That one was pretty solid. Nothing to really take it over the top, but there is an absolute wealth of games coming in the first half of this year.

Miitopia rated R18+ in Russia because same sex characters can have a relationship

https://gonintendo.com/stories/377210-miitopia-gets-an-18-rating-in-russia-due-to-same-sex-relationshi

What a backwards government, getting so hysterical over the potential for same sex couples, especially in a games about Miis

I-

From the trailer they showed during the direct, it looked like they improved the lighting a lot for Bravely II. There's still something off about the character models though, the monster designs are pretty decent but something just rubs me the wrong way about the characters.

Eh, I don't think Bravely Default 2's character models look as bad as some people make them out to be. Also, the environments, especially the towns, look incredible.

Just finished the demo for Project Triangle Strategy (defend Roland path) and my impression is very positive. Some tweaks will be needed here and there but there should be enough time to polish it.
There seems to be quite a lot of talking, intel collection and decision-making in between battles and this adds another level of strategy to the game as your choices decide what characters will join you and how certain events will unfold. I guess this could turn some people off though.
Storywise, I'm pleasently surprised. There's quite more to it than just "three kingdoms fight for power" and judging by the demo there seem to be quite a few actors with their own ambitions and goals. I got some strong Game of Thrones-vibes at times.

It may not have had some of the games people wanted to see, but it can't be said the Direct didn't show a lot of games.

The story has a very basic and generic premise-- son of a lord, royal in-fighting, betrayal etc. --but the fact that it has branching options and choices, as well as the way you have to actually earn them through info gathering, dialogue options and the invisible convictions paramater, gives it some real interest. Not just that but the way you play out certain missions will also change some story aspects (not using the totems to defeat the invading army).

As for gameplay, I'm not sure how they intend to balance it for the full release, but the first thing that's apparent is even basic characters don't die too easily. You have to really use co-operation between several characters and smart placement to get through them, while also being careful who you leave open.
Something that really stands out is using environmental differences to your advantage. I didn't do a great job of that, actually finding out the hard way how effective freezing the ground can be by using it around all my own units and hampering them. Outside of using elements, the other big one is using different elevations to strike outside of other characters' ranges, or just better positioning for more damage, along with which characters can easily manuever around.

I know a lot of Nintendo fans aren't big on RPGs and there's some feeling of RPG fatigue in general for Switch, but I'm all for this and glad this direct gave me at least one big game to look forward to.

I've been going back-and-forth with whether I'll set time aside for Bravely Default II. Did try both demos and had mixed feelings overall. It's also the same week as Persona 5 Strikers.

The main thing interesting me is it's light-hearted and silly tone, almost like it's attempting to parody the genre. It's just whether or not the gameplay seems fresh enough, the jobs are well balanced and the fights aren't too grindy.