Azure Striker Gunvolt 2.jpg

It's time once again for the North American Nintendo Download Update details. This week includes some tempting and - in some cases - high profile download-only releases on both systems, while the 3DS also has two retail releases to consider. Throw in some rather exciting Nindie DLC and there's quite a lot to think about, so let's get to it.

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update details? Don't sweat it, they're still right here.

Wii U eShop

Soul Axiom (Wales Interactive, $14.99 or $12.74 until 15th October for those that have the Nindies@Home demo) - Similar in stylistic approach to Master Reboot, this nevertheless has its own story and twists on puzzle-based stages. With a relatively surreal style and the ability to phase objects in and out of existence, this certainly has plenty of potential. We'll explore its mysteries for our upcoming review.

Quest of Dungeons (Upfall Studios, $8.99 or free if you own the 3DS version on the same Nintendo Network ID) - A turn-based dungeon-crawling roguelike, this one has the choice of four character classes, with the key challenge being to tackle randomly generated dungeons, accumulate loot and then boost your abilities. Throw in boss encounters, permadeath and multiple difficulty levels and it offers a lot; we gave this a strong recommendation in our Quest of Dungeons review.

Dreamals: Dream Quest (XINESS, $9.99) - Three cute animals return for more puzzle platforming after a thoroughly decent debut release. In this sequel the animals can combine together while trying to make it through a promised 100 stages.

Archery by Thornbury Software (Thornbury Software, $19.95) - This appears to be just what the name suggests: an archery game with increasingly tricky challenges. We feel obliged to say that it looks rather 'basic' in screenshots, and certainly comes with a premium price tag.

Wii U Virtual Console

Pikmin (Nintendo, $19.99) - This is the 'New Play Control' Wii version that was released (originally) to promote Remote and Nunchuk controls. Weirdly it's just called 'Pikmin' on the eShop, perhaps because Nintendo didn't want to confuse newcomers. In any case we enjoyed this re-release in our original Pikmin review.

Wii U DLC

FAST Racing NEO: NEO Future Pack (Shin'en Multimedia,$4.99) - This will include eight new tracks, ten new vehicles and 18 new music tracks; we'll check this out and share some impressions. Available from 30th September.

Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts

BIT.TRIP Presents... Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (Gaijin Games, $7.49 until 3rd October, normally $14.99)

Art of Balance (Shin'en Multimedia, $5.20 until 20th October, normally $8.99)

Queen's Garden (Joindots, on discount until 6th October)

ZaciSa's Last Stand (ZeNfA Productions, $1.99 until 1st November, normally $3.99)

KEYTARI: 8-bit Music Maker (Famous Gamous, $3.99 until 5th October, normally $4.99)

Epic Dumpster Bear (Log Games, $4.49 until 27th October, normally $7.49)

Blackjack 21 (Skunk Software, on discount until 30th September)

Super Hero Math (Skunk Software, on discount until 30th September)

3DS eShop

Azure Striker Gunvolt 2 (Inti Creates, $13.49 with launch discount, normally $14.99) - A much-anticipated sequel to a critically acclaimed eShop release, this looks set to include more of the same enjoyable gameplay with a few extra twists, including Copen as a playable character. We'll let you know what we think soon.

Ninja Usagimaru - The Mysterious Karakuri Castle (Aksys Games, $5.99) - We rather enjoyed this one's predecessor, which blends a lovely Japanese aesthetic with tricky and clever puzzles. 60+ levels are promised in this new entry, and it'll be interesting to see whether it matches the quality of the original.

Quest of Dungeons (Upfall Studios, $8.99 or free if you own the Wii U version on the same Nintendo Network ID) - The same game but on the go, albeit with StreetPass included; the idea is that if you pass others you may come across the ghost of one of their failed attempts, which you can try to kill and loot.

3DS Retail Downloads

Yo-kai Watch 2: Bony Spirits & Fleshy Souls (Level-5, $39.99) - There's been a big push with merchandise and more to give this series a breakthrough in the West, and now the second entry in the series arrives in North America. This one includes some time travelling and comes in two versions, and it'll be interesting to see how well it sells. Available from 30th September.

Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice (SEGA, $39.99) - The Sonic Boom brand is tainted in some eyes by its disastrous Wii U game, but an initial 3DS release and the TV series are reasonable (and in the latter case popular) efforts. This 3DS sequel gives Sonic and friends the ability to switch between fire and ice elements, and features some solid (and occasionally pacey) gameplay. We gave it a modest recommendation in our Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice review. Available from 30th September.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Art of Balance TOUCH! (Shin'en Multimedia, $5.20 until 20th October, normally $6.99)

Epic Word Search Collection (Lightwood Games, on discount until 6th October)

Epic Word Search Collection 2 (Lightwood Games, on discount until 6th October)

Parking Star 3D (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 20th October)

Swords & Soldiers 3D (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 20th October)

3D Game Collection (Joindots, on discount until 6th October)

3DS HOME Themes

Pokémon: A Sinister Organization—Team Galactic

Pokémon: A Sinister Organization—Team Rocket

Shantae Beach

Pirate Pop Plus

YO-KAI WATCH Komasan – Available Sept. 30

YO-KAI WATCH Komajiro – Available Sept. 30

YO-KAI WATCH Robonyan – Available Sept. 30


That's everything for the North American Nintendo Download Update this week - let us know what you're planning to download in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading this week?

(You can select up to 14 answers)