DSiWare News
Review Zombie Blaster (DSiWare)
A grave disappointment
Throughout DSiWare's long and not always distinguished history, we've seen a lot of games come and go. From puzzlers to RPGs to interactive storybooks, we've spent the past several years wading through every single release, doing our best to separate the rare diamonds from the dirt. Zombie Blaster interested us simply because,...
Review Tales to Enjoy! The Ugly Duckling (DSiWare)
A load of quack
Another Tales to Enjoy game? Yep, we regret to inform you that it’s true. But this time it’s the most repulsive of all…The Ugly Duckling. If you haven’t been following along as of late, Tales to Enjoy is a series of games that uses the same exact interface and activities, but swaps out one fairly tale or fable for another...
Lost in space
Just when you thought that the DSiWare service had nothing left to offer except some word puzzles and interactive children’s books, along comes Astro. It's quite clear that this is intended to pay homage to the Atari classic Asteroids in its design and gameplay, but it falls short of recapturing what continues to make the original a...
Nintendo Download 10th October (North America)
Pokémon, retro sports, water racing, lots of zombies and more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, with a certain Game Freak title dominating attention this time around. There are some other offerings, retro and new, to consider, including two(!) zombie-themed games on Nintendo's handhelds. Let's stop blabbering and get on with it, shall we?...
Nintendo Download 3rd October (North America)
Crazy racing, retro brawling, classy puzzling and much more
It's Nintendo Download time once again, North America, and just a little later than normal this week. We have a fairly lengthy list for you to pore over, covering content on the Wii U and 3DS eShops as well as one DSiWare title. There's plenty to get through, so let's leap right in. Wii U...
Review Tales to Enjoy! Three Little Pigs (DSiWare)
A case of swine flu
If you’ve been hanging around the site during the past two weeks, chances are you’ve at least stumbled onto one Tales to Enjoy review. These games are compilations of activities targeted at kids who are just learning how to read, write, and develop basic problem solving skills. Each one uses an identical interface, but...
Review Letter Challenge (DSiWare)
Missing the mark
There isn’t really an interesting or unique way to introduce Letter Challenge, but that might be the point. There are plenty of word-based puzzle games available in the world, and so many of them already exist in one form or another on the Nintendo eShop, but that wasn’t enough to stop Enjoy Gaming from throwing another one...
Nintendo Download 26th September (North America)
An epic tale is revisited, crazy fishing, a running discount and much more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, with this week bringing new offerings to Wii U, 3DS and even DSiWare — it's the latest handheld that has the most content. A particularly enticing first-person RPG features in the retail downloads, while some sequels and WiiWare...
Review Tales to Enjoy! Puss In Boots (DSiWare)
Give it the boot
Tales to Enjoy! Puss in Boots is a compilation of activities and games geared towards the youngest audience, ages 3-6 years old. If you’ve taken notice of our review for Tales to Enjoy! Little Red Riding Hood, then you should know exactly what to expect here – exactly. The activities and interface are identical, but the...
News Banking Dream and Cafe Dream Will Come To The 3DS eShop Next Year
CIRCLE Entertainment cancels the DSiWare development
CIRCLE Entertainment is behind the DSiWare titles Publisher Dream and Bookstore Dream and not too long ago it confirmed it would be bringing Banking Dream and Cafe Dream to the platform. However, it has now confirmed both these games have been cancelled, although it won't be the last we see of...
Review Tales to Enjoy! Little Red Riding Hood (DSiWare)
You should probably stay out of the woods.
Tales to Enjoy! Little Red Riding Hood is a collection of activities and games designed to be accessible to young children, ages 3-6 year old. With eight modes in all – which consist of puzzles, games of memory, a digital colouring book, and of course a re-telling of the classic fairy tale – there’s...
Nintendo Download 19th September (North America)
A legendary HD release, monstrous discounts, classic Mario and much more
We have a bumper Nintendo Download week for you, North America, with over a dozen games gracing the Wii U, 3DS and even the DSi. A certain Zelda title is headlining, but we also have terrific — but brief — Monster Hunter discounts, some retro goodies and enough new 3DS...
Nintendo Download 12th September (North America)
Things get Wonderful, an untold story has a demo, discounts galore and more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, with a host of new offerings to tempt you this week. We have a wonderful PlatinumGames Wii U retail exclusive, classic Zelda, a promising demo, various sales and more. The DSi even gets some love this week, leaving the Wii as the...
Review Jewel Adventures (DSiWare)
Woo-hoo, glitchy woman
Jewel Adventures is a puzzle game that’s partially familiar due to its match three gameplay, but freshened up by a few extra layers of depth. A sense of story, enemy battles, world (re)building and various gameplay goals are the glue that gives this puzzler a bit more substance than most like it. Much of it is only fluff –...
Nintendo Download 5th September (North America)
Dungeons & dragons, twisted dreams, rare retro shooting and much more
It's Nintendo Download update day, North America, and there are some real goodies on offer this week. We have long awaited Wii U eShop games, a rare NES shoot 'em up on the 3DS Virtual Console and various other treats. Without further ado, here are the details. Wii U eShop:...
Nintendo Download 29th August (Europe)
Legendary Zelda and Rayman tales are told, Ninja-tough NES action and more
Another Monday is brightened up by the Nintendo Download Update that brings a mix of Wii U and 3DS titles, while a DSiWare release also sneaks in. It's a true mix of the old and new once again, so let's get to the details. Wii U Virtual Console: The Legend of Zelda...
Nintendo Download 22nd August (Europe)
A Wonderful download, Giana Sisters, Street Fighting and much more
It's Monday morning, but shake off those new week blues, Europeans, as the Nintendo Download update news is here. We have two major retail releases on Wii U, a new download-only game, retro goodies and a lot of new offerings on the 3DS, so let's get right to it. Wii U eShop: Giana...
Nintendo Download 15th August (Europe)
DuckTales returns, 'mon rumble, extreme bike riding and much more
It's time for the European Nintendo Download news to wipe away our Monday morning blues, and this week is one of the most packed line-ups in recent memory. There are two heavy-hitting Wii U releases, and plenty of others spread throughout the 3DS, DSi and Wii. There are some discounts...
Review Cute Witch! Runner (DSiWare)
Magical Nights
With last year's Dress to Play: Cute Witches!, developer Coder Child channeled both Cotton and cosplay into a unique mix of dress-up and side-scrolling flight, a solid concept that we felt was let down by poor execution on the fashion side of the equation. We found plenty to like about the airborne action, however, and that's the main...
Nintendo Download 25th July (North America)
Kid Icarus, chain blasting, Picross puzzling and more
It's that time again, North America, and after releasing a long awaited cult classic last week, the Nintendo Download Update is fairly reserved this week. There are some goodies to enjoy, nevertheless, so let's get to the details. Wii U Virtual Console: Kid Icarus (Nintendo, $4.99) — Not the...
Review Fashion Tycoon (DSiWare)
Fashion disaster
If there's one thing that Fashion Tycoon truly achieves, it's the way in which it makes you appreciate just how hard retail workers have it at times. Much like in real life, demanding customers, stock shortages and a lack of staff are just some of the problems you find yourself up against in this game — it's a nightmarish...
Nintendo Download 25th July (Europe)
Pikmin 3 at last, lots of retro, BASIC programming and more
It's another Monday morning, but it's also another Nintendo Download update for Europe. The star of this week's show is undoubtedly an eagerly anticipated Wii U retail release, but we also have a variety of titles — old and new — covering every Nintendo platform. Without further ado,...
Review Rhythm Core Alpha 2 (DSiWare)
Bring life back to music
Musicians both aspiring and experienced have had copious opportunities to break out into song with their DSi thanks to a cornucopia of software suites, including 2010's Rhythm Core Alpha that brought an emphasis on live performances to the table. Developer SoftEgg's sequel Rhythm Core Alpha 2 is the most advanced one yet to...
Nintendo Download 18th July (Europe)
Earthbound, Shantae, attacking Guild monsters, reduced Virtue and more
Update: EARTHBOUND!!! Original Article with updated entry: It's Monday, and as is now tradition Nintendo Download fans in Europe find out what's on the way in this week's update. There are some long awaited and potentially intriguing arrivals this week, along with a few price...
Review Lost Treasures of Alexandria (DSiWare)
The perfect match?
Lost Treasures Of Alexandria's release on the DSi Shop comes as something of a surprise. That's because it's the first game in a short while to break the trend of poor Match-3 games to which the service has been cruelly subjected. In fact, this latest game rectifies many of the issues that plagued publisher MSL's other recent...
Nintendo Download 11th July (Europe)
The flippin' Force, bullet hell, a dreamy RPG and much more
It's Monday morning, but our week is brightened once again by the European download news. This week brings us plenty to consider, with new and old titles on Wii U, a mixture of retail, video and download-only goodies on 3DS and a match-3 puzzler for DSiWare. So many downloads, so little...
Your View The Issues of Collecting and Owning Download-Only Games
Downloads aren't forever
At the start of this week we posted a talking point on the questionable collectibility of download-only game libraries, an issue that's yet to come to a head on Nintendo systems. So far its debut download-only platforms, the Wii Shop and DSiWare, have been available in the company's current systems. The approaches have been...
News Money Talks In CIRCLE Entertainment's DSiWare Title Banking Dream
Mo money, mo problems
CIRCLE Entertainment has announced that it is bringing another of its "Dream" titles to DSiWare this year, this time focused on the wacky world of finance. Banking Dream places you in the bank manager's chair, where you're expected to grow your bank's cash mountain whilst dabbling in stocks and shares to inflate your own...
News Cute Witch! Runner Flies Onto North American DSiWare on 4th July
Like Dress to Play equivalent, but without the fashion
Dress to Play: Cute Witches was a title targeting young gamers that combined basic fashion dress-up with a flying runner-style mini-game; ultimately it felt like neither was truly optimised and fleshed out to bear much scrutiny. Developer CoderChild is bringing the flying game back, at least it...
Talking Point The Uncertain Collectible Future of Download-Only Game Libraries
Servers will surely shut down, but what about the games?
Just before the weekend, a number of Wii Channels were shut down. On 28th June most of the online enabled channels and services — such as Weather, News, Everyone Votes and Wii Connect 24 — went off air; low participation rates more than likely caused Nintendo to deem them an expense not...
Nintendo Download 4th July (Europe)
Pilotwings returns, X Zone madness, Game Gear goodies and more
It's Monday morning, and it's that time again for European download gamers. This week's download goodies are confirmed, including a Super NES title that we think will be popular, a chaotic retail release on 3DS and plenty more besides. Let's get down to the details, shall we? Wii U...
Review Jewel Quest 5 - The Sleepless Star (DSiWare)
Jewel Identity
We often complain about the lack of innovation in today's games industry. Publishers and developers tend to take the safe and easy route, making games that stick closely to a tried-and-tested template with the odd tweak here and there. While there's nothing wrong with making a sequel to a popular game, it's not unreasonable for us...
Nintendo Download 20th June (North America)
Luigi, Wario, tanks fighting bugs, X Zone craziness and much more
It's that time again, North America, when your Nintendo systems groan under the weight of new download offerings cramming up virtual servers. That's not always strictly accurate, but is this week, with plenty of new titles available on Wii U and 3DS, with a sequel even gracing...
Nintendo Download 20th June (Europe)
Luigi steps up, the Guild returns, some retro goodies and much more
So E3 is now but a fading memory, but at least we have a lot of Wii U and 3DS games on the way to keep us entertained for the rest of the year. One of those lands as Wii U DLC today, while the 3DS is pretty much overflowing with varied offerings, including the second entry from the...
Review Jewel Quest 4 Heritage (DSiWare)
Losing its shine
It seems like the Match-3 genre never stops growing, with some new form of the popular puzzle games appearing what feels like every other week. It's a genre that has seen hundreds upon hundreds of releases, and there's little sign of it slowing down. If anything, it's baffling that so many of these games are still being made. Very...
News CIRCLE Entertainment Hopes To Release Castle Conqueror Dark Age This Year
It's taken 18 months to develop
CIRCLE Entertainment is behind the Castle Conqueror series on DSiWare and has now confirmed there is to be another iteration in the form of Castle Conqueror Dark Age. According to a tweet from the company, it's a sequel to Castle Conqueror Heroes 2, which means it could be set to feature the turn based combat found...
News Club Nintendo's June Rewards Bring Out More Retro Goodies
Including one of the greatest platformers ever made
It's that time again, North America, when you're tempted to part with your hard-earned Nintendo coins in exchange for a free download game, and for Europeans to unite as one and say "why don't we get monthly game offers?" In any case, there are four new games to consider if you have a Wii U, Wii or...
Nintendo Download 6th June (Europe)
Spelunking, questing for jewels and discounts galore
It's the start of another week, which means it's time for those of us in Europe to dive into this week's Nintendo Download update. We have the most iconic puzzle game of all, as well as some alternative puzzling and strategy titles joining in. Only the Wii misses out this week, with its successor...
News Orion's Odyssey: A Pattern Blocks Adventure Hits Crowdfunding Target
Coming to DSiWare and the 3DS eShop later this year
While much of the attention on Kickstarter game projects is often reserved for titles being released on PC and consoles, earlier this month we told you about Orion's Odyssey: A Pattern Blocks Adventure. This is a DSiWare release that's described as a "comedy puzzle" experience, and utilises the...
News Flipnote Hatena Data to be Automatically Switched to Flipnote Studio 3D World Gallery
Unless you opt out
As announced earlier in this year, Flipnote Studio 3D is coming to the 3DS eShop as a free app this Summer, finally taking the place of the DSiWare title that's been non-transferable to the new hardware. As explained with that announcement, the new and free app will split the online sharing component of your creations into two...
Review California Super Sports (DSiWare)
A bad sport
To understand what California Super Sports is, start with Wii Sports. Do you have the handful of mini-games fixed in your mind, complete with simple rules and bobble-headed athletes? Good; now trade in your Wii Remote for a DS stylus. Next, systemically break every intuitive gameplay system and control scheme in sight. Then sabotage the...
Nintendo Download 16th May (North America)
Super inexpensive Metroid, scares, soldiers, retro classics and more
It's that time, North America, and you've undoubtedly got a particularly meaty lineup this week. All three Virtual Console services have new content, and the region gets a special retro Mario offer on the Wii U. There's also a stone-cold classic for 30 cents, along with quite a few...
Developer Interview Goodbye Galaxy Games on Developing for Nintendo's Portable Systems
Hugo Smits gives insight into a developer's life
While we'd suggest that he doesn't necessarily get the attention he deserves, Hugo Smit — through his studio Goodbye Galaxy Games — delivered four notable DSiWare experiences. These have all been published by third-parties, but have each had merits and plenty of areas worthy of praise. Of...
News Hugo Smits: Nintendo of Europe Needs "Somebody Like Dan Adelman"
"It will allow Nintendo to tap this huge pool of developers"
Hugo Smits is the man behind Goodbye Galaxy Games, which has produced two Flipper titles, Nintendo Life's "DSiWare Download of 2012" winner Ace Mathician and, most recently, the rather enjoyable Color Commando — all for DSiWare. We've spoken at some length to Hugo about his history...
Nintendo Download 16th May (Europe)
Spooky starships, retro classics, free scares, juicy discounts and more
It's a dreary Monday morning but fear not, Europe, Nintendo Download salvation is at hand. We now know what treats are coming this week and, we hope you'll agree, it's a pretty strong lineup. Only Wii misses out, and there are new, old and discounted offerings to chew over;...
News CIRCLE Entertainment Will Make A Publisher Dream Sequel Should It Be Successful
All it needs is 888 "votes"
CIRCLE Entertainment's DSiWare title Publisher Dream is now available in both Europe and North America and it seems there may be a sequel on the way should the game do well. The publisher recently announced on its Twitter account that if the game hits "888 votes" in the US eShop a sequel will "definitely" be lined up for...
Developer Interview Island Officials on Kickstarting "Orion's Odyssey"
"Nintendo has been nothing but supportive"
You may not have heard of Island Officials, but this New Jersey-based development studio has been supporting Nintendo handhelds for years, and is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to fund its DSiWare puzzler, Orion's Odyssey: A Pattern Blocks Adventure. We chatted with Island Officials' Ryan Morrison...
Nintendo Download 9th May 2013 (North America)
Mario and DK team up, X-rated speed, game development dreams and more
It's that time again, North America, when your Nintendo systems are updated with new downloadable delights to sample. The humble Wii is the only platform to miss out, and overall you have Virtual Console titles to consider, a retail demo and some fresh games to contemplate. Let's...
Review Publisher Dream (DSiWare)
This game development biz is confusing...
CIRCLE Entertainment has published a good variety of games on DSiWare, covering almost any genre that can feasibly work on the ageing service. Its own take on the sim style began with Bookstore Dream, which while owing much to similar smartphone games was a solid effort. Unlike that book publishing title,...
News Orion's Odyssey: A Pattern Blocks Adventure Reboots Kickstarter Campaign
If at first you don't succeed...
A few weeks ago, we reported on a DS Kickstarter project from developer Island Officials called Orion's Odyssey: A Pattern Blocks Adventure. The ambitious Kickstarter goal was to raise enough funds to release a limited run retail edition of the unreleased, finished puzzle title. For various reasons, the lofty goal...
Review Armageddon Operation Dragon (DSiWare)
Armageddon outta here
The year is 2037 and there's an asteroid as large as the moon headed directly for Earth. Since there is no weapon known to man that is powerful enough to eradicate such a massive rock, salvation can only be achieved by harvesting an all powerful energy that resides outside of the solar system. No need to call Bruce Willis,...
Nintendo Download 9th May 2013 (Europe)
Moving Minis, an adventurous starship, a commando, retro goodies and more
It may be a Bank Holiday in some parts, but the European Nintendo Download waits for no-one, with this week's update being a fairly meaty offering featuring every current platform. We have some high-profile arrivals on the 3DS eShop, an assortment of retro treats and even a...
News Publisher Dream Set For A DSiWare Release Next Week In North America
Europe's also getting Color Commando
Last year, CIRCLE Entertainment brought Bookstore Dream to DSiWare, a management sim which saw you run your own bookstore. Next week North Americans will be able to download the next title in the series: Publisher Dream. CIRCLE Entertainment posted the following tweet confirming the game will be available on 9th...
Nintendo Download 2nd May 2013 (North America)
Retro goodies, discounts galore, rabbits, tanks and much more
It's that time again, North America, for more Nintendo Download goodies to grace your systems, with all but the Wii being treated to something new this week. There's a lot to get through, so let's not waste too much effort on this pre-amble. Wii U eShop: Kung Fu Rabbit (Neko...
Review Color Commando (DSiWare)
Mini-masterpiece
Quirky, innovative puzzle-platformers are becoming something of a calling card for Goodbye Galaxy Games, and this latest release fits nicely into that oeuvre. The final panel in a DSiWare triptych that includes the Flipper series and Ace Mathician, Color Commando similarly revolves around manipulating the environment — here via...
Nintendo Download 2nd May 2013 (Europe)
Virtual Console goodies, discounts, a game developer's dream and more
So we're back to normal with our Monday morning Nintendo Download fix here in Europe. We're treated to a host of classics in the 3DS and Wii U Virtual Consoles this week, along with a small batch of new portable offerings and some discounted pinball on both platforms. Let's get to...
News Armageddon Operation Dragon Is Bringing Sexy Swimsuit Elves To DSiWare
And not before time, some might say
EnjoyUp has announced a new title for Nintendo's DSiWare service called Armageddon Operation Dragon. Boasting "runner playability", "easy handling", "innovative graphics" and — wait for it — "local ranking" (like we used to have back in the '80s!), the game sees you assuming the role of a sexy cartoon elf in...
Review Crazy Construction (3DS eShop)
More like Crazy FUN-struction
On the surface, Crazy Construction sounds like the epitome of shovelware; a generic puzzle game that slaps together tired ideas and a dash of zany alliteration to garner enough sales to crank out the next one. Take a closer look, however, and you’ll discover a cleverly designed arcade-style title that boasts a fun,...
Nintendo Download 25th April 2013 (North America)
Free Rayman, Mega Man, a colourful commando and more
It's that time, Nintendo Download fans in North America, when you can cast your gaze over the downloadable treats coming your way. After last week's somewhat epic list, this week we have a much smaller range of options to chew over. One of them is a free part of a rather awesome looking Wii U...
Review Working Dawgs: Rivet Retriever (DSiWare)
A dog's breakfast
Working Dawgs: Rivet Retriever is a platformer doomed to be forgotten. An uninspired follow-up to puzzle game Working Dawgs: A-maze-ing Pipes, every facet of this downloadable title succumbs to the dark side of video games, thoroughly beating down what simple enjoyment might be found in a side-scroller this basic. If the underlying...
Nintendo Download 18th April 2013 (North America)
LEGO on the go, discounts, Harvest Moon, puzzles galore and more
It's Thursday, so that means it's Nintendo Download time. This week brings us a rather lengthy list of options for both 3DS and DSi, with both Wii U and Wii missing out. There really is a lot to get through, so let's get on with it. 3DS eShop: Super Little Acorns 3D Turbo (Pixel...
News Big John Games Bids A Fond Farewell To DSiWare With Working Dawgs: Rivet Retriever
Top dawg
Big John Games has lifted the lid on what will be its final DSiWare release. Working Dawgs: Rivet Retriever is an action platform title which will retail for the modest sum of 200 DSi Points (or $1.99 on the 3DS eShop). The sequel to Working Dawgs: A-Maze-ing Pipes, Rivet Retriever is set across 20 different levels. Playing as Ace, you...
Review Clash of Elementalists (DSiWare)
An Elemental Mistake
If you’ve stumbled onto any footage of Clash of Elementalists, we wouldn’t be surprised if your first impression was a good one. At first glance, the game-play appears reminiscent of SEGA’s Virtual-On series or even the multiplayer aspect of Kid Icarus: Uprising. This is a third-person arena brawler where you’re bestowed...
Nintendo Download 18th April 2013 (Europe)
An awakening, various adventures, a Kung Fu rabbit and more
As it's a Monday, Nintendo of Europe once again gives gamers in the region something pleasing to get the week started. This time around we have new and old games for Wii U, 3DS and DSi, with some rather decent discounts being added to the 3DS eShop for good measure. Let's get right to it...
Nintendo Download 11th April 2013 (North America)
A rolling ranger, brawling Gods, a pink ball's debut and more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week there's new content to choose from on Wii U, 3DS and DSi. In the coming week there'll be a couple of tasty retail downloads and a classic platformer that'll cost less than a chocolate bar, while today a rolling Ranger makes his...
Nintendo Download 11th April 2013 (Europe)
Croods, pets, elementalists and a lot of discounts
As is always the case, Europe, we have the opportunity to start our week with news of the download goodies that we can expect on Thursday. In terms of new offerings we're limited to a couple of lower profile retail games and a DSiWare release, but Nintendo of Europe is offering a lot of discounts to...
Nintendo Download 4th April 2013 (Europe)
A puzzling chick, chaotic aliens, Mega action and more
Now that the long Holiday weekend is over the video game world's wheels start spinning once again, starting today with Nintendo of Europe's weekly download update details. It's a busy week with every download store having some new content on offer, so let's get started. Wii U eShop: Toki Tori...
Review Forgotten Legions (DSiWare)
Tower offence
Forgotten Legions tells the story of a character named Merkhovious, who is apparently a wizard or some other type of magic user. He started using dark magic and was quickly banished from the town of Riverkeep, because the higher-ups there frown upon that sort of thing. Now Merkhovious is back, and he’s brought an army of undead...
You jelly?
Aside offerings such as I Must Run!, there haven't been a huge number of endless runner-style games on DSiWare. CIRCLE Entertainment's latest title, Goony, aims to fill that gap a little, while also proving that you don't necessarily need legs or a baffling amount of stamina to star in the genre – if you're a creature made of jelly, you...
Nintendo Download 21st March 2013 (Europe)
Monstrous quests, reckless driving, retro boxing, a big sale and more
It's Monday, so you know what that means Europe. It's time for the Nintendo Download update news, letting us know what'll be dropping onto our systems later this week; we have a lengthy list that includes the latest €0.30 / £0.30 Wii U Virtual Console promotion, some...
Nintendo Download 14th March 2013 (North America)
Hunting monsters, going to the City, throwing retro punches, being Mega and much more
It's Nintendo Download update time, North America, with so much packing the eShops and DSi store that we even had the information earlier than normal — all the more time to soak it up. Quite a few high profile retail downloads are joined by some demo action, a...
Nintendo Download 14th March 2013 (Europe)
Flying for less, stopping invaders, mastering jewels and more
It's Monday morning, so once again Nintendo of Europe is starting the week with the news of what we can expect in this week's Download Update. There's a demo and sale of a recently updated launch release on Wii U, various 3DS offerings and a one-button runner from CIRCLE Entertainment...
Review Easter Eggztravaganza (DSiWare)
All cracked up
Whenever a major holiday is just around the corner, it’s no surprise that a flood of related products hit the market just in time to grab the attention of consumers. It happens with almost everything, from food to toys to lawn ornaments, and video games are no exception. While it’s not fair to knock a product for being a blatant...
News Circle Entertainment Backing the eShop In A Big Way This Year
Loads of titles in development
Developer Circle Entertainment has revealed a list of all its titles for 2013 and the level of support is pretty damn impressive. We already know about some of these games, but there are a few new names thrown into the mix, too. Some are ports, some are follow-ups and some are brand-new offerings. Goony (DSiWare,...
Nintendo Download 28th February 2013 (North America)
Running, gunning, creating coasters and more
It's Nintendo Download time again, North America, and this week all four of Nintendo's online platforms have content to choose from; you lucky gamers. Some are long-awaited and in one case probably already keeping some of you very busy, while others will no doubt also have an audience to snap them up...
Nintendo Download 28th February 2013 (Europe)
Splashing and crashing, new and old retro and fishing
Nintendo's well and truly on the ball this week, Europe, bringing us our download news nice and early. This week sees the Wii and DSi rejoin the party with 3DS, while Wii U drops out for a bit of a rest. The offerings include a recently unveiled game from 3DS Direct, as well as a long awaited...
Propellerheads
G-STYLE's latest import from Japan, Moke Moke stars a mysterious race of flying, forest-dwelling fuzzballs known as Moke. Combining the evolutionary advantages of sighted moles with the whimsical utility of those novelty helicopter hats, the Moke spend their time whizzing around the forest in an eternal contest to see who among them...
News Picdun 2: Witch’s Curse Heading For Europe
Buxom ladies ahoy
Back in August 2012, dungeon crawler Dungeon RPG Picdun 2 was released in Japan on DSiWare. It appears the game is heading to Europe under the guise of Picdun 2: Witch’s Curse, as it has received a PEGI rating, the European age rating system. Picdun 2: Witch's Curse has three main characters: a magical girl, a whip-welding woman...
Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
Over the past few years, the DSiWare download service has seen some incredibly strange games with bizarre plots and titles. Ah! Heaven is no exception to this. Simply put, this a vertically scrolling platformer that has you taking control of a spiky haired, sunglasses wearing, nameless soul who just wants to ascend to...
News Goodbye Galaxy Games Reveals More Info on Color Commando
It's a colourful puzzle-platformer
Goodbye Galaxy Games has been one of the more prominent developers for DSiWare. It's behind titles such as Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish and Ace Mathician — which was voted by the humble Nintendo Life staff as the best DSiWare title of 2012. The developer announced its latest title for DSiWare, the vibrant...
Nintendo Download 14th February 2013 (North America)
Hitting the streets with Wii U, going digging, time travelling and more
It may be the most loved up day of the year and an occasion for Nintendo Direct madness, but we still have a download update to deal with. Nintendo delayed the details slightly while Reggie Fils-Aime and company did their thing, but now we know about a Wii U app and a mixture of...
Under pressure
Having covered bullets and time, EnjoyUp's pint-sized yet madly challenging 99 series of score-attackers aligns its focus on the third staple of classic game design: movement and the limitations thereof. Over the dozen or so stages of 99Moves, players are dared to make it to the end of a gauntlet in as many moves or fewer. It doesn't...
News Paper Mario, Kirby Super Star and More Join Club Nintendo Rewards
Sucking up your coins
It's Club Nintendo Rewards time again, North American gamers, with more downloadable goodies becoming available in exchange for some treasured gold coins. This month offers a mixture of retro Virtual Console treats and some DSiWare titles, detailed below. Bird & Beans — 100 Coins Metal Torrent — 150 Coins Paper Mario...
Nintendo Download 7th February 2013 (North America)
Ken is raging, the Blue Bomber returns, concentration testing and more
Nintendo has confirmed what download delights are coming to North America this week, and it's certainly a diverse range. We have a download-only retail game on Wii U — if you can tolerate the term — some retro goodness and a long-awaited demo joining a major retail release on...
Nintendo Download 31st January 2013 (North America)
An awakening, a puddle, underwater exploration and more
While this week's Nintendo download update for Europe is rather modest, albeit with a long-awaited Wii U release, you lucky North Americans have a broad range of content across every platform. There are demos, retail downloads and some interesting new and retro options, so let's get right to...
News Forgotten Legions Coming Soon To DSiWare
Hopefully it won't be forgettable
Cypronia has announced that Forgotten Legions, its latest DSiWare title, is finished and will soon be available to download soon on DSiWare and the 3DS eShop. Aimed at experienced gamers, Forgotten Legions is a strategy game featuring a wide range of characters and a fair sized campaign. The upcoming release uses...
News 99Moves Flying Onto North American DSiWare on 31st January
Watch that counter
After number-crunching retro-themed titles 99Bullets and 99Seconds, EnjoyUp Games will be continuing the DSiWare series with 99Moves. This title tasks you with flying through evolving and tight spaces, escaping from being crushed and minimising moves to avoid exceeding the limit of, as expected, 99. The publisher has now...
News CIRCLE Entertainment Details Its Upcoming Releases
DSiWare and a 3D WiiWare remake included
CIRCLE Entertainment has been one of the most active publishers on Nintendo download services, particularly DSiWare. Today the company has sent us details on its substantial list of upcoming releases, including some that are new announcements. First up is a new title on the way to the 3DS eShop, Witch &...
Nintendo Download 24th January 2013 (Europe)
Update: The Cave arrives on 23rd January
It's time for news of this week's download updates in Europe and, at long last, it's time for Wii U owners to rejoice. There's a shiny new download-only game available on the Wii U eShop, along with a discount and retail release. A welcome and puzzling sequel arrives on 3DS, while DSi and Wii also receive new...
Nintendo Download 17th January 2013 (Europe)
Crashing mobs, mysterious mahjong, more zombies and basketball
It's another week of download news for Europe, this time arriving just in time to brighten up our Mondays. This week covers every platform; the 3DS receives a wacky match-three puzzle game as well as something a little more conventional, zombies infest DSiWare and the home consoles bring...
Safe, but solid
We've seen a wide variety of shoot 'em ups on the DSiWare service, some obviously better than others. Galaxy Saver is the newest entry and takes quite a few influences from early arcade shooters, while tossing in a few twists in an effort to make the experience stand out. So while there might not be a lot of originality when it comes...
Nintendo Download 10th January 2013 (North America)
Deer hunting, dino pets, biorhythms and world heroes
It's Nintendo Download update time, and this week's arrivals possibly represent the quirkiest collection of offerings in quite a while. Every platform gets something new — if Wii U demos count — while the handheld platforms have a strong focus on catching, hunting, caring for and picnicking...
Nintendo Download 10th January 2013 (Europe)
A fractured soul, kung fu, blasting ninja masters and a Zombi demo
It's that time again, Europe, with Nintendo confirming details for this week's download update on its online platforms. 3DS, DSi and Wii are all catered for with a mixture of long awaited releases and some unexpected arrivals, while all is quiet — apart from a demo — on the Wii U...
Review Snowboard Xtreme (DSiWare)
Xtremely lacklustre
Sometimes a game company develops a game that doesn’t turn out to be nearly as well received as they expect it to be. After that, the very same game company will sometimes take that sorry excuse for a game, change the theme, fix the controls, re-skin it to look like something different, and then release it as an entirely new...
Nintendo Download 3rd January 2013 (North America)
Welcoming in the new year with some downloadable goodies
It's quite a big week for the Nintendo Download, as it sees the arrival of the first "retail" download in the shape of XSEED Games' Unchained Blades. That's not the only reason to be cheerful though, as you can see from the selection of games below. 3DS download software: Unchained Blades...
Nintendo Download 3rd January 2013 (Europe)
Ghosts 'n stuff, tanks, crystals and vampires
As 2013 slowly cranks into gear, Nintendo of Europe has released details of what Europeans can expect in this week's download update. It's another week with no additions on the Wii U eShop, but the 3DS, DSi and Wii equivalents all have some content to consider. Is any of it going to get your year started...
Review Jump Trials Extreme (DSiWare)
Aiming higher
It's only been a little over a month since G-STYLE's Jump Trials hopped onto the DSiWare service, but its sequel Jump Trials Extreme has already made the long leap over from Japan. Like 10 Second Run, the Jump Trials games are all about performing daring feats of platforming in under 10 seconds. We thought the original was an enjoyable...
Review Goooooal América (DSiWare)
New World, old game
For all the emphatic 'o's in its title's iconic interjection, Goooooal América is not a game about football. Nor is it a foosball game, as you might think. If you happen to have owned a certain toy as a child, however, you'll recognize the game's inspiration right off the bat. It's based on a particular small-scale...
Nintendo Download 27th December 2012 (North America)
Fluidity, tough old-school challenges, wizards and the impossible
It's here, the post-festive Nintendo Download bonanza. Whether it's an actual bonanza is up to you, but there's a broad variety of new and old titles, with everything but the Wii U getting new content. That's right, North America, no shiny high-def pinball in the update today, but...
Nintendo Download 27th December 2012 (Europe)
Mario returns, chess galore and heroes of the world
Most of the world is currently in a vague fuzz of lazy relaxation, but not the download team at Nintendo. It's the usual update, this time incorporating every system with the exception of Wii U, so barring a surprise a certain pinball series isn't going to make it to the new system this year...
