Kusakari.jpg

It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update; this week certainly has some enticing options. The New 3DS Virtual Console has a triple whammy of Street Fighter titles, while the Wii U's retro service has a rather fun DS title. Beyond that are some interesting download-only options, including a new spin on 'Legendary' adventure, pixel painting and more. Throw in the usual batch of discounts and an exciting demo and there's plenty to consider, so let's get to it.

Missed the European Nintendo Download Update details earlier in the week? No need to sound the alarm, the details are still right here.

Wii U eShop

Shadow Archer (Ultra Dolphin Revolution, $2.99) - With retro-style visuals this seems to be offering a simple gameplay loop: use your archer to shoot down waves of enemies with limited ammo. We'll see whether it's worth a shot in our review.

Wii U Virtual Console

Super Mario 64 DS (Nintendo, $9.99) - The original is often lauded as one of the greatest and most influential games of all time, and this re-make on DS was certainly a showcase for the portable's capabilities. This iteration introduced new content that included playable Luigi, Yoshi and Wario characters; though it doesn't match the original it terms of pure playability, we also pick over its strengths in our Super Mario 64 DS review.

Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts

The Rivers of Alice: Extended Version (Delirium Studios, on discount until 8th September)

Kung Fu FIGHT! (Nostatic Software, $0.99 from 26th September until 5th September, normally $1.99)

Journey of a Special Average Balloon (Treefall Studios, on discount until 31st August)

The Letter (Treefall Studios, on discount until 31st August)

3DS eShop

The Legend of Kusakari (Nnooo, $4.99) - Developed by Librage and brought to the West by Nnooo, this is a rather cute action / puzzle concept, apparently spread across 50+ levels; you're scything grass to enable a real hero to fight foes, rather like being the unseen wing-man to Link. It's an idea that works rather well, as we've given it a strong recommendation in our The Legend of Kusakari review.

Pixel Paint (Rainy Frog, $3.99) - As the name suggests this is a tool that allows you to draw and create pixel-based artwork, with the benefit of then sharing it for the world to see on Miiverse. This one actually came out on the Wii U in 2014 and was rather impressive, so we're hopeful that it'll also deliver the goods on the 3DS.

Japanese Rail Sim 3D Monorail Trip to Okinawa (Sonic Powered Co. Ltd, $19.99) - The latest in an established series, this time opting for a monorail rather than conventional rails. These titles typically give you a semi-interactive tour of interesting areas, with plenty of local facts and details also included. We'll see whether its worth buying a travel ticket in our review.

New Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console

Street Fighter Alpha 2 (Capcom, $7.19) - Although the original never arrived on Nintendo hardware, this sequel brought a taste of the arcade action to the Super NES. A spin-off from the core franchise, it utilises custom combos along with some fresh characters and a different art style; we were fans of this in our Street Fighter Alpha 2 review.

Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting (Capcom, $7.19) - This entry is more the typical Street Fighter action that's associated with the 16-bit era; in this one's case it has less flat-out content than its successor below, but does play faster courtesy of the Turbo options. We weighed it all up in our Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting review.

Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers (Capcom, $7.19) - This entry lacks the speed of Turbo Hyper Fighting, but boasts more characters and modes to choose from; on some metrics its better, but those that crave speed will disagree. In any case we gave it a recommendation in our review.

3DS eShop Temporary Discounts

Rhythm Thief & the Emperor's Treasure (SEGA, $4.99 until 5th September, normally $19.99)

Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars (Atlus, $9.99 until 5th September, normally $29.99)

The Delusions of Von Sottendorff and His Square Mind (Delirium Studios, on discount until 8th September)

Aqua Moto Racing 3D (Zordix AB, $3.99 until 1st September, normally $7.99)

Toy Defence (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 15th September)

WAKEDAS (CIRCLE Entertainment, on discount until 15th September)

3DS eShop Demo

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Spirit of Justice (Capcom, free)


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 11 answers)