Last week was a bumper Nintendo Download week in Europe, but this week plays catch-up with North America and has some releases that are sure to please retro fans: check out the details below.
3DS Virtual Console
Metroid (NES, Nintendo, £4.50/€5) — Samus' original NES adventure was released on the North American eShop on 1st March, and to 3DS Ambassadors last year. How well does this classic stand-up, and does it play well on 3DS? Check out our eShop Metroid review to find out whether it's a battle worth joining.
Virtual Console
Strider (Mega Drive, SEGA, 800pts) — One of the classics of the SEGA Mega Drive era arrives on Wii in Europe, an all-action arcade game with a plasma sword as a weapon. If that description doesn't convince you, perhaps our Strider review will do the job.
DSiWare
Battle of the Elements (EnjoyUp Games, 500pts) — With a description that mentions the world's destiny but visuals that are cartoony and cute, this puzzle title is certainly interesting. Despite its peculiar style it's a solid, well-produced puzzle game, as our Battle of the Elements review explains.
1st Class Poker & BlackJack (GameOn, 500pts) — This one has emerged from nowhere, but we can safely assume that it's a poker and blackjack title, with the official description also promising local multiplayer as well as integrated voice and text chat. We'll have a review ready shortly after it's released.
3DS Demo
Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure (SEGA, free) — This title combines puzzles solving with rhythm-based challenges, with an animated storyline to tie it all together. Due for retail release in Europe on 5th April, there's now a demo available for download: will it help us find the beat?
Nintendo Video
Shaun the Sheep 3D (Free) —This second episode in the series is called Penalty! and sees Shaun and his pals having a friendly game of football in the barn, until the game reaches new heights when a shot goes out of reach.
Flying Steps (Free) — Flying Steps is apparently Germany's most famous breakdance group, having won multiple awards. They'll be busting some moves in 3D for your viewing pleasure.
So, what will you be downloading this week?
Comments 38
Pretty good thar, pretty good thar
Id love to have the CPS1 version of "Strider" instead... maybe for Wii U?
Aw, was hoping for VVVVVV since the bug was fixed.
It's been a while since we've received a good quality 3DS Download game.
Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH didn't cut it.
Where's Sonic Triple Trouble on the list?
hmm. they got two VC games, wonder what they'll complain about now...
As an Ambassador i'll download the updated version of Metroid. Most likely also Battle of the Elements. Got Strider on some Capcom collection.
Will also watch the Nintendo Videos like every week. Yeah, i'm that obstinate.
@Katzii(#4): I think it's only been confirmed that NA will get the GG games on March 15th. The 22nd seems to be middle of March enough for NoE. Or so i hope.
Maybe the reason the VCC hasn't been getting any games is Nintendo is putting them on the Wii U. And if we can still buy Wii Shop Channel games, (Like DSiware on 3DS eShop) we'll have a rather large library of VC games to start off so they can focus on getting us the ones we haven't gotten yet rather than having to have them slowly publish them like they did with the Wii.
Sweet! I'm gonna be giving strider a bash this weekend with all its retro nostalgia pumpin thru my veins taking me back in a vortex to a time when all us Megadrivonians ruled the earth
More oldskool SEGA love comin our way baby, ye-ah!
Was hoping to download some GG games for my birthday. I'll spend my money on Journey instead. Even if I didn't have Metroid already, I sure as hell wouldn't spend £4.50 on it.
Still no V, still no mudds, still no Samurai ((( And no game gear games...come on!
Local voice chat is simply the most useless thing any game could ever include.
So we get no game gear games and no 3DSware, America can't complain annymore coz they are getting the game gear stuff and they have loads more 3DSware than us
the weekly update is a complete joke, like always sigh
is strider 50Hz or 60Hz??? dont like slowdowns in PAL - action games...
Vc goodness for both platforms. Quailty update Eu.
Nothing for me this week. Saving my pennies for Sonic and Zuma's Revenge. Nice update though.
local multiplayer as well as integrated voice and text chat
Lolwut? If it's local multiplayer... surely text chat and voice chat wouldn't be needed?
they should be giving us the Arcade Version not the Megadrive one.
the weekly update is a complete joke, like always
Mega Man X last week, then Strider this week... You can't complain unless you're an Ambassador and don't own a Wii.
As for the local voice chat in the Poker game, I agree that it sounds a bit bonkers. I've seen it before in a DSiWare cards title (can't remember the name right now), but it's a bit strange all right.
As for the Strider 50 or 60Hz question, I have a nagging suspicion that it will be the slower PAL version, based on other Mega Drive VC games I've downloaded in the past. I wouldn't say that I'm 100% sure on that, though.
@Monsti I agree completely! I'm trying to be patient but this is killing me!
Strider. I've been waiting for this game on VC for about 4 years.
Glad it's here though
Only good games I see on the list is Metroid [ NES ] & Strider for the GENESIS. Besides, to all that are complaining about no GAME GEAR games not being on the list, just remember one thing. If they're coming to the US on 3/15/2012 and Japan on 3/14/2012 , then why would they not be coming to the UK also. It would have to be a global release for a new portable to pop up onto the list in the eShop imo.
I'd prefer the arcade version of Strider, I still have the original cart for the Megadrive.
On VC this will almost certainly be 50Hz in PAL regions, as everything else (even imports) on the Megadrive is.
Nothing for me except for watching Shaun The Sheep of course!
I though Fun Fun Minigolf was quite good actually
This second Shaun the Sheep episode was actually decent. Better than expected after the sleep-inducing first one. Didn't see the Flying Steps video anywhere yet.
But it was great to see the Kid Icarus Animes coming to our Nintendo Video. First episode wasn't breathtaking or as good as the Kirby 3D videos but we've seen worse things in the past.
No VVVVVV. No Cave Story on dsiware still. No buy.
Rhythm Thief demo!
i dont see no demo,
wuuuut, no Game Gear ..
@doniewhalberg I am waiting so much for Cave Story. I have my points and my body, ready.
Downloaded the demo and I Never thought Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure would be alot of fun
Rhythm Thief was pretty good. Gotta get it when I can find it for low price. Not buying it for full price. Not that much into rhythm games.
My wallet is spared this week. Not that I have any criticism of the line-up: Restore Point update to my Ambassador Metroid is very welcome, and I've been dying to get hold of Rhythm Thief since it first appeared. Another Shaun the Sheep short is always a good thing too. Can't complain about free entertainment, and I'm gonna guess that the Game Gear will show up next week.
I want the rhythm theif demo in America ( don't know what to think of the game )
Oh, I'm gonna have to give that demo a shot when I have the chance.
Looks like I have something to download this week after all.
Still waiting for some more eShop games though.
again, another good week for the eshop what with metroid, strider and the rhythm thief demo.
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