Have you downloaded it yet?

The Nintendo Download update has had some good weeks in recent times, and following today's Nintendo Direct we finally have the information on today's offerings; it looks like this is another one that'll have something for everyone. With DLC, a demo, a retail release and a number of download exclusives arriving — even Wii gets one title — we should really get on with telling you the details.

3DS Download

NightSky (Nicalis, $9.99) — This is the long awaited action-puzzle title that was originally in development for WiiWare, before changing course and moving to the 3DS eShop. So many positive noises were made before its arrival, and it's lived up to all expectations with gorgeous, atmospheric presentation, clever puzzles and lots of replayability to add value for money. We gave it a perfect 10, and you can read why in our NightSky review; we can't recommend it highly enough.

Liberation Maiden (Level-5, $7.99) — The first of three titles from the Guild01 collection to arrive on the North American eShop, this is the offering from SUDA51 in which you play as the President of Japan, who fights villains by flying through the sky and shooting everything in sight. It's a new style of politics as expected from the well-known and popular developer, and offers some flashy shmup action. It's not perfect but may be worth the investment, as our Liberation Maiden review explains.

3DS Virtual Console

Ghosts 'n Goblins (Capcom, $4.99) — The trend of bringing popular NES games to the 3DS Virtual Console continues, with this one sure to get some in the mood for Halloween. As many already know this is a difficult, cruel game, though Capcom is unlikely to reimburse you if you throw and break your 3DS. It's bound to be popular amongst retro gamers despite its flaws, and you can get the low-down on it from our Ghosts 'n Goblins Wii Virtual Console review.

Castlevania: The Adventure (Konami, $3.99) — When Castlevania games are done well, they provide some of the most enjoyable gaming experiences out there, particularly for retro enthusiasts. That said, this series début on Game Boy doesn't live up to these standards, and it's horrifying for all of the wrong reasons. Before you get sucked in by the name, we suggest taking a look at our Castlevania: The Adventure review.

3DS DLC

New Super Mario Bros. 2 Level Packs (Nintendo, $2.50 each) — Two new Coin Rush level packs have been announced today and are available from the New Super Mario Bros. 2 in-game shop. These are Gold Mushroom Pack and Coin Challenge Pack B, the latter of which will have an worldwide leaderboard on the official website. We expect Mario ninjas to have quite a scrap over top spot.

Mutant Mudds (Renegade Kid, free) — The best things in life are free, apparently, so that bodes well for this DLC for Renegade Kid's Mutant Mudds. This will consist of 20 new levels at no extra cost — content originally released with the recent PC version of the game — and will see you take control of Grannie, who's old enough and wise enough to use all three power-up items at once. The levels will be found as extra CGA-themed doors in each regular stage, with the visuals matching the primitive style of the early '80s tech that inspires them. Oh, and they're free with new and existing copies of the game, in case that wasn't clear.

3DS Retail Download

Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (Level-5, $39.99) — Available from 28th October in stores or direct from the eShop, this is the first Layton title for 3DS that was originally a launch release in Japan. It has everything expected of the series, but with a revamped graphics engine and control setup, as well as some gameplay variations in the adventure. It's an excellent continuation of the series, and you can read more in our Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask review.

3DS Demo

Marvel Pinball 3D (Zen Studios, free) — Assuming you have the room on your SD card or don't already own this one, there's no real reason why you shouldn't get on the virtual tables in this demo. It's another fun bit of 3D pinball from Zen Studios, and well worth a try.

DSiWare

18th Gate (Circle Entertainment, 500 Points) — CIRCLE Entertainment has released a dizzying number of games on the DSiWare service, and has found time for another with this 2D dungeon-crawler. Played on grids and with the standard top-down perspective, this title challenges you to fight your way through 18 different areas, with three team members to use as you please. Some may get enjoyment out of this one, but as our 18th Gate review explains, strange design choices let it down.

Wii Virtual Console

Shock Troopers (D4 Enterprise, 900 Points) — The Wii Virtual Console gets another dose of Neo Geo goodness, this time in the form of a run and gun action game. You play as a team — or Lone Wolf — of mercenaries rescuing kidnapped innocents, which seems standard enough, while 2 player coop is also an option if you want twice as many explosions. We'll be getting geared up and bringing you our review soon.

So there you have it, plenty of download content for you to consider this week, with some freebies thrown in. Let us know what you plan to spend your hard-earned funds on first in the poll below, and tell us what you think of what's on offer in the comments section.

What will you be downloading first this week? (197 votes)

  1. NightSky (3DS Download)33%
  2. Liberation Maiden (3DS Download)16%
  3. Ghosts'n Goblins (3DS Virtual Console)11%
  4. Castlevania: The Adventure (3DS Virtual Console)3%
  5. New Super Mario Bros. 2 Coin Rush Packs (In-game)8%
  6. Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (3DS Retail)5%
  7. 18th Gate (DSiWare)1%
  8. Shock Troopers (Wii Virtual Console)5%
  9. Nothing for me this week18%

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