Earlier this week we brought you a list of ten Wii U and 3DS games that are perfect for summer, as a starting point to also get community feedback on other favourites for the season. As promised, though, here's a follow-up that's all about eShop titles.
These eShop games are all download-only titles, and no Virtual Console games are eligible. There's an impressive variety of games, exclusive and otherwise, available on both download stores that deserve a spotlight. When looking for something new to play they also provide an affordable option, and we've targeted games with aesthetics or gameplay experiences that'll feel just right for some gaming on a gloriously sunny day.
Wii U
A relatively recent arrival from Drinkbox Studios, this taps into Mexican culture as you take on the role of a Luchador to run, jump and fight your way through hundreds of colourful villains. One of the best 'indie' Metroidvania games we've played, with plenty to do and a sizeable world to explore, complemented nicely by excellent combat mechanics. The soundtrack is perfect for summer, too.
The BIT.TRIP series was a persistent highlight on WiiWare, though this sort-of sequel adopts a fresh art style and provides a decent number of hours of clever, challenging level designs. One of the best games on the eShop, this is a runner of exceptional charm and quality.
This remake naturally created a lot of buzz when announced, and the final result delivers an old-school platforming challenge with a lick of HD paint. Lovely animation and mechanics faithful to its 8-bit origins, this is perfect for a longer, more focused play session.
This is an ideal option if sitting around with friends or family and looking for a fun game and some comedy, as this is a peculiar and humorous puzzle adventure. It brings to mind the glory days of LucasArts point and click games, while also making good use of the GamePad.
If walking around a golf course is too much to ask, or the local options aren't up to snuff, this updated entry from Nintendo helps to recreate the real thing indoors. Using a Wii Remote Plus and the GamePad, this is an example of clever technology and needs a fair amount of focus and technique. Just keep your GamePad charger nearby if you're playing a full 18 holes.
3DS
If the summer heat is getting to you, cool liquids are in order; this is nice and topical, then. Clever puzzles and attractive visuals keep this 3DS sequel up to the standards of the WiiWare original, the only downside being occasional moments of awkward motion controls. There's plenty of content to enjoy in short or long bursts, making this a great option at any time.
Renegade Kid's biggest success, this title now comes in "Deluxe" form on the 3DS eShop, serving up an impressive 80 levels to eventually discover and enjoy. Gorgeous pixel-based visuals in 3D, this is an enjoyable platform shooting game that'll provide a stiff challenge in later levels; it's an easy recommendation.
One of the great features of the 3DS is that it offers plenty of gameplay opportunities when away from home, with StreetPass prominent. This title takes great advantage of wi-fi hotspots and AR play with the camera, more effectively than anything else on the system, and on top of that the RPG experience is cheerful, charming and a lot of fun. A must have.
The product of Game Freak's programme to encourage its employees to experiment and try new ideas, this is a bright and enjoyable rhythm music title. Great with a pair of headphones on, the nature of the game makes it perfect for a car trip or a quiet 30 minutes in the shade.
The summer season is well suited to quiet periods for drawing and painting, making this app a solid choice for those with such instincts. Still the best of its type in the range of downloads, it is a powerful tool that also has excellent online sharing options.
There you have it, ten eShop games we think suit the summer nicely; the 3DS eShop list was hugely difficult, with some fantastic titles narrowly missing out as we aimed for summery games. Let us know what eShop titles you think best suit the season in the comments below, and we'll pick some suggestions from this and the previous thread for a follow-up feature. You can also choose from these options in the poll, too, so let us know what you think.
Which Wii U eShop game from this selection is best for summer gaming? (218 votes)
- Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition
- BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2 Future Legend of Rhythm Alien
- DuckTales Remastered
- Stick It To The Man
- Wii Sports Club: Golf
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Which 3DS eShop game from this selection is best for summer gaming? (197 votes)
- Hydroventure: Spin Cycle / Fluidity: Spin Cycle
- Mutant Mudds
- The Denpa Men 3: The Rise of Digitoll
- HarmoKnight
- Colors! 3D
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Comments 42
Wow, those percentages are crazy....50% for M.M?!? Oh I'm one of the first ones here.... Go colors 3d
I think that Harmoknight should be more well-known, Putting Tempo in Smash Bros. would definitely help the game out!
Mutant Mudds is an awesome game that should keep the platform lovers busy.
HarmoKnight is an amazing game! =)
Fluidity Spin Cycle is the only game i'll be playing from this list. Great game.
I see DuckTales Remastered is currently as of time of writing, second highest voted for Wii U. Personally I just couldn't see the excitement for it when I tried the demo.
Gunman Clive for the 3ds is a must have. Its not a very difficult game, you have to use your brain a little. Its a fun game overall, the music is good and not annoying. this game still has me smiling, as i have not finished it yet. The art style is great also. Im very satisfied about the creativity in this game.
Dangit, forgot Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games in my comment the last time.
It might not be the best game ever made. But is has winter.
Which is always great to have in summer.
You should have put Wii Sports Club in the previous list and again these games are mostly games that should keep you busy instead of games that have anything to do with summer
@FragRed
There's a demo? For the Wii U version?
Runner 2 is amazing guys, play it nao!!
@IxC Yeah, or there was, I remember trying it. Shocking I know, but unless I had a mad dream, there definitely is a demo for DuckTales Remastered. Must have been released when there was still hope from third party developers for the Wi U.
Bit trip and mutant mudds
Might I propose a new candidate for summer gaming on 3DS...
Siesta Fiesta.
What a fantastic game, really.
I don't like the 3DS selection.
@DarkCoolEdge Nor do I. Art of Balance; Liberation Maiden; Night Shy; Chain Blaster; Escape Vector; Siesta Fiesta; ; Edge; Tappingo; Ketzal's Corridors; Rage of the Gladiator; Sakura Samurai; Retro City Rampage and all the Sega 3D Classics. Yep...
Edit: ...and Shovel Knight for crying out loud!
Harmoknight is so fun!
How does Wii u sports:golf count??? It's surely a RETAIL game now....
I feel obligated to mention that DuckTales had a retail release. But in its defense, it is an amazing game.
Guacamalee! Looks interesting, is it worth it?
HarmoKnight was a really mediocre rhythm game, especially for those 15 bucks it costs, Denpa Men 3 doesn't really deviate much from the other two. I haven't played Hydroventure, and Colors 3D really doesn't qualify, since drawing is fun regardless of current season (and drawing isn't gaming).
That said, Mutant Mudds also doesn't feel very summer-y (though it's probably the best out of those 5), so I'm gonna suggest some Shantae, SteamWorld Dig, Rising Board 3D (seriously, it's quite fun), and Siesta Fiesta (haven't played it, but looks fun and summer-y)!
For one of you who wants the Legend of Zelda the Wind Waker HD in North America, I got this code from the Mario Kart 8 promotion. I already own all the promoted games, so I though I give away this code to some one how might appreciate it. (A053-93R4-0L8T-RAUL)
I second @JaxonH. A great game, with lots of music, dancing, water, and pure fun. The game is barely a week old, and deserves to make the list.
Wii Sports Club Tennis would've been better. And Bit Trip Runner 2 is the best eshop game no matter how high those other percentages are. Lol.
Oh, yeah! I love HarmoKnight!
Shovel Knight
Shovel knight is not on the list because wearing an armour suit is hot for the summer. It is a perfect game for winter instead.
How about Armillo? Plays like sonic with pacman in Mario Galaxy world.
I live in a hot, hot country. I want to piss my friends off.
LET'S PLAY GOLF!
Shim megami soul hacker that's the one and it's only 14.99
How the heck did Shovel Knight get omitted? That might actually be my game of the year on any platform! I can easily get a 5-10 minute play session in or a 2-3 hour session and feel just as fulfilled either way.
I tried the Harmoknight demo and thought it was too hard, or I just wasn't getting it, so I didn't consider it for purchase.
I liked the earlier Denpa Men game a lot, and I heard they just keep getting better- such a great light RPG.
Going to chime in and agree that Shovel Knight is an excellent choice. Great soundtrack for summer as well.
Shovel Knight is definitely a great game. I actually haven't played any on this list. I better change that O_o
I got Runner 2 back when it first came out and really liked it! I never beat it, I should probably fix that. HarmoKnight was also fantastic! Really enjoyed that game, but it seemed a little short...
You're wrong if you think Wii Sports Golf is better for Summer than Wii Sports Tennis
Summer gaming? lol
Seriously, if you haven't gotten Guacamelee already, do it. It is an incredible game.
Where is Siesta Fiesta? It's so summery!
I liked the HarmoKnight demo...but I am still waiting for a sale, which knowing that is a first party title might not come in a long time, but alas, I am not in a hurry to get it, it surely will be enjoyable any summer and not just this one XP
Runner 2!! Runner 2!!!! ITS AMAZiNG!!!
And, if you have a 3DS get yourself BIT.TRIP SAGA, all the 6 WiiWare Bit.trip games... including Runner 1!
Aaah.... i love Bit.Trip, best series for me
@FragRed I definitely agree with you there.
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