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It's that time again, North America, when your Nintendo systems groan under the weight of new download offerings cramming up virtual servers. That's not always strictly accurate, but is this week, with plenty of new titles available on Wii U and 3DS, with a sequel even gracing DSiWare. There are some much-anticipated games in the lineup, too, so let's get right to it.

Wii U Retail Download

Game & Wario (Nintendo, $39.99) — Wario makes his Wii U debut, but rather than dishing up dozens of anarchic 3-second tricks — though they have some presence — he serves up 16 mini-games to put the GamePad through its paces. The games work for single or multiplayer, and with a lower retail price Nintendo is clearly targeting this as an affordable party game. Keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming review on 21st June, while this will be available to download from midnight on 23rd June.

Wii U Retail DLC

New Super Luigi U (Nintendo, $19.99) — A significant "Year of Luigi" arrival and, perhaps more importantly, a big release to tide over Wii U owners. This eShop title will function as DLC for New Super Mario Bros. U before arriving as a standalone retail release next month, providing over 80 levels with Luigi as the star and the inclusion of a practically invincible Nabbit in multiplayer. It'll feature redesigned stages to suit Luigi's abilities — including a flutter jump — and looks like typical 2D platforming fun. We'll wear some green and check this out for a review very soon.

Wii U Virtual Console

Mario Bros. (Nintendo, $4.99) — Now we're really kicking it old school, as this NES port of the original Mario Bros. arcade makes its appearance on the Wii U Virtual Console. Luigi fans should know that this one was the green one's first appearance, offering up single screen challenges to flip over and kick plenty of foes. This one's perhaps a little dated now, but we'll get kitted out for a trip into the pipes for an updated review; until then, you can see what we said in our Wii Virtual Console Mario Bros. review.

Wrecking Crew (Nintendo, $4.99) — This NES platform puzzler makes its third Virtual Console appearance, as it recently landed on the 3DS eShop's platform. It provides fairly standard 8-bit fare, but multiplayer and a level editor — which includes the option to save your creations on the VC — add a little extra depth. We'll see how the Wii U version stacks up, but until then you can check out our 3DS Virtual Console Wrecking Crew review.

Wii U eShop Temporary Discount

Little Inferno (Tomorrow Corporation, $4.99 until 26th June, normally $14.99)

3DS eShop

BUGS vs. TANKS! (Level-5, $7.99) — The second of three Guild02 titles coming to the 3DS eShop, this contribution comes from Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune. Footage to date has shown what looks like a basic action game as tanks fight — you guessed it — big bugs, but the official blurb promises local wireless co-op for up to four players, StreetPass implementation and a large variety of tank parts for customisation. We'll don our helmets and charge into battle for a review.

Farming Simulator 3D (Focus Home Interactive, $9.99) — Originally released as a retail title in Europe, this has found a new publisher and a home as an eShop-only release in North America. It's exactly what it sounds like, as you drive tractors and do farm-type things. We'll dig out our green tweed hat and start cultivating our review.

3DS Virtual Console

Defenders of Oasis (SEGA, $3.99) — The collection of Game Gear titles on the 3DS eShop continues to grow with this Japanese-style RPG, where you're tasked with recruiting allies and taking down an evil wizard. Sounds like a normal day in the office, and we'll let you know how the quest goes in a review, soon.

Tails Adventure (SEGA, $4.99) — It's inevitable that sidekicks get spin-off games of their own, and this Game Gear example sees Sonic's trusty assistant embark on 12 missions to gather mechanical parts for a mysterious machine. We'll see whether Tails is up to going solo in our upcoming review.

Sonic Blast (SEGA, $3.99) — This arrived on the European Virtual Console last year and finally makes its way to North America, this incorporated 2D platforming with an attempt at 3D rendering. The visuals and some cramped areas are a letdown, but this is nevertheless a competent Game Gear title worth consideration for fans of the franchise, as our Sonic Blast review explains.

Mega Man 6 (Capcom, $4.99) — Capcom delivers the final part of the "classic" NES Mega Man series on the 3DS Virtual Console. While the Blue Bomber was perhaps getting repetitive on the NES at this stage, this title does nevertheless serve up the familiar moves along with the Rush Adaptors, while stages have alternate routes. Not necessarily the best in the series, but a decent game regardless; check out our Mega Man 6 review for the full lowdown.

3DS Retail Download

Project X Zone (Namco Bandai, $34.99) — This mashup action RPG features iconic characters from the Capcom, SEGA and Namco stables, and lists Monolith Soft as a developer. When announced it seemed unlikely that this would ever come West, but it arrives on 25th June; we'll be jumping into the madness to bring you a review.

LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey (Warner Bros., $29.99) — Available from 25th June.

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (SEGA, $39.99)

3DS eShop Discount

Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo (Pixel Toys, $3.99 until 8th July, normally $7.99)

DSiWare

Rhythm Core Alpha 2 (SoftEgg, 1000 Nintendo Points) — Arriving a little under two years after Rhythm Core Alpha, this DSiWare sequel promises a large number of enhancements to help you produce better music. There's a live performance feature, while MIDI tracks can be transferred to SD card, and a long list of features designed to appeal to gaming musicians. We'll get our groove on to bring you a review soon.


So there's a lengthy list to choose from this time around. Let us know what you'll be buying in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week? (301 votes)

  1. Game & Wario (Wii U retail download)9%
  2. New Super Luigi U (Wii U retail DLC)36%
  3. Mario Bros. (Wii U Virtual Console)1%
  4. Wrecking Crew (Wii U Virtual Console)1%
  5. Little Inferno (Wii U eShop temporary discount)6%
  6. BUGS vs. TANKS! (3DS eShop)5%
  7. Farming Simulator 3D (3DS eShop)1%
  8. Defenders of Oasis (3DS Virtual Console)3%
  9. Tails Adventure (3DS Virtual Console)4%
  10. Sonic Blast (3DS Virtual Console)1%
  11. Mega Man 6 (3DS Virtual Console)5%
  12. Project X Zone (3DS retail download)8%
  13. LEGO Legends of Chima: Laval's Journey (3DS retail download)  0%
  14. Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games (3DS retail download)  0%
  15. Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo (3DS eShop temporary discount)5%
  16. Rhythm Core Alpha 2 (DSiWare)1%
  17. Nothing for me this week14%

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