News - September, 2011
Friday30th Sep 2011
Review Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (3DS eShop / GB)
Monochrome Mario is back in style
Nintendo managed to squeeze quite a bit of the Super Mario experience into the original Super Mario Land, but many gamers felt like the game was a bit too scaled down to feel like a true adventure from the series. Nintendo obviously sensed this when they sat down to create Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins, as this...
News Zelda Gets All Lovey-Dovey in Skyward Sword Trailer
And it's not even Valentine's Day
He was a ruffian from the wrong side of the tracks: she was a Princess who longed to explore the world. Their romance flourished, with the help of a talkative genie and a magic carpet. Hold on... we've got something mixed up along the way. The latest trailer for Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword plays up the romance...
News Let Shigeru Miyamoto Take You Through Skyward Sword
And in English, too
If you can't get enough of Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, what could be better than an official tutorial from Shigeru Miyamoto himself? How about a video showing Miyamoto in full-on Link mode, swinging his very own Master Sword around like the Hero of Time himself? Now we're talking. The video below is eight minutes of Skyward...
News Club Nintendo Offers Collectible Handheld History Cards
Know your roots
We've recently been diving into the history of Nintendo, and now Nintendo itself wants its fans to have a bit of a history lesson, releasing some new collectible cards for North American Club Nintendo users. The 12 hand-drawn cards detail over 30 years of handheld systems, from the Game & Watch up to the 3DS. They even come in a...
News Doodle Fit is Coming to DSiWare
We have screens and everything
Gamelion's busy on DSiWare these days, recently announcing a release date for Furry Legends as well as the next game in its Academy series, Academy: Checkers. The studio made its name on DSiWare with Extreme Hangman, but on other formats its biggest hit is Doodle Fit. Guess what? That's coming to DSiWare too...
News Shinobi's StreetPass Modes Explained in New Trailer
Are you ninja enough?
SEGA's Shinobi isn't just the story of a ninja that kills people: Juro Musashi is mortal too, particularly in the new StreetPass Challenge modes revealed today. The details we have so far reveal that StreetPassing other plays unlocks Challenge maps, which are much tougher than the standard game as you'll die after just one hit...
News How Many Levels of Breakout Is Enough?
100? 500?
How about 1,001? That's what's on offer in 1001 Blockbusters, the next DSiWare game due from Teyon and Selectsoft. The stack of power-ups — including magnetic paddles, protective walls and fiery and thorny balls — should hopefully keep things relatively fresh over the 1,001 levels of block-breaking that make up this 200 Point download...
Thursday29th Sep 2011
Nintendo Download 29th September 2011 (North America)
Another trip to Super Mario Land
With yesterday's release of Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition you'd be forgiven for thinking there's nothing worth paying for today, but this certainly is not the case. 3DS Virtual Console: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (Game Boy, Nintendo, $3.99) — One of Mario's best portable outings, this...
News This Club Nintendo Coins Spreadsheet is Invaluable
So many 1-Ups
If ever you've sat down to calculate exactly how much you need to spend to secure that must-have item in Club Nintendo, you'll know it's a frightening prospect. Not as frightening as seeing the global totals for Club Nintendo coins in spreadsheet form, though. David Dayton has collated all the facts and figures for Club Nintendo coins:...
Talking Point The Role of the N64 on the 3DS
Classic games for a new audience
It's no secret that Nintendo has been having something of a tough time of it in regards to the 3DS. Since its launch in late March of this year, Nintendo's newest handheld has battled through a significant price drop, a shaky start as far as its online functionality is concerned, complaints about poor battery life...
News 3DS Trailers Allow You to Receive SpotPass Notifications
More than just a video
A set of seven new 3D trailers hit the eShop today, but like the Nintendo Life team they're not just pretty to look at: they serve a higher purpose too. Downloading any of the trailers also allows you in to receive SpotPass notifications for that title in future by playing the video, selecting "Notifications" and...
News New Super Mario 3D Land Artwork to Gaze At
Goombas with tails?!
The latest artwork for Super Mario 3D Land should act as a neat taster for upcoming in-depth hands on preview, showing some of the game's new elements. Propeller blocks, Goombas with raccoon tails, Mario on a pole: it's all here, along with an expanded version of the game's typically bold box art. According to the countdown...
Review Break Tactics (DSiWare)
Uninspired, but not broken
Strategy games come in many forms, but these days, subgenres like tower defence and resource management are far more commonplace than your traditional turn-based affairs. Break Tactics helps fill the void, and while it's a fine entry in the category, it doesn't innovate much either. The game is reminiscent of Chess and a...
News New 3D Trailers Hit the European eShop Today
See Mario and more
Update: Nintendo of America has confirmed these trailers will also be available in North America soon. Nintendo Europe has announced a set of new 3D trailers will reach the European eShop today. Seven trailers in total will reach the eShop, and are likely to be 3D versions of videos that did the rounds before the recent Tokyo...
News New Skyward Sword Character and Story Details Revealed
A few new juicy tidbits of info
For all of you out there who are waiting anxiously for the November release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Nintendo has just released a few new nuggets of information regarding the game's storyline and characters. It seems the developers are delving a bit deeper into character development in Link's newest...
News New 3DS eShop Puzzler from Fire Emblem Team Revealed
It's cute and has blocks in it
Intelligent Systems is best known for its work on tactical games: the Fire Emblem and Advance Wars series have both emerged from the talented team over the years, but the studio has just unveiled its new franchise, a downloadable 3DS game called Hiku-Osu. As you'd expect from Intelligent Systems, it's not a simple case...
News UK Retro Computer Museum Hosts Gaming Weekend in November
Will you be there?
As much as we love to look forward to the future of Nintendo, it's important to acknowledge the company's past too. The UK's Retro Computer Museum is doing just that with a weekend of retro gaming scheduled for late November. Held at Snibston Discovery Park in Leicestershire, the show will celebrate 35 years of gaming from all...
Wednesday28th Sep 2011
Feature Nintendo 64 Let-Downs, Head Scratchers and Conundrums
Analogue stick scars and unrealised Crystal Dreams
When the Nintendo 64 entered our living rooms for the first time, most of us couldn't help but marvel at its power and dream of the possibilities. But with great power comes great responsibility, and not all of those dreams ended up coming true. We already explored the system's most memorable games;...
News R-Type Being Removed from Virtual Console
Sega pulling Master System release
According to a post on its official blog, SEGA will be removing the Sega Master System version of R-Type from Nintendo's Virtual Console in all regions on 30th September. While no official reason was given, it's believed that licensing issues have forced SEGA to remove the game. R-Type on Turbografx-16 will still...
News Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 Steals an OFLC Rating
Greed is great
It's a big day for the Game Boy's Mario Land series. The rather splendid Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins became available on the 3DS Virtual Console, and its follow-up has taken the first step towards the same fate thanks to Australia's OFLC ratings board. Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 marks the first leading role for...
News Zelda: Four Swords is Out Now in Europe and North America
Get downloading
Here's a nice treat to wake up to on a Wednesday morning: Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition is available now in the European and North American 3DS eShop and DSi Shop. The four-player game — which is absolutely free, remember — boasts local multiplayer, new stages and a single player adventure mode too, and is...
Feature escapeVektor: Chapter 1 - An Insight Into its Development
See how it's done
Over the past three weeks you may have seen feature articles from developers Nnooo, telling you all you need to know about escapeVektor: Chapter 1. With the title set for its WiiWare launch on 29th September, Nnooo now round off their preview coverage with a behind the scenes look at the development of the title. Check it out...
News G4's X-Play Celebrates Nintendo 64 Console's 15th Anniversary
Nintendo's 64-bitter turns 15
It seems that G4 TV's X-Play is about to join in on the fun in celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Nintendo 64 console. The show starts at 6:30pm ET on G4 and will be covering a wide range of Nintendo 64 topics. Wanted to let you know that tomorrow on G4’s X-Play, Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb celebrate the 15th...
Tuesday27th Sep 2011
This cuts it
There has been much debate in gaming circles about Nintendo’s digital offerings and the competition from smartphones and tablets. Now one of the biggest hits from those rival platforms, Cut the Rope, has finally arrived on DSiWare. The question is, does this title succeed on the DSi, or does it miss out on the candy? The premise of...
Review Turok: Rage Wars (Nintendo 64)
Rage against the machine (gun)
Multiplayer has been a mainstay in first person shooters since only a few years after the genre's formal debut. Nonetheless, PC gamers had been shooting each other either in LAN setups or online for many years before console FPSes got in on the act. It wasn't until GoldenEye 007 hit the N64 that the idea of getting...
Feature Celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the Nintendo 64
The Big N’s gift to modern gaming
Looking back on the Nintendo 64, there are plenty of subject areas that warrant exploration. As a console, the N64 was a trend-setter that pushed the boundaries and expectations of gaming experiences. This status as a technologically advanced and experimental console was both a blessing and a curse, as it enjoyed...
News GameCity to Transform Nottingham into Hyrule Town
Only with more shambling undead
UK event GameCity has established itself as one of the most notable events in the gaming calendar: kicking off five years ago with a celebration of SEGA music from maestro Richard Jacques, it's since taken in Katamari Damacy creator Keita Takahashi, zombie world record attempts and everything in between. This year...
News Zelda: Skyward Sword Bundle Costs $115 in Japan
So be thankful
Want that awesome gold-but-not-gold Wii Remote Plus with your Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword? Of course you do. Bet you don't want to shell out $115 for it, though. That's the reality facing Japanese gamers, as Nintendo has unveiled the special controller and game will launch for ¥8,800 — that's $114 / £73 / €84. The game alone...
News Finally, Nintendo Owns SuperMario.com
Squatters stomped
Super Mario turned 25 last year, but Nintendo's only just got around to wresting control of the all-important domain SuperMario.com from a nefarious Internet squatter. Until 25th September, SuperMario.com offered free Mario games playable over the Internet, but domain snooping shows it now belongs to Nintendo of America. The page...
News Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy Trailer Takes Flight
Plane sailing
Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy might read like a decent (if short) game of Scrabble, it's actually the name of Namco Bandai's upcoming aerial dogfighter, and it looks a lot like this. Containing such fantastic dialogue as "a coup on the day of the treaty signing?!", the trailer does show off some of the game's rather...
Monday26th Sep 2011
News Get Your Special Resident Evil Miis Now
Straight from Tokyo Games Show
Nintendo might have been a no-show at TGS this year, but there's still a neat little surprise for 3DS owners. Around the show floor, Capcom placed some special Resident Evil Revelations adverts, each bearing a QR code. Scan these with your 3DS and surprise — you get a special Mii with shiny gold trousers based on one...
Nintendo Download 29th September 2011 (Europe)
Mario and Zelda together
There's three titles out on the Nintendo Download in Europe this week, but it's certainly a case of quality titles available. Here's what's coming up on Thursday. 3DS Virtual Console: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (Game Boy, Nintendo, £3.60/€4) — This classic portable outing is fondly remembered as one of Mario's...
Talking Point The Most Memorable Nintendo 64 Games
Get N, to the Nintendo Life Poll
It seems like the year of major anniversaries in all things Nintendo, as this week we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Nintendo 64. The good old N64 was released on 29th September 1996 in North America and introduced 3D polygon graphics at a level that hadn’t been seen before. Throughout the course of this...
News Here's How Super Mario 3D Land's Gyroscope Controls Work
Pay attention
The inclusion of gyroscope motion controls in Super Mario 3D Land raised some eyebrows, but until now we didn't really know what form they'd take. Now the game's Japanese website has been updated with some fresh details. During certain levels, Mario will find a set of mounted binoculars: step up to them and he'll peer through them to...
Review Escape Trick: Ninja Castle (DSiWare)
Escape while you still can
Escape Trick: Ninja Castle is the second game in the Escape Trick series that we've seen here at Nintendo Life. The first game, Escape Trick: The Secret of Rock City Prison, failed to really grab us: its ambition was laudable, but its execution consisted of dull visuals, underwhelming gameplay, and nonsensical puzzle...
News GameStop Has Tanooki Mario Keychains For Your Pre-Order
Don't leave them hanging
Super Mario 3D Land is one of the most anticipated games of the year, but if you haven't yet got your pre-order down then GameStop is hoping to change that pretty quickly. The retailer is offering an exclusive Tanooki Mario keychain when you pre-order and buy the game, either in-store or online. There's no image of it yet,...
News Balance Board Goes Black in UK and Ireland on 7th October
Wii Fit Plus set for relaunch
Nintendo will launch a black Balance Board and Wii Fit Plus in the UK and Ireland next month. The package hits on 7th October and includes the Wii Fit Plus software and a nifty noir Balance Board This isn't the first time the board has been available in black: it was released with the black Wii console in December 2010,...
Sunday25th Sep 2011
Review 3D Classics: TwinBee (3DSWare)
Bee very grateful for this one
Most of our readers could be forgiven for never having played TwinBee: after all, it began life in 1985 as an arcade game that never left Japan. It was later ported to the Famicom, and though some reports state that an NES localisation project was actually completed, for some reason it was never released. In fact,...
Review Puzzler Mind Gym 3D (3DS)
Fair-ebellum
Brains – we've all got 'em, and up until 2006, many thought that video games would rot 'em. That's when a certain Dr. Kawashima came on the DS scene with his Brain Age training game and showed people, with the help of some (since called into question) science, that with simple math problems and puzzles intended to exercise different...
News Can't Afford a Holiday Trip? Go Vacation for Wii May Be the Answer
Release dates, trailer and screenshots inside
If you're having trouble planning a trip this winter, Namco Bandai Games may have the answer for you. The company's upcoming Wii title Go Vacation has players explore Kawawii Island in an open-ended fashion, racing, scuba diving, playing volleyball and more, as you can see in the screenshots and trailer...
Saturday24th Sep 2011
News Skyrim on Wii U a "Definite Possibility" Says Bethesda
A long road ahead, though
Wii owners missed out on a huge number of high-profile high definition games, but with Wii U around the corner everybody's hoping history won't repeat itself and the console will see the same kind of experience that are available on other formats. One such game many Nintendo fans would love to play is The Elder Scrolls V:...
Don't touch this
When a genre of game saturates a market it's fair to expect that any new title coming out within that style of play must do a good impression of the leaders in the field, in the very least aping what made the forerunners successful, hopefully providing an interesting alternative. As the number of first person shooters, mini-game...
Feature Staff Memories of the Game Boy Advance
Remembering the last ever Game Boy
This week we have been celebrating the 10 year anniversary of the Game Boy Advance. It was the last handheld of the Game Boy era, and is fondly remembered for vivid graphics, multiplayer gameplay and for the portable gaming experience that it offered. To round off our GBA celebrations, we’ve invited some of our...
News Yuji Naka's Rodea the Sky Soldier is Finished
What's keeping it?
One of the most promising Wii games still to see release is Rodea the Sky Soldier from Yuji Naka's PROPE studio. We haven't seen much of the game since January, but the good news is that development work has finished. The bad news is that publisher Kadokawa Games is yet to tell Naka its plans for releasing his latest game,...
Review Defense of the Middle Kingdom (DSiWare)
Middle of the road
Many games take the history of Asian nations as their focus, from the Japanese combat-based Samurai Warriors series to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms games, which use the warring kingdoms of first-century China as their basis. The newest to enter the ring is Defense of the Middle Kingdom, which also focuses on the latter's...
News Take a Trip to Emerald Coast in Sonic Generations Shots
Open your heart
While the 3DS version of Sonic Generations wasn't available to play at the recent Eurogamer Expo, SEGA has released a flush of new screenshots showing the classic Emerald Coast stage from Dreamcast launch title Sonic Adventure. The iconic killer whale chase remains intact, and judging from the screenshots will appear in both Classic...
Feature Become a True escapeVektor Expert
Escape with all the medals
It's time for the final part of our series of features from WiiWare developers Nnooo, telling you all you need to know about escapeVektor: Chapter 1. With the title due for release on 29th September, this is your last chance to pick up vital tips to help your escape. Read on to learn about Interceptors, achievements and...
News Sherlock Holmes Investigates 3DS in Early 2012
Not a deerstalker in sight
Focus Interactive has quite a few Sherlock Holmes games under its belt now, but it'll need to loosen that belt a little more for 2012 as the company has just announced Sherlock Holmes and the Mystery of the Frozen City for release early next year. The story goes that London is trapped in an abnormally cold storm, even...
Friday23rd Sep 2011
News Extend 3DS Battery Life with CTA's Deluxe Power Grip
Fully charged
The 3DS battery life has arguably received just as much discussion as its games line-up, and there have been plenty of peripheral companies trying to solve that problem with add-ons. CTA Digital is the latest, launching its Deluxe Power Grip to combat the issue. The grip includes a rechargeable battery that, according to CTA,...
Review Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 (DS)
Joker's wild
When Enix released the original Dragon Quest Monsters for Game Boy back in 1998, many quickly dismissed it as just another vain attempt to cash in on the Pokémon craze. But over the past 13 years, the Monsters series has developed quite a following and become more in-depth and multiplayer-friendly with each new release. Where the first...
News Happy 122nd Birthday to Nintendo
An auspicious day
While this year is full of anniversary celebrations — Zelda, Super NES and much more — today is a particularly special day as it marks the 122nd birthday of Nintendo itself. As many will know, Nintendo started off producing so-called hanafuda cards often used for gambling. It was Fusijaro Yamauchi who opened a small wooden...
News Fresh Dragon Quest X Screenshots and Trailer Inside
See more
Square Enix's announcement of Dragon Quest X certainly ignited discussion among Nintendo fans: the news it will strongly rely on online multiplayer split players, but considering the popularity of multiplayer in Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies it should be at least worth a look. Now the publisher has released a fresh set of...
Interview Object Vision Software - Aya and the Cubes of Light
We talk to the B2B software house turned game studio about its debut release
For over a decade, if you knew about Object Vision Software, it was likely because your business needed custom, or bespoke, software or consultation. Now the B2B firm has stepped into the world of video game development with the innovative WiiWare puzzler Aya and the Cubes...
Thursday22nd Sep 2011
Talking Point Why No Plans for GBA on 3DS Virtual Console?
If the Ambassadors are getting them, why not everyone else?
It's been a few weeks since the first half of the Ambassador Programme titles hit 3DS consoles everywhere, and now we're getting more anxious than ever for the upcoming ten from the Game Boy Advance line-up. So far, Nintendo has announced five of them: Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island,...
Nintendo Download 22nd September 2011 (Europe)
TwinBee rides again
Wii owners aren't tremendously well catered-for this week but 3DS owners get to play a new 3D Classic, so as usual it's easy come, easy go here at the Nintendo Download. Let's see what lucky Europeans will get to pick up on Thursday. 3DS eShop: 3D Classics: TwinBee (Nintendo, €5/£4.50) — The 3D Classics range continues to...
Nintendo Download 22nd September 2011 (North America)
Twinbee, cubes and a ninja
This week's North American download releases once again cover all three of Nintendo's platforms, though fans anticipating a particular release may feel that the titles on offer don't quite cut it. Read on for details. 3DS eShop: 3D Classics: TwinBee (Nintendo, $4.99) — The 3D Classics series continues with another...
Rumour Next Smash Bros. Could Be Called 'Universe'
Game not actually in development, though
After the peculiar 'unveiling' of a new Smash Bros. title at E3 2011, after which it was hastily shot down, we've become wary of any so-called news about the next entry in the series. Nevertheless, a rumour is worth sharing, even if the actual game is still, potentially, years away. There have been leaked...
News A New Zelda Figurine is Available for Pre-Order
Link rides into view
Some of you may already be aware of the Twilight Princess "Master Arts" series of figurines from First 4 Figures. There have been two models up to now, the first represents Zant, the villain from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, while the second portrays Midna and Wolf Link. The third figure is now confirmed,...
News 3DS Reclaims Top Spot in Japan
A return to form
There's been some positive news for Nintendo in Japan with the 3DS reclaiming top spot in the Hardware charts, according to Media Create weekly sales charts. The 3DS sold 58,837 units to seize the crown, an increase on the previous week: with no major new releases on the handheld last week it is a reasonably impressive showing. It...
Wednesday21st Sep 2011
News Nintendo Explains Lack of Online Play in Star Fox 64
You might be surprised
The multiplayer mode in Star Fox 64 3D is a lot of fun, but the need to gather four 3DS owners in one place has irritated gamers who'd rather play online with friends far and wide. Why didn't that feature make it into the game? Nintendo's Yusuke Amano recently explained in an interview with Official Nintendo Magazine. Amano...
News Meet Resident Evil Revelations' Rachel in Extended Trailer
Longer and uncut
Resident Evil Revelations is one of our most anticipated 3DS games of 2012, and that was before we saw the trailer below that looks to make some of the best use of the stereoscopic 3D since Dead or Alive: Dimensions. The trailer below may not contain any gameplay footage, but the quality of the animation is undeniable, even if we...
Feature Remembering the Game Boy Advance
The end of an era
For many years, the Game Boy brand was as synonymous with Nintendo as Mario and, perhaps, it still is. Have you ever been playing on your DS or 3DS and had someone who’s not particularly games savvy refer to it as a Game Boy? After all, the Game Boy was a worldwide brand phenomenon, penetrating the public consciousness and...
News The World Ends With You Lives On, Says Tetsuya Nomura
What's being worked on?
DS RPG The World Ends With You is one of the most beloved games on the system, but in opposition to Square Enix's love of doling out Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest updates like they're going out of fashion, we've seen neither hide nor hair of Neku and friends since the original game released. Does that mean the series has...
News Tetris 3DS Drops Into Europe on 21st October
Start forming a line now
In exactly one month you European 3DS owners will be able to get Tetris for your 3DS, as Nintendo announces a release date of 21st October 2011. The game is known as Tetris Axis in North America, but in Europe Nintendo is going with the less is more approach to naming. It'll still have the same single player and online...
22nd to 25th September, Earls Court, London
Now in its fourth year, the Eurogamer Expo is the UK's biggest dedicated video games event, brought to you by the people behind Eurogamer. Unlike media and trade-only events like E3, Eurogamer Expo is aimed at gamers, with playable versions of the most anticipated games for this Christmas and beyond. The...
News Flush the Goldfish Development Update
Flipper sequel is almost here
We just got word from developer GoodbyeGalaxyGames that development of Flush the Goldfish, the sequel to hit DSiWare game Flipper, has officially been completed. Hugo Smits, Director of Flush the Goldfish, was even kind enough to give us a development update on the game: Development is totally done, the game is at...
News Super Mario Galaxy and Twilight Princess Now Cheap in Europe
Available right now
Missed out on Super Mario Galaxy and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess in their original versions? Frustrated at the relative lack of reprints and subsequently inflated price? Like the colour red? If you can answer yes to all these questions, you'll be pleased to know that Nintendo just rereleased the two games in Europe as part...
Tuesday20th Sep 2011
Talking Point The Most Memorable Third Party Game Boy Advance Games
We’re a bit late to the party
Back in June, the Game Boy Advance was celebrating its 10 year anniversary. We’re sure there was a party, with lots of balloons and a GBA shaped cake, but we weren’t there. We were a bit tied up with the excitement of E3 and the unveiling of the Wii U, while also looking ahead to what was next for the 3DS. Now we...
News Point Your Finger at This Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Trailer
All together now...
Two of the DS's greatest heroes are combining in one 3DS adventure. Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright is real, and it looks like this. The first thing worth noting is the 3D polygon models of Layton and Phoenix are remarkably faithful to their original two-dimensional selves, with the familiar sight of Wright's brow dripping...
News Zelda: Skyward Sword Video is a Real Treasure
You'll see
Arguably one of the best bits of Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker was the treasure-hunting sections that made a thrill out of exploring the expansive ocean, and the idea returned again in Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Even without so much water everywhere, treasure is just as important in Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, as the video...
First Impressions Zen Pinball 3D
We take the game for a spin
Zen Studios has become quite well-known for its pinball simulations released across several gaming platforms in recent years, but now the company is looking to jump into the 3DS eShop pool with the upcoming Zen Pinball 3D. The folks at Zen Studios were kind enough to send over a preview build of the game, which we...
News New Sonic Generations Shots Are Very Green and Hilly
What more do you need to know?
The full level line-up for Sonic Generations is still a closely guarded secret at SEGA, but there's no doubt whatsoever that the first stage is a 3D recreation of where it all began: Green Hill Zone. SEGA just unveiled 23 new screenshots showing Classic and Modern Sonic take on the iconic stage, the former doing little...
News Tetris Axis Lines Up 8 Player Online Modes
Friends not included
With the announcement that Nintendo had picked up publishing duties for Tetris Axis came a fact sheet proclaiming two to six player online play. Great news indeed. Fast forward a few weeks and Nintendo has updated the fact sheet with one minor change: online multiplayer will now support up to eight players for maximum...
News Zen Studios Announces Zen Pinball 3D for 3DS eShop
Pinball series making Nintendo debut
Zen Studios has just announced that its Zen Pinball series is set to make an appearance on Nintendo's 3DS eShop later this year. Having already made the rounds on various other gaming platforms, the game will now be presented in full 3D with four unique pinball tables to tackle, as well as a host of different...
News How Many Kirbys Can You Fit on a DS Box?
The pinkest box you'll ever see
While gamers across North America can now wrestle with Kirby Mass Attack, European DS owners must wait until 28th October to get another dose of pink sugary fun. Nintendo Europe wants to put that right at the forefront of your mind, as the game's Euro box art clearly shows. Ignoring the rather more action-oriented...
Monday19th Sep 2011
Ten for the price of one
It's no secret that Kirby has been a huge part of Nintendo's portable systems over the years, even making his debut on the original Game Boy back in 1992. When Kirby Canvas Curse was released, it took the traditional button controls away and replaced them with the touchscreen controls of the DS. While some die-hard fans of...
Review Driver: Renegade 3D (3DS)
Stuck in neutral
Driving and racing games have, so far, been relatively well represented on the 3DS in its early lifespan, with Ridge Racer 3D and Asphalt 3D competing for the affections of driving fans. Ubisoft has now joined in with Driver Renegade 3D, an exclusive title in the franchise for the handheld. Does it provide a high-octane adrenaline...
News Capcom Refused Inafune's MML3 Contract Proposal
Inafune losing hope
Capcom's announcement in July that Mega Man Legends 3 would not see release sparked quite the vitriolic response from supporters, thanks in no small part to its planned utilisation of fan influence and ideas to mould and shape the title. The company stated at the time that this was unrelated to the departure of series creator...
News There's Hope for Layton vs. Phoenix Wright Outside Japan
Another mystery to investigate
The thought of seeing two of gaming's greatest minds face-off in Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright is the reason we get out of bed in the morning, but when it was revealed that Ace Attorney Investigations 2 wouldn't come Westward some were worried that future mental mastery wouldn't make it out of Japan either. Now...
News Would You Trust a Goomba to Clean Your House?
The uprising starts now
Goombas are so much more than their common portrayal as easily vanquished stomp cushions would have you believe: they have other skills, like cleaning the house. That's right: someone made the inevitable leap and combined the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner with the Goomba and created... well, the Goomba Roomba, presumably. The...
News Dragon Quest Monsters Remake Charts a Course for 3DS
Taking up arms again
While today sees the launch of Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 in North America, there's more Dragon Quest news to go around, as Square Enix has confirmed it's remaking Dragon Quest Monsters (or Dragon Warrior Monsters as it's also known) for the 3DS. The Game Boy Color original was the first game in the series to make it to...
Sunday18th Sep 2011
In pole position
If there's one letter of the alphabet that, when included at the end of a title should instantly tell you not to buy that game, it's the letter “z”. The quality of a product with a name that has the linguistic audacity to inappropriately replace the sensual sweeps of a sexily shaped "s", is for the most part awful:...
Feature Luigi's Mansion 10th Anniversary
No longer the other brother
It may not be grabbing the headlines at the moment, but a notable anniversary has just passed: September 14th was the 10th anniversary of the release of Luigi’s Mansion in Japan. With the sequel due to arrive on 3DS in 2012, Downloads Editor Corbie Dillard and writer Jacob Crites have taken up the challenge of exploring...
Saturday17th Sep 2011
Talking Point Nintendo's 3DS Press Conference
Is the 3DS back on track?
After a busy week of announcements, reactions to announcements, and Nintendo Life’s epic appearance on the eShop (we had to mention it), it seems like a good moment to sit back and take a deep breath. With so much news coming out of Nintendo’s Tokyo conference on 13th September, as well as localised press releases in...
Great Britain, average game
Is it OK to be competent? Is it OK, not to excel, not to push the boundaries, but just to be totally fine? It's fair to say that we all want this medium to drive forward and provide us an experience you can't find elsewhere, but when a product doesn't claim to be groundbreaking should we really expect a revolution in game...
Feature Unlocking the Secrets of escapeVektor: Chapter 1
Learn more about Vektor
Last week we brought you the first in a series of three features from WiiWare developers Nnooo, introducing escapeVektor: Chapter 1. In this latest instalment, Nnooo tell us about another enemy type, as well as details on the secrets and achievements to be uncovered in the title. Anti-Hunter tactics, exits to hidden areas and...
Friday16th Sep 2011
BIT.TRIP for your trip
It's impossible to deny just how successful Gaijin Games has been at capturing the old-school flavor of video games from our past and their ability to mould those sensibilities with modern technology. Their BIT.TRIP series has spawned some of the most popular downloads available on WiiWare and is now making a go at retail...
Review Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge (3DS eShop / GB)
Slightly less than mega
Back when the Mega Man franchise started with the release of the original NES game, Capcom never thought it would do well — the first game was expected to bomb horribly, as almost nobody at the famous developer thought people would like it. Fast forward to today, and Mega Man has become one of their best-known franchises...
A blast, easel-y
Painting is a lot of fun, and as it happens, it's even more fun with a group. Why it's taken so long for a game studio to realise this is beyond us – and it was beyond the man behind Paint Splash and father of three, Uffe Flarup, as well. That's why he created Kidspaint, a homebrew application that let families everywhere enjoy...
News Animal Crossing 3DS Looks Suitably Relaxing
Screens and trailer inside
Nintendo is finally starting to open up about Animal Crossing on 3DS, with a set of new screenshots and a short trailer unveiled at the Nintendo Conference this week. AC aficionados will be pleased to hear the game is due for release in 2012, with new features letting you become head of the village to lead its development,...
News This Is How You Upgrade Items in Skyward Sword
Pay attention
It's a generally accepted fact that if you're off on a long adventure, the things you find at the start won't be as good as the things you find at the end. If only the shopkeepers realised this and relocated to the smallest town possible, they could make a killing from young adventurers. Anyway, that aside, this new trailer for Legend...
News Go First-Person in New Mario Kart 7 Trailer
All systems go
The motion controls in Mario Kart Wii divide opinion amongst gamers, so it'll be fascinating to see the reaction to the new first-person gyroscope controls in December's Mario Kart 7. The new mode is briefly shown in the new trailer below, alongside new additions such as the Fire Flower power-up and returning favourites too. There's...
News Super Mario 3D Land Video Shows Raccoon Bowser and More
Those tails get everywhere
The return of the Tanooki Suit in Super Mario 3D Land is causing a lot of excitement, but even more exciting than seeing the tail pinned on Mario is seeing his age-old adversary wagging the stripy length of fur around like a dog with a bone. The new trailer below from Nintendo Conference 2011 shows the raccoon tail...
News Nintendo Europe Dropped London Life to "Avoid Delays"
Can you Adam and Eve it?
North American gamers, you hold the trump card on this one; your copies of Professor Layton and the Last Specter contain the bonus RPG Professor Layton's London Life. Anyone who buys the European version of the game — titled Professor Layton and the Spectre's Call — will not get this extra mode. Reader SoulSilverIV...
News Mario Tennis 3DS Screenshots Are a Smash Hit
Camelot returns
Just because Mario Sports Mix combined multiple disciplines and the upcoming Mario and Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games will include 50 sports doesn't mean Mario's gone Jack of all trades, master of none: he's still in pursuit of single sport excellence, as next year's tentatively titled Mario Tennis proves. The lawn tennis...
News Europe Joins the Red 3DS Ranks on 30th September
You won't be left out
Here's a little slice of information you may have missed in all the Monster Hunter 4 excitement: the red 3DS is winging its way to Europe at the end of the month. The newly-rechristened Metallic Red console launches on 30th September, in honour of Nintendo having sold one million 3DS consoles since its launch in March,...
Thursday15th Sep 2011
Site News Nintendo Life's eShop Appearance
Check out our faves
Here at Nintendo Life we're committed to reviewing every title released on Nintendo's download platforms. With over 1,200 download reviews covering WiiWare, Virtual Console, DSiWare and the eShop, we're confident that you won't find a more complete collection of download reviews anywhere else. If you fire up your 3DS today and...
Nintendo Download 15th September 2011 (Europe)
Fab four this week
Whatever your Nintendo console of choice, this week's Europe update has you covered. If you happen to own a Wii and 3DS, then it may be time to pick up some more Nintendo Points and eShop funds. 3DS Virtual Console: Mega Man: Dr Wily's Revenge (Game Boy, Capcom, €4/£3.60) - Mega Man's first adventure on the Game Boy gets the...
Nintendo Download 15th September 2011 (North America)
Mega Heroz this week
Details of this week's North American downloads are sure to please, with a variety of titles on all formats. Without further ado, check below for details. 3DS Virtual Console: Mega Man: Dr Wily's Revenge (Game Boy, Capcom, $3.99) — Mega Man's first adventure on the Game Boy gets the 3DS Virtual Console treatment. Our review...
News Ace Combat Takes 3DS to the Skies in NA on 15th November
New screens of Assault Horizon Legacy inside
Namco Bandai has just announced a North American release date for the newly titled 3DS game Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy of 15th November. The publisher also promies touch-screen targeting and added control mechanics to dogfight and perform aerial acrobatics with ease. Carlson Choi, Vice President of...
News Pokémon Black Nominated for Inaugural GameCity Prize
The what prize?
GameCity, Europe’s biggest videogame culture festival, has today announced the shortlist for it's inaugural GameCity Prize. The Prize has been created to discuss, explore and celebrate the very best in interactive entertainment, aiming to be the video game equivalent to the Mercury Music Prize or the Man Booker Prize for...
Wednesday14th Sep 2011
Review BIT.TRIP COMPLETE (Wii)
Aptly titled
The BIT.TRIP titles have been wildly popular on WiiWare, but despite being able to purchase the games individually, fans of the series have been clamoring for a Wii compilation disc release since the series was completed. With the release of BIT.TRIP COMPLETE, fans not only get the collection they've wanted, but also a wealth of brand...
Feature Nintendo - Gaming in Black and White
The continuing appeal of retro
In the midst of lively, colourful menu tiles that spin with a blow into the microphone and play charming tunes when selected, many 3DS's are littered with other tiles that are glaringly less interesting. They don't play charming animations on the top screen, and when selected, the greeting is nothing more than a little...
News Take a Look at Square Enix's Upcoming 3DS JRPG
Bravely Default: Flying Fairy trailer, AR screens inside
During Nintendo's 3DS press conference yesterday, one game that caught our eye was Square Enix's upcoming JRPG Bravely Default: Flying Fairy, set for release in 2012. The name may not sound like much, but now you can glimpse gameplay footage in the trailer below. We previously announced that...
News Iwata Resists Calls for Smartphone Games
Says Nintendo's business in hardware is vital
Following Nintendo's press conference in Tokyo, CEO Satoru Iwata conducted an interview with Nikkei about the future of the 3DS and Nintendo as a whole. Amongst expected talk of strong software line-ups and a Nintendo fightback, Iwata was asked, once again, whether Nintendo would be joining the...
News Activision Comes Out in Support of Circle Pad Expansion
Some positive press for the peripheral
The 3DS 'circle pad expansion', due for release in Japan before the end of the year, has been a source of serious debate amongst Nintendo gamers. Amidst discussions about topics ranging from the aesthetic appeal of the add-on, to its compatibility with games and its requirement of one AAA battery for power, the...
News Check Out the Concept Trailer for Monster Hunter 4
A beast of a game
Yesterday, we announced that Monster Hunter 4 was headed to the 3DS, the next entry in Capcom's popular franchise. You can now watch the announcement trailer below over and over, which the company has revealed is more concept than gameplay footage. Still, it's fun to watch, ain't it? There's no confirmation yet that this title will...
Tuesday13th Sep 2011
News Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 Release Dates Confirmed
Gyroscope controls also announced
Prepare yourselves, Mario fans, because the two most anticipated 3DS releases of the year now have confirmed release dates. We've known for a while now that Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 would be arriving on the 3DS this November and December, respectively. Nintendo have now confirmed the dates that we can...
News Four Swords Anniversary Edition Details Announced
Multiplayer Zelda isn't far away
As part of today's media blitz from Nintendo, a press release has confirmed the release date of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition as 28th September in the EU and North America. For those of you who haven't heard, this title was originally released on the Game Boy Advance and will be completely free...
News 3DS Second Circle Pad Formally Announced
Details of release date and compatible games
Details concerning the 3DS circle pad expansion have been released, provided by Nintendo after their press conference earlier today. It's set for release on 10th December in Japan, to coincide with the release of Monster Hunter 3 G, and will cost ¥1,500 (around £12). It's been confirmed that the...
Podcast NLFM Episode 20: It's Alive!
Thanks for hanging on to those RSS feeds
Had you going there for a while, didn't we? Weekly. Ha! Sorry for the absence, fearless listeners, but Nintendo Life's chip and game music podcast NLFM is back on track after a too-long hiatus. And boy do we have some doozies for your ears! 1. Shiryu — The Goddamn Batman (Shiryu’s Arcade vol. 4)2. Yoko...
News 3DS Video Recording On the Way
More StreetPass also confirmed
Amongst the frenzy of announcements of new games and peripherals, some other news of interest has emerged for 3DS owners through a Nintendo press release. A system update in November will bring two major updates to the system. Firstly, there will be a new function to record 3D Video with the camera. Details such as the...
News More Titles Announced at 3DS Conference
Dynasty Warriors Vs, Friend Collection, online soccer and more
Along with announcements of Monster Hunter 4, Style Savvy and Fire Emblem, a few other noteworthy titles are making their way to the handheld as well. The first is an entry in the Dynasty Warriors series, Dynasty Warriors Vs. It'll support four-player combat and should hit the 3DS in...
Not quite on point
Welcome to DotMan, the game of driving in circles. And that's it, basically. There's also a small amount of strategy, along with boredom and frustration, but we'll deal with those shortly. DotMan has its roots in classic games like Dodge 'Em and Pac-Man, but that's a bit like saying Twilight has its roots in Bram Stoker's Dracula:...
News More Super Mario 3D Land Screenshots Warp Into View
More Super Mario eye candy
It seems that all of the announcements flowing out of Nintendo tonight have also brought a barrage of new game assets with them. First up is a brand new set of 10 Super Mario 3D Land screenshots that show off some new areas of the game. With every new group of shots, the game just keeps looking better and better. We'll...
News Monster Hunter 4 to Burn Up Your 3DS
Even more monsters to hunt
We've just received word from the 3DS conference that there's a brand new Monster Hunter game headed to the 3DS. No, not just the already-confirmed Monter Hunter 3 G. Monster Hunter 4 is on its way as well. It's great to see not one but two games from this popular franchise headed to the potent portable. We'll have more...
News Mario Tennis Smashing Onto 3DS
Confirmed at conference
We've just seen footage of a new Mario Tennis game coming to 3DS. We don't have much information on the project, but Andriasang confirms that it will support gyroscope control. You can view a screen grab to the right. We'll have more news as it develops. Are you excited about this popular franchise making its 3D debut?
News Fire Emblem Strategising Its Way to 3DS
All-new adventure slated for next year
Among the plethora of games new and old shown during Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata's presentation during the 3DS Conference, a new entry in the fan-favorite Fire Emblem franchise was revealed for release next year. The final name is not known at the moment, but it is confirmed to be an all-new adventure and will...
News The 3DS Will Come in Pink, Too
New Style Savvy also confirmed
Joining the recently-announced metallic pink DSi XL will be a similarly coloured 3DS, shown off earlier at Nintendo's conference. That'll go great with the new entry in the Style Savvy fashion-centred franchise also announced for the handheld. The pink 3DS hits Japan on 20th October. We'll keep you posted when news of...
News Kid Icarus: Uprising Suffers Worldwide Delay
Pit's wings clipped until 2012
Kid Icarus: Uprising had already got pushed back to 2012 in Europe but looked to be on course for a Japan and North America release this holiday season. Sadly, that doesn't appear to be the case anymore. During today's 3DS Conference in Japan, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata announced that the game has been pushed back in...
News Pokemon Blasting to Europe on 2nd December
Time to rumble
In a day of feverish announcements of all things Nintendo and 3DS, one group of gamers may have been wondering about a particular announcement. Breathe easy, European Pokemon fans, Super Pokémon Rumble, or Pokémon Rumble Blast to our readers in North America, has been confirmed for Europe-wide release on 2nd December. The details...
Monday12th Sep 2011
First Impressions MotoHeroz (WiiWare)
We take the Trials-style game for a quick spin
It's always tough to tell what you're going to get when developers decide to combine two separate genres into one new gaming experience. Sometimes it works and offers up something fresh and unique, whereas other times it can be a complete and utter disaster. With their upcoming WiiWare release...
News Professor Layton and the Spectre's Call Gets EU Release Date
DS owners rejoice
There is some good news for Professor Layton fans in the EU with confirmation that the series prequel, Professor Layton and the Last Specter, now has a confirmed release date of 25th November in UK and Europe. It will launch with the alternate title Professor Layton and the Spectre's Call. The game will have been out in Japan for...
News Star Fox Barrel Rolls into UK All-Format Top Ten
Say your prayers, Zumba Fitness
Star Fox 64 3D, just released this past Friday, has already shot its way onto the UK top ten list for all formats, which treats sales for multi-platform games as single slots on the chart. It also beat out The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, coming in at #1 on the 3DS top ten. You can view the charts below...
Sunday11th Sep 2011
News Cut the Rope to Slice Up EU DSiWare on 22nd September
When it comes to quality downloads, will this make the cut?
Among the best-received iOS titles is Cut the Rope, which represents along with others like Angry Birds that quality gaming is possible on smartphones, iPads and the like. We've just learned via the European Nintendo Channel that it's heading to DSiWare on 22nd September from Chillingo for...
Saturday10th Sep 2011
Round Table The Ambassador NES Games
Why Nintendo, you are spoiling us
It's an understatement to suggest that the 3DS has had an interesting first six months. Disappointing sales followed by a massive price drop, and now some very early departures into the realm of quirky add-on accessories. Yet, for early adopters of the system, there have been a selection of entertaining games and...
Talking Point The Second Circle Pad and the 3DS Evolution
What next for the 3DS?
Another week, another major 3DS announcement. That may be an exaggeration, but it is nevertheless true that the 3DS has had a busy first six months in the market. Since the device launched we’ve already heard about disappointing sales, a number of delayed 3DS titles from third party developers, Nintendo’s decision to...
Yep. It's golf.
Rare is the game that leaves us truly speechless, but the Game Boy version of Golf is certainly one of them. Of course that's just because there's not really much to talk about. Golf, as you might expect, is a golf game. Whatever comes to mind when you hear that, that's what you get. No less, and no more. It consists of two courses...
Review House, M.D. - Episode 2: Blue Meanie (DSiWare)
Blue all over
Earlier this summer saw the release of Legacy Interactive’s first DSiWare game, House, M.D. - Episode 1: Globetrotting. If you played the game, or simply read our review, then you’ll know that this maiden voyage was not a very successful one for the company. Now, several months later, the series continues with House M.D. -...
News Nintendo Plans a Rosy Future for DSi XL
Metallic Rose colour to premiere this month in North America
Have you found yourself wishing that you could finally buy that DSi XL if it only were available in your favourite colour? If that colour is metallic pink, you're in luck, as Nintendo recently announced its plans to release such a device on 18th September. The DSi XL, of course, is like...
News Horizon Riders to Shoot Up NA WiiWare on 6th October
Sabarasa's rail shooter gets a release date
It's been over a year since we've heard anything about WiiWare rail shooter Horizon Riders, but we've just uncovered a North American date of 6th October via its official page on Nintendo.com. You can learn more about the game, which earlier was confirmed to support the Balance Board and Wii Zapper...
Feature Introducing escapeVektor: Chapter 1
Can you help Vektor escape?
We're happy to bring you the first in a series of three features from WiiWare developers Nnooo, introducing escapeVektor: Chapter 1. The developer's latest title following the excellent Pop, escapeVektor: Chapter 1 promises a retro arcade experience. Read on to learn more. Avoiding Patrols, Electric Fences & Cannons!...
Friday9th Sep 2011
Site News A Better Nintendo Life
We're committed
Here at Nintendo Life we've made a firm commitment to bring you the best Nintendo news and reviews site we can, but we also understand that there's always room for improvement. We would like to thank everyone who took part in our recent reader survey, as this has given us some great insight into what you like about the site and what...
News The History of Nintendo Book Gets English Release
Know your roots
Pix'n Love Publishing's book The History of Nintendo was until now only available in French, but after a pre-order run last year it's now available to buy. The 240-page book spans Nintendo's humble beginnings in 1889 until the early 1980s, with more than 2,000 exclusive pictures illustrating the story along the way. The book costs...
News Fox McCloud Returns As Star Fox 64 3D Launches Worldwide
The whole crew's here
After a lengthy absence — his last starring role was back in 2006 — Fox McCloud is back, as Star Fox 64 3D takes off across North America and Europe today. The updated version of Star Fox 64 (known as Lylat Wars in Europe) is one of the better games we've seen released for 3DS so far, as our Star Fox 64 3D review explains:...
News Solatorobo Goes Gold, Gets NA Release Date
Touted RPG finally coming to North America
European gamers have been enjoying Solatorobo: Red the Hunter for over two months now, but XSEED has just announced that the game has not only gone gold, but it's also been set for a September 27th release in North American territories. If by some miracle you're still undecided about the game, you can check...
News 3DS Sales Jump 260 Percent in US After Price Drop
Jumps to second place
The much talked-about 3DS price drop had the desired effect in the United States, helping to shift 235,000 units of the machine in August. Of those sales, 185,000 machines sold after the price drop on 12th August, a 260% increase on the same period in the July. The upped sales were enough to take it to second place in the...
Interview Tanukii Studios - Go! Go! Kokopolo and Beyond
We sit down with the sole member of the young DSiWare dev
Here at Nintendo Life, two things we love are creative independent developers and unique game designs. One great example of the latter is the recently released Go! Go! Kokopolo, a quirky, challenging downloadable title that hit the DSi Shop a little while ago and scored an 8/10 in our Go! Go!...
Thursday8th Sep 2011
News You're Not Alone in Finding the First Zelda So Hard
So does Eiji Aonuma
The re-release of Legend of Zelda as part of the 3DS Ambassador program has reminded gamers just how hard Link's first outing is. If you haven't finished it yet, don't give yourself a hard time about it: neither has series producer Eiji Aonuma. In a recent interview with Game Informer, Aonuma revealed to this day he has never...
Talking Point The Future of No-Frills Emulation on the eShop
Why should it stop with the Ambassador scheme?
Before the Virtual Console, emulators provided the only way that people could relive their favourite gaming experiences of years past. Allowing players to download "rom" files and load them onto their personal computers and other platforms, their only real legal application is to allow those...
Review Trenches Generals (WiiWare)
Fun with guns or suicide mission?
The blood. The smoke. The little exploding cartoon men. War is Hell. Recreating the feel of battle with a cartoony spin is Trenches Generals, the latest spin on the tower defence subgenre, updated from the recent iOS version for WiiWare with updated AI, levelling-up system, content and more. But is this an explosive...
Nintendo Download 8th September 2011 (North America)
Another mixed bag
You know the drill by now: today's Nintendo Download spans the good, the not-so-good and the downright baffling. Here's what's available for you today. 3DS Virtual Console: Golf (Game Boy, Nintendo, $2.99) — Take to the links in this simple take on a good walk spoiled. Whether it's a better golf game than free Ambassador game NES...
News Get a Venusaur C-Gear Skin with Exclusive Code
Give your gear a makeover
Pokémon Black & White has plenty to keep you going, so if you're still playing the game then Nintendo wants to reward you with some new looks for your all-important C-Gear. By using the special code below and the Pokémon Global Link website, you'll be able to add an exclusive Venusaur theme to the C-Gear. It doesn't...
News Hear the Roar of More Monster Hunter 3G Shots and Details
Unless you're using earplugs
Monster Hunter 3 G is coming to 3DS, and it's bringing new features, monsters and more along with it. Aside from the opinion-splitting analogue stick add-on the game will offer a form of lock-on camera control using the touch screen. When a large monster enters the area, tapping the target icon will activate the feature:...
News Better Late Than Never, Europe's 3DS Ambassador Tool is Here
About time
Last week 3DS owners all across Europe were feverishly downloading free NES games, except those left out of the 3DS Ambassador programme, disappointed that they weren't eligible for the freebies. Wouldn't it have been useful to have some sort of eligibility verification tool to see who was in and who wasn't? Now — one week after the...
News Beat More Picture Dungeons in Dot Eater: New Picdun
DSiWare treat goes 3D
GO Series: Picdun is something of a DSiWare gem, so it's pleasing to hear it's going to see a downloadable follow-up on 3DS with the aptly named Dot Eater: New Picdun. The game will see release in the 3DS eShop next week for 300 Yen (around $4/£3), with the trailer below showing a new emphasis on picking up pills in a Pac-Man...
News Kirby Delivers Ice Cold Snacks to US Cities
Is one of them near you?
To promote the launch of Kirby Mass Attack this month, Nintendo is taking demos of the game across America. But how to transport Kirby and feed players at the same time? With Kirby Snack Attack Trucks, of course. Nintendo's plan is to travel the country — realistically three cities — with frozen fruit snacks and DS...
News GAME and Rising Star Team Up for Artwork Giveaway
Become a cropper
The limited edition Harvest Moon artwork giveaway announced last week was, let's face it, rather confusing. Now we have the full picture on how you'll be able to get three sets of PAL-exclusive, limited edition Harvest Moon-themed artwork. The first set of art cards will be included with every copy of Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar. The...
Wednesday7th Sep 2011
News Analogue Stick Add-On for 3DS Revealed
First look inside
Update: A Nintendo UK representative has confirmed the device is real, saying: We can confirm that Nintendo does plan to release the attachment but that any further announcements on the attachment will be made at some later time by Nintendo. The rumours of a second analogue stick add-on for Nintendo 3DS continue to strengthen,...
Rumour Yoshi 3DS, Super Mario 3D Land Demo and More
Pick up your salt at the door
An astronomical amount of attention surrounds any Nintendo press event, particularly one where the company announces it'll be revealing new products. Next Tuesday's "3DS new product conference" is just such an occasion, and once again we have a fresh batch of rumours about exactly what'll be shown off at the...
Review 1950s Lawn Mower Kids (DSiWare)
A bit of a chore
When it comes to attempts to turn boring, low-paid jobs into exciting DSiWare downloads, Zordix AB jumped to the fore with Valet Parking 1989. It was an intriguing but flawed game, jam packed with nostalgia and 80’s humour. The developer is now continuing the theme of decade-specific chore simulation with 1950s Lawn Mower Kids...
News Famitsu Leads with More Monster Hunter Tri G 3DS Details
Bigger and better?
When revealing the 3DS Circle Pad add-on, Famitsu also confirmed the existence of one of the most-requested 3DS games: Monster Hunter Tri G, an expanded version of Wii adventure Monster Hunter 3 (~Tri). The magazine reports that unlike PSP's Monster Hunter Portable 3rd the 3DS version will retain the underwater combat introduced...
Feature Star Fox - Pioneering 3D Shoot-em-ups Since 1993
Shoot everything in sight
This week sees the release of Star Fox 64 3D. As you're no doubt aware, it's a remastering in the same vein as Ocarina of Time 3D, so updated visuals are naturally present. Given the updated hardware, Fox McCloud and the team will be appearing in true 3D for the first time. On the 3DS, a true sensation of depth should...
News Ride the Rails with RollerCoaster Tycoon 3D Next Year
Or decide where they go at least
In RollerCoaster Tycoon you're supposed to build the ultimate theme park to spread joy to the world, bring smiles to the faces of terminally ill children and generally make everybody feel good about themselves, but it's actually much more fun to create rides like this. 3DS owners will get a taste of that pleasure...
News Exclusive Screenshots of Miis Playing Soccer Up
!
There's some strange sports on WiiWare — Target Toss Pro: Lawn Darts and Zoo Disc Golf, take a bow — but in all the years of the service we can't come up with one decent football (or "soccer") game. Could that game be Soccer Up!? We don't know, but we have some exclusive screenshots of Mii characters in action. That'll have to do...
News MotoHeroz Races to North America on 15th September
Points at the ready
RedLynx's WiiWare racing-platform lovechild MotoHeroz will finally make it to the podium next week, with a confirmed North American and European release date of 15th September. It'll set you back a pretty penny though, costing 1500 Wii Points, putting it amongst the most expensive games on the service. As our exclusive Feature:...
News Shinobi Returns with Brand New Gameplay Trailer
It's ninja warrior time
SEGA just sent over some fresh footage of the latest reinvention of its classic franchise: Shinobi for 3DS. The gameplay footage below shows off far more of a combo-based style of gameplay, though it's always pleasing to see Musashi performing the classic mid-air shuriken spin attack. The game's down for a European release on...
Tuesday6th Sep 2011
Just like old times, huh Fox?
When the remake of Star Fox 64 was announced for 3DS, it joined Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D as part of Nintendo’s N64 re-release launch strategy. Opinion will vary on the merits of releasing these titles on the handheld, with some pining after the new titles on the horizon. What we can say after a lot of time...
Talking Point The Five Remaining GBA Ambassador Games
What could they be?
With the NES half of the Ambassador titles hitting the eShop last week, it's only a matter of time before the ten Game Boy Advance games launch. So far Nintendo has announced only half: Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Metroid Fusion, Mario vs. Donkey Kong and WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$...
News After 25 Years, The NES Gets A New Magazine
Oh happy day
The humble Nintendo Entertainment System: responsible for bringing so many to sip from the cup of gaming, and now enjoying yet another lease of life via the recent 3DS Ambassador games. As with all Nintendo consoles it has a dedicated following online, but it could soon have a bigger presence in the print world as website NES-Bit.com...
Rumour Monster Hunter Tri G To Be Revealed Next Week
It's that time again
Every man and his dog is predicting a Monster Hunter reveal for 3DS soon: Mizuho Security pegged it for TGS 2011, and now another rumour has reared its monstrous head, claiming we'll see the game shown off next week. The source of the rumour is an anonymous Internet poster claiming to work for the Computer Entertainment...
News Dragon Quest X Requires Online Connection
Subscription confirmed too
The revelation of Dragon Quest X for Wii and Wii U came with some uncertainty: will the game be fully playable offline, and will it require a subscription fee to play online? Now a Square Enix FAQ has answered the questions, with mixed results. According to AndriaSang, the document claims that you'll need an Internet...
Monday5th Sep 2011
News Sonic Generations Shots Show Casino Night Action
A winner?
Nintendo UK just let loose a set of new screens and details for Sonic Generations, showing classic Sonic the Hedgehog 2 stage Casino Night Zone. The page also reveals you'll be able to use accumulated Play Coins to unlock new challenges, with new missions opened up via StreetPass exchanges with other players. Two owners of the game can...
News Dragon Quest X Goes Online for Wii and Wii U
New game revealed
Square Enix's press conference in Japan has been and gone, and now we finally have information about Dragon Quest X. Officially titled Dragon Quest X Mezameshi Itsutsu no Shuzoku Online — roughly meaning Dragon Quest X: The Wake of the Five Tribes Online — the game will see release on Wii in 2012, with an enhanced Wii U version...
Nintendo Download 8th September 2011 (Europe)
Two to tango
Most kids have gone back to school, so perhaps that's why this week's Nintendo Download is so slim, to minimise distractions from the very serious studying going on. Or there's simply nothing good to release this week and any proximity to children returning to full-time education is merely coincidental. Whichever it is, here's your two...
News BIT.TRIP COMPLETE and SAGA Trailer is Hard to BEAT
Fills a VOID, too
Gaijin Games' double-whammy of retail BIT.TRIP compilations — BIT.TRIP COMPLETE on Wii and BIT.TRIP SAGA on 3DS — is about to hit retail across North America, so what better time to indulge in a brand new trailer showing the games off? In case you weren't sure which version to pick up, our handy Feature: BIT.TRIP SAGA vs...
Saturday3rd Sep 2011
Round Table Looking Back at the Star Fox Series
Back in the Arwing
Fox McCloud is about to make a welcome return to the gaming scene, with the upcoming Star Fox 64 3D ready to blast onto 3DS screens. As a franchise, Star Fox has shown plenty of diversity, so we decided it was time to reflect on the adventures of good old Fox and the gang. Features editor Thomas Whitehead is joined by community...
News Marvel at Kirby Mass Attack's Minigames
Mini RPG mode revealed
Kirby Mass Attack's enormous army of pink... things is just around the corner, so Nintendo is taking the time to show off some of the bonus games packed into the DS cartridge. As well as the platform antics there are several minigames available, including pest-whacking Field Frenzy, mini RPG Kirby Quest and the pinball-like...
Friday2nd Sep 2011
News A New Dragon Quest Announcement Approaches
Prepare to battle
Square Enix has announced a press conference on Monday to reveal a new entry in the Dragon Quest franchise. While we know that the company is developing Dragon Quest for 3DS, it's more likely the show will bring us our first look at the much anticipated Dragon Quest X on Nintendo Wii, a game that's been in development for years...
News Star Fox 64 3D Trailer Goes Off the Beaten Track
Alternate routes abound
Star Fox 64 3D is just a week from launch, and Nintendo has just let loose another salvo of gameplay footage for you to ingest. The new trailer below shows some of the game's alternate routes in action, so if you're the sort of person who likes to discover things for themselves you might not want to watch this all the way...
News In Space, Nobody Can Hear This Aliens: Infestation Trailer
It's just too far away
SEGA's Aliens: Infestation is sneaking up on its late September launch date like a particularly stealth facehugger, and now we have a trailer showing the game off. Created by Shantae: Risky's Revenge team WayForward, the game looks set to combine shooting with exploration, which will do us very nicely indeed. Check out the...
News PDP Returns to Combat with Wii Modern Warfare Headset
Head bang again
Last year's release of Call of Duty: Black Ops came with a nice surprise: support for the new PDP Headbanger headset for online play, a notable improvement over Wii Speak's use in previous online games. PDP and Activision obviously both believe they were onto a good thing, as the headset will be making a return for Call of Duty:...
News Flame Red 3DS Heats Up Australia from 22nd September
Just Europe left
Brace yourself Australia: you're getting a new 3DS colour in three weeks. The Flame Red machine heads Down Under on 22nd September, retailing for $AU249.95. It follows the red console's North American launch on 9th September and its Japanese appearance back in July. Europe is still waiting information from Nintendo but it seems...
News Replay Expo Expands to Celebrate More Nintendo History
Now twice the size
The annual Replay Expo in Blackpool, England has become a highlight of the gaming year for many retro enthusiasts: featuring plenty of classic and obscure games from Nintendo, SEGA, Atari and more, it's a gamer's dream. This year's show is promising to be better than ever, with a second ballroom added to accommodate twice as many...
Thursday1st Sep 2011
Feature BIT.TRIP SAGA vs. BIT.TRIP COMPLETE
We'll help you decide
When Gaijin Games released its first BIT.TRIP title BIT.TRIP BEAT back in 2009, the game took many players by surprise not only with its unique musical and visual presentation, but also with its extremely addictive gameplay. And as beloved as BEAT would become, the series would only get more interesting as each new release took...
Nintendo Download 1st September 2011 (North America)
NES, DSiWare and WiiWare
By now you've probably downloaded the 10 free NES Ambassador games for 3DS but if there's still currency burning a hole in your pocket help is at hand. Here's what's vying for your virtual funds this week. WiiWare: Trenches Generals (Fishing Cactus, 700pts) — This is a strategy war game that some recognise from an earlier...
News Nintendo Europe's Official Statement About eShop Cards
Read on
Until now the lack of 3DS eShop cards in Europe has proved a real pain, prompting us to state the eShop card delay proves Nintendo still doesn't get it. Now Nintendo's European arm has released a statement about the cards: Nintendo eShop Cards are now being roll out at various stores across Europe. You have the choice of several...
News NES Ambassador Games Available in Europe Now
Update: Australia too!
It wasn't a very long wait for the 3DS games to make it to Europe today: they're available as you read this message. Gamers across Australia should also be able to pick them up too. The line-up of 10 games is identical to that available elsewhere, so here's what's on the cards: Super Mario Bros. The Legend of Zelda Ice...
News Expect New Product Announcements at 3DS Conference
What could they be?
Nintendo will host a 3DS conference in Japan on 13th September, the company has confirmed. Kicking off at 12:00 midday Japan time, it's being billed a "Nintendo 3DS new product announcement" event, more likely referring to the revelation of new 3DS software than any new hardware. Unlike previous conferences the show...
Nintendo Download 1st September 2011 (Europe)
Any surprises lurking?
Today's the day — 10 free NES games are now available to 3DS Ambassadors in North America, Europe, Australia and Japan, but what else is there to choose from today in Europe? Well, not a lot as it happens. Aside from the Ambassador games there's just one new title out in Europe today. Read on and see what it is. DSiWare:...
Over troubled water
It’s one of the simplest forms of entertainment: if all electronic entertainment is unavailable, when there is nothing else to do, a simple pack of playing cards can save the day. Card games can be simplistic or confusing and complex, with straightforward options often seeming suitable as cheap downloads on the DSi shop. More...
News escapeVektor Zig-Zags Worldwide on 29th September
Nnooo's latest gets dated
escapeVektor: Chapter 1 is heading towards a worldwide launch later this month, as developer Nnooo has announced it's due on 29th September. The retro-themed shooter/puzzler will cost just 500 Nintendo Points when it lands on WiiWare in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand at the end of the month. We played it...
News Rising Star Harvests Limited Edition Artwork for New Titles
Collect 'em all
Natsume, publisher of the Harvest Moon series in North America, has made a bit of a name for itself by offering plush toys as incentives for customers to pre-order new entries in the series: cute, admittedly, but European counterpart Rising Star Games has something a little classier to offer. The publisher has announced the...
News Intrinsic Pushes Amoebattle Back to 2012
Another project to be revealed soon
Intrinsic Games has revealed its upcoming DSiWare real-time strategy title Amoebattle has been delayed until 2012. Intrinsic president Hersh Choksi announced the delay is necessary to overcome some development difficulties and ensure the game is a noteworthy release on DSiWare: We hit some major development...
