Games by 13AM Games
Reviews of 13AM Games Games
Review Dawn Of The Monsters (Switch) - Superior Co-Op Kaiju Combat With Pacific Rim Vibes
Kaiju feel my heart beat fast, I want this to last
A belt-scroller starring kaiju and Tokosatsu-style giant mecha isn't exactly an original idea. SNK's not-that-great King of the Monsters series did it first, but here's the scoop — Dawn of the Monsters does it better, with a game that'll make you feel five hundred feet tall. And scaly. And...
Review Double Cross (Switch) - An Enjoyable But Sadly Unmemorable Mega Man Clone
Sophomore slump
Back in darker times for Nintendo during the lifetime of the Wii U, the eShop was characterized by enormous content droughts where few worthwhile games were popping up between the major first-party releases. This opened plenty of space, however, for previously unknown indies to get a larger share of the spotlight, giving their...
Let’s get ready to Runbow
Runbow turned out to be something of a cult classic when it launched on Wii U back in 2015. Mixing a whole lot of colour, chaos, party-style fun, a generous amount of solo player content, and even a selection of favourite Nindie characters, the game was adored by those who played it and for good reason – it was...
Review Pirate Pop Plus (Switch eShop)
Plundering the past
Anyone who hastily misread the title and clicked expecting a digital conversion of the immortal novelty game Pop-up Pirate is in for a disappointment. Pirate Pop Plus is not that game. Once you've dealt with this potentially crushing let-down, consider the good news: Pirate Pop Plus will indeed evoke all manner of fond childhood...
Review Runbow Pocket Deluxe Edition (New 3DS)
Close, but not quite
When Runbow released for the Wii U back in 2015, we praised it as one of the best games on the platform. Sadly, despite an excellent critical reception, the colourful platformer didn’t reach the audience it could have due to the Wii U’s limited install base. 13AM is aiming to share its opus with a different audience...
Review Pirate Pop Plus (Wii U eShop)
Let's rumble, bubble butt!
In an industry focused on creating increasingly complex games and pushing the boundaries of what can be done with the gaming medium, it can be nice sometimes to take a step back and play something that's just… simple. Pirate Pop Plus is one such game; there's not much to it on the surface, but it's one of the most...
Latest 13AM Games News
Monday17th Mar 2025
News Atari Is Bringing Back 'Missile Command' But With A Brand New Twist
"Delta? Come in Delta..."
Atari cannot stop reviving its classic arcade titles at the moment, and we keep lapping them up. This time around, the legendary developer and publisher has teamed up with Canadian studios Mighty Yell and 13AM Games to bring back the 1980 shoot 'em up Missile Command. Missile Command Delta is a brand new, turn-based...
Sunday13th Mar 2022
Feature We Talked To The Godzilla-Obsessed Devs Of Kaiju Co-Op Beat-'Em-up, Dawn Of The Monsters
Like a Mothra to a flame
Do you hate kaiju? Yeah! So do we. Godzilla needs to be taken down a peg or two, if you ask us, which you didn't. Well, now you can live the kaiju-fighting punch-a-thon of your dreams in Dawn of the Monsters, the latest game from Runbow developers 13AM and publisher WayForward, who themselves made Contra 4 and River City...
Wednesday2nd Mar 2022
News Dawn Of The Monsters Brings Kaiju Beat 'Em Up Action To Switch This March
Update: Arriving on 15th March!
Update [Wed 2nd Mar, 2022 00:30 GMT]: WayForward and 13AM have narrowed this game's release date down to 15th March. Limited Run Games physical pre-orders will also open later this week on 4th March. Original story [Thu 3rd Feb, 2022 01:05 GMT]: WayForward and 13AM Game's kaiju beat 'em up Dawn of the Monsters has...
Wednesday10th Jul 2019
News Runbow Dev Announces Dawn Of The Monsters, A Brand-New Kaiju Brawler
Couch co-op for four players
Canadian developer 13AM Games has announced its third game, Dawn of the Monsters. This title follows on from Double Cross (2019) and Runbow (2015). It's described as a couch co-op "brawling action" game that takes up to four players on a worldwide tour of destruction. Players select from an all-new cast of kaiju and...
Friday25th May 2018
News Pirate Pop Plus Will Shiver Your Timbers On Nintendo Switch Next Week
With a 20 percent discount, me hearties!
13AM Games has revealed that Dadako Studios' Pirate Pop Plus is coming to the Switch eShop next week. The faux-retro title previously launched on 3DS and Wii U, and boasts a lovely Game Boy-like art style and Pang-like gameplay. We really enjoyed both of its previous versions, so we can't see any reason why...
Friday20th Apr 2018
News Runbow Isn't Quite Ready To Dash Onto Switch, Needs A Few More Weeks In Training
"But rest assured - it's just a matter of weeks"
Party game Runbow has been delayed on Switch, it has been revealed. Publisher Headup Games and developer 13AM have released a joint statement apologising for the delay, which has been made "in order to further optimise the game’s performance". The delay impacts both the Switch and PS4...
Tuesday3rd Apr 2018
News Platform Through Time In Double Cross, From The Makers Of Runbow
Time is running out
Get ready to platform across time as the multiverse-hopping antics of Double Cross is coming to Nintendo Switch this summer. Coming from 13AM Games - the same indie studio that brought Runbow to various Ninty platforms - Double Cross is a 2D action-adventure platformer that's ultra colourful and extra charming. You'll be leaping...
News Runbow Developers Are Teasing A New Switch Announcement For Tomorrow
What could it be?
One of the standout indie releases on the Wii U was that of Runbow, a competitive platformer that utilized a bright, color swapping palette to great and interesting effect. It’s since gotten a few re-releases—with a Switch version on the way—though 13AM Games has also been working on something else in the years since. If a...
Wednesday14th Mar 2018
News Runbow Sprints Onto Switch On 24th April, With A Deluxe Edition Hitting Retail In June
Colour us excited
Publisher Headup Games and developer 13AM Games have confirmed their colour-coded brawler Runbow will hit the Nintendo Switch eShop on 24th April. Not only that, but there's a Deluxe Edition due to arrive at retail on 14th June, complete with DLCs and some physical goodies yet to announced. If you've never played it before, it's a...
Thursday14th Sep 2017
News Runbow Is Coming to the Switch in Winter 2017
Round up all your friends
One of the standout games on the ill-fated Wii U was that of Runbow, 13AM Games’ standout take on a competitive platforming game. It put the studio on the map and eventually saw another release on the New 3DS in the form of Runbow Pocket. Considering the game’s cult status and style, it seemed to be a perfect fit for...
Wednesday31st May 2017
Exclusive Runbow Pocket Gets New 3DS Release Date as 13AM Games Teases Switch Project
Vinyl soundtrack and fan campaigns also on the way
Runbow emerged as a thoroughly enjoyable game on the Wii U, introducing a smart colour swapping mechanic and a whole range of single- and multiplayer modes. When Runbow Pocket was announced for the New Nintendo 3DS that was great news, though the project has encountered issues that have delayed...
Saturday24th Dec 2016
Feature A Year in Development - A Letter from 13AM Games
"We can't wait to let you know what we've been up to for next year"
In this series of features we invite 'Nindies' to share thoughts on their experiences in 2016. In this entry Dave Proctor from 13AM Games shares an end-of-year letter with Nintendo Life's readers. Dear Nintendo Life Readers, Gosh, I can't believe 2016 is coming to an end. I'm...
Sunday4th Dec 2016
Feature The Nindie Christmas Celebration - Runbow Edition
Mitch Vogel on one of the multiplayer highlights of the eShop
With Christmas just around the corner, many a Nintendo gamer is perhaps asking "what should I buy?" Alas, there isn't a whole lot to look forward to in terms of new releases, so in this series we'll be spotlighting a menagerie of quality indie games that have shown up on the eShop over...
Friday4th Nov 2016
News Runbow Pocket Devs Explain the Lack of Local Multiplayer and StreetPass
Porting and coding issues seem to be the culprit
Runbow still stands as one of the most fun and frantic multiplayer games on the Wii U eShop, so it made plenty of sense when 13AM Games announced they'd be doing a portable variant with Runbow Pocket. The game will be coming to the New 3DS and seems to have translated the Runbow experience to the...
Tuesday11th Oct 2016
News 13AM Games Reveals More Information About Runbow
Runbow Pocket's release info! Free updates! Physical copies!
Runbow launched on the Wii U eShop last August to critical acclaim, cementing itself as a real gem for the storefront. Since then, 13AM Games has been keen to keep the game updated with fresh content, and has since announced that a portable edition will be on its way to the New 3DS, while...
Wednesday5th Oct 2016
News Pirate Pop Plus Arrives on Wii U and New 3DS on 20th October
Nope, we can't think of a piratey pun for crossbuy
One of our highlights of PAX West, from a Nintendo gaming standpoint, was Pirate Pop Plus. Developed by Dadako and published by 13AM Shipping Solutions, it brings Pang / Buster Bros. to mind and has a huge amount of retro charm; we certainly enjoyed our hands on time with it. It's a game that's...
Tuesday28th Jun 2016
News Pirate Pop Plus Is Like Anti-Gravity Pang, And It's Coming To Wii U And 3DS
13AM Games handling publishing duties
Update: 13AM Games has published an official response to this leak, which you can see below: We've had another little leak this past week (2016 is the year of 13AM leaks, it seems). But like all leaks, this is some exciting news! 13AM Games is no longer just 13AM Games! We have opened up to game publishing...
Tuesday14th Jun 2016
Feature 13AM Games Tells Us About Runbow Pocket, the New Nintendo 3DS Exclusive
Let's get ready to Runbowwwwwwwwwwwww
If you haven't gotten a big group of people together for a competitive game of Runbow then you haven't lived life in COLOURFUL CAPS LOCK yet. The competitive nine-player runner with a roster of original characters and borrowed favourites is a great way to make friends and alienate people. Thanks to the wonders...
Thursday2nd Jun 2016
News Runbow 3DS Retail Edition Spotted on Amazon
Update: 13AM Games says listing has 'misinformation', but has E3 plans
Update: 13AM Games has given us an update on this Amazon listing: We're happy that people are excited about the possibility of a 3DS and retail version of Runbow, but we have to make it clear that this leak is not from 13AM Games and unfortunately contains some misinformation...
Monday9th May 2016
Feature Developer's Perspectives on the Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle
"I would change nothing about this bundle. This bundle is pure joy."
The Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle is, at the time of writing, in its final stretch. The final offering includes 11 games (and a neat 3DS HOME Theme) - three of which are retail titles - for $13 or more, with three tiers from which to choose. The mix of big-name games and high...
Wednesday27th Apr 2016
Feature Taking a Dash at Runbow's DLC Offerings
The Colours Out of Space
It's really no secret at all that many of us at Nintendo Life are giddy for Runbow and its perilous, polychromatic platforming. We scored it a 9 in our review and it ranked on both staff and readers' digital picks for last year. The crew at 13AM Games has since released some additional c
Monday11th Apr 2016
Video Grab a Rundown of all of Runbow's New and Delicious DLC
Adding additional Val-Hue
Runbow has been available on the Wii U eShop for a little over six months and it's safe to say it's a favourite amongst the team here at NLife Towers. That love is no doubt going to run even deeper now that 13AM Games is about to release a wealth of brand new DLC for this action-packed party platformer. Check out the video...
Sunday10th Apr 2016
News 13AM Games Teases April Content for Runbow
The self-titled "scrappy Canadians" are ready to share more
13AM Games made a hugely impressive debut with the Wii U-exclusive Runbow in 2015, delivering an enjoyable and clever platformer that also supports chaotic multiplayer modes. The company's always been clear that more content is coming to the eShop release, and appears to be preparing to...
Saturday26th Dec 2015
Feature A Year in Development - 13AM Games
"All game development seems to be like you're getting ready for a party"
In the second article of this 2015 'Year in Development' series 13AM's Managing Director, Dave Proctor, talks about a big year for the studio that saw Runbow arrive as a Wii U eShop exclusive. Runbow seemed to start gaining momentum in 2014, but how would you describe the...
Sunday22nd Nov 2015
News 13AM Games Announces Upcoming Update for Runbow
Adds 2 player matchmaking and bug fixes
Runbow has been out for a few months now and by all accounts, it stands as an excellent couch multiplayer party game. We awarded it a 9/10, praising the distinct art direction and frantic gaming, and it's no doubt been a source of much entertainment to many fans over the last few months. 13AM Games is...
Wednesday21st Oct 2015
News Runbow Arrives In Australia & New Zealand This Week
Finally!
After quite a long delay linked to local classification troubles, Runbow is expected to arrive in both Australia and New Zealand later this week. The title is listed for release on the local Wii U eShop on 23rd October. The Toronto-based studio behind Runbow have also confirmed the date via Twitter: Users who participated in the...
Friday4th Sep 2015
Guide 9 Tips for Playing Runbow
Get up and running
Runbow is finally out in both North America and Europe. But did you know that to Runbow properly you need to follow a series of steps? It is scientifically proven by a group of proven scientists that running is more difficult than walking. Write that down as a fact! Luckily for you we have come up with the perfect guide; no no,...
Video Even Reggie Is Crazy About Runbow
All hail the Reggie-lution!
With Runbow now available in both North America and Europe, Nintendo of America has posted an amusing video on its YouTube channel revealing Reggie’s addiction to the recently released Wii U eShop title. The clip, which can be viewed below, lasts a minute and a half and also features Nintendo of America’s Damon...
Monday31st Aug 2015
News Runbow Dashes Across To Europe Later This Week
Get ready!
Following the North American release of Runbow last week, 13AM Games has announced the Wii U eShop title will arrive in Europe on 3rd September. The news, as promised, was delivered via the Toronto-based studio’s Twitter page: Users who participated in the Nindies@Home promotion will also receive a 15 percent discount on t
Friday28th Aug 2015
News 13AM Games Reveals More Content Is Coming To Runbow
Sequel and 3DS development also discussed
Runbow has just launched on the Wii U eShop in North America and already 13AM Games are looking towards the future. In a Reddit AMA earlier today, Producer Dave Protor explained more game content would be delivered to Runbow in the form of character costumes and level updates, and promised ongoing support...
Monday10th Aug 2015
Exclusive Check Out Runbow's Complete Cast of Colourful Crossover Characters
Let the colours run
Runbow's crazy breed of colour-based running action has already enlisted the help of the likes of Shovel Knight, Scram Kitty, and CommanderVideo to help in the endless task of running from one place to another, and now that list of indie guests has just grown even larger. In this exclusive trailer 13AM Games' frantic 9-player...
Saturday1st Aug 2015
Interview 13AM Games on Getting Up to Speed With Runbow
"When we go to parties it's always the Wii U out entertaining everyone"
You can always judge how much Nintendo's eShop teams enjoy an upcoming release by the amount of support it receives at the big N's expo booths, social media channels and more. On those criteria Nintendo's staff clearly adore Runbow, as the colourful nine-player Wii U eShop title...
Tuesday14th Apr 2015
Video Shovel Knight, Scram Kitty, CommanderVideo And More Are Headed To 9-Player Platformer Runbow
Everyone's invited
13AM Games' forthcoming Wii U eShop title Runbow is shaping up nicely - as you'll no doubt be aware if you read our early impressions of the game - and it has become even more appealing thanks to the addition of special guest characters from a whole host of other Wii U indie titles. Shovel Knight (from Shovel Knight, obviously),...
Saturday14th Mar 2015
Video Nintendo Minute Interviews Several Prominent Indies on Their Upcoming Releases
Also, see which one of them is the best at Mario Kart 8
Indies play a vital role in Nintendo's lineup for the Wii U. With major third party developers all but deserting the console, the responsibility to keep gamers engaged on their Wii U in between major Nintendo releases falls to Indie developers. Some may see this as a weakness of the platform,...
Saturday1st Nov 2014
Showcase Exploring Runbow - The Depths of 13AM Games’ 9-Player Platformer
“Why settle for eight when you can have nine?”
Runbow is a nine-player, fast-paced mutliplayer platforming game developed by 13AM Games that's coming to the Wii U eShop next year, and looks to be a very promising example of indie development for Nintendo. The guys working on the game are nothing if not ambitious, and we managed to get some fresh...
Thursday30th Oct 2014
News Runbow Developers Picked Wii U for its Massive Local Multiplayer Capability
Nine is enough
The Wii U's position as a party console seems to be cementing itself lately. It's now well known that the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. can support 8-player offline play, but Toronto-based indie studio 13AM has been working on Runbow, a game that can cram a full nine people around the TV (well, one can probably sit to the side...
