More awesome ninja action!

There's nothing really unexpected this week - Except for the fact that it seems LucasArts won't be releasing their Super Star Wars games in consecutive weeks, as there's no new one this time. Four of today's five new games have already been released in Europe, so we've already got reviews ready.

The Virtual Console has the best new game this week, without a doubt. The Revenge of Shinobi is the second game in the Shinobi series and arguably one of the best - Once again you take the role of Joe Musashi, as you run and jump your way through a multitude of stages, using classic ninja weapons and ninja magic to defeat the members of criminal organization Neo Zeed. You can read our review of this fantastic action platformer here. Also, it was originally thought this game was in licensing limbo due to the original release featuring Spiderman - Sega has simply opted to recolour him for the VC release.

WiiWare gets two new games. PictureBook Games: Pop-Up Pursuit seems like Nintendo's attempt to continue the Mario Party series under a different name - Up to 4 players move around a board and play minigames. We're not sure what to expect from it, but the price has been lowered from original Japanese release - It used to cost 1000 Wii Points, but now costs 800. We'll review it soon.

Family Slot Car Racing is the sixth game in the "Family" series - Aksys Games just doesn't want to give up. Sadly for them, this one is another failure - Only allowing up to 2 players instead of 4 and being based on something already fairly boring doesn't exactly work wonders. You can read our review here and continue to wait for the series to get a good game!

DSiWare gets two new releases instead of just one this time - Brain Age Express: Sudoku is DSiWare's third Sudoku package, but the first by Nintendo themselves. It doesn't offer as many puzzles as Hudson's Sudoku Master, but if you like Sudoku, it's still worth picking up.

Also available is Gameloft's Guitar Rock Tour, which is another cell phone game port - It's pretty much a downloadable version of Guitar Hero, with notes coming down which you have to hit at the right time. It's fairly decent, but nothing really too special - Our review is available here.

5 more games available! Are you getting any? More from Nintendo's press release:

Aug. 17, 2009

Nintendo Download

Fun Keeps Popping Up, From Slot Cars to Rock Stars, Sudoku to Ninjutsu

Choosing a game to download from the Wii™ Shop Channel or Nintendo DSi Shop™ can be a little like taking a personality test. Do you like mystery and surprises? A new WiiWare™ game offers elements of magic and pop-up excitement. Are you an extrovert who craves the spotlight? Try a Nintendo DSiWare™ title that turns players into rock stars. Do you crave competition and fierce action? Choose from a new car racing game or a bona fide martial-arts classic. Or maybe you’re more of a brainiac? Check out the sudoku-themed installment in the popular Brain Age™ series. This week’s new downloadable games offer something for players of any disposition.

WiiWare

PictureBook Games™: Pop-Up Pursuit
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Wii Points™
Description: Enter the world of PictureBook Games: Pop-Up Pursuit and enjoy a family board game set in a pop-up picture book. Instead of simply rolling dice to move along the map, you’ll use cards (which can help or hinder progress) and coins (useful for buying more cards, but don’t forget about your Coin Bonus at the end of the game). Spaces on the map play an important role in the game’s outcome, and your computer-controlled opponents exhibit different personalities and behavior. Occasionally, the mysterious Book of Magick will be opened, causing an event that may change according to how you play. This mixture of exciting game play and charming, artistic atmosphere give Pop-Up Pursuit high replay value and unique depth—even if its characters are flat.

Family Slot Car Racing
Publisher: Aksys Games
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Daddy, Mommy, Sarah and Billy are putting the pedal to the metal in Family Slot Car Racing. Race through three racing circuits, each composed of multiple racetracks and even bonus tracks. You can race against a friend for some friendly one-on-one racing action. Choose among multiple slot cars with varying designs to see which car has the best grip and speed. As you progress, you’ll unlock new courses and even new slot cars to help you reach the top of the racing circuit. Do you have it in you to be the fastest racer on four wheels?

Virtual Console™

The Revenge of Shinobi™
Original platform: SEGA Genesis
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Fantasy Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: This classic SEGA Genesis platformer features Musashi, a ninja out to defeat the evil Neo Zeed and his criminal empire. In this sequel to the arcade favorite Shinobi, traverse through various districts – from the bamboo forests of Japan to the streets of New York City – and fight incoming enemies by throwing Shurikens, performing special ninjutsu moves and slashing a katana sword. Battle against unique bosses at the last stage of each district and make your way to the final match with your nemesis, Neo Zeed.

Nintendo DSiWare

Brain Age Express: Sudoku
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Sudoku takes center stage in this edition of the popular Brain Age series. Solve a variety of puzzles at three different skill levels using the touch screen and an intuitive interface. Track your progress by completing three tests and finding out your Brain Age. The unique charm of the Brain Age series and the challenge of sudoku make for an enjoyable combination. Prepare for another round of training your brain in minutes a day.

Guitar Rock Tour®
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: If you like rock music and have a sense of rhythm, your road to stardom starts here. Guitarist or drummer – choose your path and fire up the most famous concert stages with your band. For beginners or music experts, the engaging game play provides hours of fun. Tap the touch screen or press buttons to the beat of your favorite songs. Keep your cool in front of a hyped-up crowd and don’t miss a note. Warm up your fingers and prepare your ears for the explosive track list of Guitar Rock Tour, mixing recent hits like “Girlfriend,” “In the Shadow” and “Banquet” with rock classics like “Beat It,” “Rock You Like a Hurricane” and more. Use the Nintendo DSi Camera™ to take a photo of yourself or your friends, then display it onstage and receive goodies at your effigy. A new rock idol is born!