DSiWare News
Review Cake Ninja XMAS (DSiWare)
Christmas is cancelled
Long time readers of Nintendo Life will be acutely aware of the fact that we’re not the biggest fans of Cypronia’s Cake Ninja series. The two titles released so far have both received scathing critiques from our staff, which is why we approached this festive edition with a fair degree of trepidation. As the title plainly...
Review Rytmik World Music (DSiWare)
Bring the beat back
Cinemax has cooked up a number of flavours of its Rytmik music production suite, allowing the musically-minded playgrounds with which to explore dance, chip tunes, hip hop, rock and now world music. Rytmik World Music is a fun little musical tool tha
Review Anonymous Notes Chapter 3 - From The Abyss (DSiWare)
Return of the Abyss
Things have been quiet on the Anonymous Notes front — after a year and a half the series returns for a hat trick with Anonymous Notes Chapter 3 - From The Abyss. Not much has changed in that time, really: save for a new protagonist, Chapter 3 is still the same mechanically sound and somewhat aimless dungeon crawler as Chapter 2...
Nintendo Download 20th December 2012 (North America)
Wario, escaping vektors, Wii U discounts and 3D goodies
The download information arrived a little later than normal today, and no wonder — there's a lot of content available this week, along with some surprise sales on Wii U. Enough pre-amble, let's get into it. 3DS download software: escapeVektor (Nnooo, $9.99) — The original release on...
Review Castle Conqueror - Heroes 2 (DSiWare)
Another heroic effort
Just over one year ago CIRCLE released Castle Conqueror - Heroes for DSiWare. We weren't stingy with the praise in our review, awarding it a solid 9 out of 10 and holding it up as the strongest title in a very strong series. Now we've received a sequel, and we couldn't be happier. For those who haven't played the first game,...
There is no eskape
If you haven’t noticed by now, then we’re just going to have to come right out and say it: zombies are popular. There’s no real way to trace the resurgence that zombies have had in popular culture, but it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. That being the case, there have been a whole lot of video games featuring zombies in...
Review Wizard Defenders (DSiWare)
We have but a fool's hope
On the surface, Wizard Defenders seems like a promising blend of match-3 puzzling and tower defence; in its best moments it's a concept that works well. Unfortunately these moments are rare, and despite its budget price this title lacks the magic to make a gamer happy. This is a good example of a reasonable idea being...
Nintendo Download 20th December 2012 (Europe)
Escaping vektors, Clive in the Wild West and heroes in castles
It's the final Nintendo Download update before Christmas, so Nintendo's got a helping of festive cheer for us to download. Only Wii is left out to ask Scrooge for some new content, with both handhelds getting new games and Wii U joining in with some juicy price reductions. Let's get to...
Review Chuck E. Cheese's Alien Defense Force (DSiWare)
In space, no one can hear you regret your purchase
Earlier this year, DSiWare had the misfortune of becoming home to Chuck E. Cheese's Arcade Room. A joyless collection of five dull mini-games and additional gimmicks such as achievements and an outfit customisation feature, the game was a disappointment in nearly every possible way. Now we have a...
Nintendo Download 13th December 2012 (North America)
Crimson RPG questing, ninja action, world music and more
It's time for another Nintendo Download update, and this one brings with it quite a few titles on all platforms. There are some retail goodies, the conclusion of the Guild01 trilogy, a long awaited 3DS Virtual Console release and more. Let's get on with it, shall we? 3DS download software:...
News Color Commando Set to Bring the Fight to DSiWare
Goodbye Galaxy Games' DSiWare swansong
With the 3DS eShop continuing to expand, many would expect DSiWare to fade away; yet we're still seeing a steady flow of titles for the older platform, no doubt helped by the fact that they also see release on the 3DS equivalent. One of DSiWare's higher profile developers, however, is planning one last fling...
Nintendo Download 13th December 2012 (Europe)
Details updated: crimson battling, a hydroventure and a wizard defence
This week's European update has swooped in via YouTube, with both handhelds accounted for while the home consoles are neglected. Two 3DS eShop releases can be classified as "highly anticipated", while the DSiWare title is more along the lines of "hm, never heard of it". You can...
Review Crystal Adventure (DSiWare)
In which "adventure" is revealed to be a relative term
If there's one thing RPG fans enjoy, it's a good story. The quest should be epic, the characters should be interesting, and there should preferably be a few surprising twists along the way as well. Here is the story of Crystal Adventure: you get bored quickly and delete it. Okay, you caught...
Review Christmas Wonderland 2 (DSiWare)
Roast it on an open fire
A textbook example of a sequel nobody asked for, Christmas Wonderland 2 has graced DSiWare. We guess, however, that we should be somewhat grateful. After all, last year Microvalue released two awful holiday-themed hidden object games: Halloween: Trick or Treat and the first Christmas Wonderland. This year it only left one...
Nintendo Download 6th December 2012 (North America)
Titanic murders, mighty bombs, burgers and retail goodies
It's Nintendo Download update time, and this week brings a rather lengthy list of titles for North America. All four systems are covered, with quite a few retail games making their download début, so let's get on with it. 3DS download software: Murder on the Titanic (Joindots GmbH, $7.99)...
Nintendo Download 6th December 2012 (Europe)
UPDATE: Wario 3 joins Denpa men, hyper mighty switching and a paper adventure
After a few days of suspense — the release day of EU download details varies every week — we finally know what to expect in the Wii U, 3DS, DSi and Wii online stores this week. All four systems are accounted for, which should warm up any Nintendo gaming Europeans...
Review Invasion of the Alien Blobs! (DSiWare)
Houston, we have a bloblem
At this point it's unlikely that anybody with a DSi or 3DS is in need of an inexpensive time-waster, but Invasion of the Alien Blobs! is here to provide one more option. And while it's not exactly a great game, it certainly provides some mindless fun along the way. The best thing about Invasion of the Alien Blobs! is its...
Pop it and drop it
Last year the DSiWare service saw the release of Bloons TD. It was an unimpressive but acceptable entry into the overstuffed tower defence genre, and this year we're leaping ahead three sequels to Bloons TD 4. If Bloons TD 4 is at all representative of the course the series has taken, we can safely say we haven't missed much by...
Nintendo Download 29th November 2012 (North America)
Should you drag yourself away from your Wii U for these downloads?
While Europe readies itself for the Wii U and North America enjoys yet another week with the new system, the Nintendo Download roller-coaster continues. There's not a great deal to choose from this time, we're afraid - but then again, you're probably still enjoying New Super Mario...
Nintendo Download 29th November 2012 (Europe)
Pokémon, Airplanes, Dots and a couple of demos
Although the eyes of many European Nintendo fans may be fixed on this Friday - we hear that there's a big hardware launch, apparently - the crazy world of downloadable software trundles along regardless. We've got a handheld-focused selection for you this week, with games for your 3DS and DSi consoles...
News Publisher Dream Bringing Game Development Aspirations to DSiWare
Release your games on the "cShop"
Not too long ago Circle Entertainment brought Bookstore Dream to DSiWare, a thoroughly decent resource management sim that drew inspiration from similar titles available on smartphones. In that case it was all about managing stock and attracting customers, but the developer has announced a new entry in the series,...
Nintendo Download 22nd November 2012 (North America)
Mallo returns, Link has an adventure, spirits are hunted and more
It's Thursday, which only means one thing here on Nintendo Life - it's download update time. This week sees a return for a popular 3DS eShop IP, a classic NES title, a long awaited DSiWare release and some other goodies. Nintendo's press release only mentions the Wii U eShop games...
Review Spirit Hunters Inc. Shadow/Light (DSiWare)
Bustin' makes us feel bored
Announced way back in May 2010, Nnooo's Spirit Hunters Inc. — available now in both Light and Shadow flavours — promised, in Nnooo's own words, "a Role Playing Game set in the real world." That's both a tall order and an idea with enormous potential, which is why it's a shame that the finished product mistakes "role...
Review Working Dawgs: A-Maze-ing Pipes (DSiWare)
Working class
Taking a page almost directly from the book of Pipe Mania, the hilariously titled Working Dawgs: A-maze-ing Pipes is a puzzle game that involves moving water from one place to another using a complex series of tubes. If you've played this type of game before, then you know exactly what to expect, while newcomers to this particular form...
News Invasion of the Alien Blobs Bringing The Fight To DSiWare
Fear the blob
G-STYLE, a developer most prolific and well known for download software released in Japan, is bringing another one of its DSiWare titles to the West. This time around it's Invasion of the Alien Blobs!, which was known as Shunkan Tsubutsubu Tsubushi when released on the Japanese DSi Shop back in March 2010; it'll arrive in North America...
Nintendo Download 22nd November 2012 (Europe)
Flying, dressing up, fighting spirits and more
There was a certain big release over in North America at the weekend, but fear not Europeans! You get to find out what downloads are coming first, so that's one-up right there. We have a 3DS launch title flying in as a retail download, as well as offerings on every platform; you can check out the...
Feature Advanced Tactics In Spirit Hunters Inc.
In this third and final developer guide, Nnooo's Nic Watt explains the finer details behind successful spirit hunting
In the previous feature Nnooo's Nic Watt took us through some of the more complex aspects of the player abilities in Spirit Hunters Inc., including some of the abilities which are unique to each element. In this third and final piece...
Feature Behind The Elemental Abilities Of Spirit Hunters Inc.
In our second exclusive developer guide, Nic Watt explains the ability system in this spook-catching DSiWare release
In the previous feature Nnooo's Creative Director Nic Watt detailed some of the basics to Spirit Hunters Inc. In this second feature he will explain some of the more complex aspects of the player abilities, including some of the...
Trial without style
Jump Trials, a 200 point DSiWare release from G-Style Games, is a game about running and jumping from left to right. It's a game for players who feel that perhaps platformers have become too ambitious, and that the "right" in "left to right" should refer to the far edge of a single DS-sized screen, rather than the ends of the...
Feature Mastering The Basics Of Spirit Hunters Inc.
A guide to catching spooks, straight from the developer
In this, the first of three articles, Creative Director at Nnooo Nic Watt will detail some of the components of Spirit Hunters Inc. to illustrate all the different aspects of the game. Spirit Hunters Inc. launches globally on DSiWare next week, so make sure you brush up on these tips to get a...
Nintendo Download 15th November 2012 (North America)
Mickey gets epic, monster shooting, Myst and more
It's Thursday, which comes before Friday, but also means Nintendo Download day. This week throws up a fair bit of content on 3DS, including four retail downloads with one high-profile release and the return of a PC classic, while DSi owners also have a couple of options to look forward to. Feast your...
Review Smart Girl's Playhouse Mini (DSiWare)
Empty house
It’s no easy task setting out to create a game that is wholesome and fun while maintaining an educational aspect. Unfortunately for Smart Girl’s Playhouse Mini, fun seems to have jumped ship, and all you’re left with is a too-sweet edutainment title with very little actual gameplay on offer. Touted as a collection of mini-games...
Nintendo Download 15th November 2012 (Europe)
Falling blox, hotshots, ninjas and a magical whip
It's Monday, but it's also time to turn that frown upside down. The European Nintendo Download update news is here, and it's full of handheld goodies for you to enjoy. Wii misses out, unfortunately, but we do have a highly anticipated sequel on the 3DS eShop, a teeth-grindingly difficult NES...
Review Come On! Dragons (DSiWare)
Blowing smoke
Come On! Dragons arrives on DSiWare with the promise of delivering a combination of tower defence and arrow firing action, much like its predecessor Come On! Heroes. Like the original title it succeeds to some degree, but its positives are weighed down by some disappointing flaws, meaning that it's not as hot as the title may suggest...
News Rytmik World Music Bringing the Beat Back to DSiWare
Get composing
Cinemax has confirmed that it's bringing Rytmik World Music to DSiWare, the fifth entry in the music composition series. It's a series that's had consistently strong recommendations in our reviews, with each entry bringing an accomplished and detailed music studio to your DSi; they're perhaps best reserved for enthusiasts and those...
Nintendo Download 8th November 2012 (North America)
Paper Mario, Pokédex, dress up witches and dragons
It's that time again, when we drop everything we're doing to fire up the 3DS eShop, DSi Shop and maybe, on occasion, the Wii Shop. Yes, it's the Nintendo Download update, and this week has a mixture of retail treats, a demo and some lesser known download titles. Let's get to it. 3DS Download...
Nintendo Download 8th November 2012 (Europe)
Pokédex, 3D surfing, cake slicing and troopers
Details of this week's European update have arrived, and they're perhaps not the night sky fireworks we'd hope for at this time of year. There's still some variety across all platforms and a long awaited app arrives, though the price may surprise some. 3DS Download Software: Pokédex 3D Pro...
News Nintendo Download Shops Offline For Maintenance This Tuesday
Could a surprise be in store?
Nintendo has revealed that its online stores will be temporarily offline on Tuesday for scheduled maintenance. The 3DS eShop, DSi Shop and Wii Shop Channel will all be inaccessible from 10:00 PT to "about" 17:00 PT. What's coming? It could be all manner of things. Nintendo could be preparing its online portals for the...
Unjust desserts
Almost one year ago, the DSiWare service was graced with the appearance of Cake Ninja, an unrepentant clone of mobile craze Fruit Ninja. However, its lifeless approach to the formula, lack of addictiveness and total dearth of variety doomed it to receive a mere 2/10 in our review. Now we have Cake Ninja 2, which seeks to atone for...
Review Spot It! Mean Machines (DSiWare)
I spy a decent game
At a glance, Spot It! Mean Machines is simply a collection of grainy photographs of piles of junk. If you continue to explore this title, you'll find that your initial assessment was astute, but you will also find that it’s amazing how much fun can be had while staring at these still images. If you’re a fan of classic Spot...
Nintendo Download 1st November 2012 (North America)
Freakiness, fast gnomz, hidden objects and cake slicing
While some Nintendo Download updates, particularly in recent weeks, are full of juicy and exciting options, we're not sure that this is one of those occasions. Both DSi and 3DS are covered with a mixture of titles, but Wii is left out entirely; no, there isn't even a Neo Geo fighter to keep the...
Podcast NLFM Episode 23: Revenge of the Halloween Hootenanny
Best served as cold as a corpse
Grab your bluntest instruments and aim for the head because NLFM has risen from its grave for the third annual Halloween Hootenanny! More spooky, more sinister and more deathly, this episode is best listened to in a dark castle dungeon while eating raw pumpkins. Failing that, anywhere else will do. 1. Masanao...
News Jump Trials Hops Onto North American DSiWare Soon
Run and jump!
When it comes to running and jumping, Nintendo systems seem to be the most appropriate place to go. If you enjoyed budget DSiWare title GO Series: 10 Second Run, meanwhile, then you may be interested in Jump Trials from Japanese publisher G-Style. On the way to North American DSiWare soon, Jump Trials is a localisation of Shunkan Jump...
Nintendo Download 25th October 2012 (North America)
Liberation, a NightSky, puzzles, free extras and plenty of monsters
The Nintendo Download update has had some good weeks in recent times, and following today's Nintendo Direct we finally have the information on today's offerings; it looks like this is another one that'll have something for everyone. With DLC, a demo, a retail release and a number of...
Review Puzzler World XL (DSiWare)
My God, it's full of puzzles
Based on a popular brand of pencil-and-paper puzzle collections, Puzzler World XL is the latest release from developer Ideas Pad. It doesn't stray far from its digital cousins or its analogue ancestors, but fans of classic puzzles will find an excellent companion in this expansive, well-rounded package. First and...
Dungeon crawler
18th Gate is not a game for the easily bored. It's a fairly basic strategy RPG that has you edging through – yes – 18 dungeons to the magical portal gates at the end, with the caveat that you only have a limited number of turns to escape from each maze. Each turn can be an attack, a spell or a single step to an adjacent hexagonal...
News Cake Ninja 2 Confirmed for DSiWare
More deserts in line for the chop
DSiWare has had its share of titles that have incurred the wrath of low review scores here on Nintendo Life, with Cake Ninja being one to enjoy the dubious honour. Essentially a DSiWare version of smartphone smash-hit Fruit Ninja, its pricing and painful lack of features and game modes meant that it took a bit of a...
News Pro-Putt Domo Is The Latest Downloadable Treat On Club Nintendo
Domo arigato
North American Club Nintendo members have another new title on which to spend their hard-earned coins. This time around it's Pro-Putt Domo, a charming DSiWare title that has you golfing with Japan's favourite mascot. This one will cost you 100 coins and it'll be available until 4th November, with club members surely unable to complain...
Nintendo Download 18th October 2012 (North America)
Time to get stylish, pose for the camera, go fishing, fly a spaceship and more
North America has enjoyed some busy Nintendo Download updates of late, with plenty of variety to choose from. This week is no exception with something for everyone, and the odd surprise, so let's get on with it. 3DS Download: Sparkle Snapshots 3D (Nintendo, $5.99) —...
Nintendo Download 18th October 2012 (Europe)
Mega Man goes portable, Mad Dogs, free Mutant Mudds DLC and more
While last week brought Pokémon dreaming and long-awaited samurai action to Europe, this week's update aims for the surprise factor. The upcoming 25th Anniversary of a certain Blue Bomber is celebrated, sort of, a retro light-gun game get's a second chance on the 3DS eShop, while the...
Die hard the hunter
It's hard to believe that it's been almost three years since we first saw Spirit Hunters Inc. in its earliest incarnation. But rest assured, that development time has gone into turning the idea into a rather diverse and playable augmented reality experience. When you first begin playing Spirit Hunters Inc., the game seems fairly...
Review Robot Rescue 2 (DSiWare)
Robot Parade
The sequel to Teyon's first DSiWare release from back in 2009, Robot Rescue 2 charges players with leading a flock of oddly organic looking robots to safety across gridded stages. Rescuing these robots is made more complicated, and much more interesting, by the fact that their movement is synchronized. Press any direction on the D-pad...
News Ikachan Confirmed For Both DSiWare And 3DS eShop
Two platforms, same game
Yesterday, we teased a picture that showed Ikachan running on a 3DS. For those who don't know, Ikachan is a 2D retro style platformer from Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya, the man behind Cave Story. While developer Nicalis was originally intending to release Ikachan as a DSiWare title, they decided to produce two versions of the...
News Want to Know How to Play Spirit Hunters?
Developer videos explain forthcoming DSiWare AR title
Each week up until the release of Spirit Hunters on DSiWare on November 22nd, developer Nnooo will be releasing videos which give a little more detail on the inner workings of this interesting augmented reality title. Using your 3DS or DSi's camera, Spirit Hunters lets you do battle with ghosts...
Nintendo Download 11th October 2012 (North America)
Mario gets on the course, robots are rescued, the one true demo arrives and more
Last week was a bit of a bumper week for the Nintendo Download update in North America, and we have another packed list for you. Every platform is covered in some form, and there's a demo and some videos to fill your time too; let's get right into it. 3DS Downloads:...
News EnjoyUp's Zombie Skape Shuffling To DSiWare Soon
Skateboards and Zombies galore
EnjoyUp Games, the publisher behind La Mulana and Chrono Twins, has announced Zombie Skape today for DSiWare and the 3DS eShop. It's described as an arcade game with a 'terrifying' atmosphere. Oo-er. Protagonist Ethan dreams to become number one number one at skateboarding and outdo his idol Johnny Eagle. Unlucky for...
Nintendo Download 11th October 2012 (Europe)
Pokémon dreaming, samurai sword slashing and rescuing robots
So, it's finally time for this week's Nintendo Download update for Europe. We have a crack team currently investigating what happened to the official press release, but we'll go ahead and let you know what download delights are on the way based on what was revealed during last week's...
Review Academy: Chess Puzzles (DSiWare)
Chess, minus chess
Sometimes a game is so simple in concept that it’s difficult to find the right words to describe it. It’s also worth keeping in mind that simplicity is not always a bad thing, and it can often work in a game’s favor. With that being said, Academy: Chess Puzzles is the definitive simple pleasure. The first thing that needs...
News Spirit Hunters Ghosting Onto DSiWare on 22nd November
Light and Shadow versions both available
While Australian development studio Nnooo is fairly well known to Nintendo download gamers for Pop and escapeVektor: Chapter 1 on WiiWare — a new version of the latter is also on the way to the 3DS eShop — the developer has been quietly working on its ambitious DSiWare title, Spirit Hunters Inc, for quite...
Nintendo Download 4th October 2012 (North America)
Cave Story, art classes, cross words and NSMB2 DLC
You might want to pull up a chair for this one, because it's something of a monster. Are you sitting comfortably? Do you have a hot drink at the ready? Then let's begin... 3DS Retail Downloads: Crosswords Plus (Nintendo, $29.99) — Crosswords Plus offers more than 1,000 professionally designed...
Review Kart Krashers (DSiWare)
A party worth krashing?
Kart Krashers has a plan to shake up the kart racing genre: keep the karts, erase the race. Sure, it sounds rather pointless, but stick with us. The basic idea is to drive your kart around arena-like courses, shooting for a high score by collecting stars and rings and taking out baddies. The "Krashers" in the name implies a...
News Come On! Dragons Stomping onto DSiWare Soon
A dance with dragons
CIRCLE Entertainment is combining oversized lizards with tower defence in its latest DSiWare title, Come On! Dragons. You'd better start building those defences now! Using several types of archery attacks and special skills, you've got to defend the kingdom against the fearsome beasts and the invaders that accompany them...
Nintendo Download 27th September 2012 (North America)
Denpa men, a Game Boy classic and some Real Bout Newcomers
After the confirmation of Europe's somewhat disappointing selection of Nintendo Download titles, you might be forgiven for expecting the North American update to be similarly lackluster. However, Nintendo has pulled out all the stops to deliver a varied selection of titles - the details of...
Nintendo Download 27th September 2012 (Europe)
Balloons, mad chickens and another English lesson with Freddy
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nintendo of Europe wasn't able to issue the Euro Nintendo Download news yesterday. Better late than never, the update has arrived on our desk today, and as a result we've got a selection of downloadable treats for you to sample. 3DS eShop: Balloon Pop...
Through the Past, Darkly
Before Retro Pocket, Game & Watch fans were poorly served. If they wanted to enjoy those early Nintendo forays into gaming, they were out of luck. There was no way for gamers to get their hands on recreations of those originals, short of picking up the Game & Watch Collection, of course. Or its sequel. But apart...
Nintendo Download 20th September 2012 (North America)
Surfing, retro pockets and the long-awaited La-Mulana!
Roll up, roll up, it's another generous helping of digitally-downloaded goodness from our North American Nintendo Download report! Feast your eyeballs on the following treats and start counting those virtual pennies - there's purchasing to be done. 3DS eShop: Rising Board 3D (odenis studio,...
Review Bookstore Dream (DSiWare)
Let us tell you about this game, fair reader
Bookstore Dream, to be clear, has about as much book-selling realism as the Call of Duty series has to real warfare. Ultimately though, it is just a game, and this one draws much of its inspiration from a series of smartphone resource management games from developer Kairosoft. We won't complain about...
News Castle Conquerors Heroes 2 Going Out With a Bang On DSiWare
Futuristic sequel is close to release after a year of development
CIRCLE Entertainment's Castle Conquerors has enjoyed quite a few outings on DSiWare. The original game has spawned a flood of sequels, and there's another on the way in the shape of Castle Conquerors Heroes 2. Following on from the brilliant Castle Conquerors Heroes - which we...
Nintendo Download 20th September 2012 (Europe)
The year's most eagerly-awaited WiiWare title finally sees the light of day
3DS eShop: Dot Runner: Complete Edition (Intense, £4.50) — This unique puzzle title adopts a dual viewpoint - you see the action from both a top-down perspective as well as a first person view. It's certainly different, but we weren't totally enamoured when we reviewed...
Nintendo Download 13th September 2012 (North America)
Fractured action over two screens, shooting, retro ninjas and selling books
There may be a shiny new home console hogging the headlines today, but the world keeps spinning and another Nintendo Download update arrives. Wii misses out, unfortunately, but there's an interesting mix of handheld titles to choose from; let's get to it. 3DS eShop:...
Hunting, it’ll make you crazy
Have you ever thought to yourself, “what’s the least amount of fun I can possibly have while playing a DSiWare game”? Well, think no more, because now your wildest fantasies can be a reality when you play Crazy Hunter. With a plot that makes no sense and controls that are almost impossible to master, you’ll be...
Nintendo Download 13th September 2012 (Europe)
Zelda II, some bookworms and a metallic slug - it's all happening in this week's Euro Nintendo Download
3DS Virtual Console: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (Nintendo, £4.50) — Arguably one of the most controversial games in the Zelda bloodline, this second NES outing combines side-scrolling action with top-down adventuring to create a heady mix...
News DSiWare RPG 18th Gate Opens For Business Soon
What happened to the previous 17?
DSiWare developer CIRCLE Entertainment has gotten in touch to confirm that its latest game is close to release. 18th Gate is an RPG adventure title which appears to use a hex-based movement system not entirely unlike those old table-top board games people over the age of 30 used to play before they discovered video...
News LCD Gaming is Resurrected in Retro Pocket on DSiWare
New downloadable title channels the spirit of Nintendo's Game & Watch range
Nintendo's Game & Watch series was the precursor to the Game Boy and introduced many fledgling players to the concept of portable entertainment. The simplistic yet addictive LCD games captivated a generation, and they're due for a comeback courtesy of UFO Interactive's...
Nintendo Download 6th September 2012 (North America)
Balloon popping, puzzles from Nikoli, princely acrobatics and crazy hunting
It's time for another Nintendo Download update, and we reckon that no-one should be able to complain of a lack of variety. We have two new 3DS eShop titles, a stone-cold Super NES classic on Wii Virtual Console and a wacky sounding DSiWare title. Check out the details below...
News Kart Krashers Careers Into View on 27th September
Slot on North American starting grid confirmed
Big John Games has confirmed the North American release date for its forthcoming DSiWare racer Kart Krashers. The magical day is 27th September, with a price point of 500 DSi points. The company has also released a new trailer which features gameplay footage - you can check it out after the press...
Nintendo Download 6th September 2012 (Europe)
Picture crosswords, crazy hunting and retro pugilistic action
Monday morning means an update on the downloadable delights that European Nintendo fans can expect this week. The long-awaited Picross E is likely to bring a smile to the faces of many, but there's content the DSi and Wii as well. 3DS eShop: Picross E (Jupiter, £4.50) — Nintendo's...
Nintendo Download 30th August 2012 (North America)
A sense of speed, nasty viruses and some soon-to-be-endangered animals
If you're a fan of high speed action, cute birds or shooting innocent animals, then you're in luck - this week's North American Nintendo Download is sure to satisfy your desires. eShop: SpeedX 3D (Gamelion, $3.99) — After speeding into the European eShop a while back,...
News Escape The Virus: Shoot 'Em Up! Infecting NA DSiWare August 30th
Going viral
Escape The Virus: Shoot 'Em Up! has already made its European debut but publisher Teyon has today confirmed that North American players will be able to download the DSiWare shooter from 30th August. It will cost 200 DSi points. From the horse's mouth: Escape the Virus, an action puzzle series, is back with totally new game-play modes...
Nintendo Download 30th August 2012 (Europe)
Kirby, Japanese spot the difference and learning English
It's Monday, but we fear that you may be a little disappointed with the Nintendo Download news we bring, European gamers. On the positive side all platforms are covered, but whether any will tempt you into a download is another question entirely. 3DS Virtual Console: Kirby's Star Stacker...
Fun but lacking depth
Abyss is almost an archetypically simple game. There are no modes, power-ups, online features or options, and every face button performs the same action. The premise is correspondingly uncomplicated: as the charmingly named deep-sea submarine “Nep2no”, you'll float through close-quartered underwater stages, avoiding the...
News Crazy Hunter is Announced for DSiWare and is Suitably Bonkers
It's a crocodile using goats to reach hens in the sky
EnjoyUp Games has given us plenty of fun and inexpensive downloads on DSiWare, and has clearly decided to try a concept so wacky that the actual idea is fun on its own. We present to you Crazy Hunter, and crazy seems to be the right word. In summary you play as Dundee the Mad Crocodile, who...
Review Crazy Chicken Pirates (DSiWare)
Not crazy enough to work
Recently two games were released via Nintendo’s handheld online services, Crazy Chicken Pirates and Crazy Chicken Pirates 3D, and, as you’ve probably guessed, they’re very similar to one another. By “very similar”, we actually mean that — with the exception of the additional 3D effect and higher resolution of the...
Nintendo Download 23rd August 2012 (North America)
Racing, metal slugging and the abyss
We've seen some pretty busy line-ups for the Nintendo Download update in recent times, but it's rather quiet this time around: will it be quality over quantity? Each platform gets one game, and the heady days of discounted downloads are forgotten. Still, let's get to it. eShop: VectorRacing (Arc System Works,...
News Bookstore Dream In Final Chapter of DSiWare Approval
eBook support not confirmed
Bookstore Dream for DSiWare was confirmed earlier this year by CIRCLE Entertainment, a simulation game where you get to run your own book store from scratch and develop it into a successful business. The good news for literary-minded gamers who also want to make some sim-cash is that the title has now been approved in...
Nintendo Download 23rd August 2012 (Europe)
DK Jr., mascot golf, puzzles and futuristic baseball
It's another week, and the memories of lazy gaming at the weekend are already drifting away. Still, we have the Nintendo download details for Europe to look over, and it's a rather motley mix of retro titles, puzzles and a super demo for everyone to try. Let's get on with it. 3DS Virtual Console:...
Review Escape The Virus: Shoot 'Em Up! (DSiWare)
Not hugely contagious
Escape the Virus: Shoot 'em Up! is a top-down twin stick arcade shooter without the twin sticks. As a tiny bit of friendly bacteria, you zoom about firing out rounds of red and blue pills at an endless onslaught of nasty-looking viruses, shooting in whichever direction you're moving. The viruses always eventually win, so the...
News Abyss Alights To The Surface On 23rd August
But will it cause a splash?
Today, EnjoyUp Games, makers of Gaia's Moon, has announced that Abyss will be swimming to the North American DSi Shop and the 3DS eShop on Thursday 23rd August. Abyss was announced back in June, and since then has been priced at 200 DSi Points and $1.99 in the 3DS eShop. The aim of Abyss is to command a deep sea robot...
Nintendo Download 16th August 2012 (North America)
Mario, musical DLC and crazy chickens
Another week, another Nintendo Download update, though we do have to sadly inform you that this week's options are rather limited. A certain plumber makes his retail eShop debut at the weekend and in another discounted classic, but apart from that the options are rather slim and chicken-themed. Without further...
Nintendo Download 16th August 2012 (Europe)
Mario, ninjas and viruses
This week is a landmark one for the Nintendo Download update, with retail titles making their first appearance. 3DS and DSi owners are looked after with new download software, though it's another lonesome week for Wii. Retail Software: New Super Mario Bros. 2 (Nintendo, £39.99) — Mario's latest 2D adventure arrives,...
News Crazy Chicken: Pirates Flapping To NA eShop And DSiWare Next Week
Birds of a feather
Teyon has confirmed that point and shoot action title Crazy Chicken Pirates 3D will launch on the North American eShop next week — August 16th, to be exact. The game — which has sold 15 million copies on other formats — will also be available on DSiWare, minus whatever 3D effects the 3DS version possesses. Here's the...
News Abyss Trailer Emerges From The Depths
EnjoyUp's next DSiWare epic gets the video treatment
EnjoyUp Games has released a trailer for its forthcoming DSiWare title, Abyss. The game was announced back in June and involves exploring 3024 Earth for the elusive "Gaia" as the robot Nep2no. You can view the trailer below. It's all looking suitably atmospheric, with a unique art style. Expect...
Review The Lost Town - The Jungle (DSiWare)
Lost in translation
It’s rare for a sequel to a well received game to be released with little to nothing in terms of new content. Usually, a sequel calls for a fresh plot which ushers in new characters and gameplay elements to keep the familiar franchise fresh. Sometimes though, a sequel gets released that is essentially just a re-skinning of the...
Nintendo Download 9th August 2012 (North America)
Much-reduced Mario, Real Bouts and going Commando
There's quite a heady mixture in this week's North American Nintendo Download report; not only do we have one of the best Mario games at a price so low it's criminal not to own it, but we also have a fine fighting game, a 3D tank simulation and a 2D run-and-gun blaster. Read on for more information!...
Nintendo Download 9th August 2012 (Europe)
High speed action, role-playing adventure and a dose of pool
It's that time again - time to update you on this week's downloadable goodies for all of your relevant Nintendo systems. eShop: SpeedX 3D (Gamelion Studios, £2.70/€3) — 10 million iOS and Android users can't be wrong - can they? Gamelion's fast-paced tunnel racer has proven to be...
Interview Smileboom - Petit Computer
Doing a lot with BASIC
Petit Computer arrived on North American DSiWare in mid-July, and since that time a number of enthusiastic programmers have no doubt been getting accustomed to the BASIC coding language. The app has already had a positive impact in Japan, with an enthusiastic community that has been producing and sharing innovative games on...
Nintendo Download 2nd August 2012 (North America)
A lost town, solitaire and reduced Mario
This week's North American update has relatively slim pickings, with Wii missing out entirely. There's one title each for eShop and DSiWare, a reduced Mario classic and a couple of videos, so let's look at what we have. eShop: 3D Solitaire (Zen Studios, $2.99) — The title tells you almost everything you...
Nintendo Download 2nd August 2012 (Europe)
Kung fu, Toki Tori, edutainment and retro fighting
Once again we have news of this week's download delights in Europe, with something on offer for every system you own. Let's get started. 3DS Download Software: Jonny Kung Fu (UFO Interactive, £5.40/€6) — On paper this sounds full of promise, being an old-school side-scrolling action game with...
Review Decathlon 2012 (DSiWare)
Torch it
Well, the London 2012 Olympic games are officially underway, and the eShop now has its equivalent of those ubiquitous bootlegged t-shirts in the form of Decathlon 2012, a digital souvenir that hopes to coast on the excitement of the Olympics without shelling out for the rights to refer to them by name. Already we're off to a great start,...
Return to Wonderland
Remember the old adage “less is more"? Even if you don’t, Agetec certainly does, as is clearly reflected in Rabi Laby 2, its most recent DSiWare release. While it’s true that not much has changed from the first instalment, the original Rabi Laby was pretty good, so there’s not much to find fault with here. Much like its...
