Wii U eShop News
September2015
News Gunscape to Bring Cross-Platform FPS Level Creation and Sharing to the Wii U eShop
Build and share retro-style levels and multiplayer maps
The Wii U - and in one case the 3DS - has brought the first eShop download games that are truly cross-platform. In a concept similar to Cubemen 2, Blowfish Studio Games is bringing Gunscape to Wii U, PS4, Xbox One and PC at the same time and opening up cross-platform level sharing. Gunscape is...
News Pumped BMX+ is Tricking Its Way to Wii U Soon
The latest title published by Curve Digital
Curve Digital has been a strong supporter of the eShop, with plenty of titles on Wii U and also OlliOlli on the 3DS. The studio is keeping up that support with its latest multi-platform release - Pumped BMX+. Originally developed by Yeah Us! - a one-man indie studio - this is a title that draws much of...
News The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Hits Europe on 29th October
Just in time for Halloween
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is an excellent roguelike adventure game on Wii U and New Nintendo 3DS, combining randomly generated, Zelda-esque dungeons with an extremely graphic art style and theme. We awarded both versions an 8/10, praising the virtually endless amount of content that's packed in and the fiendishly...
Review Mario Golf (Wii U eShop / N64)
Serious Golf for Serious Plumbers
You could argue that the best part of many of the Mario sports titles is that they bring goofy, lighthearted aspects to those pastimes. Games like Super Mario Strikers and Mario Hoops: 3 on 3 all make dramatic changes to the sports they're portraying, capturing the attention of players who might not be interested in...
News Castles Pushed Back to Q1 2016
More building required
Castles is an action-driven puzzle title that's certainly caught the eye. Spanish developer WhootGames enjoyed notable success with its Steam Greenlight campaign and had planned a 15th September release on PC and consoles, including the Wii U eShop. With that original release just a week away, the studio - via publisher...
News Update on the Way to Make Wheels Round Again in Gunman Clive HD Collection
No need to re-invent it
We're big fans of Gunman Clive HD Collection on Wii U, as it successfully combines two terrific 3DS games in one package on the home console. There can be a couple of little technical issues for some, though, and developer Bertil Hörberg has been working on a fix. The issues generally seem to pop up if you have the game...
Nintendo Download 10th September (Europe)
Super Mario Maker! The Swindle! Hatsune Miku! Etrian Mystery Dungeon! More!
Another week begins and brings with it news of the upcoming European Nintendo Download Update, and this time around there's plenty to look forward to. One of the year's biggest retail releases on Wii U is joined by a much-anticipated download release published by Curve...
News Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut Arrives in North America on 10th September
Qool
As many of you are likely aware, Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut launched on the Wii U eShop in Europe a little under two weeks ago. We awarded it a 7/10, praising its well-crafted puzzle design while criticizing some technical issues and a fairly unexceptional plot. Fortunately for North Americans, Q.U.B.E has finally been given a release date for its...
News Mario Slam Basketball Rated By Australian Classification Board
Get ready to shoot some hoops
If you’ve wanted to shoot hoops on your Wii U, you may soon be in luck with the Australian Classification Board today rating Square Enix’s 2006 DS title, Mario Slam Basketball. Known as Mario Hoops 3-on-3 in North America and Mario Basketball 3on3 in Japan, this is the first time the game will receive the Virtual...
First Impressions Getting Down with Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Don’t call it a reboot
Among the indie stars that have graced Nintendo platforms over the years, it's easy to say that WayForward's Shantae is one of the most recognizable. Despite playing the lead role in only three games over the past decade, the scantily clad genie has managed to dance her way into the hearts of so many gamers
Review Zombie Defense (Wii U eShop)
Here a zombie, there a zombie, everywhere a zombie zombie!
The game title Zombie Defense couldn't be more accurate and straight to the point. Developer Teyon's Wii U début is exactly that: a tower defence/RTS (real-time strategy) game where you fight off waves of zombies in an attempt to save the planet from total zombie supremacy. As with all...
Guide 9 Tips for Playing Runbow
Get up and running
Runbow is finally out in both North America and Europe. But did you know that to Runbow properly you need to follow a series of steps? It is scientifically proven by a group of proven scientists that running is more difficult than walking. Write that down as a fact! Luckily for you we have come up with the perfect guide; no no,...
Review Crab Cakes Rescue (Wii U eShop)
This cake is a lie
The Wii U's library is bursting with quirky, innovative, fun games. Crab Cakes Rescue is not one of them. From the moment you start up Crab Cakes Rescue, its lack of polish is readily apparent. For starters, it runs in a 4:3 aspect ratio, leaving unsightly black bars on either side of the screen. The title is lifted directly from...
News Chieftain Bob Meets Gunman Clive, You Won't Believe What Happens Next
Brokeback Clive
Unless you've been hiding behind a tumbleweed, you've probably noticed that the Gunman Clive HD Collection is now on the Wii U eShop. In our review we awarded it a gunslinging 9/10 and said buying it is an absolute no-brainer. For the low price of entry, you are getting HD versions of not one, but two of the most impeccably-crafted...
Video Even Reggie Is Crazy About Runbow
All hail the Reggie-lution!
With Runbow now available in both North America and Europe, Nintendo of America has posted an amusing video on its YouTube channel revealing Reggie’s addiction to the recently released Wii U eShop title. The clip, which can be viewed below, lasts a minute and a half and also features Nintendo of America’s Damon...
Review VS. Excitebike (Wii U eShop / NES)
Enjoyable interlude
It's undoubtedly a good thing when Nintendo starts releasing older titles on the eShop that are otherwise fairly difficult to find or play. But does VS. Excitebike, originally only released on the Famicom Disk System in Japan in 1988, offer enough extra content compared to the original to justify a purchase? As the core of the...
News Wii U Offers "The Best Realisation Of The Second Screen Experience", Says Watchup CEO
Unique newscasting app now available on Wii U eShop
Earlier this week, news app Watchup appeared on the Wii U eShop without warning or fanfare, and has strangely been missed off this week's download update. Even so, Watchup CEO and Founder Adriano Farano is keen to make some noise about the Nintendo version of the download, which - in its Android...
News Freedom Planet Wii U Fix Making Progress, GalaxyTrail Aiming to Reveal Release Date Soon
"We believe we’ve found the source of the problem"
Freedom Planet, which has achieved some success on PC, has been on a number of Wii U eShop gamer's wishlists. It started out as a Sonic fan-game, before GalaxyTrail evolved the idea into its own IP; it incorporates some aspect of classic Sonic titles but nevertheless has plenty of different ideas...
Nintendo Download 3rd September (North America)
Gunman Clive! Excitebike! Mario Golf!More!
It's that time again, North American gamers, for the Nintendo Download Update details. This week brings an excellent download option on the Wii U from Hörberg Productions, along with a much-loved Mario sporting spin-off and another retro début in the West. Pickings are slimmer on the 3DS, though there are...
News Assault Android Cactus Still Coming To Wii U, Definitely Maybe
Q1 2016 for real this time
We first got our grubby mitts on Assault Android Cactus at EGX in September 2013 and liked what we played of this high octane arcade-style twin stick shooter. In fact, we found ourselves eagerly awaiting its arrival which was said to be Q1 2014 at the time. Australian indie developer Witch Beam may have bitten off a bit...
News These Disturbing Year Walk Bedtime Stories for Awful Children May Haunt Your Dreams
"The boy screamed, but before anyone could hear his cries for help..."
Year Walk is now just a couple of weeks away from release on the Wii U eShop, with developer Simogo teaming up with Dakko Dakko to produce a definitive version of the game. As was explained to us in an interview with both studios recently, the "GamePad becomes the link between...
Review Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut (Wii U eShop)
Meet your new companion Q.U.B.E
A gigantic alien cube is hurtling through space on a collision course with Earth - and you've just woken up within it. As your body shakes off the fatigue, distant memories fail to solidify, leaving you in a state of total confusion and amnesia. Alone, save for a crackling voice over the radio, you're tasked with...
News Extreme Exorcism to Haunt the Wii U on 23rd September
What an excellent day for a release
Extreme Exorcism may be a title familiar to keen Wii U eShop fans courtesy of its inclusion in the E3 Nindies@Home demo promotion; publisher Ripstone has now confirmed that it won't be long until the full game is available. It's due to arrive on 23rd September on Wii U and a host of other platforms, priced at...
Review Gunman Clive HD Collection (Wii U eShop)
An excellent tribute to retro gaming
Early in 2013, the world was graced with Gunman Clive, a short and sweet action platformer that was praised for its simplistic art style and solid mechanics. Almost exactly two years later we received Gunman Clive 2, a sequel that built upon and expanded the original in nearly every way possible. Now, both...
News Space Hulk Finally Docking With The Wii U eShop This Christmas
In space, no one can hear you lament slipped release dates
Last we heard, the Wii U version of Space Hulk was due to arrive in May, but that proved to be a false dawn as all of the console editions were pushed back slightly. If you own a Sony machine then the wait is now over, as the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita versions are out this week. Sadly,...
Review Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf (Wii U eShop / SNES)
Who knew that Genghis Khan was so cool, calculating, and complex?
Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf was originally developed by Koei and released for the PC-8801, PC9801, and the MSX in 1992. The following year, Genghis Khan II saw releases for MS-DOS, Sega Genesis, Sega CD, PC Engine CD, NES, and SNES. Five more years later, and the game would...
News Amazon Now Offering Nintendo Games For Direct Digital Download
"Seamless redemption experience" promised
Online retailer Amazon is now offering digital downloads of "over 50 Nintendo digital game titles" which can be downloaded directly to your 3DS or Wii U console using a "seamless redemption experience". It works like this. You purchase the game on Amazon as you would normally, and then link your Nintendo...
Review Sin and Punishment (Wii U eShop / N64)
On the rails and off the hip
It's no secret that many Japanese titles never see the light of day overseas. Countless games have been unreleased for fear of lack of public interest and fear of bad. This was the initial reason Sin and Punishment, released in 2000, never surfaced on the Nintendo 64 outside of Japan. The hectic shoot'em up only made...
Review Wario: Master of Disguise (Wii U eShop / DS)
Master of Mediocrity
After WarioWare took off, it seemed like that was all everybody's favourite antihero was up to, save for a Wii instalment of the Wario Land series. In truth, there was also an attempt at a Wario platformer on the DS, though it is quite easy to see why not many seem to remember this outing. Developed by Suzak, the company...
August2015
News See How Plague Knight's Moveset Was Concocted
Yacht Club Games gives a crash course in character mobility
When a character controls well, its motion might seem purely natural and intuitive. What we don't often see from the playing side of the experience, however, is all the work and tweaking developers likely did to make it feel that way. With the free Plague of Shadows campaign coming soon to...
Nintendo Download 3rd September (Europe)
Runbow! Gunman Clive HD! StarTropics 1 & 2! Sin & Punishment! More!
Another week begins with Nintendo Download Update details for Europe; due to a public holiday in the UK this information came through later than normal (hat tip to Daan Koopman who forwarded the Dutch information to us). This week is particularly good on the Wii U, it must be said,...
News Sin & Punishment Confirmed to be Blasting it Up on Wii U This Week in Europe
An absolute Treasure
Around about this time on a Monday we'd normally be posting the European Nintendo Download Update, but unfortunately for us it's a public Holiday that the big N seems to be observing. It's a bitter pill to swallow, we know, but we'll all just need to wait an extra 24 hours. We do know two games that are coming to Wii U in...
News Runbow Dashes Across To Europe Later This Week
Get ready!
Following the North American release of Runbow last week, 13AM Games has announced the Wii U eShop title will arrive in Europe on 3rd September. The news, as promised, was delivered via the Toronto-based studio’s Twitter page: [tweet Users who participated in the Nindies@Home promotion will also receive a 15 percent disco
News VS. Excitebike Launches Into Some Races Very Soon In North America
A Monday treat
At the start of last week Nintendo of America announced that VS. Excitebike was on the way to the Virtual Console. It was clarified that this would be the Famicom Disk version that was previously only released in Japan - in addition to extra tracks and music it has a track editor feature. The release date wasn't announced, as NoA...
News Gunman Clive HD Collection Will Shoot Its Way to North America, Europe and Australia Next Week
We're all winners
Due to the vagaries of localisation it's not always possible for download games to be released simultaneously, though that's something that Bertil Hörberg's successfully done with his next release. Gunman Clive HD Collection combines both of the excellent 3DS games in one Wii U package, and it's landing in North America, Europe...
News Bandai Namco's Project Treasure Is Now Called Lost Reavers, Beta Test Incoming
Gameplay revealed via new trailer
Bandai Namco has revealed today that its free-to-play Wii U eShop title Project Treasure has a new name: Lost Reavers. As if a name change wasn't enough, the publisher has also stated that the Japanese version of the game will enter a phase of public beta testing in the next few days. The game's Japanese site has...
News Cypronia Outlines Details For Extensive Cube Life: Island Survival Version 1.1 Update
New multiplayer modes, items, fixes and more
While we now know that Minecraft: Story Mode will bring a relatively linear take on the series to Wii U later this year, download-only Indie efforts inspired that that franchise continue to seek attention and to improve their efforts across Wii U and 3DS. One of the more notable arrivals on the home...
News SteamWorld Heist Q & A Confirms New Game+, a Typical Playtime and a Silly Number of Hats
"You won't be able to finish in less than 10 hours"
SteamWorld Heist is due in Fall, which means it's not particularly far away. Coming to 3DS first it's the follow-up - not sequel! - to the hugely popular SteamWorld Dig and, as a result, is likely to be one of the portable's biggest download releases this year. As release approaches developer...
Review ZaciSa: Defense of the Crayon Dimensions! (Wii U eShop)
In space, no-one can hear you strategically position laser cannons
Over 12 months after releasing in NA, developer ZeNfA Productions has re-named, re-tooled and rocket-boosted its tower defense title onto the European eShop. It's been a long flight - with an even longer list of promised improvements to go with it - but has it been enough to breathe...
News Check Out Upcoming eShop Treats in the Latest Nindie Sizzle Reel and Batch of Trailers
Lots to look forward to
Nintendo kicked off PAX with a bang this year, with its Nindies@Night event in Seattle causing plenty of buzz. On the one hand it confirmed leaks and rumours such as the Shovel Knight amiibo and Kerbal Space Program on Wii U. Some new game details were announced on stage, too, including
News Hive Jump Is Bringing Multiplayer Run 'n' Gun Blasting To Wii U, As Well As amiibo Support
Coming early 2016
Graphite Lab and Black Lantern Studios showed off the Wii U version of Hive Jump at the recent Nindies@Night event in Seattle, as well as confirming that the game will boast amiibo support when it launches next year. Kickstarted to the tune of $58,675, this four-player run 'n' gun blaster involves taking down hordes of aliens...
News Shovel Knight amiibo Confirms "Evolving" Relationship With Indies, Says Nintendo
Unlocks content in current - and future - Shovel Knight games
Just in case you still aren't convinced that the Shovel Knight amiibo is a thing, Nintendo of America confirmed its existence alongside a raft of other announcements during a pre-PAX presentation at its Nindies@Night event at EMP Museum in Seattle. Scanning the amiibo on Wii U version of...
News Kerbal Space Program On Wii U Is The “Definitive Version” According To Nintendo
Will launch early next year
Following the official reveal of Kerbal Space Program for Wii U eShop at the Nindies@Night event, Nintendo of America’s very own Damon Baker, Senior Marketing Manager of Publisher and Developer Relations, has spoken about the Wii U iteration being the ultimate version of the title across all platforms: We feel we have...
News 13AM Games Reveals More Content Is Coming To Runbow
Sequel and 3DS development also discussed
Runbow has just launched on the Wii U eShop in North America and already 13AM Games are looking towards the future. In a Reddit AMA earlier today, Producer Dave Protor explained more game content would be delivered to Runbow in the form of character costumes and level updates, and promised ongoing support...
News Treasurenauts Development is Getting Back on Track
Mutant Mudds Super Challenge and Dementium Remastered almost done
Renegade Kid has had a relatively quiet 2015 to date, but the well-known 'Nindie' appears to be getting closer to pushing ahead with some major releases for the year. Not that the company hasn't been busy, having recently released Xeodrifter on Wii U and on PSN. For Nintendo download...
Nintendo Download 27th August (North America)
Sin & Punishment (twice), Runbow, FullBlast, Gotcha Racing and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for the latest Nintendo Download Update. This week brings a Treasure double header on Wii U which is tough to resist, along with one of the Wii U eShop's most-anticipated exclusive releases from 13AM Games. Disney Infinity 3.0 is also...
Review Pixel Slime U (Wii U eShop)
Pixel imperfect
RCMADIAX's latest eShop title, Pixel Slime U, attempts to create a simple, addictive experience by distilling gameplay down to one button and playing around with level design. The good news is that its one-button gameplay is reasonable and can be quite fun at times. The bad news is that, like many of the indie developer's games,...
News Year Walk on Wii U Will Tell Its Tale on 17th September
Simultaneous in North America, Europe and Australia
Year Walk is a particularly promising upcoming release on the Wii U. It's an intriguing narrative-driven title with elements of puzzle-solving, horror and surrealism, and is based on a forgotten Swedish tradition. Having been a success on PC and iOS, particularly, it's now close to its arrival on...
News PixlCross is Bringing Picross and Puzzle Creation to the Wii U
Count on it
The Picross e series has been rather popular on 3DS, or at least we assume that's the case as there have been six entries so far. Basic logic puzzle solving rewarded with a pretty picture is a golden idea, clearly, and this particular style is now coming to Wii U. PixlBit Studios has confirmed that its title, PixlCross, is now in...
News Kerbal Space Program Is Landing On The Wii U eShop
We have lift off!
Update: Nintendo has now set the Kerbal Space Program trailer to private. Original: Out of the blue, the popular computer game, Kerbal Space Program, has been confirmed for the Wii U. The news comes via what appears to be an early leak on Nintendo's YouTube Channel, with the game expected to be officially revealed at the...
News Double Dose Of Sin & Punishment Arrives On North American Wii U Virtual Console Tomorrow
Get ready for an intense, adrenaline-pumped thrill ride
If you happen to live in North America and are yet to experience Treasure’s brilliant Nintendo 64 title, Sin & Punishment, along with its sequel, Sin & Punishment: Star Successor, on the Wii, then you’re in for a treat as of tomorrow – with both games releasing on the Wii U’s...
Review Mortar Melon (Wii U eShop)
Smashing melons isn't nearly as fun as Smashing Pumpkins
The first time a watermelon smashed into a log-cutting industrial saw's menacing jagged edges, there were melon bits everywhere. For the next two hours or so, that carnage only got worse. Red melon juices like blood stuck to its blades, with wasted delicious looking melon slices flying in all...
Colourtastic! Colourrific! Colourawesome!
In the words of the late Satoru Iwata - "Above all, video games are meant to just be one thing: Fun for everyone". Runbow embraces this philosophy and runs away with it. The result is a game that is simple in concept and execution, yet it radiates personality from every shade of its palette. In short, Runbow...
News Super-Hard Platformer Volgarr The Viking Set To Pillage Wii U And 3DS eShops
Faux-retro classic blazing a trail to Nintendo consoles
Indie hit Volgarr the Viking is coming to the Wii U and 3DS, it has been confirmed. A love letter to the tough-as-old-boots 2D action platformers of the '80s and '90s, Volgarr takes a large helping of inspiration from the likes of Rastan and Ghouls 'n Ghosts. Initially arriving on PC, it hit...
News Hyper Light Drifter Wii U eShop Release Drifts Into 2016
PC and Mac first, consoles soon after
Heart Machine's gorgeous-looking Hyper Light Drifter was one of those games we were all looking forward to playing in 2015, but sadly the developer has confirmed what many of us feared - the game has been pushed into next year. It's something of a blow for those who contributed to the game's Kickstarter...
Provided the title is a success
After a strong showing at Nintendo’s Treehouse E3 event this year, Shin'en Multimedia's FAST Racing NEO is now one of the most highly anticipated upcoming releases for the Wii U eShop. With the development cycle of the futuristic racer under control, Shin’en’s Martin Sauter recently discussed the company’s...
News Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows Development Complete, Release Date Coming "Very, Very Soon"
Challenge Mode will be on show at the Nindies PAX event
Shovel Knight was a gem of a download release in 2014 (2015 in Europe), marking an impressive début for Yacht Club Games. It scooped various Game of the Year awards courtesy of its blend of pixel-based visuals and outstanding gameplay. Of course, it originated on Kickstarter, with the...
"We're very fortunate that Typoman's concept has been well received so far"
There are a number of promising games on the way to the Wii U eShop, though not many are exclusives. Typoman is an exception, then, and has a promising concept. Included in the Nindies@Home demo range earlier in the summer, we all had a chance to see how platforming and word...
News Teyon's First Wii U Game Combines Real Time Strategy, Tower Defence And The Shambling Undead
Say hello to Zombie Defense
Teyon has announced that its first Wii U title will launch next Thursday - September 3rd - on the European eShop. Zombie Defense is described as "a modern hybrid of a classic RTS and Tower Defence." As you can see from the announcement trailer below, it all looks very polished and suitably gory. A North American release...
News Future Of Trine Series In Doubt Following Negative Reaction To Third Outing
"Poor media attention has caught us by surprise"
Trine studio Frozenbyte has stated that the future of the series - which has sold 7 million copies to date - could be in jeopardy following the scathing reaction to Trine 3: The Artefacts of Power's PC release. The game launched on Steam last week but has thus far received a rather negative reaction,...
News Shutshimi Is A Shooter For Those With Short Attention Spans, And It's Coming To Wii U Soon
"We didn't set out to reinvent the Goldfish SHMUP genre"
In our April interview with Choice Provisions we spoke briefly about Shutshimi, a unique 2D shooter being published by the firm. The game is launching on North American PS4 and Vita consoles today, and creator Neon Deity Games has been speaking about the title's
News Capcom's North American eShop Sale Has Some Tempting Discounts
Monster Hunter, Ace Attorney, Resident Evil and more
We see major publisher discounts fairly regularly on the eShop stores, with Capcom often joining in. It's now running a series of discounts once again in North America, covering major titles on both Wii U and 3DS. The following discounts are live until 8:59am Pacific on 31st August. Wii U...
Review Woah Dave! (Wii U eShop)
Woah indeed
Many of the titles released today feel the need to tell a story or develop characters throughout an intricate campaign. Woah Dave! is not one of these games. It is a frantic, arcade-inspired platformer with a dizzying amount of obstacles and a focus on high scores. Players may start out confused, but once they get the hang of the...
Nintendo Download 27th August (Europe)
Devil's Third! Microtransactions! Senran Kagura! Q.U.B.E! More!
The beginning of another week brings us the European Nintendo Download Update details, with this entry bringing some major releases. We have a much anticipated FPS action game on Wii U, along with a toys-to-life option and some tempting downloads, while the 3DS brings the latest Senran...
Nintendo Download 20th August (North America)
Escher-like puzzles, robots, crab cakes, Gunstar Heroes and Daves
It's time for another Nintendo Download Update in North America, and this week serves up a fairly diverse range of options. We have many promising Indie efforts on Wii U, a Sega Genesis classic reborn in 3D along with lots of other downloadable delights. Let's get to the details...
Best Robo-Buddies
There's something very pleasing about hitting heavy buttons on a filthy old control panel in Factotum. The rusted controls and green screens give the game this sense that the technology fueling starships doesn't look much different from that which you'd find in your local auto shop. Luckily, repairing a space ship isn't as...
Interview Simogo and Dakko Dakko Explain Why Year Walk is "Coming Home" on Wii U
"The GamePad becomes the link between the player and the game."
The Wii U eShop has been integral to the appeal of the system for long term owners. The influx of 'Nindies' of various kinds has kept the store busy, and has also enabled some exclusives and intriguing PC releases to make their way onto Nintendo hardware. In some cases the GamePad, in...
News Chasing Dead To Bring Horror And FPS Action To The Wii U eShop Soon
A glimpse of a dark future
It has to be said the Wii U isn't particularly well served when it comes to the genre of horror games and first person shooters; we have Fatal Frame and Devil's Third to look forward to (although the jury is still out on the latter), but a game which combines the two genres has to be embraced with both arms. Enter Chasing...
Review The Bridge (Wii U eShop)
Turning the tables with M.C. Escher
The Bridge is a colourless, drab, bleak affair. It's also engaging, addictive and fantastic. If you haven't heard of The Bridge before, don't worry; it's a puzzle-platformer that was quietly released on Steam in 2013, then later ported to Xbox 360 that same year. The game opens on the nameless main character...
News Freedom Planet Release Bound by Bug
Wii U debut postponed, but not out
The effort to get the speedy, indie action-adventure game Freedom Planet onto the Wii U eShop has had some very tough breaks lately. Its North American release was first pushed back a week by a console-freezing bug found in review copies of the game. Now, with the revised release date nearing, developer GalaxyTrail...
Review Wind-up Knight 2 (Wii U eShop)
Finite Jogger
Endless runners are a dime a dozen, but few take the time to flesh out interesting gameplay. Wind-up Knight 2 adds an extra level of polish and platforming to elevate the game above its colleagues, but not without stumbling a little along the way. In WUK 2 you play as a knight who must complete a stage while continually running at...
News Nintendo Hosting Nindies@Night At EMP Museum In Seattle
The night before PAX Prime, in fact
Nintendo is teaming up with Seattle's EMP Museum for a special Nindies@Night event prior to this year's PAX Prime. The evening will feature competitions, giveaways, presentations and of course the chance to play some of the unique indie titles coming to the Wii U and 3DS eShops. Here's the press release: Fans...
Review Sanatory Hallways (Wii U eShop)
*Insert creepy-door-closing sound effect
Let's go back to November 2012. The Wii U was finally gracing us with its gorgeous, HD presence and alongside it sat Nintendo Land, a collection of 12 great games that perfectly showed off what the GamePad could do. One of the most loved games from the collection was Luigi's Ghost Mansion, an asymmetric...
Happy happy, joy joy
Chasing Aurora developer Broken Rules has revealed on Twitter that is it porting Michael Todd's Electronic Super Joy to the Wii U eShop. A music-filled platformer with a strong sense of humour, Electronic Super Joy is currently available for Windows, Mac and Linux, and was awarded a solid 9/10 by Destructoid. Ironically, its...
Nintendo Download 20th August (Europe)
The Bridge, ZaciSa, Wario, 3D Gunstar Heroes and more
The beginning of a new week brings us the European Nintendo Download Update, and this week brings some interesting option. On the Wii U we have a critically acclaimed and stylish puzzle title along with a heavily updated budget release and a DS game, while on 3DS we have the latest SEGA 3D...
Review Onimusha Tactics (Wii U eShop / GBA)
The Oni put the feud in feudal Japan
Onimusha Tactics was originally released 12 years ago, in 2003, for the Game Boy Advance. Developed and produced by Capcom, the same company that made the Onimusha series on the PS2, Tactics's gameplay and individual story deviates from the originals but retains a similar plot (involving the Onimusha and battling...
Nintendo Download 13th August (North America)
Pandora's Tower, a wound up Knight, Tank heroism and more
It's time for another Nintendo Download Update, and this time around we have an 'Operation Rainfall' arrival on the Wii U eShop alongside a runner, while on 3DS we have tank battling and a few other options. There are also a load of discounts thrown in, so let's get to the details. Missed...
News Woah Dave! Arrives On The Wii U eShop 20th August, Cross-Buy Promotion Also On Offer
Double Dave
If you live in the US and purchased the 3DS eShop title – Woah Dave! – when it was released in October last year, you’re in for a treat, with the publisher Choice Provisions today announcing the game will be available on the Wii U eShop on 20th August, with a cross-buy promotion also on offer for existing 3DS owners – making the...
News Super Mario Maker's eShop Pre-Load is Live in North America
Tough luck, Europe
Super Mario Maker may, for many, fall into the 'must get a physical copy' category. Even download aficionados must be contemplating one of the physical retail options, either with the amiibo or a standard edition that - nevertheless - comes with a lovely 'design ideas' booklet. It's an Anniversary, live a little. For those that...
Review BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition (Wii U eShop)
They're watching you!
In a dark forest, scarred by alien machinery and steeped in an unnatural silence, a strange, hairy creature bobs awkwardly across the foreground. Without really knowing what to do the player tries out a few buttons, and quickly discovers a way to keep the little furball in the air. After a few tumbles and unfortunate accidents,...
News Freedom Planet Runs into Delay
Need to liberate a critical bug from the game
Those who have been yearning for a full Wii U run on the oh so Sonic-tacular Freedom Planet in North America will have to wait until a recently discovered bug has been exterminated, according to director Stephen DiDuro, DiDuro, who goes by Strife, posted news of the game's delay via development team...
News Try Not to Get Too Merry While Checking Into SteamWorld Heist's Bars
Hire crew, check missions, buy new gear
SteamWorld Heist is heading to the 3DS this 'Fall', with a release on Wii U and other platforms to follow, and Image & Form's latest is sure to be one of the eShop's big ticket releases in the remainder of this year. The developer is now back to normal in serving up weekly updates, too, this time focusing...
News Award-Winning Logic Puzzler The Bridge Launches On The Wii U eShop This Month
"M. C. Escher meets Isaac Newton"
The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild's logic puzzler The Bridge is hitting consoles this month, and that includes the Wii U. Described by the developer as "M. C. Escher meets Isaac Newton", The Bridge launched on PC and Xbox 360 back in 2013. The aim is to reach the exit of each level, and to do this you will need to...
Exclusive Check Out Runbow's Complete Cast of Colourful Crossover Characters
Let the colours run
Runbow's crazy breed of colour-based running action has already enlisted the help of the likes of Shovel Knight, Scram Kitty, and CommanderVideo to help in the endless task of running from one place to another, and now that list of indie guests has just grown even larger. In this exclusive trailer 13AM Games' frantic 9-player...
Video This New Soul Axiom Trailer Sets the Scene
Was part of Nintendo's Nindies booth at Gamescom
Nintendo had a sizeable presence at Gamescom last week, and it was certainly pleasing to see a dedicated 'Nindies' section showing off upcoming Wii U and 3DS eShop releases. Soul Axiom from Wales Interactive was on the booth - some Wii U eShop aficionados will remember the studio's previous release...
News Mega Man And Mighty No. 9 Creator Keiji Inafune Admits He Doesn't Make Games That He Can Play
"My staff, though, are really good"
Keiji Inafune is responsible for some of the most joypad-crushingly difficult games of the 8-bit era, with the Mega Man series being considered the ultimate test of skill by many Nintendo players. However, Inafune has admitted to Kotaku UK that he is in fact a mere mortal and doesn't create games which he himself...
Nintendo Download 13th August (Europe)
Retro Mega Man, a load of discounts and a demo
Another week begins with a Nintendo Download Update, and this week focuses on discounts. We only have one fresh release on the Wii U Virtual Console while the 3DS receives a demo, putting the emphasis on price drops. Let's get to it. Wii U Virtual Console: Mega Man & Bass (Capcom, €6.99 /...
Review Kung Fu FIGHT! (Wii U eShop)
Hop and Chop
The world has seen its fair share of endless runners in the last few years. The genre has grown in popularity and moved from phones to home consoles and dedicated gaming devices almost overnight. Run, jump, dodge, slide, attack - Kung Fu FIGHT! follows the formula of the many endless runners that came before it. One doesn't have to be...
Review Beatbuddy: Tale of the Guardians (Wii U eShop)
Boots ‘n cats ‘n boots ‘n bugs…
You are Beatbuddy: a cute little blue fella who is tasked with travelling through the six, beautifully hand drawn worlds of Symphonia to do… something. The basic idea is to save Symphonia from the evil Prince Maestro, ruler of this world, who is planning to steal the planet's music all for himself. You're...
"We are upset as well, just as much as the backers"
As we suggested in our article regarding Mighty No. 9's delay into early 2016, Comcept has endured a tough and damaging period for its image with fans. After the giddy highs of the game's successful Kickstarter campaign in 2013, multiple delays and some poor communication / decision making around...
Video Three Reasons Why You Should Be Pumped For Shovel Knight's Plague Of Shadows Expansion
Straight from the developer
Shovel Knight may no longer be a Nintendo console exclusive, but the game is still one of our personal favourites on the 3DS and Wii U eShops - and it's about to get even better thanks to some free DLC. Showcasing the Plague Knight, Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows will be delivered entirely free of charge. In case you...
News Nintendo Won't Rule Out Giving Yooka-Laylee Additional Support On The eShop
"Never say never"
Nintendo's relationship with indie developers has undergone a truly dramatic transformation since the days of WiiWare, and both the 3DS and Wii U eShops are brimming with amazing games as a result. Nintendo has done a lot to support and highlight indie games on its platforms, with the most recent example being the successful...
Review Endless Golf (Wii U eShop)
Golf a while. Golf... FOREVER!
The title Endless Golf pretty much explains the entire game. If you've ever found that eighteen holes just wasn't enough for you, then the constant rolling green hills of Endless Golf will call to you, promising a game that will never, ever end. By generating a new hole every time you sink a ball, the game's 2D golfing...
The eShop can be key for smaller retail releases
In the glut of Gamescom announcements earlier this week, Nintendo of Europe confirmed interesting details for the launch of Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water, known as Fatal Frame: The Black Haired Shrine Maiden in North America; we'll opt for Fatal Frame as our preferred title. Given a
Video Xenoblade Chronicles Marches Onto The Wii U eShop
It's Reyn Time... again!
This week Nintendo of Europe unleashed another one of its surprise eShop releases, and it's admittedly quite a puzzling one. Mere months after the New Nintendo 3DS exclusive port was released, Xenoblade Chronicles has made its way as a Wii digital release on the Wii U eShop in Europe. However, that's not to say there isn't...
Review Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria (Wii U eShop)
A good, old fashioned JRPG
Take a look at just about any digital storefront and you'll see that many Indies are focusing on creating JRPGs that harken back to the classics of the 8-bit or 16-bit eras. While it's nice to see how a new generation of developers have been inspired by the games they played as kids, the problem is that many of these...
Nintendo Download 6th August (North America)
Golden Sun goodness, classic Capcom, Picross, Kung Fu and much more
It's time for another Nintendo Download Update in North America, and this week serves up a fairly diverse range of options. We have two promising Indie efforts on Wii U, while a certain GBA Virtual Console release with 'Golden' in the title may go down well. The 3DS has a couple of...
News Wii U eShop Space-Themed Title Factotum Arrives In North America 20th August
Can you save the day?
You’re deep in space and something has collided with your space vessel. The main power is offline and you’re now trapped. Fortunately you have access to a walker control terminal. Although it’s a tad outdated, with the assistance of two little robots, some cleaver thinking and an unknown voice guiding you, you might be...
News Oddworld Inhabitants Is No Longer Working On Wii U Stranger's Wrath, But It's Not Canned
"It's not on our radar right now"
Oddworld Inhabitants may have confirmed that New 'n' Tasty is still coming to the Wii U this year, but it would appear that the studio's port of Stranger's Wrath has been put on ice. Responding to a story posted on GoNintendo, the firm pointed out that while the game isn't "cancelled", it is no longer being worked...
Review Tiny Galaxy (Wii U eShop)
A dizzying experience
Tiny Galaxy is an action platformer that takes the original concept of a platformer and turns it on its head. You play as a nondescript blue square, Orion, as you race through the "tiny galaxy", jumping from planet to planet to try and retrieve your stolen headphones. With a unique gameplay approach that blends the 2D...
