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.
Comments 56
My body is ready!...to cut down grass...after work.
I tried the Spirit of Justice demo at Anime Expo, but I want to try it again. Can't wait for September!
The Legend of Kusakari looks interesting. I also want to get Super Mario 64 DS for nostalgic reasons. Other than that, nothing much for me this week. Still a pretty solid one, though.
The stars must have aligned for 3DS VC releases.
I was really hoping we would get POKEMON SNAP.... F-ZERO X would be nice as well as I would like to play it with the Gamepad. Not many good releases lately. Great sales, but NOA needs to step it up.
Argh. Why can't they release more than one Wii-U VC game when this one is already available on VC for a different platform?! Not to mention that I have the cartridge and can play it on my 3DS, a current-gen console! It's one thing to have games that are for platforms that are no longer available at retail. SMH.
I'll get Super Mario 64 DS later,but nothing for me 😛
Just the demo for me. Might be downloading one of the Selects tomorrow. Leaning towards AC
Wow. Rhythm Thief for $5? I'll have to grab that.
I'll be getting the Ace Attorney demo for sure, and I have enough for Legend of Kusakari if it gets a good review. But why did we get Super Mario 64 DS over Pokemon Snap!?
@WhiteTrashGuy "Great sales"? Where? Not on the e-shop, that's for sure. Any PSN Flashsale has more going on than the e-shop all year in terms of sale.
Super Mario 64 DS is a confusing addition when the original is already available. Regardless, I'm okay with a blah week - still thoroughly enjoying TMS #FE (about to start the final chapter).
$5 is an amazing deal for Rhythm Thief. If you haven't gotten it yet, and love rhythm games, I highly recommend it! The story is pretty good, too.
But since I already have Rhythm Thief, nothing for me this week.
Pretty good Nintendo Download this week but Humble Capcom PlayStation Bundle is getting my money.
I guess I'll try out the Phoenix Wright demo. Other than that...nothing else for me this week.
Argh! Why can't we have the same sale that Europe (was it Europe) had, with the Street Fighter releases? For those that don't know, if you bought two, you got the third for free.
Super Mario 64 DS for me and that's probably it.
Weird price for StreetFighter $7.19 not $7.99?
Really wish the rest of those Japanese Rail Sim 3D games could come to Europe. Yeah they're not great, but they're quite novel for those like me who have an interest in the country.
Not to mention the one we did get had a special launch price of £1 so there's that too..... XD
If you haven't played Rhythm Thief, it's a fantastic game for $5!
Wow. It's so great this week.
😀
No special sale for the SSFII games? We got one when they came to Wii U VC. Anyways, which of the 3 is widely considered the best one?
Nothing for me. I see that Sonic Powered came out with another Rails game. If they released another Air Traffic Controller game, I'd snatch it up, but they didn't.
@allav866 Super is probably the best. Alpha would technically be better, but it's got some issues on the SNES.
Just Lego City Undercover for me this week.
@mjharper im only on chapter 3 lol
OK, is this a joke? What happened to Pokémon Snap?
Hey look, The Letter is on discount.
Gimme dat demo! And maybe Street Fighter. But mostly the demo.
along with the ace attorney demo, check out the prologue.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7gsGg-MPX0
Weak of hidden gems. Pixel Paint 3ds port and sweet discount of rhythm thief. Oh and Ace Attorney, obviously
We could have got Pokémon Snap, but NoA is all like "Nah man, you need another version of Super Mario 64."
The reason EU has once again having no VC games is due to NA lagging behind on releases (This and last week have been catch up VC titles that EU has for a while). EU gamers need to join NA gamers in asking Reggie to catch up on VC releases so EU an get at least one VC game a week.
The Street Fighter games would only be worth it if they had download play. Many friends and I have Super SF4 from the humble bundle way back.
Nice price for Kusakari, will buy as soon as I get home
It's bad when everyone wants a demo instead of full games. Seriously NoA needs to put out more VC than just SNES (I still say blatant cash grab) more NES and Gameboy would be nice (double dragon 3, castlevania legends)
Just the Ace Attorney demo for me this week.
hey guys, i just found out from The Legend of Kusakari 3DS Eshop store page that if you buy The Legend of Kusakari at full price from 8/25 at 9 am PT to 9/22 at 8:59 am PT, you can save 50% off of Blast 'Em Bunnies (3DS), escapeVektor (3DS), and Cubemen 2 (Wii U).
just thought i let you guys know about this : ). i don't know if this also applies for the EU/UK Eshop service as well or not.
Kusakari got a great review and is only 5 bucks, I'm in. Plus the Ace Attorney demo, of course.
PAX next week!!
With so many news outlets running stories celebrating the SNES turning 25 in America this week (it's even trending on Facebook), NOA commemorates the occasion with… a DS remake of an N64 title. Ummm… thanks? Happy Birthday, SNES!
The AA demo is an obvious download, but I'm not sure which Street Fighter game I want.
Already have Mario 64 so Zzzz...
Is there any hope whatsoever that they could put Secret Of Mana on the 3ds somehow? They release hoards of junk week after week and the virtual console is so lacking in good stuff. I'd like to see Secret of Mana, Final Fantasy Mystic Quest, Illusion of Gaia, Side Pocket, Kirby's Avalanche, Super Mario All Stars, and so much more.
Nothing for me this week. Nintendo needs to release some more SNES VC Games on the Wii U and Turbografx 16 games instead of all these DS Ports of games that are already on the eshop.
I totally recommend Rhythm Thief for $5.
so the thing that releases on Zelda anniversary is...a spin off...and its basically a rune factor frontier...and 14% of people are getting it.........wut?
I really want SimCity for snes on my new 3ds. Its such a relaxing game. The music is amazing. Please Nintendo SimCity on new 3ds.
@hendie001 I doubt it will ever happen. EA owns the rights to SimCity now. They even pulled it off of the Wii VC.
@hendie001 that is one of my favorite games. I've put many hours into it and would love to be able to play it on the go.
I was all ready to give that Ace Attorney demo a try - the series has never particularly appealed to me, but maybe this time...
but my 3DS has left this mortal coil
rip old gal, 424 hours of project mirai dx can't be wrong
To those who are saying Mario 64 DS is a wasted release since the N64 version is already on the eShop, it's not a 1:1 copy. The DS version adds three more playable characters, some new levels, mini-games, more detailed character designs, and some tweaks to the game. If you're a Mario 64 fan like I am, it's worth double-dipping.
@GameOtaku GB Castlevania Legends won't be heading to 3DS since Konami has publicly disowned the game anyway. Nor will any other Gameboy or NES game for that matter. Any faint chance of non-SNES games making it onto 3DS Virtual Console from here on in would only be from the current user base buying up all the NES/GB/GBC/GG Virtual Console stuff that they don't already own to spike the sales a little and show there is a demand for it. So like it or not, you'd have to throw down some coin on Clu Clu Land, Xtreme Sports, Marus Mission and G-Loc Air Battle to show there is still some interest in the "older" Virtual Console stuff that isn't Super NES.
@AcclaimDev
I own half of those games you mentioned (Marus Mission, Xtreme Sports) they are just ROM dumps what's so difficult?
Besides if they had SNES for older 3ds there's no problem!
@GameOtaku Seem to remember a Nintendo post explaining the situation awhile back. They have to go through the trouble of licensing this stuff (especially third party), writing new custom manuals, making sure the "rom" is compatible on 3DS, evaluating the game by the current rating system, etc. It doesn't sound like much work but Nintendo seems to think the man hours required to release a title or two would somehow prevent new games from getting released. Apparently this is too much work to throw on some unpaid summer/college interns?
But you are right on a lot of points. There is no excuse that NES stuff like Kung Fu, Ice Hockey, NES Baseball (and other NES sports games), Blades of Steel, Double Dribble, Contra, Shatterhand, NES Dr. Mario, Bases Loaded 2-4, etc. haven't been released. I know those titles aren't Star Tropics, Final Fantasy or Dragon Warrior, but the ones I listed would all be a cinch to license and post.
Heck, Gameboy had versions of Contra, Bases Loaded, Blades of Steel, Gradius, Double Dribble and 2 Yoshi puzzle games that could have been tossed on by now.
Game Gear should have easily seen releases of Sonic Chaos, Sonic Spinball and the Streets of Rage games. Again, not world beating titles but at least you'd have more choices.
For me, it is easier to vote with my wallet and keep at it until I have every NA Virtual Console release. Getting there.
@Ottobot808
11 points
@allav866
The very best Street Fighter action on 3DS IMHO is Super Street Fighter IV 3D.
If you really want to get one of these 2D classic Street Fighters, I would then say Hyper Fighting as the speed makes it stand apart, followed by Super - you get more characters, Cammy, Fei Long. I'm getting both of these when they eventually go on sale.
I've heard Alpha 2 has some performance issues, but I've never played it.
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