Splinter Cell Blacklist

It's Nintendo Download time, North America, with a variety of goodies arriving on both the Wii U and 3DS eShop platforms. There's a blockbuster retail release, some discounts on top-notch download titles, retro goodies and some new titles on the 3DS eShop. Without further ado, let's get to it.

Wii U Virtual Console

Galaga (NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc., $4.99) — If you like retro arcade shmups, there's every chance that this is already on your download list for the week. You fly and shoot, and this NES version of the arcade title has iconic sound effects and gameplay to suit the rosiest of tinted lenses. Whether it still stands up well today is something we'll consider, but we thought it merited a solid recommendation in our Wii Virtual Console Galaga review.

Wii U Retail Download

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist (Ubisoft, $59.99) — The latest entry in the long-running franchise, Sam Fisher makes his return to a Nintendo console with some Wii U GamePad-specific controls to try and enhance the experience. With single player, online co-op and multiplayer included there could be plenty on offer in this one, as Ubisoft aims to combine stealth and action to please gamers of various sensibilities. We'll sneak out a review as soon as we can, but until then you can learn more in our interview with the game's Producer, Liu Jun. Available from 20th August.

Wii U eShop Temporary Discount

Trine 2: Director's Cut (Frozenbyte, $7.99 until 5th September, normally $19.99)

BIT.TRIP Presents: RUNNER 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (Gaijin Games, $11.25 until 29th August, normally $14.99)

Wii U eShop DLC

BIT.TRIP Presents: RUNNER 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (Gaijin Games, $3) — The Good Friends Character Pack features six new playable characters: Raz, Quote, Dr. Fetus, Josef, Spelunky Guy and Invisible CommanderVideo.

3DS eShop

Heavy Fire: Black Arms 3D (Teyon, $4.99) — Teyon has brought a few on-rails shooters to the 3DS, and this is the second re-release of a WiiWare title on the portable system. See enemies, shoot enemies, is a pretty accurate summary of what this will offer, though we weren't big fans of the WiiWare original. This is a fresh release, however, so we'll put on some camouflage and give it a fair shot in our upcoming review.

10-in-1: Arcade Collection (Gamelion, $2.99) — It's safe to say that any release offering lots of games in one package causes some hesitation, but that doesn't mean they can't be fun. This particular collection is focused on retro games and delivers some decent and fun options, with a few that don't quite hit the mark; it may be worth a punt for fans of retro arcade games, as we explained in our 10-in-1: Arcade Collection review.

3DS Virtual Console

Donkey Kong (Nintendo, $4.99) — One of the original and most iconic of Nintendo games, this is the NES port of the arcade game — perhaps not actually the very best version — and you can check out our Wii U Virtual Console Donkey Kong review to see how it stacks up on the home console.

3DS Retail Downloads

Barbie Groom and Glam Pups (Little Orbit, $29.99)

My Western Horse 3D (TREVA Entertainment, $29.99)

That's your lot for another week; let us know what you plan to pick up in the poll and comments below.

What are you most excited about downloading this week? (324 votes)

  1. Galaga (Wii U Virtual Console)6%
  2. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist (Wii U retail download)15%
  3. Trine 2: Director's Cut (Wii U eShop temporary discount)7%
  4. BIT.TRIP Presents: RUNNER 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (Wii U eShop temporary discount)4%
  5. BIT.TRIP Presents: RUNNER 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien DLC (Wii U eShop add-on content)6%
  6. Heavy Fire: Black Arms 3D (3DS eShop)  0%
  7. 10-in-1: Arcade Collection (3DS eShop)2%
  8. Donkey Kong (3DS Virtual Console)3%
  9. Barbie Groom and Glam Pups (3DS retail download)1%
  10. My Western Horse 3D (3DS retail download)  0%
  11. Nothing for me this week56%

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