Fatal Frame Wii U.jpg

It's time for Nintendo Download Update goodness, North American gamers, and this week actually has quite a lot to offer. There are major 3DS retail games, a much anticipated Wii U title and an interesting range of download-only games on both systems. All told it could be - whisper it - a good week. Breath deeply and then check out the details below.

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update details earlier in the week? What an unmitigated disaster! Actually it's not, the information you need is all right here.

Wii U eShop

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water (Nintendo / Koei Tecmo, $49.99 / $62.49CAD) - There had been fears that this wouldn't be localised out of Japan, though North American Wii U owners are left with an eShop-only release. Nevertheless this is a typically chilling entry in the series, which also utilises the GamePad's controls for the Camera Obscura. We were fans of the setting and much about this game, though it does have a few flaws - you can get the full lowdown in our Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water review. Prologue and first two chapters are available as a free download.

Slender: The Arrival (Majesco, $9.99 / $12.99CAD) - This sequel to 'that game that everyone pretended to scream about on YouTube' has arrived on a host of platforms, and this Wii U version arrives just in time for Halloween. This Wii U entry does have the unique feature of controlling the flashlight with the Wii Remote pointer, and is sure to entertain those that enjoy some old-fashioned jump scares in their gaming. We'll bring you a review soon.

Cutie Pets Pick Berries (Yazar Media Group, $4.99 / $6.69CAD) - The promotional artwork and Miiverse stamps featuring well-toned Mandeer make this look like an iffy game, but in actual fact it's a rather simplistic berry matching experience. As a result we felt it was somewhat mediocre in our Cutie Pets Pick Berries review.

Ascent of Kings (Nostatic Software, $1.99 / $2.49CAD) - This one is a platforming adventure in which a young brother sets off on an adventure to become a King; with exploration and discovery there are ability boosts to be found, too. We'll bring you our review soon.

COLOR BOMBS (RCMADIAX, $1.49) - A chain-reaction title in which players must collect a predetermined amount of the aforementioned bombs to complete a stage, with 60 levels promised. We'll splat some colours and bring you a review.

Wii U Virtual Console

Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts (Capcom, $7.99) - This is the Game Boy Advance re-release of the iconic SNES game. An addition in this version is the Arrange Mode, which throws in tougher levels and bosses from other games in the franchise. We actually recommend the SNES version (also available on the Wii U Virtual Console) instead of this one, and you can find out why in our Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts GBA review.

Wii U Retail Downloads

Just Dance 2016 (Ubisoft, $49.99) - More dancing shenanigans with some extra weirdness thrown in this year; there is a song about stepping on a Chihuahua, after all. The Wii U version will include support for the subscription-based Just Dance Unlimited (one month free with the purchase), which provides access to new songs and those from the older games.

Just Dance: Disney Party 2 (Ubisoft, $39.99)

Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts

Costume Quest 2 (Midnight City, $4.99 from 26th October to 4th November, normally $14.99)

The Quiet Collection (Nostatic Software, $3.99 from 24th October to 7th November, normally $4.99)

Bombing Bastards (Sanuk Games, on discount until 29th October)

Spot the Differences: Party! (Sanuk Games, on discount until 29th October)

Funky Physics (Petite Games, $0.99 until 12th November, normally $1.99)

99Moves (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 19th November)

99Seconds (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 19th November)

3DS eShop

Gunslugs 2 (Engine Software, $4.99 / $6.99CAD) - Originally developed by OrangePixel, this is an intense pixel-based action game with randomly generated levels, pumping music and a notable '80s pop culture vibe. We gave this a recommendation in our Gunslugs 2 review.

Wizdom (Moving Player, $9.99) - This title aims to blend match-three puzzling with aspects of exploration, with the fantastical plot placing you in the vital role of producing outfits to satisfy demanding clients. It sounds bonkers but could potentially be fun, so we'll check it out in a review.

3DS Retail Downloads

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes (Nintendo, $39.99 / $49.99CAD) - This spin off utilises the graphics engine and mechanics first seen in The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, but shifts the focus to local and online co-op play. The totem mechanic with three players is absolutely vital, while single players need to work with 'doppels' that are switched around on the touch screen. We gave this a recommendation but not a glowing assessment in our The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes review. Available from 23rd October.

Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden (Bandai Namco, $29.99 / $34.99CAD) - A fighting game that's enjoyed the demo treatment on 3DS, the key modes are the Story option which follows the original manga, while there's a separate Adventure mode to also take on. We gave this a recommendation in our Dragon Ball Z: Extreme Butoden review.

Adventure Time: Finn & Jake Investigations (Little Orbit, $29.99 / $34.99CAD)

Gravity Falls: Legend of the Gnome Gemulets (Ubisoft, $29.99)

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Persona Q: Shadow of the Labyrinth (Atlus, on discount from 26th October to 9th November)

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers (Atlus, on discount from 26th October to 9th November)

Big Hero 6 Battle in the Bay (Gamemill Entertainment, on discount from 24th October to 1st December)

Disney Frozen: Olaf's Quest (Gamemill Entertainment, on discount from 24th October to 1st December)

Demon King Box (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 12th November)

Quell Memento (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 12th November)

Talking Phrasebook - 7 Languages (Sanuk Games, $2.99 until 29th October, normally $4.99)

3DS Demo

Yo-Kai Watch (Level 5, free)

Stella Glow (Sega, free)

Fairune (CIRCLE Entertainment, free)

3DS HOME Themes

Master System Theme

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes: Brave TrioAvailable from 23rd October

The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes: Totem Time – Available from 23rd October


That's everything for this week's North American update - let us know what you plan to download in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week?