3DS eShop - News
February2015
Dungeon crawling on a budget
Like most dungeon crawling RPGs, Excave builds its core upon slashing and fighting your way through waves of enemies in multi-floor dungeons, collecting various weapons and healing items, all while trying to escape with your bounty. The risk-reward tension combined with the thrill of the unknown awaiting you on each...
News Zombie Incident Aims to Infest the 3DS With an MSX Vibe
Proper retro
Earlier today Zombie Incident popped up in the European Nintendo Download Update, and we were mainly struck by its somewhat dramatic premise. We didn't know much about the actual game, however. Publisher CoderChild has filled us in, however, and it's a rather intriguing project. It was originally developed by a team including NeneFranz...
Review Jewel Quest: The Sapphire Dragon (3DS)
Mountainside match-making
The simplicity of the Match-3 genre is both its blessing and its curse. Its easy learning curve and ability to pick up and play can open it up to a wide fanbase, but only a certain few clever or lucky titles are able to stand out amongst a sea of copies. Jewel Quest: The Sapphire Dragon is the sixth installment in the...
Flap off
The success of the free mobile hit, Flappy Bird, was arguably one of the darkest periods in the history of video games. It was a title with questionable assets, a tedious concept and flawed mechanics that was made in just a handful of days. Despite this, it was clearly addictive, going viral with unprecedented downloads and media coverage...
Nintendo Download 26th February (Europe)
Hyrule Warriors DLC, Pac-Attack, Titan Attacks, Kirby HOME themes and more
It's Monday morning, but that's a good thing if you're a Nintendo fan in Europe, as it brings us the latest Nintendo Download Update news. This week has some typically bonkers Wii U DLC along with a range of rather tempting downloads on both systems. Let's get to it. Wii U...
Review Flipnote Studio 3D (3DS eShop)
Striking a nearly perfect note
From its launch in late 2008 until its eventual discontinuation five years later, Flipnote Studio was a smash hit among both the casual and professional creative types. As an application that assisted in creating flip-book style animations on the DSi, the concept was simple, but the amount of creativity that users put...
Feature A History of Full Fat Games - From Nintendo Portables to Smartphones and Back Again
"I'm just pleased to have a game on the 3DS"
In the past week we brought you the news that Flick Golf 3D is coming to the 3DS eShop, which will be an interesting test to see whether a hugely popular smartphone game can grab a sizeable audience on Nintendo's portable. To those unfamiliar with developer Full Fat Games there could be a perception that...
Review Best of Arcade Games - Air Hockey (3DS eShop)
Error Hockey
Step into the dimly-lit, sticky-floored interior of any arcade, pizza place, or bowling alley you can find, and there's bound to be at least one air hockey table somewhere. They're an iconic fixture, always ready to lure you and a friend over for just one game, no matter how many hockey pucks you've sent flying across the room in the...
News Rodea: The Sky Soldier Confirmed For Release In North America And Europe
Arriving this fall
After a disjointed development cycle, Rodea: The Sky Soldier has now been officially confirmed for a release in the West. NIS America will handle the digital and physical publishing rights of the game on both the Wii U and 3DS, with the title expected to arrive this fall. A copy of the original Wii game is set to be bundled with...
Nintendo Download 19th February (North America)
Kirby, Axelay, RPG goodness, microtransactions, DSiWare and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for details of this week's download goodies to warm us up for the weekend. There's a tempting Wii U retail release, along with a classic SNES shooter, some interesting RPG options on 3DS, the return of DSiWare and more. If that's got your...
Review Classic Card Games (3DS eShop)
Bust
You might think that you can't go far wrong with a good, old-fashioned card game, and you'd be right for the most part. Unfortunately there has never really been a successful transition of those card games that require multiple players into the download format, as much of the game resides in the psychological. Psyching out your opponents or...
Reaction Pokémon Shuffle Isn't Quite Microtransaction Hell, But It's Getting There
Tom Whitehead scratches his head, waits 30 minutes, then scratches it again
Microtransactions. It's a grubby phrase in the eyes of many, mainly because it represents a concept that thrives on being small and inoffensive, yet has the capability to lead to extravagant costs or to simply wreck a game's momentum. It's worse than 'free-to-play', as a...
First Impressions Getting Into the Swing of Flick Golf 3D
Golf club-shaped stylus accessory not required
When you put the phrases smartphone game and 3DS eShop release in close proximity to each other there can be understandable concern - for dedicated portable gaming fans it can appear to be a marriage made in hell. Yet it's not always that simple, and titles that become a phenomenon on smart devices can...
Review Best of Arcade Games - Brick Breaker (3DS eShop)
Just Another Brick in the Wall
It takes an extremely exceptional video game to defy the tests of time. Technological advancements coupled with ever shifting consumer attitudes and expectations have often seen classic gaming titles left by the proverbial wayside as the years roll on. The likes of Pac-Man, Tetris and Gradius are prime examples of...
News Pokémon Shuffle Available to Download Right Now, for Free
686 blocks, micro-transaction and pricing details inside
Update: Pokémon Shuffle is now also available as a free download in North America. Original Article: Pokémon Shuffle is the latest free-to-play 3DS eShop experiment from Nintendo, combining match-three puzzling with a Pokémon battling and collecting twist. As it's a free download it'll...
News SteamWorld Heist to be Playable At Upcoming US and UK Events
PAX East, EXG Rezzed and The Steampunk World’s Fair
SteamWorld Heist is set to be one of the most intriguing download releases of 2015. A follow-up - but not sequel - to the hugely popular SteamWorld Dig, developer Image & Form is aiming to release the title across multiple platforms, including the eShop on Wii U and 3DS. It's a departure for...
Talks self-publishing, New Nintendo 3DS XL and more at Indiecade East
Nintendo recently attended Indiecade East 2015 in New York, where Damon Baker - Senior Manager in Marketing and Licensing - met with fans and developers alike, and led a seminar called "Self-Publishing with Nintendo." Nintendo Life attended the informative seminar and then had a...
"The core audience... we weren't going to win with them on that decision"
Nintendo of America has been an active supporter of Indiecade in recent years, and recently attended the New York based Indiecade East event to showcase eShop releases and to promote the Wii U and 3DS as valid platforms for small developers of all types. It was in attendance...
Nintendo Download 19th February (Europe)
Wii downloads return with Kirby, classic Castlevania, GBA goodness and more
Monday morning can be a dreary time, but Nintendo of Europe has sent out the Download Update details for the coming week to bring some sunshine into your life. After a two week absence we see the return of Wii downloads on the eShop, some retro classics, DLC, loads of...
Review 3D Fantasy Zone (3DS eShop)
Blow your mind in a fantasy zone
One of the first 'cute 'em ups' following Konami's Twinbee, Fantasy Zone first launched in Japanese arcades in 1986, but is better known in the west for its decent Master System conversion. Iconic protagonist Opa-Opa also sneaks in cameo appearances in many Sega games, most recently as a playable character in Sonic...
Review Best of Board Games - Mahjong (3DS eShop)
Matching never felt so adequate
Mahjong is something of a cultural institution in the East, widely played to this day throughout China, Japan, and South Korea. For such an enduring board game, the 3DS eShop has seen no shortage of adaptations - of the basic Solitaire version, in any case. In fact, there's almost an embarrassment of options available...
News Adventure Bar Story is Your Typical RPG and Pub Management Experience
Where every party knows your name
There can be the perception that an RPG can be made out of anything, and the upcoming Adventure Bar Story on 3DS is proof of that. Set to arrive in the coming week in North America for $5.99, this eShop game certainly has a quirky premise. It has the usual RPG elements of setting up a Party and venturing out into...
News A Wild Update on Pokémon Shuffle Appears
Nintendo used Microtransaction!
A surprise announcement in last month's Nintendo Direct was the reveal of Pokémon Shuffle, a free-to-play match-three type game that strongly resembles Pokémon Link: Battle! / Pokémon Battle Trozei. There's been a lot of controversy surrounding the title as it heavily features microtransactions, leading some to...
Review IRONFALL Invasion (3DS eShop)
Iron Man
Announced briefly last year and shown off in a recent Nintendo Direct, IRONFALL Invasion certainly turned some heads. It's one of the very few third person shooters available on the 3DS, developed by the relatively unknown VD-Dev - although it's been around for almost two decades and has developed several good games, it's yet to truly...
Nintendo Download 12th February (North America)
Majora's Mask 3D! Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate! 3D Fantasy Zone! More!
It's a big week for 3DS fans, with the coming weekend bringing North American gamers the New Nintendo 3DS XL and some eagerly anticipated retail games. Beyond the obvious big-hitters there are also some interesting download-only efforts, another classic 3D remaster from Sega and a...
All new rendering code secures 60FPS on all models
Retro City Rampage DX certainly stands among a core collection of top-notch download games on the 3DS eShop; while also available on WiiWare - now updated to its DX form on the home console - it's the portable iteration that seems to have won over Nintendo fans. While it originally matched up in...
News 3D Streets Of Rage 2 Rated By Australian Classification Board
Yet another fantastic addition to SEGA's 3D Classics range
SEGA’s 3D Classics range has been well-received since it arrived here in the West in 2013. With a mixture of Mega Drive / Genesis and Arcade re-releases such as 3D Super Hang-On and 3D Streets of Rage, developer M2 eventually revealed a second batch of 3D Classics would be coming to the...
Review Drop Zone: Under Fire (3DS eShop)
Drop it like it’s hot
Originally released as a WiiWare title near the end of that service's lifetime, Drop Zone: Under Fire has been ported to the 3DS in an attempt to bring virtual base-jumping action to the handheld audience. Whether or not you enjoyed the original release, it's undeniable that this arcade style game's transition to the 3DS hit...
Review Moon Chronicles: Episodes 2-4 (3DS eShop)
Not quite over the moon
Renegade Kid's episodic Moon Chronicles - an updated port of the Nintendo DS title Moon - has now delivered Episodes 2-4 as downloadable content, allowing players to finally finish the entire game. As a first-person shooter, Moon Chronicles stands out on the eShop and is a welcome change from the vast collection of puzzlers...
News Excave Aims to Bring Dungeon-Crawling RPG Goodness to the 3DS eShop
Arrives in North America on 19th February
Teyon remains one of the most prolific publishers on the 3DS eShop, and it's now announced another release; in this case it's an RPG that's making it out of Japan - Excave will arrive in North America on 19th February for $4.99, with Europe "following soon". As you'd expect on a dungeon-crawling RPG the...
Exclusive Full Fat Is Bringing The Insanely Popular Flick Golf To The Nintendo 3DS
Meet the studio behind a finger-based phenomenon
Full Fat Games is a serious player in the smartphone arena, having clocked an amazing 55 million downloads across its range of casual yet compelling iOS and Android releases. If you own a smartphone then chances are you've probably played one of the studio's games - be it Flick Golf, Flick Soccer,...
News Retro City Rampage DX Update Arrives this Week in Europe
Awaiting approval in North America
A few weeks ago we reported on an upcoming update for Retro City Rampage DX on the Nintendo 3DS. The update will bring a stable 60 frames per second and will include c-stick support on the New 3DS. Additionally, for the New 3DS, the update will take advantage of its faster CPU to deliver smoother effects and...
Weirdness Club Nintendo Members Attempt to Sell Flipnote Studio 3D Codes on eBay
Yeah, good luck with that...
Earlier today Flipnote Studio 3D became available to Club Nintendo members in North America, which is excellent news after numerous delays to the app. Once a code is retrieved lucky fans can finally produce some 3D animations, albeit without all of the sharing bells and whistles available in Japan. Amusingly, however,...
News Flipnote Studio 3D Now Available To North American Club Nintendo Members
The wait is over at last
After what seems like an eternity, Nintendo has finally released Flipnote Studio 3D in North America. The title is free to download for all Club Nintendo users right now. The highly anticipated application has finally made it west after months of deliberation. Originally Flipnote Studio 3D was held back in 2013, leaving...
Nintendo Download 12th February (Europe)
Majora's Mask 3D! Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate! Ace Combat! Kirby! More!
It's an exciting week for dedicated Nintendo gamers in Europe, with the New Nintendo 3DS arriving in stores and some long-awaiting retail games also landing in the eShop. Nintendo of Europe kept us waiting, but we now know that beyond those big-name releases there are loads of...
Think Gears of War X Steel Diver: Sub Wars
Nintendo of Europe is giving plenty of promotion to IronFall: Invasion ahead of its arrival in the region this week, with much being made of the title being a three year project from a three-man studio - VD-Dev. It'll be a rare beast on the 3DS eShop, too, with third-person shooting, 60FPS performance (with...
News Protect Me Knight 2 For 3DS eShop Is In the Process of Being Localised
Making steady progress
Following the 3DS eShop title’s Japanese release in September last year, comes news from developer Ancient, that work on the English version of Mamotte Knight 2: Hime no Tokemeki is well underway for a local release. Ancient revealed the news via their official Twitter account, whilst also revealing the English logo and...
News Fairune II is Adventuring Towards the 3DS eShop
Some retro-style music is also thrown in
Fortunately for fans of the genre, reasonable and solid RPGs are a fairly common find on the 3DS eShop. With the bar set high by excellent titles such as Bravely Default, Rune Factory 4 and Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan, it can be rather difficult to make an RPG that really stands out from the pack...
News Conker Creator Chris Seavor Reveals More Details On The Origins Of Rusty Pup
Latest game from former Rare duo is shaping up nicely
It's been a while since we reported on The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup, a new title for the Wii U and 3DS eShops from former Rare staffers Chris Seavor and Shawn Pile. Since bringing you the exclusive news that the title was headed to Nintendo formats, things have been a little on the quiet side...
Those that buy on the eShop get freebies
This is a week in which Nintendo wants a lot of your money, releasing the New Nintendo 3DS on 13th February and some enticing games. In Europe the date's even been given the hashtag #Nintendo3DSDay, while some key download releases are confirmed to arrive this week - it's at retail that there's the most...
News IronFall: Invasion, Nintendo Anime Channel and Kirby Releases Coming This Week in Europe
All part of '#Nintendo3DSDay'
We've been eagerly awaiting the European Download Update as normal this morning, but in its place we've instead received a whole load of details around this week's launch of the New Nintendo 3DS (13th February) and related releases on the way. The download update will have to wait, it seems. Already long-confirmed for...
News Free-to-Play Denpa Men Sequel Hits 1.8 Million Downloads in Japan
No word on a Western transmission
Nintendo has not been concealing its desires to experiment with free-to-play and smartphone-inspired titles as of late. If the company truly is committed to exploring this route, they are almost assuredly keeping tabs on the attention that The Denpa Men RPG Free! has been receiving in Japan. Developer Genius...
News More Details Emerge on Mutant Mudds Super Challenge
For super players only
As we just recently reported, there's an incoming expansion to the 2012 eShop hit, Mutant Mudds. Mutant Mudds was a critically and commercially successful “12-bit" platformer that won the hearts of many with its inspired visuals, chiptune music and smart level design. Talented players that successfully managed to complete...
Review Citizens of Earth (3DS eShop)
You've got the whole world in your hands
Men like our beloved Vice-President of Earth are truly one of a kind. Maybe it's the shocking red hair, the gleaming white smile, or the fact that his suit looks freshly pressed even after taking a full night's sleep in it. We can't put our finger on it, but something about him just...makes him seem...
News Renegade Kid Reveals a Snippet of Information on eShop Sales
Keep it up
Renegade Kid has been a longtime supporter of the Nintendo eShop, with games such as Mutant Mudds, Xeodrifter, Bomb Monkey, and more periodically turning up through the storefront's lifespan. Particularly fond of retro inspired games - with Moon Chronicles and ATV Wild Ride 3D being notable exceptions - the studio's shown
News Flipnote Studio 3D Has Been Delayed Once Again as Club Nintendo Site Goes Into Maintenance
Now due later in February
When Nintendo announced the end of the Club Nintendo Loyalty Rewards Program, many were sad to see it go. Though it was a relic of a time when Nintendo was less up to date in its online services, it still signalled the end of an era. Regardless, most feelings of nostalgia and sadness immediately evaporated when Nintendo...
News The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D Trailer Now Available for Download in Europe
And yes, it's in 3D
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D is just over a week away, which is something to celebrate for fans of the franchise and those that vocally called for the remake over the course of a few years. It's such a unique and brilliantly executed entry in the franchise that we felt moved to award it a 10 in our review, a score we've...
Nintendo Download 5th February (North America)
MH4U demo, Hyrule Warriors Majora's Mask DLC, Moon Chronicles and much more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for Nintendo Download Update details. This week brings a popular demo for an upcoming Capcom blockbuster, concluding episodes from Renegade Kid, some fun hack-and-slash Zelda DLC, a pre-purchase and download on a Wii U retail...
News Gunman Clive Sales Pass 400,000 Across All Platforms
Over 80% of sales on 3DS
Gunman Clive was a notable success on 3DS when released in late 2012 / early 2013, often cited by Nintendo as a positive example for the eShop. Developer Bertil Hörberg, who's consistently open about the performance of his game, has now given an update on its sales progress so far. As you can see below it's confirmed to...
News Ubisoft Launches Yet Another Massive eShop Sale in North America
Watch Dogs! Rayman Legends! ZombiU! More good (and rubbish) games!
Ubisoft may not be throwing games at Nintendo systems any more, but it sure is happy to run eShop discounts on its older titles. Every few months we see plenty of price reductions, and the latest promotional batch has now been announced for North America. Available now and running...
Review Quell Memento (3DS eShop)
Worth remembering
Creating a working puzzle takes a certain level of skill, even more so if you wish to make it interesting. The Quell series really seems to pay a special mind to the puzzle as a form of craft, presenting its challenges to the player while also attempting to build a serene journey through them. Quell Memento, the latest iteration to...
News Flipnote Studio 3D Arrives in North America This Week
Club Nintendo members, rejoice!
When Nintendo announced the closure of Club Nintendo recently, it also confirmed that members in North America would receive Flipnote Studio 3D as a free download - in Europe the app will go to those that sign-up for the replacement programme later in the year. Official details point to an offline,
Nintendo Download 5th February (Europe)
Shantae's back, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate demo, Zero 2 and more
It's the morning after the late night watching the Super Bowl, or just a normal Monday depending on your preferences, but nevertheless Nintendo of Europe's been so kind as to issue its Download Update details. It's an enticing week, with WayForward's third Shantae game finally hitting...
January2015
Review Undead Storm Nightmare (3DS eShop)
Dream sequel
Publisher Gamebridge's GO Series of DSiWare games seems to have faded out with 2012's release of GO Series: Undead Storm, but that doesn't mean the properties are completely gone. In a move that no one expected developer G-STYLE has released a sequel to the aforementioned property on the 3DS eShop titled Undead S
News Week Three of the eShop Throwback Sale Goes Live in North America
Metroid Prime Trilogy, Mario Kart 8, Mario Golf: World Tour and more
In a move poised to please Metroid fans and ruin bidding wars for some, Nintendo has graciously released the Metroid Prime Trilogy on the Wii U eShop. Spearheading the third week of the North American "Throwback Sale," the beloved trilogy is available for a whopping 50% off its...
News Gunman Clive 2 Soundtrack is Now Available for Streaming and Download on Bandcamp
Wild West vibes
Gunman Clive 2 is out on the 3DS eShop today, and we're big fans in our review. It delivers high-quality gaming in various ways, and it shouldn't be overlooked that the soundtrack plays a vital role in ensuring that it's one of the best download experiences on the portable in recent times. Picking up from the Wild West vibes of the...
Nintendo Download 29th January (North America)
Metroid Prime Trilogy, Gunman Clive 2, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. demo and more
Nintendo of America was particularly late with its Download Update details today, so as a result we initially produced a provisional list; thankfully the official details have now been issued. As expected there's a much anticipated Wii download on the Wii U eShop, a top-notch...
News Code Name S.T.E.A.M Demo Available Now on the 3DS eShop
It's got some heat
Update: This demo is also available on the North American 3DS eShop. Original Article: Code Name S.T.E.A.M may be a while away from release in Europe - it's due on 15th May - yet Nintendo has thrown up a surprise by releasing a 3DS eShop demo for the title in today's download update. It's fairly substantial in terms of its...
Review Gunman Clive 2 (3DS eShop)
Panda-ing to its fans
When Gunman Clive arrived as a budget, bite-sized slice of action platforming on the 3DS in late 2012 it unsurprisingly earned a lot of praise. Its intentionally grubby paper aesthetic and simple, highly polished gameplay seemed like a loving - and skilful - homage to franchises such as Mega Man; that didn't go unnoticed by...
Review Monster Combine TD (3DS eShop)
Plants vs. Monsters
When you think of a tower defence game, what usually comes to mind is a long, winding path, with various build spots situated around it. As you defeat enemies, you earn more money to place units on these spots, and they will automatically attack any enemies that come within range. However, while that might be the most common...
News Renegade Kid Cranks Difficulty To Max In Mutant Mudds Super Challenge For Wii U & 3DS
Prepare for pain!
Fans of Mutant Mudds rejoice, indie studio Renegade Kid has announced via the game's official Twitter account the development of a brand new Mutant Mudds title for the Wii U and 3DS eShops. Mutant Mudds Super Challenge first teased on Twitter, will be further detailed in the upcoming issue of Nintendo Force magazine. The new entry...
News Antipole Gets the DX Treatment in Flip to 3DS and Wii U
Hurricane season is returning
Antipole, which emerged in 2011 on DSiWare, was a run 'n gun platformer with a gravity-inverting twist that fueled its fighting and puzzle elements. You also got to play as a red-clad, robot-destroying mercenary named Johnny Hurricane, which is way '90s cool. Developer Saturnine Games has announced that a remake of...
News Moon Chronicles: Episodes 2, 3, & 4 Launching Simultaneously On 3DS eShop Next Week
Lunar Overload
Fans of Earth's largest natural satellite - and the horrifying secrets contained within - will have plenty of reason to celebrate this coming February. Just before the moon is torn from the sky by a malevolent spirit, Renegade Kid will be releasing the final three parts of its Sci-Fi shooter Moon Chronicles in one fell swoop. Landing...
Review Best of Mahjong (3DS eShop)
A lovely pair
Mahjong is a tile-based game that is utterly steeped in history and mystery – nobody really knows how old it is, as many different sources claim different dates of conception, and it seems nobody's keen to agree any time soon. This Chinese game is highly regarded in the East, but its presence in the West is significantly less...
News Prepare to Get Folding in KAMI for 3DS eShop Soon
Deceptively simple puzzling
Our friends at CIRCLE Entertainment who are based in China are quite prolific on the 3DS eShop, bringing some pretty great games from little known developers to our dual-screen devices. Their latest game which should be out very soon is KAMI, a deceptively simple puzzler where the player folds out colored paper to fill...
News Ocarina Of Time 3D Reportedly No Longer In Production
Digital version still available via the eShop
With the release of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask 3D looming, there are still 3DS owners out there who are yet to play the 2011 remaster of Ocarina of Time on Nintendo’s latest handheld. With this in mind, a 3DS owner who was planning to do exactly that prior to the release of Majora’s Mask...
Review Scarygirl Illustration Kit (3DS eShop)
Not exactly high art
With the delayed release of Flipnote Studio 3D - now finally confirmed as a Club Nintendo farewell freebie - there have been other drawing apps for creative gamers to try their hand at, such as Colors! 3D, Comic Workshop and Nintendo's own Art Academy seri
Talking Point Nintendo's Flirtation With Microtransactions May Step Up in 2015
Free-to-play needs to make money somehow...
Nintendo is just hours away - at the time of writing - from announcing its Q3 financial results, which will teach us much about its Holiday season performance. The company's stable share prices approaching the publication of these accounts suggests that we're not looking at apocalyptic target misses, and...
News Petit Computer Getting Programmed Out of the 3DS eShop on 31st January
Making way for a new generation of BASIC
Petit Computer is one of the most intriguing apps on the DSi Shop / 3DS eShop, as it allows users to utilise the BASIC code-base to create small games on the DSi hardware or - courtesy of backward compatibility - the 3DS. A 3DS eShop version is on the way, however, which hit Japan - with the name SmileBASIC -...
News Starr Mazer Crosses Point-And-Click With 2D Shooting, And Could Be 3DS-Bound
"A new game experience, not two games in one"
You may have noticed that our coverage of Kickstarter projects has cooled over the past few months, largely because so many came with dubious Nintendo-related stretch goals that they had no dream of ever reaching. We've become a bit more selective about what crowd-funded projects we cover these days, but...
Nintendo Download 29th January (Europe)
Metroid Prime Trilogy, Gunman Clive 2, Classic GBA Castlevania and more
It's Monday again, but this week's Nintendo Download Update for Europe has certainly put a spring in our step. Arguably one of the greatest gaming trilogies is available at a ridiculous introductory price, while we have more treats including a top notch Game Boy Advance...
Rumour Cave Story 2 Teased at PAX South and Could Be in the Works
"Maybe, maybe not"
Cave Story is quite the tale of success. Developed over five years by one man, named Daisuke Amaya, it first saw release over ten years ago on PC. Since then, it's received universal acclaim, achieved widespread popularity and has been ported to numerous platforms. Taking inspiration from old school exploration and action games...
News More Details Emerge on the Upcoming Retro City Rampage DX 3DS Update
Includes dual stick aiming, steady 60fps and more
About a week ago we told you about an upcoming update for the 3DS version of Retro City Rampage, Vblank Entertainment's old-school take on GTA, which would add in support for the C-Stick on the New Nintendo 3DS. Today, studio head Brian Provinciano took to Miiverse to reveal more details about the...
News Animal Crossing Announcement Community Launches On Miiverse
New Leaf director welcomes fans
Following the discontinuation of Animal Crossing Plaza and the Animal Crossing Series Community at the end of last year, New Leaf director, Aya Kyogoku, has today launched the Animal Crossing Announcement Community on Miiverse. This community will be used by Nintendo to deliver news and messages related to Animal...
News Second Week of Throwback Sale Goes Live on North American eShop
Six more classics to add to your collection
This week's big Wii retail game making its way to the Wii U eShop in North America is none other than Punch-Out!! Launching at 50% off the regular price, the revamped classic brings along with it the next wave of Throwback Sales across both NA eShops. These deals will be available until the next update on...
Review Space Lift Danger Panic! (3DS eShop)
Repetitive Tapping Sci-Fi Game!
If you're looking for a bizarrely named game that does interesting things with what little it has to offer, look no further than Space Lift Danger Panic! The flagship 3DS eShop title from developer Springloaded, this provides very basic gameplay but manages to combine it with a mysterious and alluring story to balance...
Nintendo Download 22nd January (North America)
Punch-Out!!, Citizens of Earth, S.C.A.T., discounts and more
As another week heads to a conclusion Nintendo of America is serving up its next batch of eShop treats, and there's certainly decent variety this time around. We have another Wii title on the eShop, the latest Atlus-published releases, some other intriguing Wii U downloads, a Virtual...
"Risk taking is generally not really rewarded"
Dan Adelman's former title at Nintendo - Nintendo of America's Head of Digital Content and Development - doesn't necessarily emphasize the importance of his role at the company. He did integral work in helping to develop and improve how Nintendo dealt with download game developers, and was largely...
Exclusive cross-buy discount offer also announced
The last we heard from WayForward about the PAL localisation of Shantae And The Pirate’s Curse was in December with the announcement that the title had been delayed until early 2015. With the New Year now here, WayForward has delivered on its promise, announcing that the latest entry in the...
Review Battleminer (3DS eShop)
Like stepping on a landmine
Mojang's Minecraft, a small indie title that has become a pop culture phenomenon, would seem like a perfect fit for Nintendo platforms, with a large sense of wonder and creative gameplay. Unfortunately, Nintendo is the only major gaming platform without a version of the venerable franchise. At first glance, Wobbly Tooth...
Double-plus-ungood
One of the quirkier titles to hit the 3DS eShop recently, Rocket Studios' Kemonomix+ is the sequel to a Japan-only DSiWare game from 2010: a streamlined simulation featuring a combination of exploration, time-management and monster rearing set on a faraway pastel planet. It borrows good ideas from excellent influences, but leaves...
News Gunman Clive 2 Shooting for 29th January Release
Quite the turnaround
Earlier this month, Gunman Clive developer Bertil Hörberg stated over Twitter that the awaited sequel to his eShop cult hit would have to wait a bit as he battled some recently discovered bugs--and what sounded like a nasty cold as well. It seems Hörberg made good time, though, and Gunman Clive 2 has received approval for...
News Kirby Fighters Deluxe & Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe Hitting European 3DS eShop on 13th February
Suck it up
Kirby: Triple Deluxe was a fun arrival on 3DS last year, and later in 2014 Nintendo - in North America and Japan - released Kirby Fighters Deluxe and Dedede's Drum Dash Deluxe on the eShop as extended versions of the title's minigames. Nintendo of Europe has now announced that these downloads will be arriving in its region on 13th...
News Flipnote Studio 3D Free Download Details Point to a Stripped Back and Offline Experience
You can download your own DS creations from Flipnote Hatena, though
Nintendo has recently announced the surprise discontinuation of Club Nintendo in the coming months, with a replacement loyalty programme to take its place later in 2015. While new catalogue items are promised in multiple regions to help us dispose of leftover stars and coins,...
News Woah Dave! May Become a Real NES Cartridge Release
Woah!
Woah Dave!, a 3DS eShop title that we reviewed late last year, may just be arriving on the console that inspired the game's alien-exterminating mechanics, as well as gaming as a whole - the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Tiny Cartridge has spoken with Choice Provisions Director Jason Cirillo and learned that the company has tentative...
Nintendo Download 22nd January (Europe)
Triple Donkey Kong, Citizens of Earth, Hazumi, NES themes and more
It's Monday again, but it's time to turn that frown upside down as we have the European Nintendo Download Update, promising some goodies for later in the week. We have a dual Wii U and 3DS release published by Atlus, three Donkey Kong games including one of the last generation's best...
Review 3D After Burner II (3DS eShop)
The need for speed
Classic ports always fare better when handled by a team that approaches the source game's legacy with the utmost respect, and without a hint of hyperbole 3D After Burner II is a truly exceptional retread. Developer M2 has worked wonders with this re-release of Sega's 1987 arcade cabinet, presenting a faithful port that captures...
Review Best of Solitaire (3DS eShop)
All by myself
Who doesn't love a good old card game? They're enjoyable, relaxing and you can even play them by yourself if you're socially lacking at the time. Best of Solitaire may seem like a tempting purchase if you're a fan of the solo four-suit adventure, but is it worth spending your money on? Best of Solitaire loads up almost instantly after...
News Retro City Rampage DX Update Will Bring Dual Stick Aiming Support on New Nintendo 3DS
Even more glorious chaos
We're pretty big fans of Retro City Rampage DX here at Nintendo Life, as its blend of chaotic retro GTA-style action and a whole load of '80s and '90s references come together into a hugely entertaining package. Though excellent on WiiWare, the DX edition on the 3DS eShop is the most feature and content-packed version on...
Review PUZZLEBOX setup (3DS eShop)
Flip the script
It's always refreshing when a game comes along that challenges norms and makes its players rethink the standards of a genre. The modern gaming market is so abundant that even the least common genres are saturated with new titles, making it even more appreciated when something that feels new makes its way onto consoles. As Nintendo...
Nintendo Download 15th January (North America)
3D After Burner II, Super Mario Galaxy 2, tempting discounts and much more
In this rather exciting week there's still time for our traditional Nintendo Download Update fix. This latest offering from Nintendo of America is pretty strong, with a variety of titles on Wii U and 3DS full of potential, in addition to some classics and discounts. Let's get...
News Nintendo Kicks Off a "Throwback Sale" on the eShop in North America
Six games discounted until 22nd January
Following yesterday's reveal of Wii retail games on the Wii U eShop, plenty will have been tempted courtesy of the reduced prices in launch week. Nintendo of America's gone beyond that to use the first Wii release as an excuse for a "Throwback Sale", with six games discounted following today's update until...
News Elliot Quest and Blek Bringing More Indie Charm to the Wii U eShop
Gunman Clive 2 pegged for January
In a segment unique to the North American Nintendo Direct, we had a brief look at some upcoming releases for the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores. Some details reiterated what we already knew, including release information for the concluding parts of Moon Chronicles and others, but there were some fresh games to take in...
News Pokémon Shuffle is a Match-Three Game With Slightly Worrying Micro-Transactions
It'll be all about the balancing
Today's Nintendo Direct broadcasts were packed with details, and a large percentage of the reveals and footage went down rather well. This humble writer did have his head in his hands at the announcement of Pokémon Shuffle for the 3DS eShop, however, for multiple reasons. For one thing it immediately followed the...
News Nintendo Anime Channel Will Bring Free Streamed Shows to 3DS in Europe
Pokémon! Kirby! Inazuma Eleven!
In the early days of the 3DS, Nintendo was keen to push the device as a video multimedia device, with the Nintendo Video channel providing a few short videos every week. That approach fizzled out for a while until Nintendo released the Pikmin Short Movies late last year, and now Nintendo of Europe is following that...
News Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars Due in March and Will be Cross-Buy on Wii U and 3DS
We tip our hats to Nintendo for that one
In today's Nintendo Direct it was revealed that the title of the upcoming Mario vs DK game will be Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars, and it will be an eShop only download for both Wii U and 3DS. Most interestingly the game will be Nintendo's first cross-buy title - if you buy the Wii U version you'll get...
News Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate Free Demo Confirmed Alongside Release Date
The hunt has already begun in Europe
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate is set to be one of the biggest releases this year without a doubt, and in order to whet appetites as much as possible Nintendo has released codes for a special demo version in Europe and North America. If you're in Europe keep you eyes on your inbox as Nintendo will be sending out...
News Nintendo Confirms New 3DS eShop Shooter IronFall Invasion
Iron't falling just yet
Keen to get their foot in the door of the shooter genre, Nintendo has announced an indie-developer third person shooter for the European 3DS eShop. Not much is currently known about IronFall Invasion, but the developer VD-dev has been posting screenshots of the game since September last year. The game takes heavy inspiration...
News Nintendo eShop Cards Are 10% Off at Best Buy Today
Buy money for less money!
With Nintendo's Deluxe Digital Promotion now expired, padding your eShop account with a little extra cheddar isn't quite as effortless as it used to be. It might take some bargain hunting to scrape up a few extra bucks, but Best Buy's occasional eShop card sales are a reliable place to start. The cards are Best Buy's Deal...
News Atlus Announces Launch Week Discounts for Citizens of Earth
Cross-buy discount also available in Europe
For fans of download RPGs that bring to mind retro classics, we suspect that Citizens of Earth is high on the agenda. Developed by Eden Industries and published by Atlus, this quirky RPG has cited sources of inspiration such as EarthBound during development, and arrives on multiple platforms next week...
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