Moon Chronicles

It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week certainly brings decent variety and some much anticipated games. There are two exclusives across Wii U and 3DS that stand out, along with some other downloads and Virtual Console entries on both current systems. Let's get to it.

Did you miss the European Download Update details this week? Hey, don't worry, they're right here.

Wii U eShop

Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails (Dakko Dakko, $9.99) — This Wii U exclusive has suffered a couple of delays, but now arrives with its blend of rail-based shooting action. In a sense it's a strategic bullet hell title, as you manoeuvre through environments to find and rescue trapped cats; you're encouraged to primarily focus on the GamePad screen, while tips and a TV-style presentation are on the TV — they can be switched if you desire. In our view it's a fun game that isn't quite top tier, though it still earned a recommendation in our Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails review.

Color Zen (Cypronia, $3.99) — This aims to provide a relaxing puzzle experience, in which headphones and presumably a comfortable chair are encouraged. With a promised 460 levels and a minimalist but potentially interesting concept, this could be worth a look; we'll chill out and bring you a review soon.

Wii U Virtual Console

Adventures of Lolo (HAL Laboratory, $4.99) — After last week's return of the Game Boy Advance, it's back to the NES for you Wii U owners. In this 8-bit title you tackle a number of tricky puzzle rooms to collect hearts and reach a treasure chest. We enjoyed it way back in the day in our Wii Virtual Console review, and will now take another look.

Wii U Retail Download

Wii Party U (Nintendo, $TBC) — Your eyes don't deceive you, Wii Party U is coming to the Wii U eShop on 16th May, but without — surprisingly — the Wii Remote and stand of the retail version. What a scam! In any case, this is probably to cater for the upcoming Mario Kart 8 free game promotion. Here's our Wii Party U review in case you are curious to find out more.

3DS eShop

Moon Chronicles: Episode 1 (Renegade Kid, $8.99) — Called "One Small Step", this is the first episode of four that'll recreate DS title Moon on the 3DS, while it also seizes the crown as the first full-on FPS on the portable. This first part is the largest of the four, and overall we enjoyed the experience enough to give it a solid recommendation in our Moon Chronicles: Episode 1 review.

ARC STYLE: Baseball 3D (Arc System Works, $4.99) — This series of titles continues with one of the most popular sports in North America and Japan, with local multiplayer and modes including tournaments and exhibition matches. It promises a "full-scale Baseball game", so we'll step up to the plate with a review.

Candy Match 3 (Bigben Interactive, $7.99) — Apparently also a retail release in Europe, this seems to be download-only in North America. As the name makes clear this one's all about matching items, which can be fun; it's not exactly a genre short of options, but we'll see how this one stacks up in a review.

3DS Virtual Console

Mega Man IV (Capcom, $2.99) — Mega May continues, hopefully continuing the happy vibes we had from Mega Man III. This is still the Game Boy series, and this time Dr. Wily is using mind control to take over the world, the scamp. We'll jump in and let you know what we think soon.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Note — the press release suggests more games from these two publishers will also be reduced, without providing further details.

Code of Princess (Atlus, $14.99 from 19th May to 2nd June, normally $29.99)

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked (Atlus, $14.99 from 19th May to 2nd June, normally $29.99)

Smash Bowling 3D (Big John Games, $TBC, discounted from $4.99 until 5th June)

Big Bass Arcade: No Limit (Big John Games, $TBC, discounted from $6.99 until 5th June)

DSiWare

Deep Sea Creatures (Collavier Corporation, 500 Nintendo Points) — DSiWare lives on the darkest depths of the sea, it seems, as this title appears to involve exploring these depths for fish and keeping some in your own tank. You'll be responsible for feeding the various breeds and keeping them happy; we'll take the bait and net a review for you.


Those are the options this time around, North America. Let us know what you're planning to pick up in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week? (297 votes)

  1. Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails (Wii U eShop)17%
  2. Color Zen (Wii U eShop)1%
  3. Adventures of Lolo (Wii U Virtual Console)4%
  4. Wii Party U (Wii U retail download)1%
  5. Moon Chronicles: Episode 1 (3DS eShop)21%
  6. ARC STYLE: Baseball 3D (3DS eShop)3%
  7. Candy Match 3 (3DS eShop)1%
  8. Mega Man IV (3DS Virtual Console)9%
  9. One of the Atlus 3DS discounts8%
  10. One of the Big John Games 3DS discounts  0%
  11. Deep Sea Creatures (DSiWare)  0%
  12. Nothing for me this week35%

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