter.com/WFXc4F5Yij
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) May 17, 2017
Like Splatoon, ARMS will benefit from a free demo to help stabilize online multiplayer. The Global Testpunch will run for two weekends starting next May 26. You can begin downloading the ARMS demo in the eShop right now.
As a surprise end note to the Direct, Nintendo unveiled a trailer for Splatoon 2’s single-player campaign. Splatoon is scheduled for release on July 21.
ARMS is coming June 16.
