
It's the time once again for the North American Nintendo Download Update, and this week serves up a lot of enticing goodies. The Wii U offering includes a range of promising download games, a beta, DS classic and DLC for one of 2015's premium eShop exclusives; on New 3DS we have the next batch of top-class SNES Virtual Console releases to consider, while all portable owners have some interesting eShop and retail download options. Without further pre-amble, let's get to the details.
Missed the European Nintendo Download Update? Don't reach for the gin yet, the details are still right here.
Wii U eShop
Paranautical Activity (Digerati, $9.99 / CAD$13.99) - A game with a somewhat unique and controversial history, it features procedurally-generated levels and permadeath - two common Roguelike elements - as well as hordes of enemies and bosses to fight. Upgrades are available to make things a bit easier, and there are plenty of hidden items to seek out. We'll tackle a review soon.
Asdivine Hearts (KEMCO, $9.99 / CAD$13.99) - A fantasy RPG in which you even have an accompanying cat, the core of the tale revolves around the advancement of shadow through the world. Beyond the core story there are side-quests, a battle arena and more to add some depth; we gave this a recommendation in our Asdivine Hearts review.
Dodge Club Party (JAMES MONTAGNA, $1.99 / CAD$2.60) - Much like the developer's brilliant Dot Arcade, this looks to utilise a simple but charming aesthetic. You move a pixel shape around on screen to avoid other deadly pixels of various kinds, while it'll have multiplayer options to put those Wii Remotes to use. We won't dodge the task of a review.
Draw 2 Survive (Unit DTH Studio, $1.99) - This budget title seems to target a similar gameplay idea to Kirby and the Rainbow Curse, in which you draw a line to keep a ball alive. At launch it only has a 'Survival' mode but four player multiplayer and a story mode are promised in future updates - we'll draw out a review for you.
Slots - Pharaoh's Riches (Skunk Software, $9.99) - Another title aiming to bring the feel of Las Vegas to Wii U, this time in recreating slots. It'll simulate gambling without the cost, also with an "interactive pyramid bonus game" thrown in; we'll raise the stakes and bring you a review.
Wii U Virtual Console
Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! (Nintendo, $6.99) - An iconic DS title that did much to define and popularise the 'TOUCH! Generation' range on the DS, you can now tackle its challenges and give your brain a workout on Wii U. It was actually available for free (for a spell) previously, so you can check out our Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day! for a lowdown.
Wii U eShop DLC
Runbow will receive a range of DLC options this week, as follows:
Satura's Space Adventure (13AM Games, $6.99)
Lilac (13AM Games, free)
Professionals Pack (13AM Games, $1.99)
Winter Pack (13AM Games, $2.99)
Anime Pack (13AM Games, $1.99)
SteamPunk Pack (13AM Games, $1.99)
Extra Value Bundle (13AM Games, $12.99)
Wii U Open Beta
Lost Reavers (Bandai Namco, free) - You can put this free-to-play online co-op shooter to the test in this beta until 26th April.
Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts
Runbow (13AM Games, $11.25 until 28th April, normally $14.99)
Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games, $9.99 until 21st April, normally $14.99)
PEG SOLITAIRE (RCMADIAX, on discount until 20th April)
SKEASY (RCMADIAX, on discount until 20th April)
Joe's Diner (Joindots, on discount until 21st April)
3DS eShop
Super Strike Beach Volleyball (Natsume, $4.99 / CAD$6.99) - Promising 'high-octane' beach volleyball, you have the choice of eight characters (with different abilities) and a campaign mode to take on, though free-play is an option too. This could undoubtedly be fun, so we'll dig out a beach towel and let you know what we think.
Excave III: Tower of Destiny (Bergsala Lightweight, $7.99 / CAD$10.00) - This series offers randomised dungeon crawling of the old-school variety, albeit with some modern features thrown in. This new entry boasts of online leaderboards in addition to special unlocks available if you have save data for its predecessor. We actually found this one to be a step back for the series in our Excave III: Tower of Destiny review.
New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (Nintendo, $7.99 / CAD$11.29) — The second home console DK entry from Rare, this one puts you in charge of Diddy Kong as you seek to rescue the captured DK; it provides more of the attractive visuals and gameplay that made the first title so hugely popular. We thought this worked well on the portable in our New 3DS Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest review.
Super Metroid (Nintendo, $7.99 / CAD$11.29) - A true classic of the 16-bit age, this took the ideas and concepts of its predecessors on NES and Game Boy and took them forward in rather bold ways. An experience that has inspired so many modern games, it stands up beautifully in the modern day and is perfectly suited to portable gaming - We gave this our highest marks in our Super Metroid review.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Nintendo, $7.99 / CAD$11.29) - Another definitive entry in its franchises' history, this is an adventure that's always in the running when fans debate the greatest Zelda games. Full of iconic moments and items, like many of the best SNES games this still holds up beautifully for modern-day gaming. Naturally we loved it in our most recent review of the game on New 3DS.
3DS Retail Downloads
Bravely Second: End Layer (Nintendo/Square Enix, $39.99 / CAD$49.99) - Following the strong commercial performance of the first entry in this series, this sequel aims to take the building blocks of that original RPG and make improvements across the board. A variety of adjustments, lovely visuals and excellent writing help this one shine - you can get the full lowdown in our detailed Bravely Second: End Layer review. Available from 15th April.
Langrisser Re:Incarnation Tensei (Aksys Games, $39.99) - Langrisser started on the Sega Mega Drive and had several sequels up through the Sega Saturn, but the only entry to ever make it out of Japan was the first game. With this one heading West on 3DS it has a chance to win over new fans; it promises branching story paths, plenty of strategic battles and 100+ hours of gameplay. Available from 19th April.
3DS Retail DLC
Fire Emblem Fates New DLC: Ballistician Blitz and A Gift from Anna (Nintendo, $1.99) – The Ballistician Blitz map, available for $1.99, is a trial ground using The Wooden Calvary stage from Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light. If you select "A Gift from Anna" from the "Play DLC" section of the Dragon's Gate after downloading it, you may select and receive either the Sighting Lens or the Witch's Mark. A Gift from Anna is free to download in the full game and is only playable once.
3DS eShop Temporary Discounts
The Legend of Legacy (Atlus, $29.99 until 25th April, normally $39.99)
Shovel Knight (Yacht Club Games, $9.99 until 21st April, normally $14.99)
AeternoBlade (Corecell, $10.99 until 28th April, normally $14.99)
Karous: The Beast of RE: Eden (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 28th April)
Samurai Defender (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 28th April)
Snow Moto Racing 3D (Zordix AB, $3.99 until 21st April, normally $7.99)
Jewel Match 3 (Joindots, on discount until 21st April)
3DS HOME Themes
Animal Crossing: Gardening Weather
Bravely Second: Ask Agnès
Don't forget that the eShop Super Spring Sale is also running until 21st April.
That's your lot for the North American Nintendo Download Update this week; let us know what you're planning to download in the poll and comments below.
Comments 83
Cant decide whether to download DKC2 or ALTTP. I would love to enjoy ALTTP on the go but I have never played DKC2 before and
I'm getting all three of the SNES VC games.
Now when will we get the likes of Mario RPG and DKC3?
Lost reavers and some other games
Lost Reavers for sure. And I told myself that I wouldn't pay full price again for SNES games that I already own just to have them on 3DS, but the allure of portable Super Metroid is much too strong to ignore.
Looks like Brain Age was only ever free for a time in Japan, Europe, and Australia. But it looks like it never was free for the Wii U VC in North America.
On another note, I'm looking forward to trying out the Lost Reavers demo. And as for the SNES VC games on the New 3DS, I'd love to pick them up but I already have them on Wii, Wii U, and some on original SNES and GBA cartridges. Without a crossbuy discount of some type I'll pass on this wave of games too.
Bravely Second for me. Got my deluxe pre-order in and can't wait to check this game out! Also might check out Excave series kind of like the look of the new one. Didn't pay much attention to those games until this last review by you guys.
Super metroid! I wanted a good metroid game on the go for a while now.
Lost Reavers and Bravely retail. Has anyone played the LR beta yet? Is it any good?
Pretty good week, lots of variety, new and old.
I read on gamefaqs Langrisser (Japanese version) is very tough and lousy. Did they make difficulty options for the NA version or any changes other then language.
Brain Age and maybe Legend of Legacy, depending on the discount.
Getting Langrisser retail next week
I'm probably getting Super Metroid and pick up my Bravely Second preorder tomorrow.
Yuck. The Wii-U VC has been disappointing lately! That Asdivine Hearts has me intrigued though
Downloading Lost Reavers just now. Not sure what to expect,guess I'm about to find out
Another week another lame-arse Wii U VC release, shocker.
Last Reavers only. Can't wait to lag like hell.
I dont see me spending another 8 bucks on them to have on my smaller screen, but dang....dat N3DS VC selection.....DCK2, Super Metroid, and ALttP. Awesome.
@Wolfgabe All 3 SNES games this week are great, but if you have never played DKC2, let me highly recommend it. I enjoy all 5 of the DKC games, but this one still may be my favorite. If you're up for the challenge, the Lost World is pretty sweet to check out once you get that far. Have you played any DKC games?
Please tell me Lost Reavers as voice chat. This game needs voice chat if you're going to work together.
I would like DKC3 on the N3DS please. I'm sure it'll be out soon.
Lost Reavers for sure. Still deciding on the wonderful SNES games, since I already have them on Wii U...
I may get A Link to the Past on 3DS. Still pretty crappy that I have to pay FULL PRICE for it AGAIN being that I've purchased it already on Wii and Wii U.
New 3DS... Becoming... So tempting... Must... Resist!
Does New 3DS VC support multiplayer in Donkey Kong Country series?
I'll be downloading Lost reavers, dkc2 for the 2nd time, and alttp for the first time. The Virtual console titles haven't popped up for me on the eshop, I'm guessing it has to do with living on the east coast?
Wii U eshop stinks this week aside from Lost Reavers which I will download. On the 3DS side I am getting Super Metroid, DKC2, and Link to the Past. @mystman12, it is so worth having the New 3DS. I have had it for about a year now and I love it.
Getting one or more of the SNES VC games. DKC2 is a for-sure.
@Dj-Velo eShop always updates at noon on the east coast.
@gsplatinumdp Yeah it really it is. I hope Nintendo keeps going with VC releases for it. Now it they release GBA games for it too, that would be fantastic.
super spike and super metroid?! Bless up! These days don't always come! Cherish it!
Lost Reavers and maybe Shovel Knight since that $9.99 is looking tempting.
Another DS titles makes it's way to the NA Wii U eShop! This must mean it's another week closer to releasing Animal Crossing: Wild World???
Anyways, time to get some Super Metroid on my N3DSXL!!!
DKC2 and ALttP. It's been a long dry spell.
I'm interested in the beach volleyball game. I picked both Brain Age games at a local Gamestop for under $2.00. Much better value than $6.99
I just want to know this. Why have we not gotten Pokemon Snap, Mario Party 2, Mario Kart 64, Wave Race 64, or Star Fox 64 yet? The first two are in Japan only right now, the third is in both Europe and Japan, and the last 2 I believe are Europe only right now. What the hell NoA. The N64 library is really starting to fall behind.
And with that, I have the entire downfall timeline on my 3DS...
Having an official handheld port or remake of Super Metroid has been a lifelong dream of mine so I'll gladly get it. Also I'll get ALTTP so I can have it and ALBW on the same console.
Downloading ALttP in a short while but more importantly my copy of Bravely Second is out for delivery and I expect it'll arrive by the time I'm done with some errands this mornin'.
@gsplatinumdp The sooner you learn that NOA is a bunch of meanie pants, the sooner you can rein in your expectations.
I had the collectors edition of bravely second preordered and cancelled it a few days ago. Just no time.. I got the demo and didn't even touch it yet
On the other hand this is the week I was waiting for- as soon as I get home Zelda and Metroid are MINE. You hear me?! MINE!!
@abbyhitter oh ok. Thx for the info.
Without a doubt, I'll be downloading all three snes games when I get home from work!
What I'm really excited about is when the third-party games start showing up! I can't wait to take the likes of Super Castlevania IV, Legend of Mystical Ninja, Contra III, Super Ghouls and Ghosts, Mega Man X1-3, Super Punch Out, and (hopefully) many, many more on the go! I just hope that they're released sooner rather than later!
I agree with most, I will be downloading all the SNES titles! So excited to play LTTP 20 all these years later!
I have never played ALTTP. It's about time that changed
Guess I will take the Lost Reavers beta. Buying Ratchet & Clank on my PS4, so yeah.
I'm probably the only one to vote for Super Spike Beach Volleyball, but I don't care. I love sports games on my 3DS.
Also getting DKC2, ALTTP and the Animal Crossing home theme!
@ericwithcheese2 Ha, I voted for it too but combined it's only 1%. I hear you on the sports games. I prefer sim-type games, but with the serious lack of those on the 3DS I'll pretty much take anything that's decent!
Oh, new Fates DLC.
Just in time when I started to do the Lunatic Classic runs on all routes.
While I can't say this is a poor week, nothing interests me, or I already own it on a different system.
Now where are those Fire Emblem discounts, NoA?
Lost Reavers and I will play as the skull man!
...Still waiting on Rhythm Heaven for the Wii U VC...which would be a perfect time to release it with Megamix around the corner. >_>
So the best Zelda, and Metroid games come to VC the same week.... nice.
Also everyone needs to own Shovel Knight, you have no excuse now.
Remember, Amazon Prime users! When you do 3-5 day free shipping, you get a $1 Digital Goods credit. I pay my phone bill, buy most clothes, birthday gifts, tools for the house from Amazon- so often, as many as 2-3 purchases a week. That's $3 in Digital Credits today alone.
Digital Credits are good on eShop download codes on Amazon. I paid $5 for Mario 3D World last week, and might pick up A Link to the Past for $1 next week.
Am I the only one excited for Langrisser? I really liked Growlancer so I´ll check it out. Who´s doing the localization?
I'm gonna have to get that surprise ac theme and the free beta.
I'll probally have to wait on SNES VC... idk yet.
If I do get SNES VC this week, everything but Metroid will be mine.
@gsplatinumdp Yeah, honestly the only thing keeping me from upgrading is the sort stylus. I use SmileBASIC a lot, and the stylus on the New 3DS is just really uncomfortable for me to hold. And while the super stable 3D is awesome, I've personally never had any issues with the 3D on the original models.
@Whopper744 Just the first
I voted Bravely Second and Langrissier, but I'll be getting them retail.
@World Totally agree!
I also feel it would be nice if Mario Party and Mario Party 3 ended up on Wii U vc. I think it is a shame that Mario Party 2 is the only one released anywhere right now.
Dodge Party, Lost Reavers and Bravely Second retail. New games deserve love too!
The Wii-U VC has been disappointing lately!
Be thankful that it's still receiving games even if they are not ones you would download yourself.
I have all 3 DKCs on Wii U so I won't be double dipping on any of those but portable ALttP is something I need in my life.
I still have to beat Bravely Default so I won't be getting Bravely Second quite yet either.
Nice of Nintendo to crap on original 3DS owners. It's ok I will just download the Roms and use my money to purchase games from PSN other services.
Getting ALttP and Super Metroid! I love seeing my 3DS SNES collection grow.
Best week in ages. Already pre-loaded bravely second. Will buy Super Metroid and Zelda too. May give Asdivine a look. I thought it was decent when I played it briefly on my phone.
Looks like Runbow (finally) with the Extra Value Bundle DLC, and the Lost Reavers Free-to-Play Beta. Boy, I'd love to have those classic SNES VC releases on my N3DS, but I'm not paying $8 each again, when they're already on my NNID-linked Wii U.
The prices should automatically show up as $0.00 on the N3DS eShop. Even a $1.50 "Upgrade" fee for previous purchases would suffice, if free was out of the question.
Is there going to be a review of Runbow's new dlc? I really want to know if the Satura dlc is worth buying.
@Wolfgabe Cool. Well if you liked it at all, you will most likely really like 2.
Now would be a great time for cross-buy or a discount on Virtual Console. I got A Link To The Past as a Club Nintendo reward and then the upgrade fee, and Super Metroid for 30 cents. Please Nintendo, let me continue my awful cheap bumhug ways! Lol
I love Slots, but it doesn't sound like the $10 one is worth it just by reading it.
Is the "A Gift from Anna" DLC playable only once per save file, or once altogether?
Brain Age was free in Eu and JP but not in NA. So no download.
@Eisenbolan
Read this.
https://tonkuniverse.wordpress.com/2015/07/30/langrisser-reincarnation-tensei-review-3ds/
Langrisser may be the worst SRPG in the history of SRPG's.
Wow, what a week!
DKC2: Diddy's Kong Quest
Super Metroid
Zelda: A Link to the Past
Lost Reavers
Fire Emblem Fates DLC
I'm swimming in awesome downloads here
@Tasuki
Apparently you didn't read the comments by the gentleman who actually developed the BLARG emulator for 3DS. He joined the discussion on the site and explained in great technical detail why those games cannot physically run on the system. And I don't think any of us here have the technical expertise to question him.
Can't recommend Bravley Defaulf enough!
@JaxonH I'm sure Nintendo would make a lot more $ if they could deliver a good/stable product to all 3ds models and not just the version. People just choose to be salty I guess and not read why it doesn't work at the level Nintendo demands.
@DarthNocturnal that seemed like a deal to me too, so I grabbed it.
Bravery Second and DKC2 for me.
And just like on the Wii, we're going to get barely any games for the N64 on the virtual console. Why are they ignoring that system? There wasn't many total in the Wii shop, and it seems they're just giving us the same ones on the Wii U. It would be nice to get Rocket Robot On Wheels, Mischief Makers, Goemon's Great Adventure, Quest, Aidyn Chronicles, Pokemon Stadium and some of the other goodies!
On the NES side...can we please get The Goonies 2 and can the US finally get Startropics 1 and 2???
ok got got enough funds for DKC2 or Zelda. will probally pick up Zelda and get DK next month. have already bought 3 SNES VC already and plan on the GF horse racing game next month any way.
People whine about the Wii U releases every week no matter what gets released.
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