MHGen.jpg

It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. We'd suggest that this week is a good 'un - there are promising download-only titles on both Wii U and 3DS, while the Virtual Console also has some tasty options. There are also two major retail releases on the 3DS along with some broader eShop discounts, so all told it's a solid offering. Let's get to the details.

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update details earlier in the week? Don't fret, the information is still right here.

Wii U eShop

Tumblestone (The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild, $22.49) - An action puzzle game that aims to make a big splash in the genre, this one aims to reinvent the match-3 genre while including plenty of content; there's a story mode, local and online multiplayer, an Arcade mode and 'quests', as examples. It seems extremely promising, but we'll see whether it stacks up in a review.

REPTILIAN REBELLION (Herrero, $2.99) - This is a relatively simplistic isometric-view shooter, in which you control a central character shooting at slow-moving enemies coming from the left and right. We considered it to be rather average in our Reptilian Rebellion review.

Chroma Blast (WizByte Games, $1.49) - It appears that this title is a relatively simplistic arena-based shoot 'em up, as you tackle waves of enemies and try to put modifiers to work. We'll blast some foes and let you know what we think in a review.

JACKPOT 777 (RCMADIAX, $1.49) - We've seen plenty of virtual casino games on the eShop in North America and now we have another jumping into the fray. This one is 'classic slot machine action at its best', apparently. We'll take a bet and bring you a review.

Wii U Virtual Console

R-Type (Konami, $7.99) - The first of a triple arrival of TurboGrafx-16 titles on the Wii U Virtual Console, having previously been part of the extensive VC on Wii. This is a very decent port of the classic arcade shoot 'em up, which is regarded both as one of the greats of its genre and as an extremely challenging title. You can check out our Wii Virtual Console R-Type review while we work on a fresh perspective on Wii U.

New Adventure Island (Konami, $5.99) - Another TurboGrafx-16 title, and another good 'un. It can be argued that this is one of the best titles featuring Master Higgins; it has bright visuals and smooth controls, along with a clever mechanic in which your health depletes with the passing of time, making every move count. We praised this a great deal in our Wii Virtual Console New Adventure Island review.

Bonk's Adventure (Konami, $5.99) - A third TurboGrafx-16 release, originally brought to the Wii VC by the now defunct Hudson. A rather colourful and conventional platformer in which you headbutt enemies, it also has some humour for extra flavour. We enjoyed this in our Wii Virtual Console Bonk's Adventure review and will take another look on Wii U.

Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts

Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition (Drinkbox Studios, $7.49 until 21st July, normally $14.99)

OlliOlli (Curve Digital, on discount from 15th July until 22nd July)

Nova-111 (Curve Digital, on discount from 15th July until 22nd July)

3DS Retail Downloads

Monster Hunter Generations (Capcom, $39.99) - The latest entry in this series finally makes its way to the West, introducing multiple villages and characters from previous releases along with new Hunting Styles and Arts that shake up gameplay. We gave this a strong recommendation in our detailed Monster Hunter Generations review. Available from 15th July.

7th Dragon III Code: VFD (SEGA, $39.99) - The 3DS is graced with a lot of top-class RPG experiences, and SEGA has pitched in with another. This particular series is established in Japan but is trying to seize momentum in the West, and offers its own twists on genre norms. You can learn all about what this one has to offer in our extensive 7th Dragon III Code: VFD review.

3DS eShop

Journey to Kreisia (KEMCO, $9.99) - This is, unsurprisingly, another retro-styled JRPG that KEMCO is bringing across from its range of releases on iOS and Android. Some of these ports have been better than others, and we'll see whether this tale of world-saving in a fantastical setting is worth the virtual journey.

New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console

Final Fight (Capcom, $7.99) — This is one of the earlier arcade conversions to the Super NES, and an iconic beat 'em up that's certainly welcome on the New portable's Virtual Console. Though this beat 'em up port lacks the co-op play that made the arcade a classic it's still a lot of fun, as we explained in our Wii U Virtual Console Final Fight review.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Azure Striker Gunvolt (Inti Creates, $9.99 until 31st July, normally $14.99)

OlliOlli (Curve Digital, on discount from 15th July until 22nd July)

Quell Memento (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 4th August)

The Legend of Dark Witch 2 (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 4th August)

3DS HOME Themes

Monster Hunter Generations: Glavenus

Monster Hunter Generations: Gammoth

Monster Hunter Generations: Astalos

Monster Hunter Generations: Mizutsune

Monster Hunter Generations: Felynes

Monster Hunter Generations: Standard Theme

That's everything for the North American Nintendo Download Update this week - let us know what you're planning to download in the poll and comments below.

What will you be downloading this week?

(You can select up to 14 answers)