3DS eShop News
June2015
News USK Reiterates That IARC, A Quick and Global Age Ratings Option, Will Come to the eShop
Should help developers to release globally quicker
We've highlighted in the past how obtaining age ratings can be a complicated and expensive process for Indie developers on tight budgets. While the ESRB service in North America is free and based online, complaints over the slower processes in PAL territories - which also cost a fair amount of money...
News Pokémon Shuffle Gets Its First Ever Escalation Battle
Gotta get a Giratina
Nintendo's free-to-play experiment Pokémon Shuffle continues to get some neat updates, with the latest offering the game's first ever "Escalation" battle. Of course, the title has had challenge updates in the past, but this one is unique. While the other challenges have largely been timed events, the difference here is that as...
Nintendo Download 11th June (Europe)
Dr. Mario, LEGO Dinosaurs on the go, Mega Man and more
Another week begins with the Nintendo Download Update in Europe, and this particular batch brings us the result of a Nintendo Direct reveal, a LEGO movie adaptation, more classic Mega Man and some discount options. It's a relatively short list, bringing us a slight pre-E3 lull. Wii U Virtual...
News Reggie Has Been Pushing For Binding Of Isaac To Come To Nintendo Consoles Since 2012
Nintendo of America boss is quite a fan, it seems
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth will be hitting Wii U and 3DS this year, and boy has it been a long time coming. The game was teased for Nintendo systems way back in 2012, but Nintendo was initially opposed to the idea - citing the game's "questionable religious content" as the reason for blocking a...
Review Samurai Defender (3DS eShop)
Five Samurai
CIRCLE Entertainment and the Nintendo 3DS eShop go hand in hand. Boasting nearly 50 titles with its name attached as either a publisher or developer, seeing a CIRCLE game pop up on the eShop update list has become the norm. With so many to its name, it's no surprise that CIRCLE's games run the gamut from top-notch to downright terrible...
News Antipole DX to Defy Gravity on Wii U and 3DS This Year
This ain't no DSiWare any more
DSiWare was / is a quirky yet admirable service, bringing some excellent slices of gaming in just 16MB or less. One title that was certainly in the top tier was Antipole, a gravity flipping action platformer that we rather enjoyed in our review. The good news is that it's heading to the eShop on Wii U and 3DS later...
Nintendo Download 4th June (North America)
Pip, Cube Life, AVGN on 3DS, Lord of Magna, DSiWare rebirth and more
It's that time again, North America, for the latest Nintendo Download Update details, and this week is varied and a tad bizarre. We have an eagerly anticipated eShop platformer, a world-building title aiming to bring a bit of Minecraft-style glamour to the home console, while the...
News Tappingo 2 Puzzles Its Way to Europe on 25th June, But Germany May Miss Out
Developer hoping to self-publish separately in Germany
It's taken a while, but the rather enjoyable Tappingo 2 has almost arrived in Europe. It's been confirmed that it'll hit the region on 25th June, though it will skip Germany, at least initially, which has its own separate rating system - USK. The title's developer, Hugo Smits, has clarified...
News Humble Nindie Bundle Has A Dramatic Impact On eShop Charts
All change in the top 10
The Humble Nindie Bundle has been a massive success - despite the lack of cross-region availability - and has, at the time of writing, raised $618,463.11 over more than 67,000 bundles. If you needed any further indication of its popularity, you need look no futher than this week's Wii U and 3DS eShop charts. While Splatoon...
News Mighty No.9 Looks Rather Neat in This 60fps Trailer
Mega Man says hi
Keiji Inafune may not always spin gold in the many projects with which he's associated, but the hype is very real for Mighty No. 9. A hugely successful crowdfunding campaign, it drifted off the radar a little - while also missing its original release window - but is rapidly coming back into view. At the end of April it was given...
News Humble Nindie Bundle Adds Three New Games
Two for Wii U and one for 3DS
After a week the Humble Nindie Bundle has raised over $500,000 and sold more than 58,000 bundles; eShop gamers in the Americas have had the option of paying whatever they want for three games, or adding an extra five titles by paying just $10 - some have been voluntarily paying much more, of course. It's a first for...
News Xeodrifter Targeting 18th June Release in PAL Regions, Pricing Confirmed
That includes you Australia / New Zealand
Xeodrifter is a particularly intriguing 3DS eShop title from Renegade Kid. Due to some delays and struggles in 2014 the popular studio took a decision to turn around this passion project for 3DS in just five months, and the resulting Metroidvania retro-styled experience proved to be a critical success. It's...
News The Latest SteamWorld Ambassador Challenge Seeks Your Witty Social Media Ideas
#wittytagline
Image & Form has been running a series of SteamWorld Ambassador Challenges every two weeks, with lucky winners set to receive copies of SteamWorld Heist on all available platforms later this year. Contests so far have included designing hats for robots and thinking up witty one-liners, accommodating those with creative minds and...
Video Here's All Your Pre-E3 Nintendo Direct Video Content In One Handy Place
Moving images are fun!
Nintendo's final Direct broadcast before E3 was something of a surprise - we knew the Japanese event was happening but the Western Nintendo Direct Micro came out of nowhere. Still, when it delivered so much new-game goodness, it's hard to grumble about being blindsided - even if poor old Tom had to be shackled to his PC...
Feature Humble Nindie Bundle - The Developer's Perspective
"I won't pretend I saw it coming, but it does make sense"
Humble Bundle is long established as a service that groups together games, eBooks and music into affordable packages, for which you pay what you want and determine how much money goes to the creators, Humble itself and a chosen charity. It's in gaming circles that it's best known, is hugely...
News Arc System Works Bringing Swords & Darkness And Ninja Usagimaru To The North American 3DS eShop
Full of Eastern promise?
Arc System Works has confirmed that it is bringing two of its 3DS eShop titles to the North American eShop on June 11th. Swords & Darkness launched in Japan a while back and is a side-scrolling 2D action RPG. Our resident import expert Kerry previewed it some time ago, and wasn't that impressed. Ninja Usagimaru – The...
News Bike Rider DX3 Is Rolling Out Transformers Crossover Content In Japan
Till all are one
Chari-Sou DX3: Time Rider - the latest entry in the series known as Bike Rider here in the West - is getting Transformers crossover content in its native Japan. The update will be available as DLC for 200 Yen, and will unlock various Transformers-related features in the popular 3DS eShop title. You'll be able to play as...
News Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure Will Try to Make Us All Feel Better Soon
No need for Apple today
During the weekend's Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast a new Dr. Mario title was released for the 3DS; today's Nintendo Direct Micro has now brought the news that this title is pretty close to release in the West, too. Called Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure, it's getting released in North America and Europe
News Bravely Second End Layer is Heading to the West in 2016
The wait begins
Bravely Second End Layer has proven to be a success in Japan, and considering the highly respectable sales of its predecessor in the West it's little surprise that it's now confirmed for localisation. The Square Enix-published RPG had recently been trademarked in Europe, so this isn't particularly surprising news. Both Nintendo of...
News Nintendo Wants Metroid-Style Title Axiom Verge On One Of Its Systems
We don't mind which, personally
Axiom Verge is a fantastic Metroid-style action title which really belongs on a Nintendo system, and if former NoA employee Dan Adelman - who is in charge of PR for the game - is to be believed, it's only a matter of time. Speaking to Game Informer, Adelman was asked if Nintendo had been in touch about the game:...
Nintendo Download 4th June (Europe)
Don't Starve, Lord of Magna, Big Brains, FullBlast and much more
Another week begins, which means European gamers have Nintendo Download Update details to peruse. This week's offerings include a critically acclaimed indie title on Wii U, a shmup, another DS Virtual Console release and a promising RPG on 3DS; in addition there are a huge number of...
May2015
News New Dr. Mario Title Released on 3DS in Japan
Features online matches, download play and also has Luigi
In today's Nintendo Direct a couple of new downloads were given immediate releases in Japan. One of these is Super Mario Galaxy on the Wii U eShop, but there's a fresh option for 3DS owners too in the form of a new Dr. Mario title for the handheld. Also featuring Dr. Luigi, this new en
Not long now
NIS American has confirmed the European release dates for two of Altus' 3DS RPGs, Etrian Mystery Dungeon And Shin Megami Tensei Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker. Both games will be getting physical and digital releases in the region. Etrian Mystery Dungeon is a mash-up of the Etrian Odyssey and Mystery Dungeon series, and launched in...
Nintendo Download 28th May (North America)
Splatoon, Double Mega Man, Don't Starve, Nicalis discounts and more
The information has come through a little later than normal, but we now have the full Nintendo Download Update run-down for North America. There's a big-name retail arrival on Wii U that's been inked in for some time, a critically acclaimed indie release, two doses of classic Mega...
Feature Explaining Humble Bundle and What it Could Mean for Nintendo and Nindies
There are many winners
A rather surprising promotion went live this week - the Humble Nindie Bundle. It's only available in the Americas, though Nintendo of America's Damon Baker has stated that there were efforts to make it global and there's scope for future promotions. The frenzy of attention is naturally on the pay-what-you-want angle, which...
News Humble Bundle Issues Official Statement About Region-Locked Nintendo Promotion
“Our goal is to make games as universally accessible as can be”
A representative of Nintendo yesterday clarified via social media that the company tried for months to make its Humble Bundle globally available. Responding to comments on Twitter, Damon Baker of Nintendo America revealed there were efforts to open up the bundle deal worldwide, and...
News Humble Nindie Bundle Sells Over 37,000 Units in Just 24 Hours
Over $340,000 raised and counting
Nintendo of America and key Indie partners caused a stir recently when the Humble Nindie Bundle was unveiled, which allows eShop gamers in the Americas - it's not available in PAL territories - to pay what they want for a batch of excellent Wii U and 3DS games. If you pay over certain limits you get more games. To...
News Pokémon Shuffle Brings Major Changes in Version 1.2
More hearts, 'Super Catch' mode and woe for cheats
Pokémon Shuffle, the seemingly endless free-to-play match-three title on 3DS, has had plenty of updates, yet version 1.2 is now available and offers one of the most notable shake-ups to date. When trying to check-in you'll be told of a mandatory update, and in Europe the 686 block size suggests...
News Nintendo Wanted To Make Its Humble Bundle A Global Offer, Expects To Do So "Eventually"
"Tried for months to make it global"
Nintendo surprised pretty much everyone by announcing its own Humble Bundle yesterday, albeit one which is sadly limited to North America. Non-American players are already making their displeasure felt on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook, and while the disappointment of missing out on this amazing...
News Developer Pleased with Sales of Retro City Rampage: DX on 3DS
The "best-selling-at-full-price port"
With Nintendo platform indie games taking an unprecedented place on the Humble Bundle in North America, attention has focused on deals. Developer Vblank Entertainment, however, is expressing happiness with how their game sells at full price. The Twitter account for Retro City Rampage states that, even though...
News Humble Nindie Bundle Allows Wii U and 3DS eShop Gamers in North America to Pay What They Want
It's happened
Well, it's happened, and it's quite a landmark for the Wii U and 3DS eShop and a few key developers. The latest Humble Bundle - which groups games together and allows you to pay what you want to unlock some or all of what's on offer - is currently offering up the Humble Nindie Bundle in the Americas; unfortunately gamers in other...
Gallery Check Out Another Three Exclusive 3DS Screens for SteamWorld Heist
Including a Swab Hat, which is swell
Earlier today Image & Form unveiled the first 3DS screenshots for SteamWorld Heist, showing how the 2D strategy title will shrink down onto the portable. First impressions are pretty positive - we think, anyway - and we can see how the bottom screen will be utilised for control tips, swapping between team...
News Image & Form Unveils the First Screenshots of SteamWorld Heist on 3DS
Steamy
SteamWorld Heist is the eagerly anticipated next release from Image & Form, which is heading to Wii U, 3DS and practically every format available. All of the screens and footage shown to date have been for the HD version, yet now the studio's unveiled the first screens for the portable iteration on 3DS. The big positive is that, just...
Nintendo Download 28th May (Europe)
Splatoon, Fossil Fighters, Strangeness, an imported retro treat and more
Much later than normal due to a public Holiday, we finally have this week's Nintendo Download Update details for Europe. There's a hotly anticipated Wii U retail exclusive, of course, while there's also a retail arrival on 3DS. Wii U owners have more options with an intriguing...
News Pokémon Shuffle Hits Four Million Downloads and Launches Shaymin Event
Keep on shuffling
We don't know how much money Pokémon Shuffle is earning for Nintendo, but it's certainly tempting a decent number of 3DS owners to try it out for free. The tile-matching game has now reached 4 million downloads, which certainly isn't a number to be sniffed at. The game is celebrating through new events - on the one hand it's...
Talking Point The Fragility of Buying Download Games
Download stores have changed what it means to own a game
During the last console generation we saw a leap in the prominence of online connectivity in games; one of the major things to emerge from this shift was the rise of digital games and storefronts. It became easier than ever for Indies to reach larger audiences as the barriers to console...
News Pokémon Rumble World is One of the Top 10 'Trending' Games on YouTube
Free-to-view
We've written in the past that Nintendo's successes on YouTube are only sporadic, perhaps as a result of the company's arguably old-fashioned approach to allowing coverage of its games. Nevertheless, there's a surprise entry in a list of 'trending' games on the video service for April. The definition of 'trending' is games "that saw...
News Tappingo 2 Close to European Release
Aiming for June
Puzzle games and the 3DS eShop are old, familiar allies - small screens suit leisurely puzzling, and there are some clever titles that scratch that itch on the system. Tappingo is one, which provides its own twist on a Picross-esque formula. Of course Tappingo 2 has been out in North America for a while, and we rather liked it in...
News Natsume Is Bringing Two Arc System Works Titles To North America In July & August
More love for the eShop
Publisher of the Harvest Moon series, Natsume, has announced it has partnered with Arc System Works to release two titles for Nintendo's eShop platform in North America over the coming months. Gotcha Racing, coming to the 3DS this July, is a top-down racing game where players gather parts from capsule machines to build a...
Nintendo Download 21st May (North America)
Swords & Soldiers II, classic Mega Man, Puzzle & Dragons and much more
It's that time again, slightly later than normal, for the North American Download Update details. This week brings a range of new options on Wii U, a number of which are exclusives, along with a 3DS retail release, the latest from CIRCLE Entertainment and a whole load of...
Editorial The eShop's Pricing Dilemma is the Fault of Many, But Damages Creativity and Risk Taking
More for less isn't sensible or fair
There's a worrying trend at present, in which ambitious and creative independent developers announce a sizeable Wii U exclusive, and then have to defend their pricing. That's happened twice in recent times with Affordable Space Adventures and - this week - Swords & Soldiers II. We've also had a reliable...
Exclusive eShop Publishers Are Dropping Releases In Germany Due To Low Sales And Cost Of USK Rating
Smaller indies also struggling to make a living on Nintendo systems
We've reported on the less-than-ideal nature of global age ratings in the past, and what they mean for indie developers attempting to make a living on Nintendo's systems. Releasing a game internationally isn't a simple matter of pushing a button; age ratings must be granted in every...
News Come Up With Witty One-Liners to Become a SteamWorld Heist Ambassador
Plagiarising Bender isn't an option
In recent weeks Image & Form has been keeping the fires burning for the planned Fall release of SteamWorld Heist, which is coming to various platforms including Wii U and 3DS. Its mix of 2D strategy, procedurally generated levels and a quirky premise have made it one of our most eagerly watching download...
News Samurai Defender Aims to Defend the Castle This Week, in North America, on the 3DS eShop
Tap and destroy
CIRCLE Entertainment certainly stays busy on the 3DS eShop, producing a whole range of releases both developed in-house and publishing the work of others, particularly studios based in Japan and the Far East. Some prove to be gems, certainly, while others are a little more modest in what they offer; nevertheless, the portable's eShop...
News NES Sports Title Tecmo Bowl Rated By The Australian Classification Board
Marks the title's Virtual Console debut in PAL regions
The NFL arcade game originally developed by Tecmo in 1987 and ported to the NES in 1989 is expected to arrive soon on the Virtual Console in PAL regions after it was recently rated by the Australian Classification Board. This will be the first time Tecmo Bowl has been released in this region as...
Pulling the blocks into place
It's arguably one of the key gaming experiences to indulge in some light puzzling on a handheld system. Whether it's Tetris or Picross, nothing makes a morning commute or quiet evening more relaxing than letting grey matter and opposable thumbs work together to solve a problem. Pullblox / Pushmo is one Nintendo 3DS...
Review 3D Thunder Blade (3DS eShop)
Get to the chopper!
There was a time in the late '80s when Thunder Blade machines were a fairly common sight in amusement arcades. Yet even with a decent amount of distribution it was never in the same league as its close cousins; the instant visual assault from Sega's flashier and more exciting looking games such as Out Run, After Burner and Space...
Nintendo Download 21st May (Europe)
Swords & Soldiers II, yarn Kirby, Paper Mario, Curve Digital sale and more
It's time for another Monday morning to be brightened up by upcoming download delights, and this week's European Nintendo Download Update has some promising choices. On the Wii U we have an exclusive from Ronimo Games, a soft and cuddly Good-Feel game and a classic N64 title,...
News You Can Design a New Level for Pazuru and Win a Neat Figurine
Update will add three user-generated stages to full game
The 3DS eShop has a number of high quality and clever puzzle games, and Pazuru is a solid recent addition. It has a neat approach, but also adds to the core content with a level creation tool. Developer Moragami is now aiming to put that lever creator to good use, and is offering up a fairly...
News Capcom's Spring Sale Offers Up Six eShop Discounts in North America
Street Fighter! Resident Evil! DuckTales!
The eShop stores on Wii U and 3DS often have a range of discounts, and Capcom is the latest to cut prices on some of its biggest releases. Details of the current discounts in North America are now available, and match up with equivalent deals that have also arrived in Europe this week. Six games have been...
News Stretchmo, Known as Fullblox in Europe, is Available Now in North America
NoA sure stretched out that announcement
The Nintendo Download update isn't always gospel - today's North American update didn't mention Stretchmo, but it's now available to download for free on the 3DS eShop; it's called Fullblox in Europe and is also available in that region. The latest free-to-play dalliance
Review Johnny Dynamite (3DS eShop)
Defused
Imagine a 2D game with a simple premise: collect all pieces of dynamite in each stage without taking any damage. Instead of running and jumping around like you would in a traditional platformer, you thrust freely throughout the bite-sized stages with a trusty jetpack. With unlimited use of this ability, along with an endless supply of...
Nintendo Download 14th May (North America)
Nindies on Wii U, NSMB, Mega Man, another 3D SEGA Classic and more
Update: Stretchmo is now also available as a free download from the 3DS eShop. Original Article: It's that time again, North American gamers, with another Nintendo Download update to deliver some digital goodies on Wii U and 3DS. This week brings some pro
News Fullblox Is Available To Download On The European 3DS eShop Right Now
Hot on the trail of the Japanese release
Nintendo has announced that Fullblox is available to download on the European 3DS eShop from today. The game - which is the latest in a series of titles which includes Pullblox and Fallblox - features the rotund Mallo as he attempts to solve a wide range of puzzles. The unique thing about this offering -...
News Image & Form Considering SteamWorld Heist DLC, But Not For Day One
"It needs to be something more"
SteamWorld Heist is certainly one of the most prominent Indie downloads on the way this year, with Image & Form's 2D strategy title set to come to the eShop on Wii U and 3DS, along with a host of other platforms. The studio's been keeping fans up to date with weekly updates, too, tackling questions and running...
Charizard has a Mega Stone, too
Pokémon Rumble World is Nintendo's most recent free-to-play venture on the 3DS, blending button mashing and brawling with strategy to utilise super effective combinations. As with Pokémon Shuffle it's possible to progress without spending any money, though you can speed up progress or improve your chances by buying...
News Nintendo Reveals Pushmo: Hippa Land For 3DS eShop, Out Now In Japan
Sample the game for free, and pay to unlock more
Intelligent Systems’ Pushmo series for the 3DS eShop has been well received since the original game – known as Pullblox in Europe – was first released on the 3DS eShop in 2011. Since then, fans of Mallo and company have seen the release of the 2012 sequel Crashmo – Fallblox in Europe – and...
Nintendo Download 14th May (Europe)
S.T.E.A.M., GBA Mega Man classics, 3D Thunder Blade and Wii U Nindies
Another week begins, which means it's time to gaze upon the download treats heading to Europe this week. It's a pretty strong line-up, with two encouraging Nindie arrivals on the Wii U, two GBA Mega Man titles, another SEGA Classic, the latest 3DS retail arrival from Intelligent...
News Legendary Regirock Rocks The Scene In The Latest Pokemon Shuffle Challenge
Pedra Valley also added to main stages
Pokémon Shuffle continues to expand with the launch of its latest challenge featuring the legendary Regirock Pokémon and the addition of ten new main stages taking the total main stage count from 180 to 190. The Regirock Great Challenge gives players the opportunity to take on the powerful foe over 30 moves...
Doesn't make us feel bloo
Originally developed for mobile platforms, Bloo Kid 2 was well received back in 2014; indie developer 'winterworks' delivered a solid 2D platformer with responsive touchscreen controls. Although still a decent choice for the discerning mobile user, Bloo Kid 2 clearly becomes a much tougher proposition on the Nintendo 3DS...
Sunny side up
Budget-priced titles are a tempting option for consumers: for less than the price of a coffee you can get a video game. Unfortunately, not every game is up to the standards of indie gems like Gunman Clive, and sometimes even the most inexpensive titles can leave players feeling ripped off. Thankfully, Runny Egg joins a growing...
Nintendo Download 7th May (North America)
Splatoon demo-ish, strangeness, retro Mega Man, Atlus goodness and more
After a delay while the Splatoon Direct festivities were completed, we now have the download update details for North America. There's a much-hoped for demo (sort of), classic Mega Man, platformers on the 3DS, a whole load of discounts, DLC and a particularly quirky Indie...
Review Titanic Mystery (3DS eShop)
My heart can't go on
If you aren't some form of malicious AI bent on revenge against humanity, then the idea of mixing puzzle gameplay together with tragic events might not make very much sense. It's a strange combination that has "honoured" the RMS Titanic in particular with several different examples, and we've pondered both the implications and...
Review Best Friends - My Horse 3D (3DS eShop)
Put this one out to pasture
It seems as though publishers just can't get enough horse related games released on the 3DS, with Best Friends - My Horse 3D being the sixth one; you'd think by now that horse racing simulator games would have been mastered, but you'd be sadly mistaken. Best Friends - My Horse 3D does absolutely nothing to improve on...
News It's Hats Off to the Latest SteamWorld Heist Ambassador Challenge
For all you doodlers out there
With SteamWorld Heist heading to Wii U, 3DS and a load of other systems later this year, Image & Form is keen to keep its fans busy in the build-up. Part of those efforts are bi-weekly competitions for someone to become a SteamWorld Ambassador; they'll get to play Heist before it comes out and get free copies on...
Nintendo Download 7th May (Europe)
Kirby, DS Yoshi, Puzzle & Dragons duo, a free HOME theme and more
It's the beginning of another week, and though the UK Nintendo Download Update details and pricing haven't been issued due to a public Holiday, the information for the European region as a whole has still been released (with thanks to Daan Koopman for his assistance). This week's...
Talking Point Nintendo's Legacy Makes The Virtual Console Essential, But It Must Modernise
Idealism should make way for realism
Technologically, the world is busier and noisier than it's ever been before. So many gadgets and screens demand our time and loyalty, from smart TVs with hundreds of channels and streaming apps, to smartphones and tablets and, of course, game systems. Those with a decent amount of spare cash that are anxious to...
Poll Is It Time For a Fresh Alternative to the Virtual Console?
Bundles, remixes, subscription services - what's next?
When the Wii launched it had plenty of exciting ideas that contributed to its extraordinary success. One service that appealed to older gamers and / or dedicated fans was the Virtual Console - while relatively niche services had offered older games for download in the past, this was a game...
News SEGA and M2 Are Happy to Continue 3D Classics "Indefinitely if Sales Are Good"
No current plans beyond upcoming line-up, however
It's no secret that we're big fans of the SEGA 3D re-releases on the 3DS eShop, in which a range of classics from the Mega Drive and arcade era are reproduced in a brilliant fashion; the development work is done by the porting masters at M2, of course. The series has had a good run, with a number of...
News Atlus Confirms Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains Release Date
Swinging into action
Attack on Titan has taken the world by storm; with a popular manga and anime series, the property has seen a lot of success. After a long wait the 3DS game, Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains is finally leaving Japan and allowing the rest of the world to join the ranks of the Scout Regiment. The Atlus published game,...
Initial screenshot posting "never was planned"
Miiverse has had its share of community controversies, typically when users have been restricted from posting content they want to share. Comic Workshop fell victim to this problem when screenshot sharing was rapidly removed from the community, frustrating those that wanted a quick and easy way to share...
News Rynn’s Adventure: Trouble in the Enchanted Forest Arrives On The Wii U And 3DS eShops This Fall
Defeat an army of reptiles as a fearless fox
Yet another indie title will arrive on the Wii U and 3DS eShops soon, with developer Arcane Four Studios announcing their side-scrolling 2D platform game, Rynn’s Adventure: Trouble in the Enchanted Forest, will be released this fall. Players take control of a fox named Rynn as they attempt to take back...
Would also love to see Shovel Knight added to the Super Smash Bros. roster
Yacht Club Games’ side-scrolling platform title, Shovel Knight, was a huge success on launch, receiving critical praise and scooping up several game awards soon after. Since its initial release on the Wii U, 3DS and PC in June last year, the independent developer has been...
April2015
Nintendo Download 30th April (North America)
Paper Mario, amiibo tapping, mech blasting, pinball DLC and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for details on the fresh download treats making their way to the eShop. This week brings an amiibo freebie, a Nintendo 64 classic, DLC, demos, discounts and more besides. It's certainly a diverse and quirky line-up this time around, so let's...
Review Karous -The Beast of Re:Eden- (3DS eShop)
Not exactly the beast
The "shmup" genre is relatively niche but is also, among its devoted fans, one of the great pleasures in gaming. It's a difficult genre to create games for, however, as the nature of the gameplay is rather limited and simple, with innovations being hard to come by. After all, there's only so many ways one can pull off...
News Comic Workshop Update on the Way to "Mark the Comeback of Screenshot Posts to Miiverse"
Stan Lee will be thrilled
While Miiverse is certainly popular with a number of Wii U and 3DS owners, it's had some moments of controversy. Many of these relate to the availability and then removal of screenshot functionality, often as a result of Nintendo trying to moderate inappropriate content. Comic Workshop fell victim to controversy on this...
News Phoenix Wright: Dual Destinies Art Book Taking the Stand
AKA The Big Book of Courtroom Breakdowns
So sure, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies never came out in a physical form for most of us, and that might still sting a bit. For those still yearning to feel justice in their hands, however, a different sort of medium has arisen. Capcom's courtroom style will be set to page this coming 9 June...
News WayForward is Flipping the Tables With a Mighty Switch Force! 3DS HOME Theme
This week in North America, soon in Europe
WayForward has stepped into the 3DS HOME Theme business of late, releasing Premium themes for Shantae and the Pirate's Curse. They were charming, and the developer / publisher is now bringing another of its popular titles to our 3DS UI screens with an upcoming arrival for Mighty Switch Force!. As you can...
Video Even The Credits Sequence For 3D Streets Of Rage 2 Is Awesome
M2 magic
Yesterday we gave you some initial impressions of 3D Streets of Rage 2, the latest entry in Sega's 3D Classics series, which has just been released in Japan. Everything about the game drips class; it's already a wonderful brawler, but developer M2 has added in even more goodness, such as a special "Quartet" mode, various screen filters and...
Matters Of Import Cleaning Up The City In 3D Streets Of Rage 2
Bare those knuckles
Streets of Rage 2 - or Bare Knuckle 2 as it is known in Japan - is widely regarded as one of the best side-scrolling fighters ever created, so the fact that its announcement as part of Sega's burgeoning 3D Classics range caused such excitement should come as no great shock. This is one of the defining games of the 16-bit era, and...
News Mighty No. 9 Confirmed for September Release, Along With Physical Retail Version
Deep Silver publishing, 3DS release due "at a later point"
Mighty No. 9, the upcoming title from Keiji Inafune's Comcept studio that has Mega Man fans rather excited, finally has release dates. As many have guessed it won't arrive this Spring, but is hitting the Wii U in North America on 15th September and other territories on 18th September. In...
News Image & Form Answers Questions on SteamWorld Heist Platform Features, Multiplayer and amiibo
Announces the first 'Ambassador' contest winner, too
SteamWorld Heist is certainly one of the highest-profile download-only releases heading to the Wii U and 3DS this year, and ahead of a Fall release window Image & Form is keeping fans informed with weekly updates and contests. Last week the studio launched its first SteamWorld Ambassador...
Video Gawk at Streets of Rage 2 in 3D on Your New Nintendo 3DS
Grand Upper!
We may be waiting until the Summer for the next batch of 3D Classics from Sega in the West, but Japanese gamers can look forward to 3D Streets of Rage 2 this week, on 28th April; yes, we're jealous. The good news is that Sega's official YouTube channel has served up a taster of how the brilliant fighting game will look on Nintendo's...
Over 100 missions and customisable ships
CIRCLE Entertainment remains one of the most active publishers on the 3DS eShop, often localising some promising games from Japan for Western audiences; it appears to be doing that once again with the conceptually enticing Karous -The Beast of Re:Eden-. Originally developed by Sakura Flamingo Laboratory,...
News Pokémon Shuffle Celebrates 3.5 Million Downloads With Special Celebi Challenge
Runs until May 18th
Nintendo's free-to-play puzzle title Pokémon Shuffle has now been downloaded over 3.5 million times. To mark this occasion, Nintendo has opened a special Celebi challenge, which runs from today until May 18th. Successfully completing the challenge earns you 1000 coins, and as you might expect, you'll need to be running the...
Nintendo Download 30th April (Europe)
Smash Bros. DLC, Sin & Punishment 2, amiibo freebies and much more
It's the start of another week, and as always we have the European Nintendo Download Update to warm us up to the goodies on the way. This time around we have a popular Smash Bros. fighter available to buy, a free app of amiibo-powered retro demos, along with an excellent new Wii...
Review Heart Beaten (3DS eShop)
Be still my beating heart
Originally created and developed during the Global Game Jam of 2013 in a little over 24 hours, Heart Beaten has been available on Android and iOS platforms for a couple of years. The newly released Nintendo 3DS version expands on the mobile version with structural changes, brand new mini-game types and a new soundtrack...
Review Pokémon Rumble World (3DS eShop)
Diamonds and Pearls
One of many spin-offs to come out of Nintendo's Pokémon phenomenon, the Rumble series takes toy versions of Game Freak's famous monsters and throws them into simple, action-packed beat-'em-ups. The 3DS has already played host to Pokémon Rumble Blast, but following in the free-to-play footsteps of the recently released Pokémon...
Interview Bringing Together the 3DS and Game Boy in BOXBOY!
Thinking outside of the box
HAL Laborary Inc has been busy of late, bringing Kirby into the HD era with Kirby and the Rainbow Curse but also, on a much smaller scale, developing BOXBOY! for the 3DS eShop. With a Game Boy style and retro approach to puzzle solving it's charmed plenty of portable gamers, and also showed that the house of Kirby is more...
Review Cube Creator 3D (3DS eShop)
A proper substitute for Minecraft?
It's a rather unfortunate reality that Minecraft has never made it to Nintendo platforms. The multi-billion dollar franchise has reached millions of people all over the world in the course of its run and it would seem to be a good fit for Nintendo platforms given its extremely approachable, yet deep gameplay...
Nintendo Download 23rd April (North America)
Mario Kart 8 DLC, DS karting, Mewtwo, 3D cube creation and more
Happy Mario Kart Day, Nintendo gamers! The usual download update details are out a little later than normal for North America and, unsurprisingly, the Mario Kart 8 DLC Pack 2 has a prominent place in the listing. It's not the only fresh arrival, though, we also have more Mario Kart of...
News 3DS RPG Lord Of Magna: Maiden Heaven Is Heading West This June
From the producer of Rune Factory and Story of Seasons
Publisher Marvelous has confirmed that Lord Of Magna: Maiden Heaven is heading west this June. The strategy RPG - produced by Yoshifumi Hashimoto, the man behind Harvest Moon, Rune Factory and Story of Seasons - will be getting a physical and digital release in North America, where it launches...
News Cube Creator 3D Bringing a Minecraft-Style Experience to 3DS This Week in North America
Demo has been downloaded over 260,000 times
Nintendo systems may be lacking the selling power of Minecraft, but a number of developers have been endeavouring to fill the gap. The latest to throw their hats into the ring are collaborators Big John Games and Gamers Digital, with Cube Creator 3D - it's arriving on the eShop in North America this week...
News Image & Form Announces 'SteamWorld Ambassador' Challenges
Play SteamWorld Heist before anyone else
SteamWorld Heist is due to start arriving in Fall this year, with the 3DS and Wii U eShop stores on the list of supported platforms. A spin-off from SteamWorld Dig, its blend of a steampunk aesthetic with 2D turn-based strategy is certainly full of potential. Developer Image & Form is now launching a set...
News Hacked Passcodes Leaked For 3DS eShop Microtransaction-Based Title, Pokémon Rumble World
Unlocks new Pokémon, outfits and additional diamonds
Nintendo's recently released free-to-play titles have been designed to challenge and push players to their limits in the hope they will at some point seek aid via their wallets. Elements such as set timers, movement limits and special tasks spread out over a day, week or month add to the...
News Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures on 3DS is "All Done" and Awaiting Approval
Stereoscopic 3D and dual screen features are included, naturally
Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures is out now on the Wii U in North America, which allows you to play with handsome HD pixels, though there are undoubtedly some that want to play it on the smaller screens of the 3DS. Shovel Knight and Shantae and the Pirate's Curse are two examples of...
Nintendo Download 23rd April (Europe)
Double Mario Kart delight, Kirby week, discounts and more
A day later than is custom, we finally have the European Nintendo Download Update details to pore over. It's a week with one particularly notable DLC pack on Wii U to be excited about, along with some Virtual Console offerings, a special Kirby-themed promotion ahead of the arrival of Kirby...
What are the scores on the DOOORS?
Imagine this: you wake up one morning and find yourself in a windowless, white room with nothing but a screwdriver in your pocket and a scrap of paper that contains a bizarre sequence of numbers. Upon closely examining the only door, you find it locked and there's no obvious keyhole. What do you do? If problem...
Review 3D Fantasy Zone II (3DS eShop)
Let me be your fantasy
Fantasy Zone II was developed and released for the Sega Master System back in 1987. Unfortunately the limitations of the console (the original Fantasy Zone was built on Sega's more powerful System 16 arcade hardware) crippled the design aspirations; admirable attempts to include new gameplay elements weren't successful and...
Review Word Search by POWGI (3DS eShop)
No explanation needed
If you've read our review of the Wii U version of Word Search by POWGI, you'll know that this download takes a no-frills approach to translating a very popular paper-based puzzle to a screen. However, while the Wii U version at least tries to add a tiny bit more variety with a very limited multiplayer mode, this portable...
