Looks like the download scene in North America is ramping back up again with a hefty five new titles on DSiWare, and four downloads on Wii including a new Virtual Console release.
WiiWare
Tales of Monkey Island: Chapter 5 (1000pts - Telltale Games) - The saga of Guybrush Threepwood comes to a climactic conclusion! Obviously if you've been following the series all along you'll buy it anyway, but anyone on the fence who's not adverse to spoilers can wait patiently for our review.
Tumblebugs 2 (800pts - Gameshastra Inc.) - The sequel to a PC game that looks suspiciously like Magnetica Twist/Actionloop. Our resident bug brains will get on the case to let you know if this game has legs of its own or should simply be scooped up and put outside.
5 in 1 Solitaire (500pts - Digital Leisure Inc.) - The first collection of patience games for North American WiiWare. Will this satisfy your desire for digital solitaire card games on the Wii? Have patience and wait for our review!
Virtual Console
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World (500pts Sega Master System - Sega) - This week's sole Virtual Console offering is the last of the Alex Kidd games. We thought it was okay when it came out in Europe last December so if you're a big fan of the series or 8-bit platformers it's probably worth a go.
DSiWare
True Swing Golf Express (800pts - Nintendo) - Released in Europe as A Little Bit of Nintendo Touch Golf last November. Prosody, our Caddy Supreme™, thought it was very good - especially considering it's been pared down from a full cart release (reflected in the premium price point) - so golf fans should definitely give this due consideration.
Legends of Exidia (800pts - Gameloft) - Our full review of this RPG from Gameloft is still pending, but in the meantime read resident adventurer Luke Westaway's impressions of the game.
DOWNTOWN TEXAS HOLD'EM (500pts - Electronic Arts) - This is the second Texas Hold'em poker game in the DSi Shop (and not the last, neither). How it stacks up against Hudson's offering remains to be seen.
Move your Brain Rollway Puzzle (500pts - Assoria) - Resident brainiac Rebecca Gunn thought this was a "pretty decent puzzler" for DSiWare when it was released in Europe a few weeks ago, so puzzle fans are advised to focus their attention on this one.
5 in 1 Solitaire (200pts - Digital Leisure Inc.) - Cards and the DSi seem to be made for each other, so it's no surprise that Digital Leisure is putting the same patience game collection out DSi as well as Wii. Expect our review soon.
As usual you can read Nintendo's press release in full below:
Golf fanatics who can't hit the real-life links again till springtime will be especially pleased with this week's new downloadable game lineup. True Swing Golf Express for the Nintendo DSiWare™ service delivers deep fairway action that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. Another Nintendo DSiWare release, Legends of Exidia, offers a timeless clash between good and evil that RPG enthusiasts won't want to miss, while Move your Brain Rollway Puzzle lets players tilt and turn their Nintendo DSi™ system to complete fun puzzle challenges. For the WiiWare™ service, the fifth and final Tales of Monkey Island chapter brings an outrageous adventure series to a memorable close this week. Poker, solitaire, intrepid insects and a SEGA Master System classic help to round out a diverse and inviting set of new arrivals.
Nintendo DSiWare
True Swing Golf Express
Publisher: Nintendo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Tee off with power, drive with accuracy and putt with precision. True Swing Golf Express is a realistic golf simulation that makes full use of the Nintendo DSi touch screen to offer in-depth control over your actions. Vary shot power, apply topspin or backspin and more, all with a touch of the stylus. Beginners and experts alike can choose from two main modes. Round mode offers play across 3-, 9- or 18-hole courses, each with varying difficulty levels and some in an exciting tournament setting. Challenge mode puts a unique spin on golf with a wide selection of special tasks to complete. Completing these tasks in Challenge mode allows you to improve your character's skills and unlock new courses in Round mode. The fairway awaits!
Legends of Exidia
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: An army of demons called Morgost has invaded Exidia, defeating Princess Sofia and capturing the Orb of Spell. The Morgost's dark intentions include the resurrection of the almighty Daraka. Listen only to your courage and help Sofia drive back this threat. As a fearless warrior, you'll fight the most evil of creatures. With every quest, you'll get closer to discovering the source of the plague.DOWNTOWN TEXAS HOLD'EM
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Players: 1-5
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) - Simulated Gambling
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Go all-in with EA's DOWNTOWN TEXAS HOLD'EM. Sharpen and show off your poker skills in two exciting game modes and take on up to 20 players in authentic showdowns. Put on your best poker face and challenge friends who also have a Nintendo DSi system and a copy of the game to a multiplayer match. Start with a practice game, play a round of classic poker, then jump into turbo tournament to win the grand prize. Buy your way into gambling halls and casinos, each with its own unique background, realistic tables, cards and chips.
Move your Brain Rollway Puzzle
Publisher: Assoria
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Help the ball of Move your Brain Rollway Puzzle to find the way out of each level. To do so, you must solve riddles and use your dexterity to escape enemies without falling. Move your Brain Rollway Puzzle uses the Nintendo DSi system's built-in camera to detect your movements. While playing, tilt the system to move the ball. Collect gold coins to open certain passages, activate switches to set off mechanisms, use catapults to jump over walls or use bumpers to climb ramps. Time to complete each level is limited, so hurry up!5 in 1 Solitaire
Publisher: Digital Leisure Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Now you can take five of the most popular solitaire games with you on the go. 5 in 1 Solitaire features the always-popular Klondike, Spider and FreeCell games as well as the unique Golf and Gaps versions of solitaire. Each of these versions has a unique style of play that's easy enough for novice players to enjoy but will also challenge experts. You can also view tutorials for each game, track your scores and view gaming stats to see your progress.WiiWare
Tales of Monkey Island: Chapter 5
Publisher: Telltale Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) - Alcohol Reference, Cartoon Violence, Mild Language, Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: Here's a shocking series finale that's sure to shiver your timbers. With the Monkey Island world in tatters at the conclusion of the fourth Tales of Monkey Island chapter, we were left to wonder: Who can save the Caribbean?! LeChuck is revealing surprising new characteristics yet again, Guybrush has met a shocking fate and Elaine must confront the ultimate evil with everything at stake. This adventure takes you far beyond the stormy isles as you experience the Rise of the Pirate God.
Tumblebugs 2
Publisher: Gameshastra Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: There's a battle brewing in the backyard, and only you can save the day. Tumblebugs is the hit action-puzzler in which Black Bugs round up and trap the peaceful underground Tumblebugs. Now the Black Bugs are back - meaner, faster and nastier. They've crashed the garden party and are rounding up the colored beetles. Once again it's Tumble to the rescue, but this time she's got backup. Call on your friends to help you battle your way through 89 stunning new levels. Thrilling new power-ups can also help you free bugs like never before.5 in 1 Solitaire
Publisher: Digital Leisure Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Now you can play five of the most popular solitaire games on your Wii™ console. 5 in 1 Solitaire features the always-popular Klondike, Spider and FreeCell games as well as the unique Golf and Gaps versions of solitaire. Each of these versions has a unique style of play that's easy enough for novice players to enjoy but will also challenge experts. You can also view tutorials for each game, track your scores and view gaming stats to see your progress.Virtual Console
Alex Kidd in Shinobi World
Original platform: SEGA Master System
Publisher: SEGA
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: What do you get when you combine the monumental SEGA classics Alex Kidd in Miracle World™ and Shinobi™? Alex Kidd in Shinobi World, of course! Though never released in Japan, this game has it all: Alex Kidd, kidnapped princesses and evil Dark Ninjas, all played to a rockin', remixed Shinobi soundtrack. Run, jump, swim and slash your way through 12 stages teeming with monstrous foes from the world of Shinobi, plus some more lighthearted ones from Alex Kidd. Just don't let the barracudas turn you into sushi!
Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.
Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit Wii.com or NintendoDSi.com.
Comments (75)
Yawn. I think I'll go back to sleep because this update's boooring.
Nothing for me today.
@Tony: I'm gonna say either Kirby Super Star or Castlevania: Rondo of Blood.
YAWN another Week, another crappy Nintendo Download. Remember to Boycott WiiWare until Cave Story.
That's $50 of Monkey Island. If you are gonna have more than 3 chapters just release a disc.
@p.d4nger its not nintendo's fault cave story but the dev's they don't want the game released, nintendo been wanting the game out since june of last year
and i am glad that finally monkey island crap is done
Not good at all. Better than the luck Europe has been having, I guess.
Has anyone been getting all the Monkey Island games on WiiWare so far? I can't imagine there's that many that will have all of them. And I wonder what you get on VC next week?
@Egg Miester - are you saying that the people who've worked on Cave Story don't want it to be released? That's certainly a refreshing viewpoint.
@10
I have the first 3 episodes on WiiWare (just finished the 3rd), and I'll certainly be downloading 4 and 5 soon as well. It's a great series if you're a fan of classic point-and-click adventures. Yes, I could download them on my laptop instead, but I find sitting on the couch in front of the big screen and using the Wii remote to be so much more comfortable.
I played through Monkey episode 2 and it was fairly entertaining but in no way worth the cover price. If anything, go with Steam downloading it if possible to save quite a bit.
Same here, i've been downloading the Monkey Island series on wiiware instead of my compy, although they could have offered the last two or three games for $5 instead of $10. It was a good series (nothing will ive up to the first two original games) and worth a download. Anyone under 30 missed out on the best point and click adventure series in the early 90s.
Why the hell would you boycott wiiware just because you are upset about a release date of CaveStory? Lame.
@ Prosody that is what i am saying and i don't know why but i do know that nintendo may then once last year gave set dates for cave story but the dev team always pushed it back the leader of the team of ex ign member so that shows on how much you can trust them
I've bought every Monkey Island for WiiWare. They are worth every cent. Plus, it's only $10 a month. It's no big deal spread out.
JayArr, I like your perspective!
@Objection_Blaster
I hated the 2nd episode. 1 and 3 were far better, in my mind. After playing the 1st, I was greatly anticipating part 2, but then so disappointed that I put the series aside until just this past weekend, when I finally downloaded part 3. The quality is fully restored in the 3rd, so I eagerly look forward to the additional chapters.
I have no idea why they made that promotional offer for the 2nd episode. The 1st would be a far, far greater entry point for anyone curious about the series, with better locations, humor, and puzzles.
I love hearing how selfish the comments are after finding out the WiiWare/VC/DSiWare releases every week. "What?! Nintendo didn't cater specifically to me but release 3 or 4 good games that might appeal to others?!" LOL... Go boycott yourself.
@Prosody: I'm guessing he meant that (apparently) the game wasn't finished and submitted to Nintendo until fairly recently. People who are complaining that Cave Story wasn't released last summer don't have their heads on straight. The dev team worked hard to tweak and improve the game so WiiWare would have the best experience possible. That took extra time, but means the game will be totally worthwhile when it finally gets released. Some things are worth waiting for.
@JayArr and @Knoxximus: Did the Monkey Island game engine improve in later games? I'm just playing through early episodes now, and while the games are fun there are some issues with load times/audio synching/graphic lag etc.
Ugh. Thanks for a crappy week, Nintendo. See you next time.
"We are getting very close to the 350th Virtual Console title. Hmm..I wonder what it might be?"
It will be some unnecessary Street Fighter 2 version.
@ejamer - They get smoother in my opinion. Are they perfect? no.
It will be some unnecessary Street Fighter 2 version.
Genesis Super Street Fighter II?
Monkey Island is a top notch offering if you are into the series. Tumble Bugs 2 is probably ok if you don't have Luxor 3 or Magnetica Twist though it looks better than Magnetica Twist judging by the screenshots. Solitaire is pretty redundant if you have the other Solitaire.
If you think about it though it's not that bad considering these releases happen every week. It just gets a bit sad if there is nothing good for a month or so.
@D4NG3R: Is Cave Story actually worth begging so often for?
350th is probably not going to be a "milestone" in their opinion. We'll have to wait until 400.
At last, the final Monkey Island chapter. And I just finally got my copy of Tatsunoko vs Capcom! Good week.
Update is pretty decent, though there's nothing I'm getting this week
According to the developers of Cave Story, it is now 100% up to Nintendo when the game will be released. It's already been submitted for release. Same kind of crap that's kept FFIV from VC for SIX MONTHS and delayed Sin and Punishment about the same length of time. NoA=crapheads.
Not personally interested in this week's release, except for that DSiWare RPG, and even THAT is still pending on the final NLife review.
Great update.
@JayArr: Thanks for the response! A little bit disappointing that the engine doesn't get optimized enough to smooth out all the minor issues. Luckily the humor and puzzles in the game seem good enough to make up for those problems, IMHO.
Those Tales games are super expensive.
Update isn't bad, but nothing I really want. Just another week to maybe catch up on some other old classics, or finish up some games in time for Cave Story.
@Stuffgamer1 where the link to that? and if you choose to believe them choice be yours
Great, i buy a 2 in 1 solitaire a few weeks ago and they release a 5 in 1 solitaire at the same price now.
Dsiware update looks o.k., still waiting for the legend review. Nothing for me this week thought.....
@abgar what would really be messed up if both games takes up the same amount of blocks. But since im sure they dont 5 blocks worth of soiltire is enough for me
Way to begin a month. Yay, for Shinobi Alex Kidd.
I would kill for a points card now, so I can buy Rollaway puzzle, and maybe Legends of Exadia. Hopefully this week I'll buy one.
Really started to get pissed at all the US'ers saying how bad there updates are.
But this update IS bad in my eyes...though I'm European, so does that allow me to complain about it?
Nice to see that Tales of Monkey Island Chapter 5 has finally come to the Wii. As much as I want to get these games, I'm just going to wait and see if Telltale brings them to the Xbox 360 instead.
@The Fox. What luck?
Crap week for VC. Where's Sonic & Knuckles and Final Fantasy IV?
@abgar
I'm sure Digital Leisure found some way to screw that game up.
Alex kidd looks like the only winner for me.
Not an interesting week for me. Atleast its still three wiiware each week.
If they can add Ecco & Columns, they'll be set for the SMS.
"its not nintendo's fault cave story but the dev's they don't want the game released, nintendo been wanting the game out since june of last year"
Do you even listen to yourself? That's about the stupidest thing I've ever heard. The dev doesn't want their game to be released. Stop posting. The game has been submitted for review over a month ago, yet Nintendo still hasn't put it up, making garbage like Muscle March available instead.
"Is Cave Story actually worth begging so often for?"
Why yes, yes it is. I'm a gamer who likes good games. I apologize for not eating up the weekly garbage that gets thrown onto WiiWare.
Well, nothing for me again.
Update is uninteresting...
You guys seem to get a VC game almost every week at least, and they're in 60Hz... oh well, good for you!
I am getting Legends of Exidia
While there isn't anything really special in my opinion, it's not bad at all. You people are obviously complaining way too much.
@SSB Fan 12: You just made a better comment then most people here today.
Using that Guybrush picture was cruel - it made me think Curse of Monkey Island was coming out for the Wii.
I'm surprised there's someone out there who still cares about Cave Story...
In other news, this is yet another week for me to pass on.
@P. D4NG3R you do not know what you are talking about, ign,gamespot, or any other gaming source has reported on any kind of news on cave story in nearly a year and the game really isn't worth it
Another passe week...
@3. Tony
Pfff. Like they will do something special for 350th release. That just seems kinda silly to do.
@43. Kevin
On your computer if you get roms of it.
nothing for me this week. As for the 350th VC game my points are on Kirby Super Star. get it? i said points cuz you download it. OH boy! i crack myself up sometimes! : )
@RurouniTeeter That's illegal.
You know guys, the original version of Cave Story is always available as PC freeware. Personally, I don't think the graphics and sound updates make the WiiWare version worth it when the original version is free.
Nothing for me this week, but that's fine, since my copy of Metroid Prime Trilogy came in the mail today.
@Egg miester: You DO realize that Nintendo Life is ALSO a gaming news source, right? With that in mind, here's that link you wanted.
@RurouniTeeter: Well they did it for every 50th-100th game that's been released so far... >.>
Not a bad update but not good either.
@stuffgamer i looked nearly all over the nicalis.com web page and found no where saying nintendo is not releasing it, the whole thing seems to be started by nintendolife
So we have to wait for Cave Story. Boo hoo. Just be patient
Cave story? How about that wiiware Military madness? The 360 has it, right? Does the PS3 have it yet? This one is definatly taking forever.
Good update, for me at least . As a Zuma fan, I've been waiting for Tumblebugs, never liked the Magnetica Twist control idea, so I hope this one is closer to the PC game. Also, the last Alex Kidd game seems like the kind of platformer I'd like to play on peaceful afternoon, short, simple and enjoyable. ToMI is a good release too, just not my cup of tea.
wow!! Boring week as always...
When will Cave Story and Last Flight ever coming out?
Boring update...
@Egg miester: But they DID say the game was completed, yes? Put two and two together. Also consider Nintendo's proven track record of delaying releases and Corbie's general trustworthiness. Relating to that, he previously mentioned that someone from Nicalis told him directly that it was officially up to Nintendo to release the game. If you choose not to believe that, it's your business, but I have more faith in Corbie than that.
Awesome update for the DSiWare and VC services. Alex Kidd in Shinobi World, Legends of Exidia, and True Swing Golf are pretty good games.
Again NA get two of my insta-downloads, Tumblebugs 2 and Monkey Island 5.
Rollway Puzzle is worth a download too btw. Touch Golf is great too!
Cracking update again for the NA-ites
Hmmm . . . sorry but nothing interesting from where I stand. I hope we get more VC titles.
Not bad week. I am looking for Alex Kidd in Shinobi World for my Master System, but I may download it on VC.
Wow, Alex Kidd in Shinobi World is pretty expensive on Ebay
Look at that terrible artwork up there, then ask why I won't touch monkey island.
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