While most fans likely picked up a Nintendo Switch to play new entries in Nintendo’s classic franchises, the console isn’t devoid of brand new IP. One of the more interesting new IP on the horizon for the Switch is theunique fighting gameARMS, and if game producer Kosuke Yobuki has his way, it could one day be just as recognizable asSuper MarioorZelda.
Speaking with EDGE magazine, Yobuki said that he could seeARMSbecoming a franchise that spans decades, not unlike some of Nintendo’s other popular series.
“It would be like a dream for this to become a franchise spanning decades, but right now, only a small number of people around the world know about ARMS: those who closely follow new games and technology. First, I’d like those people to play ARMS and have fun with it. This game offers a brand new playstyle, brand new characters, and brand new strategic gameplay.”
Yobuki has high expectations forARMS, but it looks like one of the stranger games in the Switch’s lineup, and may fail to find a large audience as a result. Furthermore,ARMShas to compete with a couple of major fighting game releases in the form ofInjustice 2andTekken 7, which are based on established franchises that are already popular with fans of the genre.
However,ARMSwill have the advantage of being one of the first major fighting game available on the Nintendo Switch when it launches in June. Plus, its status as a first-party Nintendo game should also go a long way in helpingARMSsell enough copies to become a franchise, especially if the strong sales numbers forThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the WildandMario Kart 8are any indication.
ARMSmay seem a little odd and could very well end up being a niche title, but Nintendo has a proven track record of taking strange concepts and turning them into multi-million selling gaming franchises. IfARMSand itscast of charactersresonate with gamers, then it’s safe to say that producer Kosuke Yobuki will be quick about getting to work on the sequel.
