It's so cute that we just had to use this image again...

It's here, the post-festive Nintendo Download bonanza. Whether it's an actual bonanza is up to you, but there's a broad variety of new and old titles, with everything but the Wii U getting new content. That's right, North America, no shiny high-def pinball in the update today, but there's plenty more to think about. Let's get to it.

3DS download software

Fluidity: Spin Cycle (Nintendo, $10.99) — Known as Hydroventure: Spin Cycle, this is a follow-up to the popular and highly regarded WiiWare title Fluidity. It's all about physics-based puzzles, and lots of them, that require you to tilt and move the handheld while making good-use of your brain-power. Conquering all of the levels with the best ranking is a tough undertaking worth taking on, and we gave this a glowing recommendation in our Fluidity: Spin Cycle review.

Johnny Impossible (UFO Interactive, $5.99) — UFO Interactive's Johnny returns for his third title, this time working as a spy to face a MEGA CRISIS, which the official blurb insists must be in block capitals; this looks like a 2D action platformer that'll have some stealth elements thrown in. We haven't exactly fallen in love with the mascot in our reviews for his first two games, but we'll shake (not stir) a martini and work on a review.

Mahjong 3D - Warriors of the Emperor (TREVA Entertainment GmbH, $9.99) — If you type Mahjong into the Nintendo Life search bar, you'll see quite a few results. The popular game and variations on it have appeared frequently on Nintendo's download services, and this new entry from TREVA Entertainment is the latest to join in. It promises a Conquer Mode with seven worlds and 80 levels, Quick Play with 90 levels, 3D effects and a Level Editor that allows you to create your own boards. We'll get strategic and bring you a review soon.

3DS Virtual Console

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (Nintendo, $4.99) — The original Super Mario Bros. sequel from Japan has arrived elsewhere in this guise in various formats and platforms, and the 3DS eShop can be added to the list (it hit the Japanese store in July). A notoriously challenging slice of retro Mario action, this one is for those with some ninja skills. If you want to know more before we review this particular version, check out our Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels review for the Wii Virtual Console.

Mega Man (Capcom, $4.99) — Capcom promised that it was bringing the Blue Bomber's NES classics to the 3DS eShop in North America, and it's delivered on part one. This is run and gun action that set the benchmark for one of the most famous series in gaming; it may be a little shorter and have flaws resolved in later entries, but we still recommended it for fans in our Mega Man review.

DSiWare

Goooooal América (Cinemax, 500 Nintendo Points) — This is based on table top football — oh OK, Soccer — where players take turns to fire the ball with spring loaded players. This actually looks like a palette swap of a release in Europe to tie-in with Euro 2012, so we assume this is to arrive in time for the Copa America. Whatever the case, we certainly weren't fans in our Goooooal Europa 2012 review, but we'll be pulling on our boots for a rematch.

Jump Trials Extreme (G-STYLE, 200 Nintendo Points) — The predecessor to this title only arrived in mid-July, yet the sequel has arrived in record time — appropriate as the game challenges you to beat stages in less than ten seconds. The follow up promises 100 new levels, as well as Time Trial and Challenge modes. We'll be getting a move on with a review, while you can learn more about its predecessor in our Jump Trials review.

Wizard Defenders (Teyon, 200 Nintendo Points) — This title attempts a blend between tower defence and match three puzzling. We say attempts, as it's let down by awkward controls that exacerbate an over-zealous difficulty curve, accompanied by some rather awful music. The concept is sound but is executed poorly, as our Wizard Defenders review explains.

Wii Virtual Console

Shock Troopers 2nd Squad (D4 Enterprise, 900 Nintendo Points) — It's time for some running and gunning, Neo Geo style, with this title arriving hot on the heels of predecessor Shock Troopers. While the first title is rather good, this one offers new characters, vehicles and alternative routes, with our review of the first title even saying that you should hold out for the sequel. Well, it's here, but we'll be donning a bandana and blasting some enemies for a review very soon.

Nintendo Video

A Jam-Packed Year-in-Review! (Free) — Grab your friends, family, and Nintendo 3DS, then kick-back with Nintendo Video to relive all the highlights of 2012.

So there you have it, a mix of highly anticipated new and old games, along with some surprises to test your impulse buying instincts. Let us know what you intend to buy in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week? (224 votes)

  1. Fluidity: Spin Cycle (3DS eShop)28%
  2. Johnny Impossible (3DS eShop)  0.9%
  3. Mahjong 3D - Warriors of the Emperor (3DS eShop)2%
  4. Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (3DS Virtual Console)12%
  5. Mega Man (3DS Virtual Console)23%
  6. Goooooal América (DSiWare)  0.9%
  7. Jump Trials Extreme (DSiWare)  0.5%
  8. Wizard Defenders (DSiWare)  0%
  9. Shock Troopers 2nd Squad (Wii Virtual Console)6%
  10. Nothing for me this week27%

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