If you like strategy games Ogre Battle is a no-brainer!
It's a fantastic week for Europe, with a total of 7 new downloadable games across all services!
As Hudson revealed last week, this month brings us the 4th Hanabi Festival! And what luck, it's already started in the very first week of the month - There's two new imports up for grabs right now!
Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen is the first game in the now seemingly dead Ogre Battle series, of which not a single game was released in Europe until now! It's pretty much one of the best purchases a strategy game fan can make - With tons of options and customization there's enough here to keep you busy for weeks, if not months. Corbie gave it a 9 out of 10, that should convince you!
Pulseman is the one of very first games developed by Game Freak, the makers of almost every main Pokémon game. It's a cute little platformer starring the titular Pulseman, who has various electricity-related abilities such as hyper-speed and energy balls. Despite never being released outside Japan (At least, not in cartridge form) it's got quite a following in the west because of how fun it is. A solid purchase for sure, but if you want to wait for our review it'll be up in the next few days.
On WiiWare there's two games as well! Bit Boy!! is Bplus's newest WiiWare game, following Plättchen Twist 'n' Paint and Niki - Rock 'n' Ball. While we didn't exactly think Plättchen was all that great, we gave Niki an 8 out of 10 - Will Bit Boy!! follow Niki or will it crash and burn like Plättchen? Find out soon! In the meantime, why not read our Bit Boy!! interview again to learn some more about how this game's interesting gameplay mechanic works?
The other new WiiWare game doesn't need an introduction. Gradius Rebirth is a brand new installment in the Gradius series, exclusively for WiiWare! It borrows elements from all previous 8 and 16-bit Gradius games, including graphics, so if you like the series you'll no doubt get some enjoyment out of this one. Be warned though - It's much shorter than the average Gradius game and fairly "by-the-book," so it won't really offer anything new! That's why we only gave it a 6 out of 10. What is noteworthy is that the European version only costs 600 Wii Points instead of 1000 - That's a pretty good deal!
There's three more DSiWare games as well, although it's kind of hard to call any of them "games!" Brain Challenge seems to be not much more than DSiWare port of the WiiWare version, so if you need even more brain training, go right ahead - But really, haven't we all had enough now? We'll have a review up in the next few days so you can see how it stacks up to the WiiWare game.
The final releases this week are a set of Mario applications. The Mario Calculator and Mario Clock are pretty much just as the titles say - A calculator and clock themed after Super Mario Bros. with some minor special features. Nothing special really, but if you absolutely need them, then for 200 points each, they're not exactly the worst things ever. Read our Mario Calculator review and Mario Clock review for some more professional insight.
And so the Hanabi Festival has returned! What games will be released the next few weeks, we wonder?
1. Corbie
03 Jul 2009, 00:05 BST
WOW. And I can't wait to see how Bit Boy!! is.
2. Jolted85
03 Jul 2009, 00:05 BST
looks like we'll get pulseman as well, its been rated for awhile now
3. y2josh
03 Jul 2009, 00:09 BST
Nice update! Cant wait for pulseman in America
4. Atlantis1982
03 Jul 2009, 00:11 BST
Even though this almost feels like a catch-up week; its just you guys got a crap-load of stuff which almost rivals a Japanese Wii/DSi Shop release.
5. Mike Hawk
03 Jul 2009, 00:11 BST
Another garbage week for DSiWare.
Are we ever going to see Boxlife or Mighty Flip Champs come to Europe?
6. BrazCanaMan
03 Jul 2009, 00:12 BST
I'm curious about Bit-Boy, I can't wait for a review!
7. my_point_is
03 Jul 2009, 00:13 BST
oooh, a week with more than 3 downloads, us europeans are lucky.
although none of that bunch are getting my hard earned points though.
8. Tony
03 Jul 2009, 00:15 BST
Nice week for Europe. I am looking forward to the review of Pulseman and Bit Boy!!!
9. Ratengo
03 Jul 2009, 00:16 BST
Congratulations to a fantastic update, Europe...! You all must enjoy and have fun during the fourth Hanabi Festival!
Worth noting is that 'Gradius Rebirth' costs only 600 Wii Points (near half the price of that in Japan and North America. WOW...! ) 'Niki - Rock 'n' Ball' was not released in Australia so I suppose that neither 'Bit Boy!!' makes its way there too.
10. Terranigma
03 Jul 2009, 00:17 BST
7 Games, Wow indeed. One of the few occasions NOE are actually too good to us. While I have no interest in the DSiWare, I have to say the rest looks pretty decent, Gradius at 600 points seems like a steal, despite it's shortcomings, seeing Pulseman is great news and it's nice to see Ogre Battle finally. Not quite sure what to make of Bit Boy!! though.
11. Relevant Latty
03 Jul 2009, 00:22 BST
Awesome! Pulseman has finally been released!
12. SupermarketZombies
03 Jul 2009, 00:29 BST
Buy Ogre Battle!!!!!
13. Charlie Miso
03 Jul 2009, 00:30 BST
Ogre Battle? Sold
14. Shortay
03 Jul 2009, 00:32 BST
Really good update, I hope Bit Boy!! turns out to be great.
15. WolfRamHeart
03 Jul 2009, 00:53 BST
Congratulations on finally getting Ogre Battle! It's a great game so I hope you all enjoy it!
16. morphballer
03 Jul 2009, 01:12 BST
Judging by the reviews, 600 points for Gradius Rebirth makes more sense than 1000 points we get charged.
17. Rapadash6
03 Jul 2009, 01:19 BST
Fantastic update for you guys. Looks like hanabi will make up for those weeks you didn't get any VC games. Definately going to be a good month for Europe.
18. jhuhn
03 Jul 2009, 01:20 BST
Nintendo Download: Mario calculates his brain and times his pulse to a rebirth of bit battles.
19. Egg miester
03 Jul 2009, 01:22 BST
one hell of a good wii week for EU ogre battle alone would be great but it doesn't end there
20. RaccoonMario
03 Jul 2009, 01:29 BST
Wow, GREAT week for you guys!
21. Atlantis1982
03 Jul 2009, 01:31 BST
So I didn't noticed you guys got Gradius for cheaper, albeit we got a few games for cheaper, but the fact its something that could be worth getting is rather envious.
Oh well, have fun with the games, if anyone is getting any of them.
22. The Fox
03 Jul 2009, 01:47 BST
So, 400 points less for Gradius Rebirth, huh? Did it really sell that badly in the U.S at $10? Not that I'd but it at either price point, but I was just wondering.
23. WiX
03 Jul 2009, 01:52 BST
Wow. Bit Boy looks interesting and Gradius too, and for 600 points?! Also, yay! A new Hanabi festival (Kirby's Dream Land 3!)! I actually have Pulseman on my japanese Mega Drive, I have to test it again, after many long years of not playing it...
I noticed also that you wrote "Corbie gave it a 9 out of 10" about Ogre Battle, but about other games, you wrote "WE gave it this"
24. MarkyVigoroth
03 Jul 2009, 01:55 BST
gets a nosebleed like Aerith due to all of the European releases (NINE in all)
(http://allymcbeal18.deviantart.com/art/AERITH-third-death-15884791)
25. Aenaida
03 Jul 2009, 01:59 BST
Not too shabby.
26. Sean Aaron
03 Jul 2009, 02:10 BST
I bought Bit Boy; Ogre Battle is a certainty; hopefully we'll get those Koei games as well! Pulseman is a platform game and therefore suspect, but I'll still check out the review; if it's quality I'll buy the Japanese version and save the points difference.
Nice to buy some PAL releases for a change!
27. Corbie
03 Jul 2009, 02:12 BST
I noticed also that you wrote "Corbie gave it a 9 out of 10" about Ogre Battle, but about other games, you wrote "WE gave it this"
Because greatness speaks for itself.
28. timp29
03 Jul 2009, 03:13 BST
you just did
29. djshep1973
03 Jul 2009, 04:34 BST
Just downloaded Gradius Rebirth after what seemed like a very long wait - as a long-time Gradius fan I can say it's well worth 600 points, though I'd probably have been happy paying 1000 for it! I really like it's retro styling, and have completely enjoyed what I've played of it so far.
Also got Bit-Boy, and this also seems like a decent game, especially for 600 points. This is a really good update, more of the same please Nintendo!
30. KnucklesSonic8
03 Jul 2009, 04:59 BST
I'm jealous that someone else finally got Pulseman but it's nice to see it appear period. Really hoping we get it soon!
31. adam 1989
03 Jul 2009, 05:04 BST
when does dragon quest come out for dsiware in the usa
32. Ricardo91
03 Jul 2009, 05:33 BST
You guys got Pulseman!? I have envy...
I'm also interested in seeing how Bit Boy!! turns out. I hope it's decent.
33. Objection_Blaster
03 Jul 2009, 05:35 BST
I hope NA gets Pulseman soon. Nice update, EU!
34. Twilight Crow
03 Jul 2009, 06:18 BST
Great update EU! Also, good to see a new Hanabi Festival.
.
What's all the fuzz about pulseman, mmm have to make some research
Edit: Wow, in the video, it looked like a mix of Megaman and Sonic, with a touch of Rocket Knight... I liked it
, eagerly waiting for the review.
35. SepticLemon
03 Jul 2009, 06:40 BST
For crying out loud!
I leave the freaking country and this happens! I've been waiting ages for Gradius Rebirth! And we're getting it cheap too! That and Bit Boy, Pulse Man and Ogre Battle! MIND EXPLODE
36. KDR_11k
03 Jul 2009, 07:42 BST
Niki was crap, since NL rated that 8/10 I'll probably wait for someone like IGN to review Bit Boy before I consider buying it (unless NL already gives it a bad score of course). To me B-plus games require the equivalent of two keys at opposite sides of the room.
I wonder if the 600 points for GR is further evidence that Konami listens to review scores and sales and lowers prices in Europe if a game did badly in other regions (Cv Judgment was only 30€ here).
Anyway, nothing for me in this update but I think there's plenty for other people.
37. opeter
03 Jul 2009, 07:44 BST
I'm interested in Gradius Rebirth only. And will eventually wait for a BitBoy review.
38. KoKoO_Psy
03 Jul 2009, 07:49 BST
Amazing upddate!
Now to get myself some Pulsman and Graidius Rebirth, i mean i felt cheated about bubble bobble+'s price difference, but this is insane!
39. Larkin
03 Jul 2009, 08:37 BST
Damn, another horrible week for DSiware oh well at least I still got Wii Ware
40. KoKoO_Psy
03 Jul 2009, 09:09 BST
Chibi Link
Not every title rated appears on the OFLC's website. Instances in the past have occurred, were a title without rating still appears.
You can just change your region otherwise.... I mean mine is set to Australia. But i am not sure if you will lose your current points. So if possible, try and get them down to zero.
41. TheEmulationZones
03 Jul 2009, 09:24 BST
Baaah, Dammed! Stopid Brain Challenge, I Already Knew We Where Gonna Have Mario Apps
42. LEGEND MARIOID
03 Jul 2009, 10:24 BST
Poor update for me, but decent-ish update overall imho. Brain Challenge is a good retail ds and wiiware game. I already have the retail ds title. Mario Apps are a waste of timee. Gradius Rebirth at 600 points is good but not for me. Hanabi festival for those who are interested. Bit Boy seem to be interesting quite a few, I don't think I'll ge it though.
I'm satisfied with last weeks wiiware with 2 insta downloads so I'm not to chuffed this week. I need Overturn, MFC and Mario v DK MMA soon though please
...
43. Varoennauraa
03 Jul 2009, 10:35 BST
AAA!! I have already played Ogre Battle!!! Ogre Battle is so good, that even though this is another week of no buy for me, I'm happy that somebody else can play it now. Buy it man! Imagine how glad I am when(/if) Ogre Battle 64 comes!!! hmmm...on second thought...Gradius for mere 600pts...
44. Shiryu
03 Jul 2009, 10:53 BST
Gradius Rebirth, thank god, I was going nuts waiting for this.
45. Alfred ENG
03 Jul 2009, 11:09 BST
Gradius Rebirth 600 points. Yes!
46. SKTTR
03 Jul 2009, 11:16 BST
I just downloaded Ogre Battle and it's even better than I expected!
Bit Boy and Gradius is nothing for me.
I have 1300 points left, Pulseman seems appealing, but I don't know yet. I'd rather wait another week and get StarTropics II or Kirby's Dreamland 3 instead. What do you think about Pulseman?
The other officially announced Hanabi titles for this month (Bomberman '94, Detana TwinBee, Smash Table Tennis, Musha) I probably won't get.
47. KoKoO_Psy
03 Jul 2009, 11:59 BST
Just wanted to put it out in the open.
Gradius Rebirth ROCKS! Well worth 600 points. I am also kinda proud that i am in 6th place on the normal leader boards.... though that wont last at all. Considering I only have 223740points.
I am holding off on Pulsman now, only because I want to fully enjoy Gradius. I don't want 20 games to play at once, and at the moment, I am close to 19.....
48. Wiiloveit
03 Jul 2009, 12:23 BST
will it crash and burn like Plättchen?
Can I be bothered to argue about little quotes like this anymore?
Also: BIG thanks to Bplus for bringing Bit Boy!! here, and an even BIGGER thanks for giving ME thanks in the Operations Guide
Excellent.
As for the other games, Brain Challenge on WiiWare wasn't that great IMO, so that's a pass, but I might possibly get the Mario Calculator. Not the clock though, since I'd rather have the photo clock.
As for VC, it's great that we're getting more hanabi, but I'm not too bothered about this weeks games, but I might get Bomberman 94.
@Chibi Link: Eduardo probably won't appear there for a while yet.
@KDR_11k: Just because NL rated a game a bit too high in your opinion, doesn't mean to say they'll do the same for another of the company's games. I mean, they rated Plattchen a 3/10!
49. KoKoO_Psy
03 Jul 2009, 12:34 BST
Chibi Link
Well, as far as I know, you should be able to use your credit card. I used a Swedish debitcard when I lived in Australia for points, so why not the reverse way. Your bank however might charge some exchange rate fees, but the AUD is doing really great against the SEK. So it should be no problem.
Now regarding club nintendo, i have no idea. Because i myself cant be bothered with getting a club nintendo account, i cant say i have tried. But i guess it would ask you to change your account details online. This however i can not help you with.
50. xesbeth
03 Jul 2009, 13:03 BST
Oooh...Gradius Rebirth.....but only 600 points????!!! o_O
Wow, impressive, but I think it didn't sell very well....So people, if you want to play Contra Rebirth (and the next Rebirth games) on your Wii, please buy this Gradius, at 600 points it's a gift!
Also Ogre Battle, hey, that's a very good week for Europe!
51. Cheezy
03 Jul 2009, 14:45 BST
I'm mad ReBirth costs only 600 points there
52. That Guy from Faxanadu
03 Jul 2009, 14:55 BST
2 VC games, not bad
Ogre Battle and Pulseman were my top 2 choices of the bunch, so I´m very pleased with the update! I´ll surely get Ogre Battle one of these days, waiting for the review of Pulseman.
53. redflicky
03 Jul 2009, 15:51 BST
another good week!
i also heard that kirby's dreamland 3 is coming to europe this july
can't wait!
54. Bass X0
03 Jul 2009, 16:43 BST
"I'm mad ReBirth costs only 600 points there"
America also has some games cheaper than they are here.
55. City Of Delusion
03 Jul 2009, 17:46 BST
Good stuff. Untill the DSiWare completely lets the side down.
56. SSBFan 12
04 Jul 2009, 02:09 BST
Bit Boy!! and Pulseman thats pretty cool!
57. Mickeymac
04 Jul 2009, 04:27 BST
Hurray! Hanabi time!
And Pulseman finally got released somewhere outside Japan! That's good news, too.
58. Viral
04 Jul 2009, 09:14 BST
Indeed...this is looking promising...now, to buy 6000 Wii points and go shopping...
59. slangman
04 Jul 2009, 13:31 BST
Great week! It's nice to see Europe didn't get screwed for once on the Wiiware pricing.
60. Djungelurban
04 Jul 2009, 15:59 BST
I'm gone for like a day and all of a sudden Gradius Rebirth strikes. And yeah, if anyone was on the fence, this game is total awesome sauce if you're a retro shmup fan and Corbie is crazy for giving it a 6.
61. Metang
07 Jul 2009, 22:17 BST
Pulseman? You lucky Europeans!
Leave A Comment
Please login to post a comment.