3DS eShop News
January2014
News Shovel Knight Targeting 31st March For Launch
Shiny new trailer and website also arrive
Shovel Knight was a significant crowdfunding success for Yacht Club Games, which is comprised primarily of former WayForward employees. That's impressive considering that it's the studio's first game, yet its initial release window of September was missed, as was its target for late 2013. The positive news...
News Cody, Haggar And Guy Are Scrapping Their Way To The Japanese 3DS eShop In Mighty Final Fight
While we get Mighty Bomb Jack
Next week, Japanese 3DS owners will be able to step into the super-deformed shoes of Metro City's famous wrestling mayor Mike Haggar thanks to the release of Mighty Final Fight on the 3DS Virtual Console. Capcom's side-scrolling fighter originally launched on the Famicom and NES back in 1993, and offers the same kind...
News Pokémon Bank Re-Released In Japan
Still waiting on North America and Europe
For many gamers, the unveiling of an upcoming game or feature is truly an exciting time. Waiting for the next big release creates feelings of anticipation unmatched in the industry. For some, one of these times was during the lead up to Pokémon Bank. The ability to transfer Pokémon from previous games and...
Matters of Import Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict Joins The 3DS Library
Like a light Shining in the Darkness
Thanks to Sega’s continuing support of the 3DS Virtual Console service we now have all three Game Gear Shining Force games available to buy on Nintendo’s much loved handheld — in Japan, at least. The emulation is so consistently brilliant on the 3DS it’s hardly worth mentioning these days: we’ll simply...
Matters of Import Taking Initial D: Perfect Shift Online For A Spin
A Not-So-Hot Rod
Free-to-play is all the rage these days, with in-app purchases proving profitable for developers while allowing users to decide exactly how much they want to spend and everyone — from Square-Enix to Capcom to probably your Gran — has an iOS game or MMO available to install for free with optional micro-transactions attached. So...
Review Chibi-Robo! Photo Finder (3DS eShop)
Photogenic or photobombed?
Explaining the attraction of the Chibi-Robo series to the uninitiated isn't the easiest task. While the idea of a helpful little robot may be charming enough, it's the activities he takes part in — which, on the surface, might sound like little more than virtual chores — that are sure to scare away many a gamer. What...
Nintendo Download 23rd January (Europe)
Unepic, old-school Mario and Ninja Gaiden challenge, loads of discounts
European Nintendo fans once again have the download update to bring some cheer to a dreary Monday morning. This time around we have a new Wii U eShop title that's already earned an 8 in our review, along with some retro goodies and a lengthy list of 3DS eShop discounts. Let's...
News Ninja Gaiden III Is Slashing Its Way To The European 3DS eShop Next Week
Jumping the ship of doom
Nintendo UK has confirmed that Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom is coming to the European 3DS eShop next week — the 23rd of January, to be precise. The third game in the NES-based trilogy from Tecmo, Ninja Gaiden III is seen by many fans as the best of the three. "Ninja Gaiden III does a great job of being true...
News Here Are Some Monstrous eShop Discounts for North America
Monster Hunter! Scribblenauts! Bomb Monkey!
We've already had today's Nintendo Download update for North America, which included a tasty discount on the excellent Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl. But wait, there's more! Some of you kindly pointed out that there are extra discounts available, and as Nintendo's official update didn't...
Video Thirty Glorious Minutes Of Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict
Yet another excellent but untranslated Sega RPG hits Japan
The last Game Gear Shining Force game, Shining Force Gaiden: Final Conflict takes place in between the mainline Genesis / Mega Drive titles Shining Force I and II and — as you'd expect — features many, many, fan-pleasing plot threads, characters and general references to the events in...
Nintendo Download 16th January (North America)
Unepic, Powered Up F1, double Castlevania and a discount
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week we have rather slim pickings. That said, there are two new offerings on the Wii U eShop, a Konami double on the Virtual Console's and an attractive discount. So, let's get to it. Wii U eShop: Unepic (EnjoyUp Games, $9.99) — The work...
Talking Point An Unplanned Flash Sale Looked Like Retail Download Genius from Nintendo
A flash sale... well, 'flashed' before our eyes
There was a moment this week when, for a brief and glorious moment, Nintendo ran a Steam-like flash sale on retail games. It may have passed plenty of people by, especially as it was for download codes on the official Nintendo UK store, but it was a glimmer of a brave new world where Nintendo creates...
News Renegade Kids Regains Publication Rights to Moon
Rumours also sparked by "Moon Chronicles" trademark
Jools Watsham, co-founder of Renegade Kid, has proven a master of the teaser this month. He recently said that the studio was preparing an announcement for "FPS lovers and 3DS owners", bringing to mind the company's early days on the DS and prompting some to express a desire for a sequel to Moon...
News Club Nintendo Rewards Updated for January
Game & Watch! F-Zero! Snowboarding!
2014 is now two weeks old, and we finally have the new North American Club Nintendo rewards to sink our teeth into. Nintendo's kept us in suspense but has now lifted the lid on some DSiWare and retro treats to get the pulses racing. While the DSiWare releases, in particular, may make you stretch your memories...
Review Super Mario Bros. 3 (3DS eShop / NES)
Pixel-perfect platforming
Many old-school Nintendo titles are remembered fondly and adored by nostalgic fans; The Legend of Zelda, Metroid, Kirby’s Adventure and more still receive heaps of praise and see frequent re-releases to this day. Few games, however, received the unanimous commendations lavished upon Super Mario Bros. 3 on its release, an...
News Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai Update Goes Live
Applies quite a few improvements
Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai is the latest 3DS eShop title from Shin'en Multimedia, and was certainly eagerly anticipated by fans of the WiiWare original. Although a solid title, there were some aspects that weren't quite on the money, with our review highlighting issues such as the rather slow movement of the...
Nintendo Download 16th January (Europe)
Luigi gets his PhD, F1 gets powered up, a mystical ninja and more
Monday means one thing, European gamers, Nintendo Download update time. News of what to expect on Thursday has arrived promptly this week and delivers a first-party puzzle game, a mini-game extravaganza on 3DS and a variety of racing, retro and discounted treats elsewhere. Let's get...
Review Double Dragon (3DS eShop / NES)
Dragon us down
From the moment protagonist Billy Lee’s sweetheart is sucker-punched in the opening sequence, Double Dragon establishes itself as an action-packed, thrilling battle through hordes of enemy combatants in an attempt to reclaim the captured damsel. As soon as gameplay begins, however, this façade is quickly stripped away to reveal an...
Review Life Force (3DS eShop / NES)
A force to be reckoned with
The space shooter is a genre that has somewhat faded into obscurity in recent years, both due to advances in technology rendering their limited scope obsolete and their typically gruelling difficulty proving unpalatable to some gamers. The NES port of Life Force, (or Salamander, as it was originally known on Eastern...
News UK Retailer GAME States Ambition to be at the Forefront Of Download Content Sales
"The amount of digital content is going to keep growing"
GAME is the prominent specialist video game retailer in the UK, with some stores around Europe, but has endured difficulties in recent history with administration and a transition to new owners in 2012. Since then the company appears to have found a degree of stability, and in an interview...
News Rainy Frog Launches to Focus on Bringing Western Download Titles to Japan
Kicks off with a re-named version of Spin the Bottle: Bumpie's Party
Whenever we refer to the continual growth of the eShop platforms here on Nintendo Life, and in particular the continuing rise of download-only and 'Indie' developers, we're specifically referring to territories outside of Japan. At present a game can only be released in Japan if...
Weirdness Chibi-Robo! Photo Finder Has a Virtual Butt Removed in North America
Won't somebody think of the children!
Chibi-Robo! Photo Finder is out now on the 3DS eShop in North America, and is certainly a title full of charm and potential. It utilises the device's camera for a quirky object finding quest, bringing back the franchise that began on GameCube and had two DS releases, one of which was Japan-only. As has proven...
Nintendo Download 9th January (North America)
Chibi-Robo!, retro shooting and some 3DS discounts
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week brings a potentially terrific 3DS eShop game, some retro shooting on the Wii U Virtual Console and a variety of discounts. It's a thin list, but may have something for everyone — let's get to it. Wii U Virtual Console: Gradius (Konami,...
News Two Tribes Development Studio Shuts Down and New, Smaller Company is Formed
Two Tribes Publishing B.V. remains unaffected
Two Tribes, the development studio best-known for games such as Toki Tori and Toki Tori 2+, has entered bankruptcy, with the original owners Martijn Reuvers and Collin van Ginkel now forming a new, smaller company. Two Tribes as a development studio was a separate business from Two Tribes Publishing...
Nintendo Download 9th January (Europe)
Contra goes to war, Mario's début, Korg creativity and more
Over a day later than expected, we now have this week's Nintendo Download details for Europe. This week brings us one game each on the Virtual Console platforms, some cooking and musical creativity as well as a few discounts. Let's get to it. Wii U Virtual Console: Contra III: The Alien...
News Natsume Hints Toward Nintendo Announcements Before E3
Let's see what sprouts up
The puzzley adventure-platformer Yumi's Odd Odyssey (also affectionately known as Farewell Umihara Kawase) is slated for release by Natsume on the North American eShop sometime this month. Not much else is currently known about Natsume's future plans for the 3DS, but its Twitter account implies that we may know more by...
First Impressions 3D After Burner II
GET READY!
Japanese code-shop M2’s range of Sega 3D Classics consistently puts everyone else’s retro remaster efforts in the shade, and the time we've spent with the Japanese version of 3D After Burner II yet again shows that the studio simply cannot be beaten when it comes to getting an arcade-accurate port running smoothly on the relatively...
Review Cubit The Hardcore Platformer Robot (3DS eShop)
What’s in a name?
We're often told that it’s not safe to judge a book by its cover. The adventures and perils that lie within those pages can often be very different than what is offered up by the image imprinted on a book's front, but we all do it anyway. Marketers and publishers know that we're drawn to book covers; it's the first thing that...
Matters of Import Dessert-Based Adventures With Kaeru No Tame Ni Kane Wa Naru
That Zelda-ish game with the frog guy
Twenty one years ago, Game Boy fans were graced with the wonderful Link’s Awakening, an action-adventure classic that has quite rightfully taken its place in gaming history as one of the greatest games in both the Game Boy’s library and The Legend of Zelda series. But a year before that, Japanese gamers had...
A different side of the same cube
We are already big fans of EDGE on the Wii U eShop, a release in which it was one-third of the Two Tribes Classics trilogy. Its arrival on the 3DS is as a solo flyer, and perhaps on a screen size that'll be more familiar to veterans of the mobigame title that Two Tribes has so effectively promoted to gamers of all...
News Renegade Kid Teases Announcement for "FPS Lovers and 3DS Owners"
Engage speculation mode
We do like a good tease here on Nintendo Life, as developers dangle an announcement in front of our noses before snatching it away, with a wink and cheeky smile all we have to go on. Jools Watsham — co-founder of Renegade Kid — knows that some like a little bit of mystery, and has given us a taster with confirmation that...
Feature The Biggest 3DS Games of 2014
2013 set a high standard
2013 was a terrific year for the 3DS, when the recovery of 2012 was consolidated into a year of substantial sales and critical acclaim from gamers. The line-up of games throughout the year probably wasn't as substantial as popular perception would suggest, but it was a case of a small quantity delivering excellent quality,...
Nintendo Download 2nd January (North America)
It's déjà vu, plus some additional treats
This week's Nintendo Download update for North America is in, though it prompts a distinct feeling of déjà vu due to it being almost identical to last week's update; just two new downloads make an appearance. Our suspicion is that the details are reiterated to compensate for any confusion or loss of...
December2013
Review Bird Mania Christmas (3DS eShop)
Making holiday travel fun
We loved Bird Mania 3D. Its superficial simplicity hid a surprising gem of a game that sunk its talons into us and never let go; news of Bird Mania Christmas, as you might expect, got us very excited indeed. The fact that it missed release in time for the holiday is unfortunate, but the game itself is no worse for the...
News Nintendo Apologises for Nintendo Network Issues as Full eShop Services Return
Information on Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter "as soon as possible"
As most eager Nintendo gamers will be aware, the Nintendo Network suffered extensive problems and downtime on 25th / 26th December, with a gradual but limited return to services — particularly the eShop stores — on 27th / 28th December. It seems that all is now fully up and...
News Gunman Clive Sells Quarter Of A Million Copies Across All Formats, "Vast Majority" On 3DS
Japanese eShop sales have been "very good", too
Bertil Hörberg — the talented fellow behind the excellent Gunman Clive — has already revealed that the 3DS version of the game has sold better than its smartphone counterparts. However, he now has more good news to share — the game has been downloaded 250,000 times across all formats, with most...
Review Banana Bliss: Jungle Puzzles (3DS eShop)
A jungle trek that won't break the bank
Simplicity isn't always a bad thing. Handheld titles are inherently more limited in technical scope than their more advanced home console contemporaries, but that doesn't necessarily make them lesser games. The 3DS eShop has had no shortage of downloadable beauties in 2013, ranging from simple to sublime, and...
News Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter Releases Delayed in the West
Nintendo Network issues cited as the cause
Boxing Day was an odd day in the world of Nintendo Downloads. Issues with the Nintendo Network continued, while Nintendo disabled Pokémon Bank and withdrew it from the eShop in Japan; it emerged that the launch of the app on 25th December in the company's homeland had contributed to the issues we've...
Review Life with Horses 3D (3DS eShop)
Say neigh
Horses are magnificent creatures. Whether humble labourers or prize-winning performers, each is a complex creature that can be both challenging and rewarding to care for and understand. Life with Horses 3D manages to portray the aspect of hard work in raising horses, but puts the whole “rewarding” part out to pasture. Players in the...
Nintendo Download 26th December (North America)
Dr. Luigi, CastleStorm, Pokémon Bank, many discounts and more
Update: Perhaps unsurprisingly, Nintendo has now confirmed that the release of Pokémon Bank is delayed, contrary to the Download Update issued on Boxing Day. Original Article: Nintendo is yet to update its official press site, but the latest Download Update details have been...
News Pokémon Bank Withdrawn From 3DS eShop in Japan as Nintendo Network Issues Continue
Western release on 27th December in doubt
Since Christmas Day there have been serious problems with the Nintendo Network, with the big N assuring gamers that its working hard to resolve the issue. At the time of writing various online games are functional, but there are still problems with both eShop platforms and the 3DS version of Miiverse across...
Feature A Year in Development - Shin'en Multimedia
Life in the FAST lane
In our third Year in Development feature we have a guest article from Shin'en Multimedia's Manfred Linzner. The eShop developer has, over a number of years, forged a reputation for developing high-quality, polished games on Nintendo's download platforms. In this article Linzner summarises the studio's 2013, including surprise...
Review Orion's Odyssey (DSiWare)
A little Odyssey
Island Officials' Kickstarter-funded puzzler Orion's Odyssey is the spiritual successor to Hands On! Tangrams, a fun but one-note title that had solid gameplay but little variety and was severely lacking in presentation. Island Officials has crafted a more polished experience with a charming presentation and story, but with...
Nintendo Download 26th December and 2nd January (Europe)
Storming castles, classic Mario, Pokémon banking, EDGE and much more
Update: Nintendo of Europe issued details for two full weeks of downloads previously, so a fresh update isn't expected. Please note that Pokémon Bank has been delayed due to the Nintendo Network server issues encountered during the festive season. Original Article: With this...
Video Nintendo Minute Chooses Its Top Games of the Year
All must have games
Over the past week we've shared a mini series of videos from "Nintendo Minute", a regular YouTube show from Nintendo of America. Its hosts have been shortlisting their favourite 3DS, eShop and Wii U games, and in the final part confirmed each other's top choices. We should think only one guess is required to predict the Wii U...
Review Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge (3DS eShop / NES)
Challenge accepted
What do you get when you combine the River City Ransom theme with Track and Field-style gameplay? You get Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge. The game takes the street gang theme and creates some fitting Olympic-style events to go along with it. It sounds like a mouth-watering proposition, but sadly while the unique urban...
Feature A Year in Development - Renegade Kid
A Q & A with Jools Watsham on 2013
In the second of our "Year in Development" mini-series, we sit down for a Q & A with Jools Watsham, co-founder and main spokesman for Renegade Kid. We already reported on confirmation of Mutant Mudds Deluxe content as a free update on 3DS, and below is the full manuscript that focuses on the studio's year, from...
Review My Style Studio: Hair Salon (3DS eShop)
Crimped style
Remember that toy where you used a magnetic wand to move iron filings over a drawing of a guy’s head, creating hair, moustaches, and eyebrows? My Style Studio: Hair Salon feels a bit like that, except with less personality and sense of joy. The Hair Salon does offer you more options, in certain ways. There are five “customers”...
Review Jump Trials Supreme (3DS eShop)
Might as well jump!
On DSiWare, G-Style's Jump Trials games followed in the fleet footsteps of 10 Second Run, providing short bursts of one-track, one-button gameplay with no fuss and few frills; if Super Mario Bros. is an epic platforming poem, Jump Trials is a list of words that rhyme with "cat". There's certainly a place for the simpler things in...
Feature A Year in Development - Image & Form
The SteamWorld Dig developer shares its 2013 experience
In the first of a mini-series here on Nintendo Life, some of the most respected eShop developers share their experiences of 2013. First up we have Brjann Sigurgeirsson of Image & Form, which brought us the terrific SteamWorld Dig on the 3DS eShop. Below is the studio's 2013, in...
News Dreamcast Shooter Radirgy Is Coming To The 3DS eShop In Japan
Milestone's blaster is due for release in February
Back in 2005, Japanese developer Milestone Inc. released Radirgy for Sega's NAOMI arcade hardware. This vertically scrolling shooter was subsequently ported to the Sega Dreamcast, and later the Nintendo GameCube and Sony PlayStation 2, where it met with mostly positive reviews. The game is now...
News Retro City Rampage Confirmed for Q1 2014 and a Discount Price on 3DS
The release will also hit Australia and New Zealand
Retro City Rampage was a welcome slice of anarchic madness on WiiWare, though the flaws of the service and a download userbase long gone blunted the title's impact on Nintendo's system. Nevertheless, it was released on pretty much every other platform, so it was pleasing when the 3DS was confirmed...
Video Nintendo Minute Highlights Its eShop and Wii U Favourites of 2013
Nintendo Life also makes a very brief cameo...
Not too long ago we told you about the Nintendo Minute show kicking off its Favourites of 2013 with the 3DS. Since then two new episodes have emerged covering the eShop platforms and the Wii U, as it all builds up to the overall favourites that are yet to be published. The eShop list in particular has...
Exclusive Mutant Mudds Deluxe Content Coming as a Free Update on 3DS
Q1 2014 is the target
In October 2012 Renegade Kid provided those that own the 3DS eShop original of Mutant Mudds with 20 free 'Granny' levels that had previously been available on the PC version of the game. In a conversation with the studio's Jools Watsham today he's confirmed to us that Q1 2014 — potentially March — will bring another free...
Review 3D Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master (3DS eShop)
Much more than an Average Joe
In many ways, Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master represents Sega at its very best. It boasts lush visuals, excellent music and a surprisingly versatile lead character, all wrapped up in a game which practically screams action and excitement. Launched at a time when the Mega Drive was really beginning to hit its...
Review 3D Ecco The Dolphin (3DS eShop)
A bit grim beneath the surface
Ecco the Dolphin has always been something of an oddity. At the time of release, the Mega Drive / Genesis platform was defined by its solid arcade ports and action-packed titles such as Golden Axe and Ghouls 'n' Ghosts, so when a dolphin-based adventure came along it was a totally original concept for players to take...
Review 3D Streets of Rage (3DS eShop)
Street smart
When Nintendo secured the domestic conversion of Capcom's Final Fight for its newly-launched SNES console way back at the dawn of the '90s, it left many Sega fans utterly distraught. Cody, Haggar and Guy's coin-op escapade was the hottest ticket in arcades at a time when the side-scrolling fighter was very much the genre of choice...
News Renegade Kid and Nicalis Titles Reduced on eShop Platforms
Ho ho holy moly so many discounts...
It seems that the 3DS and Wii U eShop platforms are going discount crazy, with plenty of reductions in Europe today, more on the way, and now North America happily getting in on the act. Both Renegade Kid and Nicalis are feeling festive, in the former case across regions and the latter just in North America...
News Nintendo of Europe's Ed Valiente Highlights the Creative Value of Indie Developers
"If there are interesting, creative... and fun games, consumers will come"
In what's surely been one of the most notable shifts of power in recent years, download and 'Indie' developers have gone from being underdogs struggling to release games to being central in a home console battleground. The continuing and extravagant growth of the PC Steam...
News Bird Mania 3D Christmas Flying onto the 3DS eShop Next Week
A festive flight
Developer Teyon has announced that a revamped version of Bird Mania 3D will be landing on the Nintendo 3DS eShop next week in the festive form of Bird Mania Christmas. That's right, Mojo is back and he's set to take on the chilling effects of winter by flying through each level collecting new items such as Christmas baubles and...
Nintendo Download 19th December (North America)
Knytt Underground, Classic Konami, 3D Sega and more
It's that time again, North America, when we can calm down from Nintendo Direct madness and consider the week's download options; this is the last pre-Christmas update, too. This week brings us new offerings on the Wii U and 3DS eShop platforms, with plenty of diversity and styles to choose from...
News I Am In The Movie Aims To Transform Your Humble Handheld Into A Hollywood Film Studio
Arnie is sadly not included
Indie developer Moragami has lifted the lid on its latest DSiWare project, entitled I Am In The Movie. A visual effects application which allows you to create small clips to share with friends, it will be available early next year in North America and Europe for 200 Nintendo points. Here's a run down of the features,...
News Sega's Japanese Christmas Present For 3DS Owners Is Puyo Puyo Tsuu
A popping gift
Sega continues to shine with its 3DS retro download offerings, this time it’s the turn of Game Gear puzzle classic Puyo Puyo 2: Tsuu, due out on Christmas day in Japan for just 400 Yen. The game — the Mega Drive version of which was also released on the Wii Virtual Console back in 2008 — will include local multiplayer (both...
News Nintendo of Europe Confirms Upcoming eShop Discounts
Top up those funds
Yesterday's Nintendo Direct broadcasts were certainly full of surprises, with some reveals also coming in as little as 10 seconds of video. One announcement that's worth pointing out for those that missed it in Europe is that there's an extensive range of discounts coming over the next few weeks, covering retail and download-only...
News Bravely Default North American Demo To Include Unique Quest and Hours of Exclusive Content
Arrives on 2nd January
While European gamers are fortunate enough to have Bravely Default available on 3DS now, it seems North American gamers will also have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the game ahead of its retail release. Nintendo of America has confirmed that a demo for the title will hit the region's 3DS eShop on 2nd January, and stated that...
News Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai Update On The Way
Includes tweaks such as a faster, more agile character
Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai was certainly on the radar of many download fans prior to its recent arrival, following on from the impressive original on WiiWare. It blends 2D and 3D levels along with crisp visuals and a rock-solid frame-rate. We gave this one a 7/10 recommendation in our...
News PC Engine And MSX Games Coming To Japanese 3DS And Wii U Virtual Console Services
Retro goodies promised for next week
Nintendo has confirmed that it is expanding both the 3DS and Wii U Virtual Console services in Japan to cover additional systems. On the 25th December, PC Genjin (600 Yen) and Parodius (800 Yen) will be hitting the Wii U Virtual Console — titles which originally released on the PC Engine and MSX respectively...
Video Fresh Footage Of 3DS Action RPG Swords & Darkness Emerges From The Shadows
New title from Arc System Works is coming to the 3DS eShop
Arc System Works has released a new trailer for its upcoming 3DS eShop title, Swords & Darkness. A 2D fantasy-themed brawler with RPG elements, the game is set to launch on the Japanese eShop tomorrow. Looking a lot like a Dungeons & Dragons take on River City Ransom, the game will...
News Shantae and the Pirate's Curse Delayed Into 2014
Darn
We suspect that a number of 3DS download enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating Shantae And The Pirate's Curse from WayForward, the third portable entry in a series that's cultivated a loyal following. Its release date has been gradually pushed back, however, and the studio's Matt Bozon has now confirmed what was becoming increasingly obvious...
Nintendo Download 19th December (Europe)
Knytt Underground, more 3D Sega goodness, discounts galore and more
It's the start of another week as 2013 draws to a close, dear readers, and it seems that various download publishers have decided to get into the festive spirit with a lot of discounts available on both the Wii U and 3DS stores. We have new games, too, with Knytt Underground on Wii...
Review 3D Galaxy Force II (3DS eShop)
A sense of Super Scale
Galaxy Force II has something of a bad reputation with many players, purely because the domestic ports of the game which followed the arcade release way back in 1988 were, by and large, abysmal. Many fans base their opinion of this on-rails space shooter on the Mega Drive / Genesis version, which was downright unplayable...
Review Donkey Kong 3 (3DS eShop / NES)
Third time's the swarm
Nintendo has a bit of a tradition of mixing things up for game number three. Super Mario Bros. 3 added a world map and the famous Tanooki Suit, Super Mario Land 3 nonchalantly swapped Mario for his arch-rival Wario, and Starfy's third adventure saw him graciously sharing the spotlight with his little sister. It should come as...
Review Race to the Line (3DS eShop)
Race to the eShop
It seems like every day the 3DS eShop is graced by another interesting or quirky budget title that bolsters its entire catalogue of games. Enjoy Gaming’s Race to the Line is no exception to this rule, as the traditional-style racer manages to pack some solid gameplay and visuals into a small but endearing package. While Race to...
News Banana Bliss: Jungle Puzzles Is Heading to the 3DS eShop
Monkey Magic
The latest collaboration between Teyon and Mechanic Arms has been announced in the form of Banana Bliss: Jungle Puzzles, an action puzzler that’s due to arrive on the 3DS eShop next week. The game is your typical kind of primate love story, as Morris is a monkey on a mission to impress his beloved girlfriend Molly. His aim is to...
Nintendo Download 12th December (North America)
RUSH, Double (Double) Dragon, 3D Sega and more
It's Nintendo Download day, North America, and your collection of download treats for the week has been revealed. This week brings a mix of the old and new on both Wii U and 3DS, while DSiWare also makes an appearance. There's certainly decent variety on offer, so check out the details below. Wii U...
News Bike Rider DX2: Galaxy Aims to Pedal to the West in 2014
Hits Japan in just a week
As 2013 draws to a close some 3DS download enthusiasts may consider Bike Rider DX to be one of the eShop's finest gems, with simple gameplay and graphics hitting their marks and an excellent soundtrack pushing it along further. We certainly talked up its pedal power with an 8/10 in our review. The good news is that...
News 3D After Burner II Is Jetting Towards The Japanese 3DS eShop
Missiles locked on
Take a moment to reflect on the gaming days of yesteryear, and no doubt there’ll be some fond memories of Sega’s jet fighter classic, After Burner. Originally released in 1987 — and following on from Sega’s equally successful arcade racer Out Run in 1986 — After Burner placed the player in the seat of an F-14 Tomcat...
News Club Nintendo Rewards Are Updated for December
Retro Picross! Really Difficult Mario! Surprisingly Pricey Balloon Fight!
Nintendo of America has taken its time updating its Club Nintendo rewards for this month, teasing us an extra day before dishing out the final dose of downloadable treats for 2013. As always there are four new games to choose from, and for the first time one of the home...
Video Nintendo Releases A Handy Introduction to Setting Up Your 3DS Nintendo Network ID
Three minutes of clean graphics and jaunty music
The latest major 3DS system update has arrived, bringing Miiverse, the Nintendo Network ID and shared eShop balances to the portable. There are various aspects to figure out, and we've put together a detailed guide for you. In any case, if you want a snappy, quick introduction to get you started with...
News 3DS System Update Adds Nintendo Network ID, Miiverse and Unified eShop Funds
Say hello to version 7.0.0-13
Since its launch the Wii U has introduced the Nintendo Network ID and Miiverse, the latter of which was promised for the 3DS when it was revealed just before E3 2012. In its most recent Nintendo Direct broadcast Nintendo confirmed that a December update would introduce the ID and shared eShop funds across the 3DS and...
News Nintendo of America Reminds Gamers of 20% Discount on eShop Cards at Best Buy
Download fans, unite up!
Nintendo is certainly keen for Wii U and 3DS owners to consider going the download route with their favourite games. While there are still some obstacles scaring some away — such as premium prices and hardware-based account data — there have been growing numbers making the move to a virtual library. Nintendo of America,...
Review 3D Sonic The Hedgehog (3DS eShop)
Sonic with a dash extra
The modern gaming scene may still be regularly broken down to battles of hardware technology and game exclusives, but back in the early '90s it was also a battle of mascots. The original Sonic the Hedgehog was the catalyst for the famous Tokyo-based company in the early days of the 16-bit battle for supremacy, as it delivered...
Review 3D Altered Beast (3DS eShop)
Please don't rise from your grave again
Every video game veteran has a title in its back catalogue which for unknown reasons keeps being dredged up for modern audiences. With Nintendo, it's arguably Urban Champion — a game so lacklustre that it wasn't wanted even back in 1984 — while one-time rival Sega has Altered Beast. A shallow 2D brawler in...
Nintendo Download 12th December (Europe)
Classic SNES Zelda, 3D Sega, RUSH, Level-5 discounts and much more
The European Nintendo Download update makes its usual Monday appearance and, this week, has plenty to offer. Another Super NES classic finally hits the Wii U eShop, we have new Wii U eShop software and 3D re-releases gracing the 3DS, along with a lot of very tempting discounts. This...
News Genius Sonority Reconsidering Denpa Men Direction After Underwhelming Sales In The West
Studio also eyeing a move into Wii U development
Genius Sonority president Manabu Yamana has been speaking to Nintendo Everything about the critically-acclaimed Denpa Men series, and has revealed that the games haven't sold as well in the west as was previously expected — forcing a rethink for the entire franchise: Both “The Denpa Men: They...
Review Chevrolet Camaro Wild Ride 3D (3DS eShop)
Car wreck
Hey Enjoy Gaming! 1997 called and guess what? It wants its game back! That’s right — Chevrolet Camaro Wild Ride 3D has finally landed on the 3DS eShop, and not only does it look like a game that was ported directly from the PlayStation, but also it’s pretty terrible to play, too. In fact, it’s downright offensive to even think...
News Nintendo's Point of Sale Cards Helping to Drive Downloads in Japan
"It’s safe to say that it’s a risk-free system for the retailers"
New Super Mario Bros. 2 may not be regarded in the future as an iconic, unforgettable 2D Mario game — though various members of the Nintendo Life team do think it's rather good — but it did represent one important piece of Nintendo's modern history. It was the first physical...
Nintendo Download 5th December (North America)
3D Sonic and Altered Beast, Classic Goemon, DK galore and more
It's another download update, North America, and this week is jam packed full of retro offerings, including some that have been spruced up in fancy 3D ways. The 3D Sega series continues, a Konami classic lands on Wii U and it all goes a bit ape with retro Donkey Kong everywhere, plus...
News M2 Developed a "Virtual" Sega Console for 3D Sonic the Hedgehog
We want a "GigaDrive"
Just last week we shared details from an interview with M2 President Naoki Horii and SEGA CS3 Yosuke Okunari that revealed some of the challenges in producing 3D Space Harrier, making it clear that producing a 3D remaster of the arcade classic wasn't a simple process. With 3D Sonic the Hedgehog arriving in Europe and North...
Review One Piece Romance Dawn (3DS)
Just give it up, Luffy
Anyone would be forgiven for thinking crafting a decent RPG from the lore of established anime juggernaut One Piece would be a simple task; the bombastic characters, epic quests and thrilling battles the series is known for should, in theory, make for an excellent adventure. With One Piece Romance Dawn, what developer Three...
News Tappingo Gameplay Footage and Challenging Puzzles Emerge
Tap it out
Tappingo is the next title from Hugo Smits of Goodbye Galaxy Games, the developer that earned our DSiWare Game of the Year Award in 2012; it may not have been a crowded field, but Ace Mathician was a clever, charming game. As revealed previously, Tappingo
News Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns Discounted on North American eShop
Only 20 potatoes through December
Prospective farmers in North America may want to ready their hoes, as Natsume has announced its digital crop of Harvest Moon 3D: The Tale of Two Towns will be on sale all through December on the 3DS eShop: [tweet 407920309547704320] That's a saving of $10 off the original price to put the towns of Bluebell and...
Hands On Nintendo 3DS Guide: Louvre
A touch of class
When Nintendo announced, in Spring 2012, that it was taking on the role of providing the interactive museum guides at the Louvre in Paris, it seemed slightly odd. The prospect of visitors wandering around the famous site with a 3DS around their necks seemed peculiar, but there it was in undeniable reality. We learned that it had...
News Renegade Kid Provides Status Update, With Treasurenauts Targeting 2014
Free Mutant Mudds 3DS update in 2014, new game in the works
With 2013 drawing to a close, there's an inevitability that games targeting "Q4 2013" may start to slide into next year. We're also entering a period where developers can let us know what's in the works and coming up soon, something that Jools Watsham of Renegade Kid has done in a new blog...
News Shovel Knight Release is Pushed Back to Early 2014
The developers dig in
We've made no secret that we're looking forward to getting our hands on Shovel Knight, the début release from Yacht Club Games which is, itself, largely comprised of former WayForward employees. The formerly crowdfunded project is coming to the Wii U eShop, 3DS eShop as well as PC, Mac and Linux. Its original campaign cited a...
Review 3D Super Hang-On (3DS eShop)
Definitely a Winning Run
As Sega delivers its range of retro 3D reproductions to the 3DS eShop, it'll certainly be interesting to see how sizeable an audience warms to each release. For some, fond memories of iconic Sega arcades or home console ports will make purchases irresistible, but perhaps the greatest challenge facing these releases is...
Nintendo Download 5th December (Europe)
Bravely Default, more retro SEGA goodness, Scribblenauts and more
Another week begins as we creep towards the Holidays, and Nintendo of Europe once again sends us on our way with a fresh download update. This week has some promising offerings, including more 3D SEGA goodies, a long awaited 3DS RPG and a much overdue Wii U and 3DS retail release;...
Review Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom (3DS eShop / NES)
A fitting farewell to the NES trilogy
The three Ninja Gaiden games on the NES are remembered with great fondness, and for very good reason. They may never have reached the same heights of popularity as the original Super Mario Bros. games, or even the first three Mega Man games, but they stand to this day as a testament to the classic years of 8-bit...
News SEGA Working on Second Round of 3D Classics
May come worldwide if the first set sells well
This week saw the arrival of the first two titles in SEGA's range of 3D re-releases on the 3DS eShop, with 3D Space Harrier and 3D Super Hang-On. There are another six games coming in the next three weeks to give retro SEGA fans — and perhaps those trying them for the first time — a taste of...
November2013
Review Jewel Match 3 (3DS eShop)
Not particularly valuable
When it comes to puzzlers, a certain generation of gamers will remember when Tetris was the title that was endlessly cloned, reinterpreted and reinvented, with countless studios and developers trying desperately to recapture the cultural magic of what had to be the simplest idea in gaming yet: slotting shapes together...
