Bayonetta 2 Screen

It's Nintendo Download news time, North America, and this week has some seriously tempting options on both Wii U and 3DS to test your eShop funds to the limit. There's intense action on Wii U, retro Castlevania goodness, along with retail and download goodness on the 3DS. There are some major releases to get through today, so let's get on with it.

Missed the European Nintendo Download update earlier in the week? You must be crazy! Still, don't worry, the full lineup is right here.

Wii U Retail Downloads

Bayonetta 2 (Nintendo, $49.99 for solo game, or $59.98 for this and Bayonetta on the eShop) — The Platinum Games Wii U exclusive finally arrives, continuing Bayonetta's story and delivering its own brand of tight action gameplay, over-the-top set pieces and some of the system's best visuals. This is, simply, a fantastic action game, as explained in our Bayonetta 2 review. Available from 24th October.

Bayonetta (Nintendo, $29.99 for solo game, or $59.98 for this and Bayonetta on the eShop) — This port of the original title serves up an excellent version of the cult classic, throwing in some Nintendo-themed outfits and touch-based GamePad controls as extras. It sets the template for the sequel and establishes the entertaining lore and cast, so is definitely worth picking up; you can read more about it in our Bayonetta review. Available from 24th October.

Just Dance 2015 (Ubisoft, $39.99) — It's more contemporary pop dancing from Ubisoft, with another 40 tracks to jump into; this is for those of you that own snazzy dancing shoes.

The Voice (Activision, $39.90) — A karaoke game based on the TV show.

Wii U Virtual Console

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (Konami, $7.99) — The final part of the Game Boy Advance trilogy, and with a futuristic setting this incorporates ideas from its predecessors along with the rather useful Tactical Soul mechanic; different types of soul can be used for useful features such as abilities and sub-weapon ammo. Regarded by some as the best in this trilogy, we'll give our views when we review all three titles ahead of the spooky season.

3DS Retail Download

Fantasy Life (Nintendo, $39.99) — This collaboration between Level-5 and Brownie Brown (now 1-UP Studios) finally arrives in North America, blending an RPG adventure with life-sim elements as you alternate and utilise a number of different 'Lives' to shake up the experience. It's a charming title that tries some fresh ideas, for which we were full of praise in our Fantasy Life review; you can also learn about some of the character classes in our Working 9 to 5 diary series. Available from 24th October.

Pokémon Art Academy (Nintendo, $29.99) — A tempting option for artists that love the Pokémon franchise, as the well-established modes and features of the Art Academy series are put to use to allow you to improve your drawing skills with a full-on 'mon flavour. We were relatively impressed with this in our Pokémon Art Academy review; this is available from 24th October, while an eShop purchase also makes you eligible for the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Special Demo Version.

Saban's Power Rangers Super Megaforce (Bandai Namco, $29.99) — In theory this should be fun for the show's fans, an action game that also scans QR codes from some of the franchises' toys. Our fingers are crossed, though the last game for the brand was rather poor; will this go go a lot better? Available from 28th October.

Big Hero 6 Battle in the Bay (GameMill Entertainment, $29.99) — Available from 28th October.

The Legend of Korra: A New Era Begins (Activision, $29.99) — Not the Platinum Games release, but a retail RPG strategy adventure. Available from 28th October.

3DS eShop

Shantae and the Pirate's Curse (WayForward, $19.99) — The third entry in this popular series finally arrives, bringing with it more colourful Metroidvania adventure and action. This entry sees Shantae team-up with former nemesis Risky Boots to tackle a pirate foe, with exploration taking in a number of diverse islands: we gave this a hearty 9/10 recommendation in our Shantae and the Pirate's Curse review.

Castle Conqueror EX (CIRCLE Entertainment, $3.99) — A real-time strategy game that arrives as an apparently expanded and improved version of the DSiWare title. We rated the original relatively highly, and this entry promises 50 levels, 4 heroes to choose from and improvements to the campaign and enemy AI. We'll get strategic in a review.

KORG DSN-12 (DETUNE Ltd, $37) — This is a pricey but faithful recreation of the self-named instrument set, with synthesizer and electric sounds driving this entry on the 3DS. As a portable oscilloscope, kaoss pad and full synthesizer, this is certainly worth consideration for music enthusiasts, as we explain in our KORG DSN-12 review.

Secret Journeys: Cities of the World (Selectsoft, $4.99) — It's another hidden object game, which states that there are "over 1000 carefully placed items" to find against city backdrops from around the world. We'll get our magnifying glass out, yet again.

Magical Diary: Secrets Sharing (Collavier Corporation, $4.99) — This appears to feature as a functional diary while applying custom interactive options, such as emotive animations, stickers, unlockable treats and the ability to share diaries wirelessly with others. We'll note down our private thoughts and then, well, make them public in a review.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Sweet Memories Blackjack (CIRCLE Entertainment, $2.79 until 6th November, normally $3.99)

Wakedas (CIRCLE Entertainment, $1.99 until 6th November, normally $2.99)

DSiWare

Magical Diary: Secrets Sharing (Collavier Corporation, $4.99) — As per the 3DS eShop version, but probably not quite as pretty.


Some excellent choices this week in North America. Let us know what you plan to download in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week? (284 votes)

  1. Bayonetta 2 (Wii U retail download)19%
  2. Bayonetta (Wii U retail download)3%
  3. Just Dance 2015 (Wii U retail download)  0%
  4. The Voice (Wii U retail download)  0%
  5. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (Wii U Virtual Console)13%
  6. Fantasy Life (3DS retail download)10%
  7. Pokémon Art Academy (3DS retail download)  0%
  8. Saban's Power Rangers Super Megaforce (3DS retail download)  0%
  9. Big Hero 6 Battle in the Bay (3DS retail download)  0%
  10. The Legend of Korra: A New Era Begins (3DS retail download)1%
  11. Shantae and the Pirate's Curse (3DS eShop)23%
  12. Castle Conqueror EX (3DS eShop)1%
  13. KORG DSN-12 (3DS eShop)4%
  14. Secret Journeys: Cities of the World (3DS eShop)  0%
  15. Magical Diary: Secrets Sharing (3DS eShop)  0%
  16. Sweet Memories Blackjack (3DS eShop temporary discount)  0%
  17. Wakedas (3DS eShop temporary discount)  0%
  18. Magical Diary: Secrets Sharing (DSiWare)1%
  19. Nothing for me this week24%

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