Nintendo Download: 12th July 2012 (Europe)
Posted by James Newton
Sparkles and frogs
This week's Nintendo Download is a metaphorical mixed bag, with 3DS add-on content and WiiWare sitting alongside weird eShop applications. Scan the list below for the full lowdown.
3DS Download Software
Sparkle Snapshots 3D (Nintendo, £4.50/€5) — Remember Sparkle Snapshots on DSiWare? How would you like a similar experience on 3DS? Sounds good, except the app doesn't actually take 3D photos, so we're not sure of its purpose. Still, we'll have a full review soon.
3DS Add-On Content
Sparkle Snapshots 3D — £0.90/€1 each:
- Mario Core Set
- Mario Kart 7 Set
Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy — £0.90/€1 each:
- The Archylte Steppe (FF13 — FMS)
- Matoya's Cave (FF01 — FMS)
- Battle 1 (FF03 — BMS)
- The Final Battle (FF05 — BMS)
WiiWare
Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition (Konami, 1000pts) — That poor little amphibian keeps trying to cross that busy road, except this time you can use sprites from Castlevania and Contra too. We'll see if it's a step in the right direction or best left as roadkill with our upcoming review.
DSiWare
Topoloco (Abstraction Games, 500pts) — A game about maps! Except it's not really a game and the maps aren't that good. Read our Topoloco review then navigate your way as far from this game as possible.
99seconds (EnjoyUp Games, 200pts) — A quirky, classy little shooter with an intriguing premise, read our 99seconds review for more on this cheap and cheerful title.
Video Download
The Incredible Barbazan: The Cabinet of Fear (£1.35, episode 1 of 6)
That's all for this week, folks. What are you buying? Let us know on our Facebook poll.




















#1
BenAV said:
Yeah... think I'll have to pass on Sparkle Snapshots.
#2
Ducutzu said:
It's been one minute since the article was posted... Where are the "nothing for me" comments today??
#3
TwilightPoint said:
@Ducutzu This isn't the Nintendo Download for America.
I'm still not happy about DLC though.
If they're releasing it already that means it was already ready to be put in the game.
I swear people just want DLC because it's DLC.
#4
RR529 said:
Sparkle Snapshots has DLC, and Nintendo themed DLC at that. It doesn't sound like a Nintendo title, so can someone clarify this for me, lol?
#5
SanderEvers said:
It is a Nintendo title.
#6
RR529 said:
TwilightPoint said: "I'm still not happy about DLC though.
If they're releasing it already that means it was already ready to be put in the game."
Or, the DLC content, is content that would have normally been cut from the final release (every game has ideas that are cut prior to release), and DLC lets them offer such content, which wouldn't fit otherwise.
Although, I kind of agree that it's odd for a downloadable title, where they don't have to worry about limited disc/cart space.
#7
TwilightPoint said:
@RR529 That is possible.
I just don't like DLC for some reason. I think it's because of the IOS in-app-purchase mentality though.
I'm warming up to it now that I'm seeing Bethesda doing it right.
#8
Bass_X0 said:
Plus some companies create content just so they have something to sell as DLC that they wouldn't have put into the game otherwise.
#9
Omega said:
Frogger for WiiWare could interest me. Since Castlevania, Contra and Gradius Rebirth are all pretty good I hope this one's too.
#10
3dbrains said:
Mario Core Set
Mario Kart 7 Set
What are these? thanks in advance for help
#11
James said:
@3dbrains That's all the info I have atm but my guess would be Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario-related stamps, graphics and sounds.
#12
3dbrains said:
@James
Oh I see, I didn't realise they are sets for the snapshots thing. I thought they were new tracks and addon content for mario kart 7. shame.
#13
CommanderAudio said:
But how will we be able to navigate ourselves away from Topoloco if we don't know how to navigate because we didn't learn how to navigate with Topoloco?
#14
3dbrains said:
@PikminMonster
You can't, you are eternally doomed.
#15
Fabian said:
99Seconds has a briliant soundtrack I just going to buy this Game because of the sound xD And maybe I´ll get Frogger if it scores 7 or higher.
#16
Cipher said:
Regarding the question of why the Sparkle Snapshots 3D add-on content is available at launch: this title launched in Japan in December 2011 and add-on content distribution started in February. We're just playing catch-up.
#17
GamerZack7 said:
I think I'll either get something that's out already or wait for a future Nintendo Download.
#18
Kyoto said:
Nope, nothing for me this week. Again.
#19
RupeeClock said:
I can't imagine what the desire for Sparkle Snapshots 3D is, when it's just a camera with effects that can't even take photos in 3D.
If we can get Gameboy Camera on 3DS Virtual Console that will be amazing though.
#20
MrArcade said:
Its difficult, but im holding back from buying any games until i get my 3DS XL. NSMB2 will be my first download on it! My 32GB class 10 SD card gives me about 245000 blocks!
#21
Mr_DSi said:
@Topoloco (Abstraction Games, 500pts) — A game about maps! Except it's not really a game and the maps aren't that good. Read our Topoloco review then navigate your way as far from this game as possible." This made me crack up!
#22
TheConsiglio said:
Boy this week sucks, except for frogger of course.
#23
Rastamouse said:
I want me some Sparkle Sparkle.
#24
Bobhobob said:
LUCKY!
I WANT 3D SHOVELWRE WITH DLC ON MY NA ESHOP!
Oh wait, the photos aren't 3D...
WHAT IS THIS I DON'T EVEN
#25
BulbasaurusRex said:
Just so you know, Nintendo Power "recommends" Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition in their rare advance review.
#26
Philip_J_Reed said:
NA: 8-Bit Summer
EU: Sparkle Snapshots Extravaganza
God Bless America.
#27
3DSNoobieNerd said:
Nothing for me, except DLC for Theatrhythm
#28
Marakuto said:
I think Sparkle Snapshots 3D will just be a rip-off since photos won't display in 3D :/
#29
divinealpha said:
Wow Frogger: Hyper Arcade Edition is 300 points MORE in Europe than North America. What a shame...
@Philip_J_Reed God Bless America! We get two classic games Europe doesn't have yet. Looking forward to both, including The Sword of Hope II!
#30
squashie said:
99seconds looks interesting! But maybe, Frogger is a little too over priced!
#31
FonistofCruxis said:
99 seconds looks pretty good, I'll probably get that at some point.
#32
MrWezzle said:
Yeah, I feel your pain this week, Europe. I'm sure you'll feel the effects of 8-Bit Summer eventually.
#33
MarioPartyFan999 said:
I'm really looking forward to seeing if Topoloco is released in Australia.
EDIT: It wasn't...
#34
chewytapeworm said:
@MrWezzle I feel no pain this week. My wallet is actually breathing a sigh of relief!
#35
GamecubeLad said:
im gonna wait for some new courses i have no idea if this is it though because it in Europe i dont live there
#36
RetroGBHippie92 said:
Nothing good as usual, what use is a photo-taking app if it doesn't capture pictures in 3D? I mean it's called Sparkle Snapshots 3D of all things, you have to assume it does otherwise that's money spent on something you could have traded off for something like Mutant Mudds.
#37
TheTwilcorn said:
this too http://www.gonintendo.com/?mode=viewstory&id=181068
#38
Banker-Style said:
I feel sparkly today.
#39
DeMoN-13ruce said:
lol dlc already for theaterysM? wow square if you do this for kingdom hearts 3d i will kill you !
#40
PixelatedPixie said:
Weak.
#41
LEGEND_MARIOID said:
Nothing there for moi
#42
RevolverLink said:
I can't say I envy Europe this week.
#43
GameCube said:
A week without VC releases is a week not lived
For shame, NoE.
#44
SilentHunter382 said:
@DeMoN-13ruce
I have no problem with there being dlc for the game because the game was released in Japan in February so they had plenty of time to make dlc. My only grip is that the dlc is a bit too expensive.
#45
RupeeClock said:
Stay clear of The Incredible Barbazan: The Cabinet of Fear, it's a pretty poor, lifeless and predictable animation.
The premise of a bumbling magician who does his trick wrong is okay, the execution is dire. It's not an episode I can spoil because there is no creative outcome, he simply repeats his first failure.
There literally is no magic in the short, and entirely too long of a setup for the most predictable outcome.
#46
MeWario said:
Nothing this week but still plenty to catch up on!