Well worth a look

It's time for another Nintendo Download update, and this one brings with it quite a few titles on all platforms. There are some retail goodies, the conclusion of the Guild01 trilogy, a long awaited 3DS Virtual Console release and more. Let's get on with it, shall we?

3DS download software

Crimson Shroud (Level-5, $7.99) — The final part of a trilogy of titles that have made their way to the West from the Guild01 collection, following in the footsteps of Liberation Maiden and Aero Porter. This one is an RPG from Yasumi Matsuno that incorporates some traditional mechanics and a board game approach; Matsuno's previous works include Final Fantasy Tactics and Vagrant Story. If you're up for a fantasy quest full of depth and polished RPG goodness then this should most certainly be on your radar, as our Crimson Shroud review explains.

Gardenscapes (Joindots GbmH, $7.99) — This one has emerged from nowhere, and has the basic plot that you've inherited your grandfather's stately home and must revitalise the deteriorating garden. It appears to involve finding hidden objects, selling them, and then using the money for the garden project. We'll put on some gardening gloves and go hands-on with this right away.

3DS Virtual Console

Ninja Gaiden (Tecmo, $4.99) — An eagerly awaited VC release that was unexpectedly delayed in North America. It's finally arrived, so not only can everyone stop wondering about it, but they can now download it and take the classic NES title wherever they go. It's frustratingly difficult but also a huge amount of fun, which we think stands up well to modern standards in our Ninja Gaiden review.

3DS download software demo

Art of Balance TOUCH! (Shin'en Multimedia, free) — Available on the 3DS eShop since June in North America, this physics puzzler takes the good work of its predecessor on WiiWare and throws in more content. A game that's satisfying, relaxing and challenging all at once; you can now sample the demo for free.

3DS retail download

Adventure Time: Hey Ice King? Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! (D3Publisher, $29.99)

Wii U retail download

Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (Warner Bros, $59.99)

Wii U retail demo

Rayman Legends (Ubisoft, free) — Although the release of the full game has been put back to early 2013, this is still one of the most eagerly anticipated Wii U launch window titles. Visually stunning and promising to continue the fine form of its predecessor, this title is exclusive to Nintendo's new console; it's simple, download this demo.

Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed (SEGA, free) — Another slice of free Wii U gaming, and this one is actually one of the less expensive retail download titles on the eShop. Developer Sumo Digital gives its own spin to the kart racing genre with flying and boat sections, and we considered this to be an absolute gem in our Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed review. You can try a few races free of charge, so what are you waiting for?

DSiWare

Rytmik World Music (Cinemax, 800 Nintendo Points) — We've rather enjoyed the various Rytmik releases that have arrived on DSiWare here at Nintendo Life, and Cinemax returns with a new entry promising 117 authentic sounds and 20 visualisers to choose from. A title that's only likely to be as good as your musical creativity, we'll be digging out the headphones and bringing you our review soon.

Zombie Skape (EnjoyUp Games, 200 Nintendo Points) — Zombie games are part of a trend that rarely seems to go out of fashion, but this title bizarrely combines zombies with skateboarding. You play as plucky hero Ethan, who must use his skillz — because we're hip, or something — to escape from a zombie horde. It looks like a case of steering and jumping when moving along a route full of zombies, but we'll dig out our helmet and knee-pads (don't forget safety, kids!) to bring you a review.

Chuck E. Cheese's Alien Defense Force (UFO Interactive, 500 Nintendo Points) — Yes, you read the title right, the pizza-selling mascot is on a mission to defeat aliens with "water balloons of justice", with the big bad end boss being the Evil King of Planet Cheese. It's a title about rescuing pizza slices, and the previous appearance from the mascot on DSiWare was a complete disaster. We'll be reviewing this new adventure and hoping that it's a bit more palatable.

Wii Virtual Console

REAL BOUT FATAL FURY (D4 Enterprise, 900 Nintendo Points) — We've already had the 6th and 7th entries of this series on the Wii Virtual Console, but it seems that when it comes to Neo Geo fighting games, we just can't get enough. This is the 5th entry, and we'll let you know whether this one can stand up to a fight with its successors.

Nintendo Video

Meat or Die: Linda (available from 16th December) — Yans and Gans find their biggest prize yet. It will take teamwork if they want to enjoy this meal.Do they have what it takes?

So there you have it, plenty to choose from at various price points this week. Let us know what you'll be spending your money on first in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week? (185 votes)

  1. Crimson Shroud (3DS eShop)44%
  2. Gardenscapes (3DS eShop)3%
  3. Ninja Gaiden (3DS Virtual Console)11%
  4. Adventure Time: Hey Ice King? Why'd You Steal Our Garbage?! (3DS retail download)8%
  5. Batman: Arkham City Armored Edition (Wii U retail download)1%
  6. Rytmik World Music (DSiWare)1%
  7. Zombie Skape (DSiWare)1%
  8. Chuck E. Cheese's Alien Defense Force (DSiWare)2%
  9. REAL BOUT FATAL FURY (Wii Virtual Console)3%
  10. Nothing for me this week27%

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