News Amazon Now Offering Nintendo Games For Direct Digital Download
"Seamless redemption experience" promised
News - 2015, Week 36
Sunday6th Sep 2015
First Impressions Getting Down with Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Don’t call it a reboot
Among the indie stars that have graced Nintendo platforms over the years, it's easy to say that WayForward's Shantae is one of the most recognizable. Despite playing the lead role in only three games over the past decade, the scantily clad genie has managed to dance her way into the hearts of so many gamers
Gallery Mario - A History of Power-Ups, Fashion and Wardrobe Missteps
Looking fabulous
With the mascot's 30th Anniversary upon us you can expect to see a lot of words devoted to Mario in the coming days. Of course, for a franchise that's established its reputation on irreverent fun, we can't help but consider some of its sillier features. Power-ups qualify; yes, they can be integral to gameplay mechanics, absolutely...
Mario Memories The Summer of Super Mario
"Super Mario 64 is the game that defined my love of the series"
In this series of articles celebrating the upcoming 30th Anniversary of Super Mario, various members of the Nintendo Life extended family will share their memories and thoughts on the iconic franchise. This time we have our dashing reviewer Steve Bowling. Back in June of 1996, there...
Mario History Super Mario Galaxy - 2007
Out of this World
In this series of articles we'll write about one or more Mario games per day, each representing a different year as part of our Super Mario 30th Anniversary celebrations. In our previous entry we highlighted how New Super Mario Bros. was the first new 2D Mario title in some time; that was due to a general focus on 3D Mario...
Saturday5th Sep 2015
Video See Mario Kart 8's Mute City in a Whole New Way
GBA Ribbon Road and 3DS Neo Bowser City also get the treatment
You may remember that in the past we shared some videos from the MrBean35000vr YouTube channel. The hackers often use their skills to show off cool areas of games we haven't seen much of before, and were among the first to break into the Wii U. Courtesy of Nintendo's efforts with...
Poll Which Is The Best Super Mario Platformer? - 30th Anniversary Edition
One platformer to rule them all
Unless you've been living in an internet-free cave you'll be aware that the Super Mario 30th Anniversary is almost upon us, with 13th September being the big day. Super Mario Maker arrives on 11th September to kick off that celebratory weekend. To celebrate we thought we'd revisit the key question for any Nintendo...
Review Zombie Defense (Wii U eShop)
Here a zombie, there a zombie, everywhere a zombie zombie!
The game title Zombie Defense couldn't be more accurate and straight to the point. Developer Teyon's Wii U début is exactly that: a tower defence/RTS (real-time strategy) game where you fight off waves of zombies in an attempt to save the planet from total zombie supremacy. As with all...
News Nintendo of America Makes Young Boy's Dream Come True as He Meets Reggie Fils-Aime
Mobile Wii U units also heading to US hospitals
Nintendo of America is at the forefront of some hugely pleasing news today, courtesy of its involvement in some charitable events and causes. First of all 10-year-old Shea Sparling, who lives with polyarteritis nodosa, was the recipient of a treat through The Dream Factory. His wish was to meet Reggie...
Nintendo Life Weekly Smaller New 3DS Launching in North America this Year
Week at the knees
Nintendo's smaller New 3DS is coming to North America at last, but that's not all the news that's happened this week. Once again we've tirelessly condensed the cream of this week's news as well as all the reviews and releases into one handy little video for your viewing pleasure. This week we look at Club Nintendo's European and...
Mario History New Super Mario Bros. - 2006
The 'New' new
In this series of articles we'll write about one or more Mario games per day, each representing a different year as part of our Super Mario 30th Anniversary celebrations. Assessing 2D Mario games in the 'New' series in 2015 naturally features arguments of repetition, frequency of releases and some calls for fresh ideas. Those...
News Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash Will Support Plenty of amiibo, Genre Given as 'Whipping Platformer'
Whip it good
Chibi-Robo!: Zip Lash was a surprising E3 reveal, not only because it was the character's first out-and-out platformer, but the fact that it'll be a full retail title. Nintendo clearly believes that the IP has the potential to be a hit, though, with an amiibo bundle set to accompany the standard release. Though we were somewhat...
Mario Memories Mastering Super Mario World Across the Years
"We never got tired of Super Mario World, we only got better"
In this series of articles celebrating the upcoming 30th Anniversary of Super Mario, various members of the Nintendo Life extended family will share their memories and thoughts on the iconic franchise. This time we have our reviewer, contributor and all-round swell guy Ron DelVillano...
Video Unleash Ink-Based Carnage with Splatoon's Brand New Mini Splatling
It's splattering time
Splatoon's roster of weaponry continues to grow, and this time around we're treated to the stripped-down Mini Splatling. Not only is it faster at charging than its heavier counterpart but it also has greatly improved mobility as well as Suction Bombs, and the infamous Inkzooka. You can check it out in action in the video below...
Friday4th Sep 2015
Review Hatsune Miku: Project MIRAI DX (3DS)
Chart-topper
To those who know her, she needs no introduction: Hatsune Miku is a star. To those who don't, she definitely requires some explanation: Hatsune Miku is a 'virtual idol' and the world's most popular Vocaloid, a personification of a software synthesizer given background, personality, and a constant stream of songs to sing by composers and...
News Some Western Splatoon Players Would Prefer Not To Compete With Japan
Online technicalities causing tension?
Reports have recently surfaced via Japanese video game blogs that certain clusters of Western Wii U owners do not enjoy playing Nintendo's competitive online squid shooter Splatoon with players from Japan. Some have even taken to social media to demand that Nintendo enforce regional servers for the game. The...
Review Gotcha Racing (3DS eShop)
A delight at every turn
Gotcha Racing is about as simple as racing games come, but it's far more addictive than most. The concept is derived from Japan's Gachapon capsule toys — small, highly collectible toys that usually go for about 100 yen apiece. It's this concept that drives the heart of the game. When you first start Gotcha Racing you'll be...
Guide 9 Tips for Playing Runbow
Get up and running
Runbow is finally out in both North America and Europe. But did you know that to Runbow properly you need to follow a series of steps? It is scientifically proven by a group of proven scientists that running is more difficult than walking. Write that down as a fact! Luckily for you we have come up with the perfect guide; no no,...
News Chieftain Bob Meets Gunman Clive, You Won't Believe What Happens Next
Brokeback Clive
Unless you've been hiding behind a tumbleweed, you've probably noticed that the Gunman Clive HD Collection is now on the Wii U eShop. In our review we awarded it a gunslinging 9/10 and said buying it is an absolute no-brainer. For the low price of entry, you are getting HD versions of not one, but two of the most impeccably-crafted...
News New Difficulty Settings, 3D Title Screen and More Revealed for Dementium Remastered
Bringing horror back to 3DS
The 3DS has had a few horror experiences, though it's not a game style that's been particularly common on the portable. With Dementium Remastered by Renegade Kid now being in the closing stages of development, it'll help to change that. A remake of the DS retail title that's heading for the eShop, it could certainly...
News This Monster Hunter X New Nintendo 3DS Cover Plate Makes Us Want the Game Even More
Just look at it
Based on the ease with which we're still able to fill an online lobby, plenty of gamers are still enjoying Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate in the West. Of course, lucky Japanese gamers have Monster Hunter X (Cross) to look forward to later this year, a fresh take on the series that introduces new approaches to combat and an action-centric...
News Size Matters in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate's September DLC
Big beasts
We're into our last few months of free DLC in Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate, and though the cross-overs and quirky outfits are largely finished, each new batch continues to offer some cool gear and hefty challenges to take on. The September batch is now live, and Capcom seems keen to emphasize that the monsters involved are sizeable beasts...
News Monster Hunter Stories Will Bring Its Own Brand of Turn-Based Battling to 3DS
Screens and concept art paint a pretty picture
Monster Hunter Stories was an intriguing and exciting reveal earlier this year; it was described as five years in the making (conceptually, two years in development) and a major diversion from the series norms. Due for a 2016 release on 3DS in Japan, its cartoonish style and neat concept of a young...
News The Mini Splatling is Next Up in This Week's Splatoon Update
It suits you
Splatoon has a weekly update on the way, as per usual, and Nintendo of Europe has detailed what we can come to expect. It's good news for Splatling fans. The Mini Splatling in on the way in the update today / tomorrow - the new content typically arrives on a Friday night at 7pm Pacific / 10pm Eastern in North America, which is 3am UK /...
News A Supercharged Star Fox amiibo Hybrid Was A Possibility for Skylanders SuperChargers
I can't let you do that, Star Fox!
We're still kind of amazed that Nintendo allowed supercharged versions of Bowser and Donkey Kong to be included in the upcoming Skylanders SuperChargers game. In addition to being playable characters they also get their own amiibo figurines which have a handy switch in the base to flip into Skylanders mode...
Video Even Reggie Is Crazy About Runbow
All hail the Reggie-lution!
With Runbow now available in both North America and Europe, Nintendo of America has posted an amusing video on its YouTube channel revealing Reggie’s addiction to the recently released Wii U eShop title. The clip, which can be viewed below, lasts a minute and a half and also features Nintendo of America’s Damon...
Mario Memories Super Mario Bros. 3, Still Bringing Families Together
You can't talk about childhood favourites without mentioning SMB3
In this series articles celebrating the upcoming 30th Anniversary of Super Mario, various members of the Nintendo Life extended family will share their memories and thoughts on the iconic franchise. This time we have our lovely reviewer Evan Chambers. We never had an NES when I was...
Rumour Mega Man Is Starring In A Mega Movie Thanks To The Help Of 20th Century Fox
In collaboration with Chernin Entertainment
According to Hollywood film and television website, The Tracking Board, Capcom’s 1987 video game character Mega Man is reportedly on his way to the big screen, courtesy of a collaboration between 20th Century Fox and Chernin Entertainment – with development apparently already underway. Being classed...
Review Crab Cakes Rescue (Wii U eShop)
This cake is a lie
The Wii U's library is bursting with quirky, innovative, fun games. Crab Cakes Rescue is not one of them. From the moment you start up Crab Cakes Rescue, its lack of polish is readily apparent. For starters, it runs in a 4:3 aspect ratio, leaving unsightly black bars on either side of the screen. The title is lifted directly from...
Thursday3rd Sep 2015
Nintendo Download 3rd September (North America)
Gunman Clive! Excitebike! Mario Golf!More!
It's that time again, North American gamers, for the Nintendo Download Update details. This week brings an excellent download option on the Wii U from Hörberg Productions, along with a much-loved Mario sporting spin-off and another retro début in the West. Pickings are slimmer on the 3DS, though there are...
Review VS. Excitebike (Wii U eShop / NES)
Enjoyable interlude
It's undoubtedly a good thing when Nintendo starts releasing older titles on the eShop that are otherwise fairly difficult to find or play. But does VS. Excitebike, originally only released on the Famicom Disk System in Japan in 1988, offer enough extra content compared to the original to justify a purchase? As the core of the...
News Rare's Gregg Mayles Reveals It Was Miyamoto Who Suggested Donkey Kong Should Sport Neckwear
Rare staffer reveals the pre-history of Donkey Kong Country
Gregg Mayles is one of Rare's longest-serving employees and can list some of the firm's most famous titles on his impressive CV. He's currently hard at work on the studio's next offering, Sea of Thieves, but has taken the time to post some interesting info relating to the SNES classic...
News The Club Nintendo Goodbye Coin Has, Well, Said Goodbye
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen...
What happens when you release a relatively cheap silver-plated coin with a little velvet bag, and it happens to be a 'Goodbye Coin' for Club Nintendo in PAL territories? The hosting website struggles to survive the influx of hits, of course. Our very own editorial director Damien McFerran - in the interests of...
Gallery Phoenix Wright is Looking Sharp in These Ace Attorney 6 Screens
Ready for trial
It's been a mostly enjoyable week for Ace Attorney fans, primarily due to Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 6 being announced for 3DS and confirmed for the West. The downside came with accompanying news that The Great Ace Attorney doesn't seem to be planned for localisation out of Japan, and it'll be a great pity i
News Man Goes On Quest To Buy Every Single amiibo In Australia In 24 Hours
Will it end well?
Popular Australian YouTube botherer UnlistedLeaf (aka Ando) got challenged by his followers to go on a journey to try and find every single amiibo in 24 hours in Australian stores. We all have no doubt experienced the pain of trying to find a coveted amiibo for our collection, be it in Europe or North America, but will they just...
News Wii U Offers "The Best Realisation Of The Second Screen Experience", Says Watchup CEO
Unique newscasting app now available on Wii U eShop
Earlier this week, news app Watchup appeared on the Wii U eShop without warning or fanfare, and has strangely been missed off this week's download update. Even so, Watchup CEO and Founder Adriano Farano is keen to make some noise about the Nintendo version of the download, which - in its Android...
Video Splatoon's Rainmaker Mode is Possibly the Game's Most Cultural Match Type
'Culture Shock' YouTube show explains why
Splatoon has a decent splattering (sorry) of modes nowadays, with frequent updates over the course about three months adding plenty of content. A recent addition was the Rainmaker mode in Ranked Battles, in which you try to take possession of the powerful relic and progress into the opposition's territory...
Interview Saber Rider Team On Making A Decade-Old Dream A Reality Via Kickstarter
"Unless they change their policy, our mecha amiibo has a good chance"
We recently reported on the news that Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs is now on Kickstarter with a dazzling array of stretch goals following a troubled development history. The game has been in production - in some form or another - for almost
Weirdness Bask in the Madness of The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes in This Japanese Marketing
Even Ganondorf would love this
Sometimes Nintendo's weirdness can brighten any sky and make the sun shine that bit brighter. OK, we're exaggerating a little, but it can make us smile - the concept of The Legend of Zelda: Tri Force Heroes fits into this. Any plot that puts fashion at its core in Hyrule is always going to be a bit bonkers, and its...
Weirdness That Slowpoke Reggae Video is Now in English
Took them long enough...
More than a year ago, the Japanese Pokémon YouTube channel uploaded a video so bizarre that you have to wonder if it's a preliminary experiment in mind control. It had Slowpoke and reggae in it, though, so we happily shared it. Surprisingly, the video has suddenly reappeared with an English dub. According to the...
News Freedom Planet Wii U Fix Making Progress, GalaxyTrail Aiming to Reveal Release Date Soon
"We believe we’ve found the source of the problem"
Freedom Planet, which has achieved some success on PC, has been on a number of Wii U eShop gamer's wishlists. It started out as a Sonic fan-game, before GalaxyTrail evolved the idea into its own IP; it incorporates some aspect of classic Sonic titles but nevertheless has plenty of different ideas...
Interview Here's Your Chance To Ask The Voice Of Mario Anything You Wish
What burning questions do you have for Charles Martinet?
Next week Nintendo Life will be meeting up with the one and only Charles Martinet - otherwise known as the voice of Super Mario and many other characters from the Mushroom Kingdom - and we're giving you, our dear readers, the chance to pop a question to one of the most famous vocal talents on...
Mario History Mario Kart DS and Mario Kart Arcade GP - 2005
When snaking shook the world
In this series of articles we'll write about one or more Mario game per day, each representing a different year as part of our Super Mario 30th Anniversary celebrations. 2005 was a busy year in terms of Mario releases, with a whole host of options across portable and home console systems, all in the form of spin-offs...
News ThinkGeek to Open Its First US Store in Florida
Nintendo merchandise likely to have notable role
ThinkGeek is one of the better known online retailers that specialises in collectibles and geek-gear, which often has plenty of Nintendo and retro-themed goodies up for sale. It's not exactly unique in the market, of course, but it did take a major step ahead of rivals when it was acquired by GameStop...
News Assault Android Cactus Still Coming To Wii U, Definitely Maybe
Q1 2016 for real this time
We first got our grubby mitts on Assault Android Cactus at EGX in September 2013 and liked what we played of this high octane arcade-style twin stick shooter. In fact, we found ourselves eagerly awaiting its arrival which was said to be Q1 2014 at the time. Australian indie developer Witch Beam may have bitten off a bit...
Wednesday2nd Sep 2015
Review Super Mario Maker (Wii U)
Pixel perfect
In the year of Super Mario's 25th Anniversary Nintendo released Super Mario Galaxy 2, a terrific sequel, and the rather uninspired Super Mario All-Stars 25th Anniversary Edition. Not bad, but a continuation of the norm - an accomplished (almost perfect) slice of platforming heaven and another release designed for little more than...
Review Gunman Clive HD Collection (Wii U eShop)
An excellent tribute to retro gaming
Early in 2013, the world was graced with Gunman Clive, a short and sweet action platformer that was praised for its simplistic art style and solid mechanics. Almost exactly two years later we received Gunman Clive 2, a sequel that built upon and expanded the original in nearly every way possible. Now, both...
Video Fan Recreates Stunning Build Of Ocarina Of Time’s Zora’s Domain In Unreal Engine 4
Water that makes your mouth water
Over the past few months, fans of Nintendo have done amazing jobs of creating HD builds of beloved Nintendo IP in stunning atmospheres within Unity 3D and Unreal Engine 4. We're often treated to seeing re-textured models of the likes of Mario and Link, prancing around in realistic HD environments that aren't so...
Download 'Photos with Animal Crossing' for Nintendo 3DS (UK Only)
We've got 5,000 download codes to give away...
With Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer being one of the major 3DS retail releases of the year, Nintendo has been keen to get the franchise back onto the agenda. In the UK the company has been heavily promoting free 3DS app Photos with Animal Crossing, distributing it at Hyper Japan in London, on its...
News Club Nintendo Goodbye Coin Now Available in Europe and Australia
The long farewell
Nintendo of Europe is somewhat dragging out the Club Nintendo farewell in Europe and Australia, in the process forcing many to go through many, many surveys to try and get the final goodies. A Nintendo Sound Selection Double CD was pitched as the final physical reward in the territories ahead of the service closing on 30th...
Review Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut (Wii U eShop)
Meet your new companion Q.U.B.E
A gigantic alien cube is hurtling through space on a collision course with Earth - and you've just woken up within it. As your body shakes off the fatigue, distant memories fail to solidify, leaving you in a state of total confusion and amnesia. Alone, save for a crackling voice over the radio, you're tasked with...
News Production Of Shovel Knight amiibo Is Being Handled Entirely By Yacht Club Games
"We're basically licensing the amiibo technology from Nintendo"
After last week's revolutionary news of a third-party franchise breaking its way into the world of amiibo, some more details on the Shovel Knight figure have surfaced via Yacht Club Games. In an interview with Destructoid at PAX Prime 2015, studio head Sean Velasco stated that Yacht...
Mario History Super Mario 64 DS - 2004
3D Mario on the go
In this series of articles we'll write about one or more Mario game per day, each representing a different year as part of our Super Mario 30th Anniversary celebrations. If you'd have said that one day it would be possible to play Super Mario 64 on a handheld console back in 1996, you'd likely have been laughed out of the room...
News Space Hulk Finally Docking With The Wii U eShop This Christmas
In space, no one can hear you lament slipped release dates
Last we heard, the Wii U version of Space Hulk was due to arrive in May, but that proved to be a false dawn as all of the console editions were pushed back slightly. If you own a Sony machine then the wait is now over, as the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita versions are out this week. Sadly,...
News Nintendo Recruits YouTube Celebrities for Its Super Mario Maker 'Super Creator Challenge'
Five in total want your Likes
With Super Mario Maker's release a little over a week away Nintendo is trying various marketing tricks and strategies to get people interested, and now NoA has now posted videos of five YouTube celebrities taking on its 'Super Creator Challenge'. Whichever level's video gets the most Likes by 9th September wins, and our...
News Dragon Quest VIII Storms to Number One in Japan and Boosts New 3DS Sales
Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer creeps towards 1 million sales
Wednesday is Media Create results day in Japan, in which we see whether Nintendo and its system's games can maintain strong form in the company's homeland. On that score this week brings more positive news. Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, the 3DS port of the PS2...
News Ace Attorney 6 Definitely Heading to the West, With 'Courtroom Revolution' as a Theme
The Great Ace Attorney looks unlikely, though
This week Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 6 was confirmed for the 3DS, along with the news that it'll be playable at the Tokyo Game Show. That news alone was exciting for fans of the series, though some extra snippets of information have since emerged. For starters, this one is coming to the West, which is...
News These Disturbing Year Walk Bedtime Stories for Awful Children May Haunt Your Dreams
"The boy screamed, but before anyone could hear his cries for help..."
Year Walk is now just a couple of weeks away from release on the Wii U eShop, with developer Simogo teaming up with Dakko Dakko to produce a definitive version of the game. As was explained to us in an interview with both studios recently, the "GamePad becomes the link between...
News Nintendo UK and Playtonic Games to Host a Special Super Mario Maker Live Broadcast
Yooka-Laylee studio to show off its creations
With Super Mario Maker approaching we can expect a variety of promotional activities from the big N, and Nintendo UK has an upcoming live stream that could be one to watch for retro and eShop fans. It's announced on Instagram that it'll be hosting a live broadcast with Playtonic Games, the team of...
News Extreme Exorcism to Haunt the Wii U on 23rd September
What an excellent day for a release
Extreme Exorcism may be a title familiar to keen Wii U eShop fans courtesy of its inclusion in the E3 Nindies@Home demo promotion; publisher Ripstone has now confirmed that it won't be long until the full game is available. It's due to arrive on 23rd September on Wii U and a host of other platforms, priced at...
Tuesday1st Sep 2015
News Amazon Now Offering Nintendo Games For Direct Digital Download
"Seamless redemption experience" promised
Online retailer Amazon is now offering digital downloads of "over 50 Nintendo digital game titles" which can be downloaded directly to your 3DS or Wii U console using a "seamless redemption experience". It works like this. You purchase the game on Amazon as you would normally, and then link your Nintendo...
Review Sin and Punishment (Wii U eShop / N64)
On the rails and off the hip
It's no secret that many Japanese titles never see the light of day overseas. Countless games have been unreleased for fear of lack of public interest and fear of bad. This was the initial reason Sin and Punishment, released in 2000, never surfaced on the Nintendo 64 outside of Japan. The hectic shoot'em up only made...
News Men Suspected of Planning Pokémon World Championships Gun Attack Denied Bail
Will be held for four months
A little over a week ago details emerged of two men that were arrested under suspicion of planning an armed attack at the Pokémon World Championships. 27-year-old James Austin Stumbo and 18-year-old Kevin Norton were both enrolled for the Trading Card Game tournament, though members of the Pokémon community flagged...
Review Wario: Master of Disguise (Wii U eShop / DS)
Master of Mediocrity
After WarioWare took off, it seemed like that was all everybody's favourite antihero was up to, save for a Wii instalment of the Wario Land series. In truth, there was also an attempt at a Wario platformer on the DS, though it is quite easy to see why not many seem to remember this outing. Developed by Suzak, the company...
News Kirby and Mega Man Nendoroids Are Tough to Resist, and Can Now be Pre-Ordered
Not cute with your bank balance
It's hard not to love Nendoroids. They're the equivalent of a cuddly husky puppy, all fluffy fur and cheeky dog grins; cute little video game figurines with interchangeable items and outfits? Where do we sign up! The downside is that they can be relatively pricey. Earlier this Summer Mega Man and Kirby Nendoroids...
Preview Getting Inside The Curiously Undemanding World Of Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer
"I love what you've done here!"
Animal Crossing: New Leaf is one of those titles which has been instrumental in selling the Nintendo 3DS to the wider gaming public. When it launched in the west back in 2013 it appeared to trigger a rush of interest in Nintendo's portable system, and everyone seemed to be talking about it - sharing their experiences,...
News Ace Attorney 6 Confirmed to be Headed to 3DS
We're still hoping for The Great Ace Attorney to be localised
The Japanese market sure loves a marketing slow burn with drip-fed information, and Capcom has now kicked that off with another entry in one of its most beloved franchises. It's been confirmed in Famitsu Weekly that Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 6 is in development for the 3DS and will...
Mario History Mario Kart: Double Dash!! - 2003
Seeing double
In this series of articles we'll write about one or more Mario game per day, each representing a different year as part of our Super Mario 30th Anniversary celebrations. Arriving two years after Mario Kart Super Circuit on the GBA, Mario Kart: Double Dash!! (emphasis not ours) is the fourth game in the Mario Kart series, or third...
"That’s extremely unfortunate for everyone involved"
Devil's Third is out now in Europe and the reviews haven't been glowing. Tomonobu Itagaki's Wii U exclusive has been given something of a drubbing by critics, with outlets such as IGN, Eurogamer and GameSpot handing it dire critical assessments. Itagaki has taken to
Review Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf (Wii U eShop / SNES)
Who knew that Genghis Khan was so cool, calculating, and complex?
Genghis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf was originally developed by Koei and released for the PC-8801, PC9801, and the MSX in 1992. The following year, Genghis Khan II saw releases for MS-DOS, Sega Genesis, Sega CD, PC Engine CD, NES, and SNES. Five more years later, and the game would...
News Devil's Third Fails to Hit UK Top 40 in Poor Week for Nintendo Titles
A low point
We suspect that most Nintendo fans in the UK would acknowledge that the company's having a tough time in the country. Splatoon has been an exception in holding its own this summer along with a couple of other evergreen games, and the 3DS remains popular, but in the overall picture the big N is struggling in this particular market. This...
News See How Plague Knight's Moveset Was Concocted
Yacht Club Games gives a crash course in character mobility
When a character controls well, its motion might seem purely natural and intuitive. What we don't often see from the playing side of the experience, however, is all the work and tweaking developers likely did to make it feel that way. With the free Plague of Shadows campaign coming soon to...
Video PolyKid’s Wii U Adventure Platformer Poi Has A Charming New Trailer
Kickstarter ends at midnight on Wednesday
As previously reported, PolyKid’s 3D Adventure Platformer Poi is slated for release on Wii U, with a Kickstarter campaign being used to raise funds. The indie team behind the title are drawing inspiration from the classic platformers they grew up with including the likes of Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooi
Interview Candlelight Studios and Bold RPG Ambitions With Untold Story
"Untold Story puts its focus on creating an incredible, dynamic story"
It's an exciting time to be a game developer, as modern technology and a more accessible industry allow people of all walks of life to try their hand at pursuing their passion. This is a win for gamers, too, as it allows us the opportunity to try all sorts of new experiences and...
Video Nintendo Produces Some Chirpy Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer TV Commercials
If you're not happy, it's not for you
When Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer was unveiled, reactions within Nintendo Life HQ ranged from confusion, to more confusion, then bafflement. We could sort of figure out what it was supposed to be, but couldn't figure out how Nintendo was going to sell it - would it be free-to-play and need amiibo cards?...
Monday31st Aug 2015
News The Smaller New Nintendo 3DS Model is Coming to North America
Rejoice!
Nintendo of America has confirmed the news that some 3DS fans in the region have been waiting for - the smaller New Nintendo 3DS model is coming to North America. Initially it'll just be released as part of a special Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer bundle; this'll include a white system, the game, two cover plates and an amiibo card...
Nintendo Download 3rd September (Europe)
Runbow! Gunman Clive HD! StarTropics 1 & 2! Sin & Punishment! More!
Another week begins with Nintendo Download Update details for Europe; due to a public holiday in the UK this information came through later than normal (hat tip to Daan Koopman who forwarded the Dutch information to us). This week is particularly good on the Wii U, it must be said,...
News Splatoon Version 2.1.0 Update to Fix Some Bugs, and Cut Off Some Handy Shortcuts
No more cheeky squid moves
Splatoon wrapped up another Splatfest this past weekend, and continues to evolve and add new content on a weekly basis. The development team remains active in tweaking the game and applying fixes, too, and update 2.1.0 will arrive soon - at 598MB in Japan - to do just that. The update is due to be preceded by some...
News Pokémon Shuffle Rolls Out on iOS in North America and Europe
And so it's come to pass
The Pokémon Company has a steady history of iOS and Android releases, but it's not common for titles to be published by Nintendo on the 3DS eShop and to then rock up on smart devices. Pokémon Shuffle has always had the potential to change that, arriving on the 3DS eShop as a free-to-play title with plenty of optional...
Mario History Super Smash Bros. Melee - 2001
A new generation
In this series of articles we'll write about one or more Mario game per day, each representing a different year as part of our Super Mario 30th Anniversary celebrations. It wasn't so long ago that we were writing about the original Super Smash Bros. on Nintendo 64, a 1999 release that achieved success on the Nintendo 64 and...
Mario History Super Mario Sunshine - 2002
Trippin' on sunshine
In this series of articles we'll write about one or more Mario game per day, each representing a different year as part of our Super Mario 30th Anniversary celebrations. It was a bold move from Nintendo to launch the GameCube in 2001 without a Mario game. The tables were turned so that Mario's link to the launch was through...
Feature Handheld LCD Gaming Past And Present
For those times when an original Game Boy just isn’t retro-chic enough
Nintendo first hit the LCD game scene all the way back in 1980 with Ball, a simple but thoroughly playable affair at the time that may be familiar to fans of the Game Boy Camera or those brave souls who ventured onto the DSi shop. From these humble beginnings Nintendo's LCD...
News VS. Excitebike Launches Into Some Races Very Soon In North America
A Monday treat
At the start of last week Nintendo of America announced that VS. Excitebike was on the way to the Virtual Console. It was clarified that this would be the Famicom Disk version that was previously only released in Japan - in addition to extra tracks and music it has a track editor feature. The release date wasn't announced, as NoA...
News Sin & Punishment Confirmed to be Blasting it Up on Wii U This Week in Europe
An absolute Treasure
Around about this time on a Monday we'd normally be posting the European Nintendo Download Update, but unfortunately for us it's a public Holiday that the big N seems to be observing. It's a bitter pill to swallow, we know, but we'll all just need to wait an extra 24 hours. We do know two games that are coming to Wii U in...
Interview Engine Software and Orangepixel on Bringing Gunslugs 2's Chaos to 3DS
"There's a lot of room for these "oldschool" arcade games on the eShop"
It can seem like the Wii U eShop gets the most attention in the 'Nindie' stakes, which is certainly the case. Nevertheless, there are still some highly promising downloads on the way to the 3DS, with plenty of life in the portable yet. One such example is Gunslugs 2, originally...
News Runbow Dashes Across To Europe Later This Week
Get ready!
Following the North American release of Runbow last week, 13AM Games has announced the Wii U eShop title will arrive in Europe on 3rd September. The news, as promised, was delivered via the Toronto-based studio’s Twitter page: [tweet Users who participated in the Nindies@Home promotion will also receive a 15 percent disco






























































































