Freedom Planet.png

It's that time, North American gamers, to cast your eye over the new downloadable eShop treats that are available this week. There are diverse offerings, including a highly anticipated and delayed action platformer, a creation tool, BMX stunt action and more; some discounts are also rather tempting. Without further ado let's get to the details.

Missed the European Nintendo Download details earlier in the week? Oh no! Wipe that sweaty brow dry, though, as the information you need is right here.

Wii U eShop

Freedom Planet (GalaxyTrail, $14.99) - Though this started out as a Sonic fan game it expands on its source of inspiration, introduces its own world and makes adjustments to give itself an identity of its own. It was also included in the Nindies@Home E3 promotion, and we enjoyed it in our first impressions - our own Thomas Jones said that despite the Sonic references it "manages to be a wonderful and individual platformer". This release was delayed at the last moment in the past, but we're pleased that it's finally making its Wii U bow.

Pumped BMX+ (Curve Digital, $7.99) - Originally developed by Yeah Us! - a one-man indie studio - this is a title that draws much of its inspiration from that studio's smartphone title Pumped BMX 2. It challenges gamers to tackle a whole load of courses and pull off plenty of stunts - it looks rather like a blend of Joe Danger and Trials. We'll get working on a review but until then you can check out our hands on impressions.

Toto Temple Deluxe (Juicy Beast Studio, $9.99) - A frantic local multiplayer game, in this one you take on three friends in a host of arenas and try to hang onto a goat while the others attempt to steal it. By the looks of it this one's manic and very colourful, and we'll check it out in a review.

The Rivers of Alice: Extended Version (Delirium Studios, $7.99) - This one is certainly interesting on paper, pitched as an adventure title that can be tackled at your own pace. It serves up beautiful graphics with watercolours, ink and graphite effects, and has a soundtrack composed by the "indie-rock group, vetusta morla". We rather enjoyed this in our The Rivers of Alice: Extended Version review.

VoxelMaker (Nostatic Software, $4.99) - A 3D art studio that's centred around creating models and environments with 3D blocks, which can then be rendered with realistic lighting and shadows. There seems to be a decent-sized tool-set here, so we'll get creative and let you know what we think in a review.

Gemology (BMC Studios, $6.99) - Announced well over a year ago and now finally making its mark, this is a falling block puzzle game that aims to apply its own twists and reward patient players. We'll dig into this for review, while in the meantime you can learn a little more about it in our interview with the developer from last year.

Wii U Virtual Console

River City Ransom (Arc System Works, $4.99) — This attempts to blend basic beat 'em up action with some simple RPG elements, as you bash in faces while buying items to help you on your way. It's basic and linear but also a lot of fun, while local multiplayer is an option; we gave it a recommendation in our River City Ransom review.

Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts

Citizens of Earth (Atlus, on discount from 5th October until 19th October)

Spy Chameleon (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 29th October)

Rock 'N Racing Off Road (EnjoyUp Games, on discount until 29th October)

Puzzle Monkeys (Log Games, $0.99 until 22nd October, normally $2.99)

Zumba Fitness: World Party (Majesco, $9.99 until 12th October, normally $29.99)

Midnight (Petite Games, $1.49 until 22nd October, normally $1.99)

Don't Crash (RCMADIAX, $1 until 14th October, normally $1.49)

Pixel Slime U (RCMADIAX, $2 until 14th October, normally $2.99)

Vector Assault (WizByte Games, $3.99 from 5th October to 30th October, normally $4.99)

Wii U eShop Permanent Discount

Stealth Inc 2: A Game of Clones (Curve Digital, $9.99, was $14.99)

3DS eShop

Chronus Arc (Kemco, $9.99) - A retro-styled RPG developed by Hit-Point Co., your team need to find mythical fragments for a once-a-decade event, which sounds like a pretty normal weekend. This looks promising in terms of its pixel-based visuals and a handy map on the touchscreen, and with class changes being joined by dungeon areas it could be a welcome dose of RPG gaming on the eShop. We'll see whether it's an adventure worth taking on in our review.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Shin Megami Tensei IV (Atlus, $14.99 from 5th October until 19th October, normally $19.99)

Citizens of Earth(Atlus, on discount from 5th October until 19th October)

Tappingo (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 22nd October)

European Conqueror 3D (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 22nd October)

3DS eShop Permanent Discount

Battleminer (Wobbly Tooth, $5.99, was $7.99)

3DS HOME Theme

The Legend of Legacy: "The Chibi Adventurers"

That's the lot for North America this week. Let us know what you plan to download in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading first this week?