It's time for another North American Nintendo Download Update, and this week has some high profile and intriguing options. Monolith Soft's latest epic leads the way on Switch, but there are also some interesting download-only options on the system that are vying for your time; the Wii U also gets a new game and two Virtual Console titles, which isn't to be sniffed at. Let's get to it, shall we?
Switch Retail Downloads
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 (Nintendo, $59.99USD) - It's a series that's now embedded within Nintendo console gaming culture, offering a hefty dose of immersive (and downright complicated) RPG gaming. This 'main' sequel does a lot of things very well and will keep plenty of Switch owners busy into 2018 - here's our full Xenoblade Chronicles 2 review. Available from 1st December.
Switch eShop
Serial Cleaner (Curve Digital, $14.99USD) - A rather quirky 2D / stealth game in which you play the role of crime scene 'cleaner' for the mob. It's heavily stylised and certainly looks like a fun concept; our review will be with you later today.
Nine Parchments (Frozenbyte, $19.99USD) - A game that's been generating a decent amount of buzz, with an isometric view it is essentially an action shooter with wizards, and as you'd expect from Frozenbyte there are RPG elements thrown in. It also supports local and online co-op for up to four players with a recent demo giving us all a taste. Available from 5th December.
Caveman Warriors (Jandusoft, $12.99USD) - A colourful brawler with four different characters (and local multiplayer for as many players); it looks rather slick and promises plenty of challenge. We'll check it out in a review soon. Available from 5th December.
Syberia 2 (Microïds, $29.99USD) - This series of remastered point-and-click titles continues, following a very solid first outing on the Switch not too long ago. "Kate Walker and the eccentric old Hans Voralberg set forth in search of a forgotten world" in this one, which sounds like a reasonable way to pass a weekend.
OPUS: The Day We Found Earth (Flyhigh Works, $5.00USD) - A title that seems to aim for an atmospheric experience, it's set millions of years in the future as a small robot tries to find Earth by charting the stars. It looks like a mix of stargazing and a touching narrative, and we'll see how it fares in a review.
Star Ghost (Rainy Frog / Squarehead Studios, $8.99USD) - Developed by Rare alumni Rhys Lewis (with music by David Wise), this adds an interesting spin to the sidescrolling space shooter; it has controls not too dissimilar to Barrel Rocket levels in Donkey Kong Country Returns, and we thought it was a darn good combination when we reviewed it on Wii U.
MUJO (Oink Games, $9.99USD) - A blend of match-three and puzzle elements in which you use combinations to destroy mythological monsters. It has a simplistic (but relatively clean) look, but this is a pretty lazy port by the look of things.
Traverse USA (Hamster, $7.99USD) - This is the first IREM Arcade Archives release, a sentence to cheer the spirit of many retro gamers. Both a motorcycle overhead racing and sprite scaling hybrid game, you trying to get from LA to New York in once piece.
World Heroes (HAMSTER, $7.99USD) - It's the Neo Geo ACA series, so we might as well get another fighting game into the line-up. What helps this one stand out is its use of somewhat demented representations of historical figures from through the ages; it was arguably bettered by its sequels, but you can check out our original World Heroes review for another bit of retro goodness.
Switch DLC
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Expansion Pass (Nintendo, $29.99 / $38.69CAD) - If you own the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 game and buy this Expansion Pass, you’ll gain access to some new content, including new story content in fall 2018! On Dec. 1, the Helpful Item Pack will roll out, with the New Quest Pack opening up in January. Plus, the New Rare Blade Pack will be added to the game in spring, with the New Challenge Mode Pack next summer.
Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Japanese Voice Pack (Nintendo, free)
Wii U eShop
Draw a Stickman: EPIC 2 (Hitcents, $6.99USD) - The Wii U may be getting the sequel, but the concept of this looks rather promising. The idea is that you draw your heroes and even weapons and watch them come to life as you play the game. It'll be interesting to see if the execution is as fun as the idea.
Wii U Virtual Console
Bomberman '93 (Konami, $5.99USD) - We must be getting close to the Wii U Virtual Console being renamed the 'Konami Retro Portal', or something along those lines. This time around we get a TurboGrafx-16 entry in the Bomberman series, and it's pretty darn good especially in multiplayer.
Battle Lode Runner (Kaasa solution GmbH, $5.99USD) - Another TG-16 title, this time a colourful variation of a series that never got much beyond 'cult' popularity; you can check out our old review of the Wii VC release if you want a true blast from the past.
As always Nintendo of America wants you to browse the eShop and check out the official sales and deals website for discount details.
Those are the options for this week - let us know what you'll be downloading in the poll and comments below.
Comments 65
Yay
It's a very Xenoblade kind of week.
After seeing and hearing reviews Xenoblade is going to be impossible to ignore now!
Still not a fan of the art style, but I might try Xenoblade 2 at some point...that is if Nintendo would slow down the releases just a tad! Seriously, I haven't even gotten around to Splatoon 2, FE Warriors, and Skyrim yet.
Also I gotta say, it's impressive they were able to get Xenoblade 2 localized and out the door so quickly without any delays. Nintendo's localization teams must be lightning fast.
Special edition of Xenoblade is on the way now!
@Giygas_95
When they announced Xenoblade 2 at the launch event, I said no way that makes it this year, especially since XCX got delayed for years. I stand corrected. Impressive indeed!
Nintendo needs to announce some big games for 2018 soon... I'll be playing Odyssey for a while... but I need something to look forward to... hopefully in the Spring.
@holygeez03 2018: kirby, yoshi, payday 2, pikmin 4, all confirmed
Traverse USA, Nine Parchments and Serial Cleaner for me. I hold hold off on Star Ghost as I have it on Wii U .
Bomberman 93. Great game
I got excited for Bomberman '93 and then I saw that it was for the Wii U
Though I have a Wii U, I would much rather it on the Switch
@Spoony_Tech You were going to ignore it?
Just Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for me this week. Already have it downloading and waiting for midnight.
@MoonKnight7 Also considering they used over 100 devs from Monolith soft to co-develop Breath of the wild.
Physical Xenoblade for me
The new digital offerings doesn't interest me much right now.
@holygeez03
They will. Come January I'm sure we'll get a direct that really starts to outline what's coming in 2018. I think the play they're going for now is to focus on the current winter lineup so things don't get lost in the shuffle.
@Rhaoulos
Huh, I didn't know that. Very interesting!
@MoonKnight7 Yeah, I said exactly the same thing ... I'm still shocked that it made it out in 2017. I mean, that the Switch managed to build up this kind of library this fast is impressive enough, but to add Xenoblade to this list just within months of the system's release is kinda mind blowing to me.
People tend to disagree with me on this, but the PS4 never really felt like a true jRPG machine to me until earlier this year, when Persona 5 and to a lesser degree (because of the "jRPG'ness" not the quality itself) Nier Automata (I really enjoyed Nier on the PS3 despite it's flaws in some areas) arrived. There were some 'AA' jRPG games before that and certainly FFXV last year, but none of this really made me sit up and take notice the way Xenoblade did and still does. And even before that, i was really awed by Octopath demo, which I played the hell out of and which I enjoyed a hell of alot more than the demos I played for FFXV, which did absolutely nothing for me other than ... well, the combat is certainly different to what I was used to, which is some kind of achievement but not much more ^^
To think that I can just take this game with me where ever I go, that is not just something I can experience and enjoy at home, in my living room, in front of my TV ... well, that makes it twice as mind blowing really - at least to me. Kudos to Monolith for pulling this off in this kinda time frame and apparently in this kinda quality.
I really hope this is just the beginning of a whole host of great jRPGs making it to the system, starting with Octopath and SMT (maybe - hopefully - probably not) SMT next year.
PS: Oh yeah, and all these games look to be exclusives to boot, so that should really give the system some serious cred among 'core' gamers and (j)RPG fans. Good times I dare say, good times indeed As this year went, it's probably only a matter of minutes now before the Donald gets into a Twitter war with Xenoblade onTwitter
Xenoblade is preloaded and waiting on that unlock. Man, I am going in pretty much completely blind and am seriously excited to play it.
I wish there was one exciting game being released near Christmas... A Shovel Knight physical cartridge will all the DLC or even SSB Deluxe would have been fine... Maybe I will use that time period to get to the Shovel Knight campaigns that I haven't beat yet on WiiU.
@holygeez03 There is...Xenoblade Chronicles 2!!!
The direct sequel to my all time favorite game!
When I was watching the Nintendo Switch launch event back in January I was trying to decide if I should buy 1. When they announced Xenoblade Chronicles 2 I turned to my wife and told her I was buying a Switch at launch because of this game.
Wii U is still alive...
Until its last Healing Vision...
I pre-loaded XC2 a while back, but seeing as I'm not very far into Skyrim, it might be quite a while before I begin playing XC2. I'll also be downloading Syberia 2 & Nine Parchments. I have Star Ghost on Wii U, but may at somepoint get it on Switch. I sure wish both Trine games, Splintercell: Blacklist, the Batman Arkham games & NFS Most Wanted, would all come to Switch, too, because I'd like the option to be able to play them on the go. Not to mention DKC Tropical Freeze, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, Yoshi's Wooly World, Guacamelee, The Fall (part 1), The Swapper, Stealth Inc 2, Smash 4, Toki Tori 1 & 2, Steam World Dig, Steam World Heist, The Swindle, Child of Light, LoZ: WW HD, LoZ TP HD, & more.
@Ralek85
During the E3 event, Monolith was asked how they got this game together so quickly. Their response was that they could re-purpose a lot of assets from XCX. But even still, that's a heck of a turnaround. Some serious kudos to them, that's for sure.
Lol at the Donald! The Donald is as clueless about Xenoblade as he is about proper adult behavior.
i have a sad feeling the 3ds is pretty much done now that pokemon is out. atlus has a few games announced for next year and thats it on the horizon for 3ds. nintendo has basically only put out remakes and shovelware for it lately
had great run tho, 8 years almost with so many great rpgs to play on that machine
Am I mistaken or is there really nothing for the 3DS this week?
@something17 I'm just happy to see continued TG16 support after Konami brought Hudson, even if it is on Wii U. Odd that they won't put them on the Switch as well, but I guess maybe Nintendo told them to hold off till the Switch VC is revealed (And that arcade games are their own thing.)
If anything once they get the green light, should be easy to port those Wii U Versions to Switch. Either way, hoping for some Gate of Thunder next year. :3
First time in a few weeks I've been able to click "nothing for me" this week.
I am glad though they are offering the original Japanese voice pack for those who want to experience Xenoblade in that manner.
Bring these great TG16 games to the Switch!
Bomberman '93, then XC2 physical tomorrow! Yesss!
@8Darky I was thinking the same thing.
I knew that it was inevitable, but it still makes me a little sad. At least I have a well-sized 3DS backlog, so that's a little comforting. It's been such a fun era of gaming for me. So many amazing games!
@MERG Yes, I got bored with the first games lather, rinse, repeat combat and never finished it. The second I owned and played all of 45 minutes of so it wasn't looking good for Xenoblade 2. It seems however they made combat fresh and the story is really good. I liked the story in the first game and world a lot it was just the combat I didn't care for. Just never really got around to playing X.
@Lord Pikmin 4 isn't confirmed for 2018, and Payday 2 was supposed to be this year and we haven't heard anything since.
Nothing for the 3DS?
@Spoony_Tech I never finished the first (but enjoyed it) and never got the second. I'm looking forward to this one as the portable/off TV play fits my gaming as I rarely have a TV available for long enough sessions.
I guess Bomberman for me.
Digital Xenoblade 2 + Expansion Pass
Xenoblade 2 Collector Edition
Xenoblade 2 Pro Controller
Might pick up 9 Parchments too. We'll see...
tl;dr: Star Ghost is totally worth your time and money.
This game will make you re-shink the shmup genre. it's a much more strategic and methodical take on what is typically a twitchy style of gamplay. Not to mention totally addicting once you get the hang of the strange controls.
Support Rhys! Get this game. You'll thank me later!
I thought that Xenoblade Chronicles 2 would have been the tipping point for me and the Switch, yet here I sit with no Switch still (and no desire to own one).
I may look at Bomberman '93 as that is one series I never tried before.
@MoonKnight7 Yeah, I imagine that must have played an important role, plus it's not like they built the whole design from scratch. The game clearly takes many inspirations from the previous titles, as sequels tend to do. As you say though, it's still anything but a small feat.
Also, the Donald was born to verbally show-wrestle stuff he is totally clueless about
Physical copy of XC2 because getting a good deal on it. Nothing for my 3DS but there’s still some games that I haven’t picked up for it yet so I’m fine with the releases slowing down for it. I still need to pick up MHS, EOV, Miitopia, Bravely Second and a few more.
Probably a digital download of Xenoblade 2.
Depends on my level of self-control. I still haven't finished XCX, and just started another game.
I'll pick up Nine Parchments but I'm still pretty engrossed in Skyrim and don't see myself closing that game for awhile.
Due to car troubles, I have to pass this week. Xenoblade will be mine someday though. Oh yes, it will be mine...
Bomberman 93 would be great if Bomberman 94 wasn’t already on the Wii U eshop.
I will be buying a physical copy of XC2 very soon, and that will preoccupy me for the next several months. I love point-and-clicks, so Syberia 2 is on my radar, but I'm not going to pay $30 at this time, so I'll wait for a discount. OPUS: The Day We Found Earth is intriguing to me and seems to fit my point-and-click/text adventure/visual novel palette, but I need to know more, so I'm waiting for a review-- $5 is VERY enticing.
I'm excited to read the review for Caveman Warriors. It looks like awesome local multiplayer fun.
@thehoppypoppy yeah i have a nice lil backlog that will keep me happy for a few years yet. i agree the ds and 3ds has soo many awesome games, the dragonquest games alone will last me a year or 2 =D
the 3ds is the machine that got me back into gaming after a few year hiatus, i love my 3ds a lot and it will be hard to move on, but the switch will have a good size library by then and hopefully i can afford one.
@ThomasBW84 Battle Load Runner really published by a strange name than Konami?
Out of context...anyone know when a virtual console will eventually come to the Switch?
Other than that, not too excited for what's being available, and can't believe that 3DS was not even mentioned on this list (guess the final month is approaching for it...at least by nintendo). Other than that, still playing a few on the Switch and still have a heft backlog of games for the PS4...with many to get, so not too concerned at the moment...just anxiously awaiting to see when Yoshi and Kirby will be arriving for Switch next year!!!!
Wow, absolutely nothing at all. I guess my time with the 3DS is done. I'll keep playing what I already have, unless SEGA 3D Classics comes out.
Nothing for me this week. It's exciting that the Switch is getting so many decent games. On the other hand, it's almost daunting for those of us who don't have one yet....
3ds still exists, but apparently someone has forgotten that....
@crackafreeze I really like the reviewer you linked to, What About The Game, and subscribed to his YouTube channel.
Thanks!
There is a demo up for Nine Parchments. I played the heck out of it. 2 characters and the first level are available. The game is damn nice looking and has a unique pace to the combat/magic. Playable in co-op too with 4 players.
If the Mrs likes it, it will be one to get.
Oh, stay away from the edges.
You can fall and die easily!
Might we hope that Hamster moves on to port all of the IREM arcade titles eventually? I'd LOVE arcade perfect ports of the R-Type games as well as Image Fight, Moon Patrol, Air Duel and many others. IREM and Data East were some of my favorite arcade developers.
Xenoblade and the DLC, although I bought the physical special edition of the game, and watching Nintendo Life's video on Opus has left me really intrigued by that story.
Have Xenoblade preloaded and ready to go for midnight release. Great timing cause the semester ends soon meaning I can spend all break playing it xD
I'd like to hear a good reason why there hasn't been any VC on 3ds in forever.
Nine Parchments! Woohoo!
@TreesenHauser Sorry to hear that. Hopefully it won't be too expensive to get fixed.
@MoonKnight7 Really? You know development for XC2 Started in 2014 right?
@OGGamer
Yeah I know that. Not really that hard to believe, I think anyway. XCX was getting close to release (but kept getting delayed). They definitely could have repurposed assets by that point for XC2. Still really impressive though, finishing up XCX, working on XC2 and having some staff work on BotW. It's still kind of amazing they made the deadline without a hitch.
Perfect! More Turbografx. I hope we get all Wii VC Turbografx before its closure, and more new games (like TG Salamander) that didn´t appear on Wii shop.
And I hope (with Nintendo ID) we can get a save when the VC from Wii U get pass to Switch (like the Wii U discounts for have it already on Wii).
I have lots of unfinished games, maybe Xenoblade 2, but I think I’m going to wait until I have finished Xenoblade X on the Wii U.
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