Wii U eShop News
April2014
Interview MixedBag on Bringing forma.8's Mysterious Adventure to the Wii U eShop
"I think there's a lot of untapped potential in the GamePad"
Earlier this year Italian developer MixedBag caught the attention of Wii U gamers by teasing an announcement for the system; this turned out to be forma.8, an exploration game with a stylish visual approach. The studio's announcement reserved particular praise for Unity, Nintendo and Sony,...
Video Learn More About the Stunning Art Style and Sound in Child of Light
The adventure is getting closer
While plenty of attention with the Wii U has drifted towards Mario Kart 8 and a host of upcoming Wii U eShop releases, we feel that Ubisoft's Child of Light shouldn't be forgotten or overlooked. Arriving on the download store next week, it's a title full of potential. With a script that'll read like a poem and with...
News Possibility of SNES Remix and Other Remix Titles Depends on Fan Support
NES Remix director: "Does the marketplace want it or need it?"
In an interview with IGN, NES Remix and NES Remix 2 director Koichi Hayashida explained that the possibility of a SNES Remix, Game Boy Advance Remix, or other Remix brand titles will depend on the market's support and fan outcry. There could even be a Remix title based on third-party...
News The Nintendo eShop Is Like Paradise, Says Image & Form's Brjann Sigurgeirsson
"The gamers are REAL gamers who pay for quality"
As we're all well aware, the Nintendo eShop isn't the only digital marketplace out there right now. Sony and Microsoft have their own storefronts for downloadable titles, and the iOS App Store and Google Play market offer developers to chance to reach millions of potential customers. However, for...
Nintendo Download 24th April (Europe)
NES Remix returns, Yoshi on GBA, Yumi by another name and more
A day later than normal due to a Holiday Monday, we finally have this week's Nintendo Download information for Europe. We've got a Wii U sequel to a popular remix, more GBA goodness, a mix of good and not-so-good on the 3DS and a new DSiWare title. Plenty to consider, so let's get into...
News Popup Dungeon and Hover: Revolt of Gamers Both Join The Kickstarter Ranks
Both campaigns promise Wii U support if $100,000 stretch goals are reached
Two of the most promising potential Wii U Kickstarter campaigns are now in full swing this week. With $100,000 stretch goals for Wii U support in both projects, let's take a look. [ Texas-based studio Triple.B.Titles brings us Popup Dungeon, "a roguelike papercraft RPG that...
News Koichi Hayashida Explains Absence of NES Remix 1 & 2 on 3DS
Extra grunt of Wii U made it preferred platform
During an insightful exchange with IGN, NES Remix 1 & 2 Director Koichi Hayashida has explained how previous work with Super Mario 3D World, along with the power of Nintendo’s Wii U – and his own familiarity with the system's architecture – led to the development of the classic compilation...
Review NES Remix 2 (Wii U eShop)
Electric boogaloo
Shortly before the end of 2013 Nintendo suddenly surprised us — during a Nintendo Direct, it announced and then immediately released NES Remix, a very unusual but, we thought, very fun collection of small challenges based on various games from Nintendo's NES catalogue. A few months later and, in a different Nintendo Direct,...
News Abyss Will Find the Depths of the Wii U eShop on 1st May
Yours for just $1.99
Earlier this year we brought you the news that Abyss was confirmed for the Wii U eShop, a new updated version of the DSiWare title. Priced at $1.99 and promising new content, it immediately struck us as a potentially attractive offering on the home console, especially as one of our few complaints in our original 7/10 score was...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 20th April
Cancellations and close calls
In recent weeks we've produced Kickstarter summaries to show how campaigns are progressing, and this entry includes successes, cancellations and some close calls. Considering the fact that some exciting games have arrived and are on the way from successfully crowdfunded campaigns in the past, it's certainly worth...
Review My First Songs (Wii U eShop)
Hickory Dickory Don't!
We all had high hopes for My First Songs, with fifteen of the most legendary nursery rhymes of all time finally together in one package. Bangkok-based developer RingZero Game Studio brings us this hotly-anticipated karaoke title just in time for your tax refund shopping spree — alas, My First Songs is not quite a Yankee...
Review Flowerworks HD: Follie's Adventure (Wii U eShop)
A few carnations short of a full bouquet
You're a pint-sized explorer that's crash landed your spaceship on an alien planet dominated by vegetation, where flowers are your greatest ally. No, it's not Pikmin, it's Flowerworks HD: Follie's Adventure. A high-def remake of the well-received 2009 WiiWare title, Flowerworks HD is a floral-themed action...
News Turtle Tale Slowly Moves Closer to the eShop on 3DS and Wii U
Turtle power
There's some 2D platforming action getting closer to both the 3DS and Wii U eShop; those that want to be a heroic water gun-wielding turtle will soon be able to fulfil that fantasy in Turtle Tale. Announced last year and taking its cue from action platformers of the NES and SNES era, it's the work of Saturnine Games — the studio is...
News Tengami Soundtrack by David Wise Hits iTunes and Bandcamp
Music by the famed Donkey Kong Country composer available now
Atmospheric adventure game Tengami has been making headlines for its pop-up book art style, traditional Japanese setting, and music composed by David Wise. A longtime Rare collaborator, Wise has written the acclaimed music for hits like Donkey Kong Country, Star Fox Adventures, Marble...
News Nintendo of Europe Launches Voice to Victory Wii Karaoke U Contest
Sing like you're winning
Just recently we pointed you to a tease from Nintendo of Europe about an upcoming Wii Karaoke U contest, and details have now been revealed. It's the real deal, in the sense that eShop cash prizes are up for grabs. Called Voice to Victory, it now has a special Miiverse community, and tasks you with singing your heart out...
Nintendo Download 17th April (North America)
Classic Mario, GBA treats, HD Flowerworks, smashing cats and much more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week brings some rather tempting offerings to both the Wii U and 3DS. There are retro classics on both Virtual Consoles along with brand new software, while some discounts and a major retail title also make an appearance. Let's...
News DuckTales: Remastered Digital Soundtrack Coming to Amazon
47-track album to go on sale later this month
Capcom has announced that the official game soundtrack for DuckTales: Remastered will be available to download from Amazon's MP3 store from 29 April. With 47 tracks and clocking in at around the 90-minute mark, the album will include both Jake Kaufman's remixes for the recent re-release, as well as the...
News Space Shooter Cosmochoria Lowers Wii U Kickstarter Stretch Goal To $25,000
Development technicalities ''a lot more doable'' than originally thought
Kickstarter projects are rarely without their changes somewhere along the line. Stretch goals can be added, new features can be implemented and fan response or criticism can even have an impact on the final release. During our last Kickstarter round-up we wagered that the...
News Nocturnal Plants a New Flowerworks HD Trailer Ahead of Launch
Shows off blooming nice effects
There aren't many WiiWare titles getting re-purposed for the Wii U, but part of a select group with a few others is Flowerworks HD: Follie's Adventure from Australian developer Nocturnal. Due in this week's update (17th April) in North America and May in Europe, it'll have a discount price of $3.50 in its first month...
News Nintendo Teases a Wii Karaoke U Miiverse Contest
Neighbours, be warned
Wii Karaoke U probably still holds the crown as one of the most peculiar offerings on the Wii U eShop. In some ways it's one of the most modern titles Nintendo's released in terms of online functionality, with a substantial range of tracks available to stream and various time-based passes to purchase in order to satisfy into...
News Castlevania: Dracula X And Mega Man 5 Hitting The Japanese Wii U Virtual Console Next Week
Scream bloody murder
Next week's Japanese Wii U Virtual Console titles have been confirmed, and fans of Konami and Capcom should be pretty pleased with what's on offer. Arguably the most notable release is Castlevania: Dracula X (known as Akumajou Dracula XX in Japan and Castlevania: Vampire's Kiss in Europe), the SNES port of the PC Engine classic...
News Upside-Down Dimensions Could Be Coming To Wii U
Currently listed as "proposed"
Spanish developer Hydra Interactive Entertainment has announced Upside Down Dimensions, an action RPG that combines hack 'n slash, stealth, puzzles and platforming elements – drawing inspiration from games such as Paper Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon. The title has a launch window of 2015 for PC, Mac, PS...
Exclusive Here's an Early Look at Location Game Footage in HullBreach: Uncloaked
Both real and fantastical
HullBreach Uncloaked is an intriguing Wii U eShop title in a couple of respects — it's based on a Wii-browser MMORPG called HullBreach Online, and its developer (HullBreach Studios) has bold plans for the scope that it'll offer. It'll have all 576 sectors of its online predecessor, except with fully-realised 3D visuals...
Video This Child of Light Trailer Takes You Through The Beautiful World of Lemuria
Step into the light
In the lead up to Child of Light’s release on the Wii U eShop later this month, Ubisoft has been releasing a steady stream of trailers to show off its artistic action-RPG. Recent clips have displayed the game’s co-op mode, as well as the title’s partnerships for music and theatrical design. The latest clip, which
Review Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate - Deluxe Edition (Wii U eShop)
The broken Bat
For as long as portable games have existed, the trend of developing handheld versions of popular console titles has been present and correct. These games tend to be inferior versions of the originals, taking a substantial hit graphically and often limiting gameplay, depending on what the portable console is capable of. In some cases,...
Nintendo Download 17th April (Europe)
Pocket football, GBA goodies, big-name demos, discounts and more
Nintendo is once again brightening our Monday morning with the European Nintendo Download update, which this week includes a variety of genres covering three systems — yep, DSiWare is back. There are some promotions — present and future — to consider, new games and Virtual...
News Guacamelee! Developer Stirring Up A New Title, Severed
Hitting virtual shelves some time in 2015
DrinkBox Studios as a company has only existed for around 6 years, but in that time has produced some amazing titles, with a new addition coming down the pipes. The developer of Guacamelee! and Mutant Blobs Attack has announced Severed, a new title coming in 2015; it tells the story of a distraught warrior...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 13th April
Successes and failures
Last week we ran our first weekly Kickstarter summary, which aims to keep us all up to date on the progress — and otherwise — of projects currently seeking funding that are targeting Wii U and/or 3DS. We're relatively selective in terms of focusing on projects that seem to have either a certain level of quality, a...
News Ex Oblivione is a 2D Action Horror RPG Coming Exclusively to Wii U
More indie support on the way
It says much about Nintendo's current download game policies that a number of small developers are choosing the system for their début efforts. Another doing just that is California-based CthulhiGames, which has announced it Unity-based 2D Action Horror RPG as a project in development exclusively for Wii U. A series...
Review My Exotic Farm (Wii U eShop)
Not a roaring success
Farm management sims are hard to get right; farming is work, after all. Successful farming games either add substantial non-farming elements like Harvest Moon's social elements, or they take the work so seriously that it becomes comically overbearing, à la Farming Simulator. French studio BiP Media's My Exotic Farm ultimately...
Interview 4 Corner Games Tells Us Why It's Got to Run to the Wii U eShop
"I applied to Nintendo because I love playing games on Nintendo platforms"
Not too long ago 4 Corner Games announced that it'd be making its début with the Wii U-exclusive I've Got to Run, a runner title that'll include multiple modes and will run at a silky smooth 60 frames per second. In a wave of multi-platform download-only releases, this joins...
News Road Redemption's Latest Footage Looks a Bit More Like Road Rash
Steps in the right direction
Some of you Wii U eShop download fans with decent memories may still be looking forward to Road Redemption, a title coming to Wii U and PC that immediately brings to mind the Road Rash series, with the original crowdfunding campaign even citing the iconic bike racing series. We say racing, but in truth our younger selves...
Word up
In our Kickstarter campaign summary at the weekend we included APEXICON - Fantasy Puzzle Combat on our list, as it's an intriguing word game that will attempt to blend in RPG elements. If funded it'll come to the Wii U as well as PC, with the GamePad likely to be a particularly useful controller for the title. It's entering the home stretch...
News Flowerworks HD to Blossom on the Wii U eShop on 17th April in North America
May release in Europe, sales to fund a Wii U-exclusive project
Nocturnal Entertainment's Michael Shamgar has been in touch to confirm some pleasing news for download fans with a Wii U, announcing that Flowerworks HD: Follie's Adventure will arrive on the North America eShop in next week's update on 17th April; it's targeting May in Europe. A HD...
News Nintendo Shows Off Upcoming Golden Sun and F-Zero GBA Wii U Virtual Console Releases
Next week's offerings on show
The early Game Boy Advance releases on the Wii U Virtual Console seem to have been rather popular with keen download fans, and it's certainly helped that some of the finest games of the portable's entire library have already arrived. The initial confirmed lineup is into its latter half, however, and Nintendo has...
Review WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Fun incorporated
Ever since its first foray into the video game market, Nintendo has been known for the incredible amount of creativity it brings to the medium. Innovative ideas – whether they add a pleasing minor touch or groundbreaking gameplay feature – have to some degree been the company’s bread and butter for decades. It’s these...
News Next-Generation Visual Novel Nero Confirmed For Wii U eShop
Nintendo version will offer UI-free screen thanks to the GamePad
Italian indie developer Storm in a Teacup has confirmed that it is bringing its new game Nero to the Wii U eShop. Details on this mysterious game are scarce, but Storm in a Teacup's creative director Carlo Bianchi — who spoke to Official Nintendo Magazine about the game —...
Nintendo Download 10th April (North America)
More Wii U GBA treats, farming, poker, puzzles, discounts and more
Nintendo's Download Update for North America has arrived a lot later than normal, but now we know what's landing on your Wii U and 3DS systems this week. There's more GBA goodness on Wii U, new titles on both eShop stores and an NES title on the portable's Virtual Console; on top of...
News You Can Now Pre-Order eShop Games Via Nintendo UK's Online Store
The future is now
If you wanted any more proof that Nintendo is moving with the times, it's now possible to pre-order eShop titles online — for those living in the UK, at least. Drop onto the Nintendo UK online store listing for Nintendo Pocket Football Club and you'll see the option to pre-order the title, with the download code being dispatched...
Review Kirby & The Amazing Mirror (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Kirbytroid
For the most part, not much has changed about the Kirby series — many of its titles are fairly straightforward platformers in which your main ability is to suck up enemies and acquire their powers. It's not until somewhat recently that the development teams started trying different things, and one can certainly make a case saying that...
News Renegade Kid Releases Early Gameplay Footage Of Cult County to Boost Kickstarter Campaign
Focus on visual effects possible utilising Unity on stronger systems
Cult County is a project that's been received enthusiastically by Nintendo fans since its inception last year, knowing development is in safe hands with the team behind the award-winning Dementium series and critically the acclaimed Mutant Mudds. Ju
News NES Remix 2 Features A Mode Which Mimics The 1990 Nintendo World Championship
Retro sequel hits the Wii U eShop April 25th
It has been revealed today that NES Remix 2 will be looking to the past in more ways than one. The Wii U eShop exclusive features bite-sized mini-games based on old NES titles — just like its forerunner — but will also include a mode which attempts to replicate the 1990 Nintendo World Championship, in...
News RPG Earthlock: Festival of Magic Will Be Casting A Spell On Wii U Next Year
Q2 2015 can’t come sooner
After close to one year, crowdfunded RPG Earthlock: Festival of Magic is now officially headed to multiple platforms – including the Wii U eShop. With less than two days remaining, developer Snowcastle Games managed to meet and surpass its goal of $150,000. It has taken longer than expected, with a few setbacks and...
News Citizens of Earth Coming To Wii U And 3DS eShops This September
Charming, chivalrous, charismatic and charitable
Atlus will be bringing the Earthbound-inspired Citizens of Earth to the Wii U and 3DS eShops this September. The Kickstarter project which failed to reach its original goal was picked up by Atlus shortly after, who offered to publish the game. Developed by Eden Indus
Review Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Double trouble
Back in 2003, Nintendo had already released two excellent Mario RPGs; Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars and Paper Mario. Rather than immediately making a Paper Mario sequel, the company decided to add a third completely different game to the line-up. While the previous games were developed by Squaresoft and Intelligent...
News Child of Light Reveals Partnerships for Music and Theatrical Design
This fairytale is getting serious
Layer by layer, the Ubisoft team behind the upcoming RPG Child of Light has been revealing all the unique choices that have gone into creating an artistic experience. Today, they have shown how a Montreal-based singer-songwriter and the multimedia wing of Cirque du Soleil are contributing to the overall design...
News Dracula Is Cursing The Japanese Wii U Virtual Console Next Week In Castlevania III
Mystic Quest, Gradius and Neutopia also coming along for the ride
Castlevania fans will be pleased to know that NES classic Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse — one of the best entries in the entire lineage — is hitting the Japanese Wii U Virtual Console next week, which means a western release shouldn't be far behind. Originally released in...
News Nintendo eShop Developers Teaming Up in Plan for 'Ninty Indy Con'
An online event to bring download gamers and devs together
Expos and conventions are certainly a major part of any gaming year, whether public events that allow gamers to try new games or industry-based alternatives that allow developers, publishers and platform holders to forge relationships. In an increasingly connected world, however, not all of...
News Insanity's Blade Gets Audiovisual and Gameplay Overhaul
A fresh coat of paint on the entire hack-and-slash game
Canadian studio Causal Bit Games has totally revamped the art assets, music, game mechanics, and level design of its upcoming arcade-inspired hack-and-slash Wii U eShop title, Insanity's Blade. In a blog post on the company's website, lead developer Chris Obritsch writes: With t
News The Club Nintendo Rewards Are Confirmed for April
Classic Mario! Arty learning! Mario Golf! Trajectile!
It's been a whole month since the last update, so Club Nintendo in North America has confirmed the latest batch of downloadable treats that are available in exchange for your hard-earned and treasured coins. This time we have two Virtual Console games available on Wii and Wii U, joined by two...
News Two Tribes Highlights Sales Increase Following Permanent Discounts on Classics Range
EDGE on 3DS enjoys the biggest boost
One of the most significant issues with both the Wii and DSi online stores were the fixed price points, locking game publishers into their launch rate. As we've seen on the 3DS and Wii U eShop stores, however, Nintendo's decision to drop that requirement has brought us regular promotions and discounts on a...
Nintendo Download 10th April (Europe)
Batman, GBA goodies, The Hobbit, poker, discounts and more
It's that time again, Europe, as Nintendo kicks off our Monday with news of the download goodies that we can look forward to later in the week. This time around we have new games on the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores, more GBA treats on the home console, a major retail release across both...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 6th April
A summary of potential Nintendo releases
Kickstarter is the crowdfunding platform loved by all — OK, maybe not all. It remains a fairly divisive platform, with some heavily delayed projects and certain multi-billion dollar sales of formerly crowdfunded products causing consternation; these negatives are arguably countered by a range of exciting...
News Mobot Studios Is Bringing iOS Hit Gears To Wii U This Spring
A ballsy move
If you've been unhappy with the relative squareness of Nintendo's eShop lately then weep no longer — some majorly spherical action is coming your way soon. Having enjoyed a popular run — or rather roll — on iOS devices with a reported 1.5 million downloads to date, Mobot Studios has been in touch to confirm that it will be...
Review Super Dodge Ball (Wii U eShop / NES)
Utterly ridiculous and sublime
When firing up an NES game in the modern day, no less a silly spin-off sports title from the era, a certain mindset is required. If you're intolerant of sticky animation, that flickering effect that NES games have when there's too much on screen and wonky frame performance, there are plenty of games that are immediate...
Video Check Out The Mario Kart 8 Visual Upgrade in This Retro Track Comparison
It's never looked this good
This week has brought us a flurry of activity relating to Mario Kart 8, with information emerging and a host of previews arriving online, including our own. One area that's been agreed upon across most outlets is that Nintendo's upcoming racer is a visual treat, utilising the hardware and terrific art design to great...
News Hex Heroes Lead Wants "To Develop a New Experience on the Wii U"
"There's so much that can be done on the GamePad"
Back in March we told you about an upcoming project called Hex Heroes, the development team for which includes artist and co-developer of popular PC title The Bridge, Mario Castañeda, and music from Grant Kirkhope, a name familiar to fans of Rare's golden era. A "party RTS" (real time strategy)...
Video Here's a Child Of Light Hands On And Interview With The Creative Director
There's a light and it never goes out
Child of Light is Ubisoft's attractive upcoming turn-based RPG that tells the coming of age story of a young girl, Aurora. Our colleague and Nintendo Life contributor, Andy Robertson of FamilyGamerTV, has provided a video in which he details his four favourite things from his hands-on experience with the game...
News Hideki Konno Emphasizes That Mario Kart 8 Balancing Means It's Not All About Luck
Promises that the new Rainbow Road is "spectacular"
As this is Mario Kart 8 day, or so it seems, there are some more snippets emerging from a GDC (Game Developers Conference) group interview held by game producer Hideki Konno in March. We've already heard details on why a custom track creator hasn't been included, and
Nintendo Download 3rd April (North America)
Rusty's the real deal, GBA on Wii U, Batman and more
It's that time once again, North America, when you can see what download delights are available on your Nintendo systems. There are two new titles on the Wii U, three GBA games on the home console, Rusty's free-to-play baseball, discounts and more. Let's get to it. Missed the European Download...
Review Advance Wars (Wii U eShop / GBA)
War has never been so much fun
Mention Advance Wars to a seasoned gamer and they're almost guaranteed to have heard of it. One of the earliest major Game Boy Advance titles, it's now also one of the earliest titles from the handheld on the Wii U Virtual Console, giving veterans another chance to pick it up and newcomers an ideal opportunity to see...
News Emulation Experts M2 Worked With Nintendo On Wii U Virtual Console GBA Games
Retro magic
M2 is the company responsible for the amazing Sega 3D Classics range on the 3DS, but that's not the only thing that has been keeping the firm busy of late. Nintendo has clearly been impressed by M2's handheld offerings as it has transpired that the studio was commissioned to assist with bringing Game Boy Advance games to the Wii U...
News Nnooo to Showcase Three Titles at PAX East
Playable demos available
In a recent press release Australian developer Nnooo, known for its 3DS download title escapeVektor, announced that it will be attending PAX East this year in Boston. While at PAX, it will be showcasing three of its games that are currently in development: Blast 'Em Bunnies, Cubemen 2, and ORBITOR. Blast 'Em Bun
News Patch Fixes Bug in Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Thaws out a progress-stopping problem
Nintendo has made a software update available for Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze today that fixes a game-halting glitch in World 3. According to update notes, the patch will solve an issue some players have faced when completing level 3-3, Frantic Fields and finding no path has opened to the next level,...
Interview Renegade Kid Discusses Its Cult County Kickstarter Adventure, With Wii U Included
We’re told why the 3DS version has been replaced
After Renegade Kid’s announcement last week that it would be launching a Kickstarter campaign for a home console project, it’s now lifted the lid on what that will be. It’s not an all-new previously unannounced title, nor is it the much anticipated Mutant Mudds 2, but actually Cult County for...
News The Wonderful 101 Saving Wallets on Wii U eShop
Ninja Gaiden, Game & Wario also discounted
It isn't too difficult to find a physical copy of The Wonderful 101 for a villainous price, but now the digital counterpart has been slashed as well. The quirky superhero action game has been reduced to $29.99 on the Wii U eShop, and it looks like this is a permanent drop. Players who have been wanting to...
Be Batman, again
In February we reported on the surprise announcement that Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate - Deluxe Edition was coming to HD systems and PC. It was originally released in non-deluxe form on the 3DS and PS Vita alongside Batman: Arkham Origins in late 2013, with the portable title having a storyline that follows short
Feature The Biggest Wii U Games of 2014 - Spring Edition
Time for some additions
At the start of this year we continued our quarterly tradition of looking at the biggest games coming to the Wii U, this time considering 2014. Even with an admittedly shallow confirmed line-up for the year we'd like to think that it was a list to give optimism to Wii U owners anxious for exciting games to play. It's now...
"We want to get to work on Nintendo"
While other developers and publishers seem to be finding any excuse they can to not bring their games to the Wii U, Oddworld's Lorne Lanning has stated emphatically that his studio's upcoming remake — Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty — will hit Nintendo's consoles, irrespective of its current commercial fortunes...
News Twisted Fusion Joins the Kickstarter Ranks, Will be a Wii U Exclusive if Funded
"Best described as an 'Open Platformer'"
Among the many projects making their way to crowdfunding platform Kickstarter, some are targeting the Wii U as exclusive platforms. We've had Hex Heroes launch a campaign seeking $80,000; now we have Twisted Fusion arriving with a Wii U-only goal. This has a modest initial
March2014
News Ludosity Founder Favours the Wii U Version of Ittle Dew
No release date yet
Ludosity, the studio responsible for 3DS titles such as Boulder Dash-XL 3D and Alien Chaos 3D will be making its début on the Wii U with its upcoming title Ittle Dew, described by developer Joel Nystrom as a light hearted action adventure game with a lot of puzzling and secrets to find. Though the game has already been released...
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and F-Zero: GP Legend appear eShop-bound
The Australian government's Classification Board is infamous for its censorship of violence in games, hindering the release of dozens of highly-anticipated titles over the years. But sometimes its ratings bring us good news: Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and
News Two Tribes Confirms Permanent Price Drop of its Classics Range in North America
Yours for just $1.99
Earlier today the European Nintendo Download update included some permanent price discounts from Two Tribes on its 'Classics' range. While the North American update isn't officially released until Thursday, the publisher has taken to Twitter to confirm that these price drops will also apply in North America. [tweet This price...
Nintendo Download 3rd April (Europe)
GBA on Wii U, bubbles, monkeys, and a load of discounts
It's Monday, which means Download Update news in Europe. This Thursday's treats include the first three Game Boy Advance games on the Wii U Virtual Console, an AR title on 3DS, a very late retail arrival and a number of tempting discounts. Without further pre-amble, let's get to it. Wii U...
News Two Brothers Still on the Way to the Wii U eShop, Third-Party Developer Handling Port
Identity of porting team to be revealed soon
It was way back in the latter half of 2012 that Two Brothers — from AckkStudios — was announced, a top-down 2D RPG that excited some retro gamers with its Game Boy aesthetic, and intrigued plenty of others with the idea that colour is gradually restored to the world. The concept was attractive enough...
News Nintendo Shows Off April's Game Boy Advance Wii U Virtual Console Line-up
Play it on the GamePad is the message
Time flies, and after a busy week in which Nintendo firmed up its Game Boy Advance plans for the Wii U Virtual Console, we're now just days away from the first arrivals. It's certainly an attractive line-up in its early days, filling April with eight releases in total. Some of these titles will be familiar to...
Poll Have Your Say On The GamePad's Role With The Wii U Virtual Console
Perfect for enjoying retro classics?
Since the Wii U's launch there's been much talk about the role of the GamePad with the system, and we're sure most would agree that — to date — it's failed to have the same impact on how we play games as the Wii Remote in the last generation. The thinking behind the controller is clear, as Nintendo saw the...
News We'll Be Seeing A Bit More Of Rusty Pup This April
Gory Detail confirm fresh details coming next month
Things have gone a little quiet on the Rusty Pup front since we exclusively broke the news that it was coming to the Wii U eShop back in 2013. Former Rare employees Christopher "Conker" Seavor and Shawn Pile have been working flat-out on the game since then, with a few pieces of artwork published...
Review Super Mario Kart (Wii U eShop / SNES)
A timely boost for a classic
With a PAL release a mere nine months after the April 1992 launch of the UK SNES, during a 16-bit era where show-boating superior technology and exceptional console power was at the forefront of Nintendo’s objectives, Super Mario Kart remained humble in exhibiting its technical prowess. European gamers had been...
News Swords & Soldiers HD Catapulting Its Way Onto The Wii U eShop Next Month
To tide us over until the release of Swords & Soldiers 2
Update: Two Tribes has advised that its original announcement was posted early by accident. As opposed to targeting the end of April, the release window has now been expanded slightly to "April / May". Original Article: Swords & Soldiers — the side scrolling RTS which was originally...
Review Pure Chess (Wii U eShop)
This is a review you should check, mate
When Pure Chess was first announced for the Wii U and 3DS, it created a considerable buzz for a game that's based on a relatively niche, high-brow hobby. However, there was good reason for this; developer VooFoo Studios and its publisher Ripstone were not only determined to deliver a graphically rich...
Nintendo Download 27th March (North America)
Free Sonic DLC, retro puzzling, a skating cat and more
Nintendo of America has been a little later than normal with its download update, but it's finally here. There are retro options on both Wii U and 3DS, free DLC and some additional new options on the portable's store; bizarrely, a couple of older titles have also been included. Throw in some...
News Nintendo Australia Confirms Game Boy Advance Wii U Releases and Pricing
GBA for everyone!
Yesterday brought the happy news of the opening Wii U Virtual Console Game Boy Advance line-up, which includes some enjoyable titles to grace the latest system and its GamePad. Happily, Nintendo Australia has now confirmed details for its region, providing prices as well — all titles will be AU$9.10 – NZ$11.90. 3rd April:...
News Child of Light Creators Discuss Their Transition from Far Cry 3
From wackos to watercolours
Want to talk about shifting gears? How about going from making Far Cry 3, an intriguingly exotic and violent first-person shooter, to Child of Light, a softly toned, beautiful, turn-based RPG adventure that holds firmly to classic fairytale stylings? First instinct might be to hope those involved aren't going mad from...
Review Volleyball (Wii U eShop / NES)
Flat ball
What’s your favourite major sport? If you answered “volleyball,” there’s a good chance that you’re among a minority of sports fans. That’s not to say that volleyball is a lesser game than the titanic football – European or American, your choice – or any other major sport, but it does make one wonder why Nintendo would...
News Ubisoft Discounts 18 Games on the North American eShop Stores
Wii U and 3DS both covered
Ubisoft has run some attractive promotions on the eShop platforms in recent months, and has struck again with 18 fresh discounts in North America. Announced earlier this week over on the Ubisoft blog, Nintendo has now updated its eShop offers web page to show off the discounts available. These prices are available now and...
News Sonic Lost World Gets Free Legend of Zelda DLC Tomorrow
But can we team up Knuckles with Tingle?
Hot off the heels of Sonic Lost World's Yoshi's Island DLC, tomorrow the hedgehog's latest Wii U outing will get some Zelda-themed downloadable content to boot; it'll be free for all that have the game. Entitled The Legend of Zelda Zone, IGN reports the new level will be more than a reskinning of an old...
News Game Boy Advance Games On The Wii U Virtual Console Are Single Player Only
Going solo
Game Boy Advance games are hitting the North American and European Wii U Virtual Console very soon, and Nintendo has posted some fresh details up on its Japanese site. The biggest news is that all of the launch batch of titles are all listed as being single player only — even those which had multiplayer capability in their original...
News Super Mario Bros. 3 Is Warping To North American Virtual Consoles On April 17th
Nintendo of America confirms GBA Virtual Console lineup, too
It's been a long time coming, but Super Mario Bros. 3 finally has a release date for the North American Wii U and 3DS Virtual Console services. Nintendo of America has confirmed that the classic NES game will launch on April 17th, priced at $4.99. Regarded by many Mario fans as one of the...
News Nintendo of Europe Confirms Upcoming Game Boy Advance Wii U Virtual Console Releases
Pricing and Wii U features, too
Update: Nintendo of America has now announced its Game Boy Advance Wii U Virtual Console lineup and prices, as well as a release date for Super Mario Bros. 3 on the system. Original Article: Just yesterday we reported that Advance
News Industry Veteran Peter Molyneux Warns The Indie Craze "Won't Last"
"Don't think we're going to be all indies for the next five years"
In an interview with CVG, our old friend Peter Molyneux — who recently spoke about the Wii U and his thoughts on Nintendo in general — hopes the games industry won't take the recent indie boom for granted. The veteran developer — now in charge of indie studio 22Cans — likens...
News Advance Wars Bringing the Battle to the Wii U Virtual Console on 3rd April
An early Game Boy Advance treat
Back in February Nintendo announced that Game Boy Advance games would arrive on the Wii U Virtual Console in April, and has now confirmed an early treat on the way to the service. Surprisingly, it's not one of the games initially announced. Nintendo of Europe has confirmed that GBA original Advance Wars will hit the...
News Indie Parkour Title Hover: Revolt of Gamers Slated for Wii U
Jet Set Radio x Mirror's Edge?
French indie studio Fusty Game, creator of The Secret of Space Octopuses and Super Commodore Holy Tank Soccer Deluxe (it has a way with titles), has announced via Twitter that its new game Hover: Revolt of Gamers will be coming to Wii U this year, in addition to PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, and Xbox One. Hover is a futuristic...
News APEXICON - Fantasy Puzzle Combat Launches New Kickstarter Campaign, Wii U Included
Nintendo's system now a core goal at just $5000
Last year we told you about a crowdfunding campaign for APEXICON - Fantasy Puzzle Combat, a wordplay game with elements of puzzle, RPG and Adventure genres. It had a core target of $15,000 and a Wii U stretch goal of $20,000 yet unfortunately fell well short, with the campaign closing on $3,353...
News JetGetters Is The Most Insane Aerial Combat Game You've Ever Seen, And Could Be Hijacking Wii U
Described as "Just Cause 2 meets Battlefield 4"
JetGetters is — in the developer's own words — "a game about jumping out of jets, and landing on other jets". A unique team-based dogfighting title by indie studio tinyBuild, it has just hit Kickstarter and a Wii U eShop edition is one of the many console-based stretch goals on offer. The concept...
News Fiendishly Tricky Precision Platformer Chubbins Is Bouncing To The Wii U eShop
Formerly exclusive to iOS
Two-man indie developer Dahku Creations released precision platformer Chubbins to iOS devices last year. Unfortunately, the game's high level of difficulty turned off a lot of users in that particular market. After working out some of the early details, Dahku is finally able to bring the game to a place where it will...
Review Ice Hockey (Wii U eShop / NES)
Not that cool any more
Nintendo released a number of sports titles in the NES era, a reflection of a simpler time when having a fancy home console was enough of a novelty that a game simply called Ice Hockey would seem like an awesome prospect. You like Ice Hockey? You've got Nintendo? Get Ice Hockey, which is Ice Hockey on your Nintendo! That...
News Ronimo Games: PS4 And Xbox One Are More Of The Same, But Wii U Is "Something New"
Developers behind Swords and Soldiers II shower praise on Nintendo
As we reported recently, Ronimo Games is hard at work on Swords and Soldiers II for the Wii U, a sequel to the popular Wii title. Speaking to Nintendo World Report, Ronimo's Joost van Dongen and Thomas Pathuis spoke a little about why they
Talking Point Nintendo's Major Wii U Retail Titles Can Benefit From More eShop Trials and Demos
A taste before taking the plunge
Whether you want to call them free trials or demos, the ongoing absence — for the most part — of these offerings on the Nintendo eShop stores is noticeable. What's peculiar, at least from our perspective, is why that gap exists with some of Nintendo's finest first-party releases; in an increasingly competitive...
News Nintendo Highlights Over 50 Unity Games on the Way to the Wii U eShop
"We’ve got a lot of Unity content on the way"
It's no secret that the Wii U eShop is set to play a prominent role in delivering a high volume of diverse content to the home console in the coming weeks and months. After much promise of a substantial collection of download-only games the library is starting to grow, with a varied range due in April...