
It's time once again for the North American Nintendo Download Update, and this week brings a fairly busy and diverse line-up. The Wii U is offering a triple-header of Kirby games, alongside a welcome port from Renegade Kid and a promising Game of the Year Edition. On 3DS we have a smartphone smash hit making its début, while there are some discounts available across both systems. Let's get to the details.
Missed the European Nintendo Download details? Don't panic! The info is all right here.
Wii U eShop
Kirby's Return to Dreamland (Nintendo, $19.99 / $24.99CAD) - A part of a triple Kirby release to celebrate the mascot's upcoming anniversary, this Wii platformer stuck to the core play-style and principles of the IP. Cute, fun and accessible, with plenty of cool transformation to try out. We were big fans of this in our Kirby's Return to Dreamland review.
BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition (Frogmind, $9.99 / $11.99CAD) - A stylish and promising release, this is a sidescrolling flying title which is part action and puzzle solving depending on the scenario. With new controls and HD visuals over the previous smart device version, the new edition also promises over 15 hours and 100 levels of single-player story content, 100 co-op levels, and 27 multiplayer deathmatch stages. We'll see whether it truly takes flight in our review.
Xeodrifter (Renegade Kid, $9.99) - The latest pixel-based title from Renegade Kid that began life on 3DS, this is an exploration adventure title in which you explore four different planets in a bid to grab resources that'll repair your ship's warp core. There's a clear Metroidvania inspiration and some varied gameplay, with this title being produced in an impressively short time - we were fans of this in our Wii U Xeodrifter review.
Endless Golf (Fanttum Games, $1.99) - This one has simplistic visuals and gameplay, while promising "an endless amount of procedurally generated golfing holes that increase with difficulty, more hills, and tricky traps". We'll see whether it's a 'fore', a hole-in-one or, well, just a one.
Wii U Virtual Console
Kirby Squeak Squad (Nintendo, $9.99) - This gave the DS a fairly conventional Kirby platformer, albeit with some touch controls thrown in for good measure. Though a little bit on the short side and playing it safe, we gave this one a recommendation in our Kirby Squeak Squad review.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (Nintendo, $9.99) - From those simple times when Nintendo liked to put '64' at the end of titles, or fans would regardless of whether it was supposed to be there, this is a 2D platformer rendered in chunky N64 polygons. Though we were disappointed with this in our original review back in 2008, a fresh look on Wii U brought a more favourable impression.
Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts
Elliot Quest (PlayEveryWare, $10.99 until 13th August, normally $12.99)
High Strangeness (Midnight City, $4.99 from 3rd August to 9th August, normally $9.99)
99Moves (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 27th August)
Abyss (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 27th August)
Rock Zombie (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 27th August)
Wii U eShop Permanent Discount
Lego Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (Warner Bros., $19.99, was $29.99)
Wii U Retail Demo
Just Dance 2016 (Ubisoft, free)
3DS eShop
Flick Golf 3D (Full Fat Productions, $5.99 / $6.99CAD) - Hugely popular on smartphones, this touch-based arcade-style golfing now makes its way to the 3DS. There are three different modes to match your mood or time limitations, with simple gameplay that's designed to be addictive; we'll get into the swing of it for review, but until then you can check out our first impressions from earlier this year.
Best of Board Games - Mahjong (Bigben Interactive, $9.99 / $12.99CAD) - More Mahjong for the 3DS, no doubt of the tile-matching Shanghai variety. That's not necessarily a bad thing, of course, with this particular entry promising 60 boards in its 'Adventure Mode'. Despite that we weren't big fans in our Best of Board Games - Mahjong review.
Best of Board Games - Solitaire (Bigben Interactive, $9.99 / $12.99CAD) - We're not short of Solitaire options on the 3DS, with this one offering five variations and an Adventure mode with 40 challenges. A bit pricey for Solitaire, though, earning it a middling Best of Board Games - Solitaire review.
3DS eShop Temporary Discounts
Castle Conqueror Defender (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 20th August)
Demon King Box (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 20th August)
Quell Memento (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 20th August)
Toys vs. Monsters (EnjoyUp Games, $1.99 until 23rd August, normally $3.99)
3DS HOME Themes
Etrian Odyssey Untold 2: Classic Theme (Atlus)
This week Nintendo of America also references the major Splatoon update, which is heading to North America on 5th August (6th August elsewhere, it's a time zone thing).
That's everything for this week in North America. Let us know what you'll be downloading first in the poll and comments below.
Comments 91
Kirby 64 maybe... though I have the cartridge and the N64 is currently hooked up...
ooo... I just realized we FINALLY got another Wii title. Finally got another one after the original release of them. Hopefully this won't be the end of the Wii titles... or at least hopefully not this super long drought again.
no discount for buying all 3 Kirby games makes me sad
Every week or more often, the other platforms have a slew of great games old and new on sale. Every other /month/, Nintendo discounts a handful of noteworthy titles. Booo!
I was hoping that all future Wii games would be initially discounted for a week at $9.99 (like SMG2, Punchout, and MPT) before going up to 20 bucks. I guess not.
Humph no $9 for-the-first-week sale on Dreamland like with the other Wii games.....still, its $70 on Amazon, so YOINK
I've never played Just Dance before, and it seems there is a free demo. Should I buy?
No discount on Return to Dreamland?
@AVahne Afraid not.
@ AVahne Why would there be a discount for Return to Dreamland, I always thought those discounts was just a promotion for the first three Wii games on the eshop?
@ikki5 - Sitting around waiting on Radiant Dawn to make it to the eShop........probably shouldn't hold my breath
I'll be getting Xeodrifter because I already have it on my 3DS and checking out the sales for Elliot Quest and High Strangeness and maybe upgrading Crystal Shards.
Nice!
I'll take all 3 Kirby's and my free copy of Xeodrifter
Want the kirby games but I may as well pick up the dream collection for $35 dollars.
We actually got another Wii game? Never saw that coming.
In any case, I might try out Kirby 64. I know my friend will definitely enjoy hearing that this hit the VC.
I'm all over those Kirby games!
Good to see more Kirby VC games! Too bad not on 3DS. Squeak Squad is the only one here I don't own, so ill take that one.
@miiandmario Only one of those games is in the dream collection, though
Getting Squeak Squad. The other two Kirbys I already have. Return to Dream Land I immensely enjoyed very much while Kirby 64...I personally didn't.
I was gonna get Return to Dreamland,but $20 and not $9? Bummer....
I was expecting to see Epic Yarn come to NA but Return to Dreamland works
Still waiting for:
EO theme maybe, but that'd be it.
These 3DS themes are terrible lately. It's all been obscure Atlus RPG stuff for weeks now. What happened to the Nintendo character themes?
Cool Wii U stuff, but ws usual, crap for 3DS. At least I'm still enjoying The Binding of Isaac from last week.
@Boidoh its fun with friends. Especially friends that arnt as in to smash or Mario kart as others.
Nice, glad another wii game is out! Keep them coming!
Getting all 3 of the Kirby games this week.
So europe gets no virtual console games? :/
@ikki5 finally the USA got another tiitle, because, remember, everywhere else there are more
Nice to see Return to Dreamland, one of the few first party games I don't have.
plan on getting all of the kirby titles, lego batman 3, and the Just Dance 2016 demo. Not sure if it will be this week though. I still have to send in my gamepad to be fixed. Plus I might be getting Story of Seasons this week. Maybe on the 10th I'll download all these games.
Might pick up Demon King Box, game looked pretty fun.
Meh
@russellohh I got it for 5 at a yard sale and it was almost new too.
@andrew20 Nice! It sells for 70 online. I liked my copy, the artbook was nice and i didnt have a copy of the 64 one, but $70? for a game i got for free?
Ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhh seeya kirby...
still, it only has one of these three games on it, and its the worst of the three. These are worth picking up if you don't already have them
Definitely pickin' up Return to Dreamland and Crystal Shards...
Missed return to dreamland on Wii so I am probably getting that one this week.
Yuck, unless you have a Wii U. Nothing for me.
@thatguyEZ Good to know I'm not the only one that voted for that?
@Grumblebuzzz And I've bought every single Atlus theme to date! At least they're only .99 cents but I know what you mean. There is a lack of good Nintendo made ones that's for sure.
@rjejr So they finally acknowledged the NA date for Splatoon, any praise?
Best of Mahjong and Best of Solitaire (both from Game On) are much better Mahjong and Solitaire games in fact, THE best games), and they're also a lot cheaper too. No need to get these games that cost $9.99!!
I don't even really remember anything about Kirby for Wii. But $20 seems pretty steep. Too bad they're not doing the $10 introductory prices anymore.
If it had been discounted to ten, I would have been happy to buy Kirby Returns to Dreamland again.
Darnit you can't edit posts. My mistake. Best of Mahjong and Best of Solitaire are from cosmigo. They're only $2.99 and $3.99 Canadian.Wow, I just checked Best of Board Games: Mahjong and it's $12.99 Canadian. BLARGH. Really, I have both Best of... games and they're the best Mahjong and Solitaire games available on the Eshop. You don't need any other game!
@MikeW Do you mean Star Fox SNES? Pretty sure that was the first one.
@earthboundlink
Yes! My mistake lol
It would be so nice if Nintendo were to announce Star Fox SNES for the VC to get people pumped up for Star Fox Zero!
Just Xeodrifter as a cross-buy bonus for me. I have the 3DS version.
@Spoony_Tech
"This week Nintendo of America also references the major Splatoon update, which is heading to North America on 5th August (6th August elsewhere, it's a time zone thing)."
Yeah, we exist!!
I didn't notice it this morning on my tablet, I was sitting outside reading this when it started to pour, had to close all the windows and get drenched and other parental taxi duties. Just noticed it now and that's what I was coming to say. Thanks for the heads up though.
kirby love, not bad. got all those games already, so not interested.
here's a tip kiddies, check ebay for the games, search buy it now and newly listed for some great deals! dream collection goes for $35, not bad.
and prices will keep going down with VC releases.
would be nice if they released zero mission on VC though.
Not a huge Kirby fan and nothing else looks appealing to me this week. I'm excited for both the Smash & Splatoon updates though. I wonder why they didn't include the Smash Bros. update?
May trade my physical for a card to get Kirby digitally, to show Nintendo how much I want more Wii games on VC. Don't know though... The instruction manual for Kirby is really nice.
@97alexk Not this week anyway. Then again, that doesn't mean next week is gonna be any better...
Ahh well, good thing I have a huuuuuuuge backlog of games
@whodatninja @97alexk Doesn't look like it unless Smash 64 is coming tomorrow along with Peach's Castle 64 and Hyrule Castle 64.
Thanks Nintendo now I don't need to spend 50 bucks at GameStop for Kirby now!
Still waiting for...
Holding off cuz I don't want to own them on the Wii
@Grumblevolcano I'd freak if Smash 64 came to the Eshop!!!
Having played through it myself already, I can assure anybody that twenty dollars is still a pretty good deal for Return to Dreamland.
Endless golf sounds intriguing.....
I am glad that I can skip another week. Kirby holds very little interest for me, the only one that I've cared for was the original NES title. So it's back to hunting in MH3U while I wait for either Super Mario Maker or Xenoblade to drop.
Maybe I'll get Kirby 64, since I already own it on the Wii.
How about Nes baseball stars!
People, I'm not even living in the america's, but I just stopped by to tell you that no matter the discount on abyss, never, ever buy it.
That's all, moving on.
I love how they're doing digital releases on these oop, expensive Wii games
I will definitely download Xeodrifter since I have it for the 3DS and haven't touched it yet. Wasn't expecting to see a sale on a couple more of my wishlisted games Elliot Quest and High Strangeness so I will be picking these up PROMPTLY (although I wish Elliot Quest had more than just $2 off, but eh...). I've played all Kirby's I've needed to, so to those seeking Kirby, enjoy!
To the person that said Radiant Dawn, it would be nice if it did since I didn't get to play it and can't even rent it from GameFly, but no holding your breath with Nintendo-- maybe we'll get the Path of Radiance package when FE:Fates comes out? (continues to NOT hold breath).
@erv I enjoyed Abyss a lot. Not sure what your problem was. Lack patience to go slow?
@zeppray You have achieved "Greatest comment of the Month!"
I want Baseball Stars from the NES on the VC so badly. Day 1 purchase.
I wonder why there has been a drought of virtual console games on 3DS?
@HeroOfCybertron
I completely forgotten about the details of the discounts on those games, so I sorta assumed it'd be something that would happen with every Wii rerelease.
Though, would've been nice to have a discount on Kirby's supposed birthday.
I might get Lego Batman 3.
Finally America gets Kirby return to dreamland. Can't find that game anywhere here, I mean you can if you wanna fork over the extra cash . Like double. Also is just Dance worth it? I'm more used to the actual dance games of dance central to where you MUST actually do the dance like footsteps correct and etc.
I might pick up Quell Memento if it has a discount. I heard that it was a really good game.
@DarthNocturnal just looked it up on the eshop... It's a little less than 1.5 gigs. I was pleasantly surprised this one has off-tv play as well. I think that's why it's not 9.99 like the first three wii offerings. I will definitely be downloading this
I want Return to Dream Land but I don't know I'm going to pay $20 anytime soon.
I agree with @bezerker99. Why no discounts during the first week?
@DarthNocturnal well it says it's off-tv play compatible so I'm assuming you can control it with the gamepad. This would be the first of its kind so I'm pretty excited. If anyone can confirm this?
@WaveBoy Both are pretty good and my two most favorite, I don't get what's so bad
Was really hoping for a first week discount on Return to Dreamland
The only other Wii games I hope they release are DKC: Returns, SMG 1, TP/SS, and some others I dunno
I was going to get Flick golf but I think I will wait on a sale. Hopefully it will have a sale the company who made it hasn't had any sales yet since the Eshop opened. I'm going to pass if not though. Another Android game with a 500% mark-up for us rich people in the Eshop. (That was sarcasm BTW)
I was really hoping for Gotcha Racing this week. Maybe next week
@WaveBoy oh, well it's fun to speedrun and yeah i guess some of it is boring, but the Metroid cameo is really awesome
Another week of nothing. WTH..3 app games for 3DS!!!..where's the games? W/No discount on Wii games and no Club or Download incentives, it makes it hard to justify any purchase. Oh well, a free Xeodrifter on Wii U is nice....
whys there still no 3DS virtual console games?
We should just start referring to the 3DS eShop as the Nintendo App Store.
What? No week 1 discount on Wii soft? What gives???
Why not an update to use the gamepad instead classic controller in all Wii (mode) games? Also with this Wii downloadable games we can see it is possible to play them directly in Wii U mode. WE NEED THIS UPDATE SOON!!
Guess I will finally pick up Return to Dreamland.
this shows why we can't have nice things ... we get a discount on first 3 Wii games, now everyone expected/demands it for the others, and believe the value of Wii games is only $10 ...
Is Return to Dreamland (~5 year old game) worth double Crystal Shards (~15 year old game) ?
I paid $40 for Rainbow Curse, so does Return to Dreamland at 50% less (with 4 player model, graphics that still look reasonable today) seem the right price/value ?
I will vote with my wallet, and I will pay $20 for a Kirby game that I have yet to play, and which is not available elsewhere cheaper
@elhozzo
Well, Kirby 64 is only $2 because I bought it years ago on the Wii. Back then it was $10 but it wasn't yet $15 years old. Maybe it's not actually worth $10 today. Basing the price of a Wii game in a relative way is flawed way of looking at things.
I paid $40 for Rainbow Curse too and I definitely feel like it wasn't worth the asking price, should have been a 3DS game and $10 cheaper.
You tell us how you haven't even played this Kirby game so maybe it's not even worth $20, You won't know until you have played it.
One more thing, it is good business to discount things at launch for a short period. It encourages people to buy now rather than put it on their wish list and wait for it to go on sale which may not come for years. I think the most important time for video game sales is the first couple of weeks.
I don't understand why you said we can't have nice things, why are you voting with your wallet and buying something you don't think is nice?
3ds owners can't have nice things because they never offer any.
@Crono1973
thanks for answering. I am not looking to pick a fight with anyone in particular. I don't think you can say Kirby 64 is only $2 - thats only for people that got it in Wii VC - the 'RRP' (maybe not the right term but ..) is $10 ...
I don't think you can only judge the value of things after you purchased them ... its also a question of 'does the price seem fair to make me buy it in the first place' - and for Wii games, $20 seems reasonable to me. I'm not sure why you think looking at the price of a Wii game in a relative way is flawed ... I think its flawed to expect it for $10 when it was clear that was launch price for first 3 digital wii games only.
I agree about launch weeks in general, but more for new games ...not sure first two weeks are important time for VC games...
If its too high for some, they can wait, it will surely be on sale at some point, but just because its a few years old, doesn't mean it should be a quarter of its original price - its still the same great game (different maybe for online games where the community has migrated)
anyway... people can choose, I just think its a bit sad that it seems some people took the previous offer to set expectations that Wii games are worth only $10
Can someone please tell me what the "CAD" means on the second price? Thank you!
Canadian Dollars
3 Kirby Games.... Well, Kirby sucks, blows, and makes me wanna barf... And use special powers, and fight crazy bosses, and play mini-games and all kinds of cool stuff! : D
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