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It's that time again, North America, with some juicy Wii U and 3DS options coming your way in this week's Nintendo Download update. There's some nice variety, too, with a platforming remake, quirky mini-game collection and a bonkers RPG among the options. Let's get to the details.

Wii U eShop

Spin the Bottle: Bumpie's Party (KnapNok Games, $8.99) — This has stood out as one of the quirkiest Wii U exclusives since it was announced, as it's a TV-free game that focuses players around the GamePad screen and has them carry out a number of humorous, physical challenges with Wii Remotes. Perhaps also set apart by its peculiar branding, we'll gather some friends, spin the bottle and let you know whether this is as entertaining as it is intriguing.

DuckTales Remastered (Capcom, $14.99) — Arriving on 13th August, the classic NES title get the HD remake treatment from WayForward, and those words alone may be enough to have some setting aside some eShop funds. Impressions so far have undoubtedly been positive, with some gorgeous visuals accompanying classic gameplay, but we'll see how the whole experience stacks up in our upcoming review.

Wii U Virtual Console

Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV (KOEI, $7.99) — Quite possibly one of the most in-depth games on the Super NES, a simulation strategy title that incorporates real history of ancient China with a befuddling level of complexity. In that respect it may be heaven to some, but inaccessible to plenty of others. While we wrap our heads around it once again you can check out our Wii Virtual Console Romance of the Three Kingdoms review.

3DS eShop

SteamWorld Dig (Image & Form, $8.99) — The second entry in this series, following DSiWare release SteamWorld: Tower Defense, this is a "platform mining adventure" that promises plenty of content and challenge as you dig for treasure with Rusty the 'cowbot'. The steampunk style is certainly attractive, and some encouraging noise has been made about a good level of challenge to keep 3DS gamers happy; we'll put on a cool hat and work on a review, and in the meantime you can learn more from our interview with Image & Form.

Tangram Style (Moving Player, $6.99) — With a name like Tangram Style, this may be trying to tap into a certain YouTube music phenomenon — you know the one — but it's unrelated. With four modes and more than 600 tangram puzzles said to be included, as well as a probably-superfluous story, this may be good value for fans of the genre. We'll get busy and puzzle out a review soon.

Smash Bowling 3D (Big John Games, $4.99) — The eShop recently had some bowling / zombie-killing action, but this title goes for a more realistic approach. There are trophies to earn, a practice mode and four-player multiplayer options — by passing the 3DS — as you can perfect your angles to get a strike. We'll dig out our custom-made bowling ball and gloves and hit the alleys to give you our view.

3DS Retail Download

Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (Nintendo, $39.99) — This is the fourth entry in the handheld-only RPG series developed by AlphaDream, and continues the legacy of humorous, creative gameplay with a campaign that will take weeks and months to see through. There's excellent use of the dual screen setup, as well as 3DS-specific motion controls for special moves and some gorgeous stereoscopic 3D pixel-based graphics. A lengthy undertaking but always capable of providing some surprises, we gave this an enthusiastic recommendation in our Mario & Luigi: Dream Team review. This is available from 11th August.

3DS eShop Temporary Discount

escapeVektor (Nnooo, $4.99 until 22nd August, normally $9.99)

So there you have it, some rather exciting offerings to pick from this week. As some releases are coming later this week, we've tweaked the usual poll, so let us know what you'll be downloading there and in the comments below.

Which download are you most excited about this week? (351 votes)

  1. Spin the Bottle: Bumpie's Party (Wii U eShop)4%
  2. DuckTales Remastered (Wii U eShop)42%
  3. Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV (Wii U Virtual Console)2%
  4. SteamWorld Dig (3DS eShop)6%
  5. Tangram Style (3DS eShop)1%
  6. Smash Bowling 3D (3DS eShop)1%
  7. Mario & Luigi: Dream Team (3DS retail download)16%
  8. escapeVektor (3DS eShop temporary discount)2%
  9. None, I won't download anything this week25%

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