Flux is here!

The critically-acclaimed BIT.TRIP series reaches its sixth instalment today with CommanderVideo's final appearance: BIT.TRIP FLUX. Let's see what else is available this week.

WiiWare

BIT.TRIP FLUX (Aksys Games, 800pts) – The conclusion to the BIT.TRIP saga, this takes its cues from series-starter BIT.TRIP BEAT with some brand new tricks up its sleeve: new power-ups, new Beat types and more. We'll soon see if this is a fitting end to what's been one of WiiWare's finest series.

Arcade Essentials (Nordcurrent, 500pts) – The clue's in the name: this includes five old-school arcade titles. We'll aim for a similarly self-explanatory review next week.

WiiWare Demos

Learning with the PooYoos: Episode 1 (Lexis Numérique) – A free sample of the first episode of the cutesy educational game – y'know, for kids – this is a good place to start if you're looking for a cheap way to entertain the youngsters. Our Learning with the PooYoos: Episode 1 review will help you out, too.

Hoopworld: BasketBrawl (Virtual Toys) – It's like basketball with fighting in it, which turned out better than you might imagine. Our Hoopworld review is available too.

DSiWare

Bejeweled Twist (PopCap Games, 500pts) – After a long wait – the game was released in North America in December 2009 – PopCap's popular gem-smasher makes its way to European DSiWare. Of course by now there are plenty of other puzzle games on the service, but if you love a bit of jewel-twisting action, our Bejeweled Twist review is all you need to read.

Panda Craze (TiK Games, 500pts) – A poor puzzle platformer that's really not worth your points, our Panda Craze review scored this a generous 2/10. Avoid.

Peg Solitaire (CIRCLE Entertainment, 500pts) – Not the card-based solitaire that's so popular on the DSi, this is instead the classic peg-jumping game that's been taxing minds for goodness knows how long. We solved the mystery of the Peg Solitaire review score: 6/10.

BIT.TRIP FINALE, EXPLOSIVE JEWELS AND PUZZLING PANDAS

Get the lowdown on the latest WiiWare and Nintendo DSiWare available for download this Friday!

Join CommanderVideo on his greatest adventure yet as he battles his way home in the final chapter of the BIT.TRIP series - BIT.TRIP FLUX. Journey through psychedelic techno-scapes of attacking pixels as the unstoppable pull of home draws CommanderVideo back towards “The Source”.

Make sure you also check out the classic arcade games in Arcade Essentials while you’re on the Wii Shop Channel.
Puzzles are the theme of the week in the Nintendo DSi Shop, as three new gems have been added for you to try out. From Bejeweled TwistTM, the exploding puzzle, as well as challenging Panda Craze and the remake of the classic solo strategy game, Peg Solitaire, there will be something to get your mind ticking.
WiiWare – BIT.TRIP FLUX (Aksys Games, 800 Wii Points)

The BIT.TRIP series comes full-circle with BIT.TRIP FLUX, CommanderVideo’s final adventure. Grab your Wii Remote and get ready for classic paddle-based gameplay as CommanderVideo returns to the source.

Whether playing in single-player or in two-player co-op, you’ll be faced with new challenges that will make even the most experienced BIT.TRIP players challenged. Enjoy new challenges presented within the familiar paddle-based gameplay that started the phenomenon called BIT.TRIP. New Power-Ups include the Fullscreen Paddle and new Beat Types include Avoid Beats.

WiiWare – Arcade Essentials (Nordcurrent, 500 Wii Points)
Arcade Essentials is a collection of five classic arcade games. All the games are presented in a modern reincarnation with enhanced gameplay, stylish graphics and sound effects. Jump straight in, enjoy the non-stop gameplay, and immerse yourself in these classic games.

WiiWare Demo** – HoopWorldTM: BasketBrawl (Virtual Toys S.L.) WiiWare Demo**– Learning with the PooYoos: Episode 1 (LEXIS NUMÉRIQUE)
Nintendo DSiWare – Bejeweled TwistTM (PopCap, 500 Nintendo DSi Points)

A brilliant new spin on the world’s number one puzzle game - spin, match and explode! Spin and match explosive gems for shockwaves of fun in this quick- play version of the award-winning PopCap game. Rotate jewels to set up
electrifying combos, outwit obstacles like Locks and Bombs and create high- voltage Flame and Lightning gems.
Play the intensely fun Classic mode or take on a friend in the new 2-player Battle mode. No matter how you play, you’ll find endless ways to win.

Nintendo DSiWare – Panda Craze* (Tik Games, LLC, 500 Nintendo DSi Points)
Guide Tik-Ling the panda through caves, forests, mountains and deserts on the way home to her Bamboo Forest. Dig your way through 150 exciting and challenging levels using a series of helpful tools like dynamite, bombs and bridges along the way. Panda Craze offers a fun and brain busting experience for all puzzle lovers.

Nintendo DSiWare – Peg Solitaire (CIRCLE Ent., 500 Nintendo DSi Points)
Peg Solitaire is a new take on the compelling board game for solo players where you have to move pegs strategically on a cross-shaped board with 33 holes; some boards use marbles that sit in shallow indentations. In the United Kingdom, the game is known as Solitaire and the card games are called Patience. The game has various difficulty levels to allow players to learn the gameplay techniques step by step.