Wii U eShop - News
November2015
Review Octodad: Dadliest Catch
Octo-Sad
Back in 2010 a little known freeware title by the name of Octodad was developed by a group of students. Built using the ever-evolving game development software Unity, Octodad was a fine example of what small development teams could conjure up just by using their home computers. Since then a sequel was born, with its appearance on the...
Get out the glow sticks
A key question often lobbed at reviewers is "did you completely finish the game?" We'll answer that one straight away here - no. The reason? Because we can't, but the fact we'll keep trying says much about why we're happy to recommend Electronic Super Joy to Wii U owners. Originally developed by Michael Todd Games and ported...
News Fatal Frame Developers on Why Water was a Central Theme and How Ayane Came to be Included
Evidently, ghosts are less likely to appear in dry climates
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water released only a couple weeks ago to generally positive acclaim. While the game may be a bit repetitive in some places, its integration of the GamePad as the Camera Obscura was a clever move that really added a whole new layer of immersion to the...
News Swapnote's Nikki is Revived as a Fan-Created Character in Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Now known as 'Ikki' for copyright reasons, we suspect
We're still awaiting a release date for Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, the crowdfunded HD entry in the series that'll arrive either late this year or early in 2016, though WayForward is still ticking along and maintaining interest in the release. While doing so it's also fulfilling its duties to...
Review Wicked Monsters Blast! HD PLUS
MASH, MASH, MASH, MASH, MASH…
Party-style mini-game compilations can sometimes be a treat. Many of us will have spent countless hours on games such as Nintendo Land and Mario Party, laughing uncontrollably as the same person fails over and over, or screaming hateful abuse towards those we held closest to our hearts only seconds before. These games...
Super Konami Kart
Konami Krazy Racers (AKA Konami Wai Wai Racing Advance in Japan) is a largely forgotten Mario Kart clone that was also one of the original launch games for GBA. If you can imagine Mario Kart Super Circuit with Konami-themed characters and courses, you'll be on the right track with what to expect from this decent little kart racer...
Feature Finding Top Speed in FAST Racing NEO
"It's been the biggest production for us. We're sure it'll pay off"
FAST Racing NEO, still due this year, is almost certainly among the most highly anticipated Wii U eShop releases of the next two months. In fact, among the hardier and most dedicated band of Wii U devotees it may be one of the most exciting upcoming releases on the system full stop,...
Bad drawings are funny
Drawing with a time limit is a great recipe for laughter, especially among friends. PictoParty channels your inner terrible artist, letting you poorly draw cupcakes, skyscrapers and lamps as your friends desperately try to guess what it is you're trying to create. It's a simple party game that you may have seen before and is...
Not exactly a bullseye
One of the earliest NES games released, Hogan's Alley is also possibly the most well-known Zapper game after the classic Duck Hunt. But does it hold up as well as its lightgun game partner? The premise of Hogan's Alley is fairly simple. You are (seemingly) some sort of police officer or soldier doing shooting practice, with...
News Monster eShop Maintenance to Run Through Most of 2nd November
It's for a major server revamp, so don't get too excited
Some of you may have had some trouble accessing the eShop today, and having assumed it was the usual short weekly session we decided to wait a short while. Then we waited a little longer. In actual fact, the eShop will likely be down for most of 2nd November due to a potential 24-hour...
Nintendo Download 5th November (Europe)
Chibi-Robo! Electronic Super Joy! Contra! Toki Tori 3D! More!
Another week begins, and Nintendo of Europe has the task of setting off some virtual fireworks in its Download Update. It does succeed in terms of delivering a first-party retail title on 3DS, while we think the download-only scene on Wii U is looking pretty encouraging this week. Throw...
October2015
Conundrums for coders
If you thought Human Resource Machine would be about a robot who hires and fires people, nobody would blame you, but you'd be wrong. Instead, you're put in the shoes of a drone at a mega corporation, helping to sort their mail using the unlikeliest of methods: computer programming. Human Resource Machine features a single...
A quick burst of old-school adventure platforming
Although Ascent of Kings, developed by Nostatic Software, has been available for a few years on other platforms (Android, iOS, Windows Phone and Xbox Live), it has only recently graced the Nintendo Wii U. It's built as a side-scrolling adventure-platformer (in the vein of Metroid or Castlevania) and...
News RCMADIAX Is Bringing Its Entire eShop Back Catalogue To Europe And Australia
New IARC rating system to thank
Indie studio RCMADIAX has revealed that it is bringing its entire back catalogue of titles to Europe and Australia. It would appear that the mooted adoption of the IARC (International Age Rating Coalition) system is to thank for this news, as RCMADIAX Michael Aschenbrenner boss hints in the official PR: Thanks to...
Bombs away
It can be disappointing to realize that you've just lost precious time that could've been spent in a better way. If you would like to avoid experiencing this feeling, we would recommend that you stay well away from COLOR BOMBS. This title is excessively simplistic in all ways, and while it may be available for dirt cheap you're getting...
Nintendo Download 29th October (North America)
Human Resource Machine! Octodad! Harvest Moon! Spooky discounts! More!
It's that time once again, North American gamers, to look at the download goodies on the way this week. There are a few tempting options on Wii U, a whole load of discounts and a high profile retail demo among other offerings. Let's get to it. Missed the European Download Update...
Scared, lost, alone (and maybe annoyed)
Slender: The Arrival is either going to wind you up so tight with tension that you'll feel like you'll implode from fear, or make you so angry that you split your entire game room in two. There's really little middle ground between the two. Why? Because a teleporting monster that can appear anywhere around you...
News Word Party Will Scramble Some Letters on Wii U Soon
Word up, this could be fun
Though Word Party isn't a title that'll necessarily spark huge excitement among all Wii U gamers, it certainly has an audience. After all, Lightwood Games has been releasing a range of word games on mobile and 3DS, no doubt pleasing some with each. This Wii U title is a little different in that it accommodates up to five...
Nintendo Download 29th October (Europe)
Project Zero! Resi 4! Binding of Isaac! Freedom Planet! Much, much more!
It's the start of another week, but Nintendo fans in Europe at least have the download update to cheer their spirits. This week's edition seems to be a bit of a doozy, in fairness, with a mix of in-demand titles across both Wii U and - notably - the New Nintendo 3DS / 3DS; on...
News Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition is Creeping Up On the European eShop for Halloween
Got somethin' that might interest ya'
With Halloween creeping closer Nintendo is doing its bit, particularly through the eShop, to get us in the mood. It now turns out that 29th October will have a double whammy for Wii U owners in Europe - not only will Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water finally arrive, but Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition will also...
Video New Aperion Cyberstorm Trailer Shows Off Multiplayer 'Onslaught' Play
Shoot all of the things
Aperion Cyberstorm for the Wii U eShop now has a 2016 release, but it's certainly one to watch for fans of twin-stick shoot 'em up action. We recently went hands on in a survival mode and came away rather impressed, and it could certainly fill a gap in the Wii U library. Developer aPriori Digital has now released some fresh...
Nintendo Download 22nd October (North America)
Legend of Zelda! Fatal Frame! Gunslugs 2! Slender! More!
It's time for Nintendo Download Update goodness, North American gamers, and this week actually has quite a lot to offer. There are major 3DS retail games, a much anticipated Wii U title and an interesting range of download-only games on both systems. All told it could be - whisper it - a good...
Review Cutie Pets Pick Berries
Mandeer is Indifferent
Cutie Pets Pick Berries is a far more innocent game than its smouldering mandeer hunks might have you believe. Sure, they'll be up there posing on your tv screen the entire time you play the game, but this isn't anything like Bubble Bath Babes or Peek a Boo Poker - don't expect some sort of saucy, torrid forest affair. Just...
Video Wii U Version Of Slender: The Arrival Gets Its Own Terrifying Trailer
Out this week in North America
Cult indie horror release Slender: The Arrival creeps onto the Wii U eShop in North America this week, and to mark the occasion the Nintendo edition is getting its very own trailer, packed with jump-scares and spooky scenes. The sequel to Slender: The Eight Pages, The Arrival originally launched on PC in 2013 and...
For display purposes only
It's rather difficult to judge a game / app such as VoxelMaker. On one hand it features an extremely in-depth and detailed suite for making 3D models out of a large collection of blocks. On the other hand the overall experience feels limited due to its omissions of any sort of interactivity with the models that are created...
News Electronic Super Joy Will Aim to Make Wii U Owners Happy on 5th November
Drop the beat
Update: The developer has confirmed to us that this release date is for both North America and Europe, with pricing of $7.99 / €7.99 / £6.99. Original Article: Earlier this year Wii U owners in North America got to take on Electronic Super Joy: Groove City, which we quite liked in our review. Tight platforming and a tough...
News Nintendo Outlines Its 'Nindie' Plans for Indiecade
Time to book into Hotel California
This week Culver City, California will host Indiecade - the event's running from 23rd to 25th October and will be a celebration of download gaming in addition to giving small studios a chance to show off their work. With its 'Nindie' approach at the forefront Nintendo has confirmed the games for its own booth at...
News Cutie Pets Pick Berries Brings Provocative Mandeer Action to the Wii U eShop on 22nd October
God help this game's Miiverse page
Every once in a while, you come across something that's so utterly baffling that it becomes strangely enrapturing. Nowhere is this more evident than in Yazar Media Group's upcoming eShop release, Cutie Pets Pick Berries. What initially appears to be an innocent and fairly unexceptional puzzle game quickly takes a...
News Runbow Arrives In Australia & New Zealand This Week
Finally!
After quite a long delay linked to local classification troubles, Runbow is expected to arrive in both Australia and New Zealand later this week. The title is listed for release on the local Wii U eShop on 23rd October. The Toronto-based studio behind Runbow have also confirmed the date via Twitter: Users who participated in the...
News The Latest Patch For Splatoon Is Now Available To Download
Plenty of improvements
Nintendo's squid-shooter, Splatoon, is the Wii U game that just keeps on giving. As previously reported, a massive patch was expected to drop this week, adjusting many of the finer competitive aspects of the title. The good news is, Version 2.2.0 is now available to download. Expect a number of changes to game modes, stages...
News Nostatic Software's Ascent of Kings Makes Its Regal Wii U Entrance on 22nd October
NA release, EU still TBD
Nostatic Software has been rapidly making its mark on the Wii U, making the transition to the eShop with three quickfire releases from its catalogue of games. Both The Quiet Collection and Kung Fu FIGHT! earned recommendations from our reviewers, and we're still making our way through the pixel-based creation tool...
News International Age Rating Coalition System, IARC, Set to Come to the eShop "Very Soon"
Could be a big deal in the Nindie scene
It's common for eShop gamers in different territories to have differing game line-ups to choose from, with some titles taking a while to make their way around different regions. There are multiple factors such as localisation with languages, and the fact that Nintendo of Europe and Nintendo of America operate...
Review Ninja Strike: Dangerous Dash
These ninjas should stay hidden
Ninja Strike: Dangerous Dash is a perfect example of what sounds like a great idea being held back by poor execution. Published by Natsume, Ninja Strike: Dangerous Dash is a formulaic endless runner; in it you initially take control of Blue Shadow, a blue-clad Ninja with a red scarf. The art style is simple but...
News Octodad: Dadliest Catch Gets A Revised Release Date
You've got to be squidding me
As you'll know if you're a keen follower of this site, indie title Octodad: Dadliest Catch recently got delayed on the Wii U, with technical issues being to blame. However, if the game's Wii U eShop page is to be believed, such problems have swiftly been overcome and the title is headed to the console on October 29th...
A reality show about the lives of hot and steamy firefighters
This is the scripted story of six strangers that are picked to become firefighters, work together and have their lives played by a total stranger with a controller. Find out what happens when they stop being polite... and realize their lives aren't real. There was a time in gaming...
Dig in
The original Dig Dug was fairly popular, so naturally a sequel had to follow eventually. Dig Dug II ended up being not nearly as widespread as its predecessor, only seeing release in arcades and on the NES, so you'd be forgiven for not even knowing it existed! Dig Dug II takes a massive departure from the first game. True to its title that...
Nintendo Download 22nd October (Europe)
Legend of Zelda! NES light gun games! Gunslugs! Discounts! More!
It's the start of another week, and as normal we have the European Nintendo Download Update releases to consider. It's a relatively busy week ahead with a couple of retail titles and some varied downloads across both eShop stores, so let's jump straight into the details. Wii U Virtual...
News ZaciSa's Last Stand is Getting a New Update That Adds in Loads of New Features
Taking a stand
ZaciSa's Last Stand was a product of the Nintendo Web Framework, an initiative that aimed to assist in the porting of flash games to the Wii U. The Nintendo Web Framework has divided opinion because while it does mean that virtually anybody can develop games for Nintendo's console, this also leads to many low quality games appearing...
News SmileBASIC is Heading to Wii U, With Cross-Platform Support and DLC Also Confirmed
Time for advanced BASIC
SmileBoom, developer of the excellent Petit Computer on DSi and most recently SmileBASIC, has confirmed DLC and update information for the 3DS entry, and a hugely exciting Wii U version. SmileBASIC for Wii U - or PetitCom BIG - will be fully compatible with all creations from the 3DS version, with cloud-based saving allowing...
News Cosplay Dreams Come True With Zelda and Zero Suit Samus Outfits in Fatal Frame
Maiden of Hyrule
Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water - called Project Zero: Maiden of Black Water in Europe - is a hugely promising upcoming arrival that should be perfect for Halloween, even if most fans (outside of eager pre-order shoppers in Europe) will be limited to downloading the title. While it's not getting the full retail release its...
News Nintendo Network ID Going Offline Next Week During General Maintenance
Something exciting this way comes?
We're used to Nintendo Network Maintenance taking place and impacting certain features of our consoles, but next week's work could be the prelude to something very interesting. Nintendo has confirmed that there will be a bit of downtime taking place from Monday that will mean that Wii U and 3DS users will be...
News Next Splatoon Patch Drops October 20th, Rapid Blaster Pro Arrives Tomorrow
No sign of any Octolings
Nintendo's squid shooter Splatoon will very soon be receiving even more content to help users stay fresh. Starting from tomorrow, a new weapon called the Rapid Blaster Pro will be available to purchase from Sheldon's Weapon Shop. This weapon will be released at the following times: 7 PM PT 10 PM ET 3 AM in the UK...
Review Momonga Pinball Adventures
He’s a pinball squirrel, there has to be a twist
Pinball may not be the first activity that comes to mind when thinking of possible pastimes for a squirrel, but nevertheless in Momonga Pinball Adventures we see exactly that. You take control of Momo, a Japanese dwarf flying squirrel whose preferred method of travel seems to be being whacked around...
Video Car Owners May Wince After Watching This Final Fight One Trailer
"Oh my car!"
Final Fight One launches on the North American eShop today, and to mark this occasion Nintendo has released a trailer for the game. As you'll know if you read our review, the GBA port of Capcom's seminal coin-op isn't quite perfect but is still worth a spin if you're a fan. The only part that could cause some upset is the bonus stage,...
And oh yes, she sees ghosts
An adventure game needs a fitting atmosphere, and Whispering Willows sets its tone well. An undercurrent of desolation and vague unease runs through the grounds of the old mansion in which the game is set. It's a set piece worthy of exploration, but the act of doing so doesn't seem to share the same level of...
Nintendo Download 15th October (North America)
Yoshi! Momonga! SmileBASIC! WiiWare! More!
It's that time again, North American gamers, for the Nintendo Download Update. This week brings an exceptional retail release on the Wii U, some interesting home console downloads, a promising 3DS programming app, a load of discounts and even a WiiWare download. Yes, really! Let's get to it. Missed the...
News Wii U Version of Secret Files: Tunguska Sneaks Out in Germany
PEGI rating points to future release elsewhere
The point and click adventure genre is hugely popular in Germany, especially in PC gaming, and Deep Silver seems keen to give fans in the country more of what they want. As a result an updated version of Secret Files: Tunguska is arriving on the Wii U eShop today. This isn't a Virtual Console release...
Review Pocky & Rocky with Becky
Plain & Repetitive with Boredom
There's real promise behind Pocky & Rocky with Becky, far more than the unimaginative title might suggest. Bite-size levels quickly give way to intriguing boss battles, and speedy pacing helps hold your interest throughout the campaign. However, these positive aspects quickly fade in the face of bland enemies,...
Rumour A List of Unreleased Titles for the eShop and Virtual Console Just Leaked
Prepare that salt
As many of you are aware, practitioners of particularly effective datamining techniques have recently uncovered the existence of data that seems to indicate that Nintendo is gearing up for an HD remake of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. Additionally, there seems to be similar data that suggests that there will be more
News SEGA’s GBA Version Of ChuChu Rocket! Arrives On The Japanese Wii U Virtual Console This Month
The Dreamcast port returns
Around the turn of the millennium when Sonic Team was in its prime with releases such as Sonic Adventure and Phantasy Star Online, Nintendo's Game Boy Advance was fortunate enough to receive a port of the Dreamcast title, ChuChu Rocket! Released in 2001 alongside the launch of Nintendo's latest portable system at the...
News Slender: The Arrival Will be Creeping Out Wii U Owners in North America on 22nd October
YouTube videos with screaming inbound
YouTube is a hugely powerful media resource for gamers nowadays, and does deliver some wonderfully varied content for all sorts of audiences. It can be the making of some games, too; if small Indie efforts get picked up by YouTube stars it can create viral hits and make the careers of developers. That seemed to...
News Former Sony Exclusive PixelJunk Monsters Is Coming To The Wii U eShop
What's that coming over the hill?
A German USK rating has confirmed that tower defense title Pixeljunk Monsters is Wii U-bound. Originally exclusive to Sony systems, the PixelJunk series is created by Star Fox Command and Star Fox 64 3D studio Q-Games - the founder of which is none other than Dylan Cuthbert, a former Nintendo staffer who was...
News Classic Sega Saturn Puzzler Baku Baku Animal Is Getting A Spiritual Successor
Please DO feed the animals
The Sega Saturn may have resided in the shadow of the Sony PlayStation during its short lifespan, but the system was still home to some incredible games, one of which was Baku Baku Animal. A puzzle title which involved matching animals with their preferred item of food, it was something of a cult classic back in the '90s...
Coming in hot with a 1080 backflip kickout… and it sticks the landing!
Released at the beginning of October on the Wii U eShop (and a slew of other consoles), we've spent lots of time mastering all sorts of BMX tricks and techniques in Pumped BMX+. Originally seeing success in the mobile market, developer Yeah Us! worked closely with publishing...
Following in the footsteps of Twilight Princess HD
We recently reported on a rumour which seemed to suggest that Nintendo is currently working on a HD remake of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Wii U. Since then, dataminers have discovered references to other titles, including Super Mario Galaxy,
News COLOR BOMBS Will Splat Onto the North American Wii U eShop on 22nd October
The 10th Wii U game from RCMADIAX
It's time to press that Caps Lock key, as RCMADIAX has announced a release date for its next Wii U eShop title. COLOR BOMBS will arrive in the North American store on 22nd October for a price of $1.49. As a reminder this is a chain-reaction title in which players must collect a predetermined amount of the...
News Helix Games Announces Its Latest Wii U eShop Game, Escape From Flare Industries
Going for green blob hype
Helix Games is emerging as a rather prolific Wii U eShop developer; in 2015 it's released both Don't Touch Anything Red and Neon Battle on the store in North America. Neither are out and out winners, but they're tolerable budget efforts overall. The studio has now confirmed its next game for the Wii U - Escape from Flare...
News Academic Study Highlights How the Placebo Effect Works in Video Games
Interesting ramifications for game design
Don't Starve: Giant Edition is one of a number of high quality games on the Wii U eShop, and its randomised survival gameplay has been put to an interesting academic test, indicating that the placebo effect is perfectly applicable in games. The placebo effect is when a falsely perceived advantage or benefit...
Love is in the air
Rakoo & Friends is a strong case for the allure of beautiful presentation. From a gameplay standpoint there's nothing really special about this one, but the fact that it's a joy to watch adds greatly to the overall package. Rakoo & Friends tells the story of the eponymous critter and his quest to find true love. The game...
News Slender: The Arrival Has Received a German USK Rating
Perhaps an eShop arrival is inbound?
About a year ago, Slender: The Arrival received a rating from the PEGI board; which naturally led to an assumption that the game would soon be releasing on the eShop. The horror title featuring the infamous character released on PC and Mac about two years ago and it seemed like a good fit for the eShop, but there...
News Image & Form Is Hoping to Get SteamWorld Heist Out by Early December
No promises, though
As many of you are likely aware, SteamWorld Dig is due to receive a sequel in the near future. Taking a vastly different approach than the Metroidvania-esque gameplay of the first game, SteamWorld Heist is an interesting shooter/turn based strategy hybrid that carries a lot of promise with its spacefaring setting. It's a release...
Rumour Data Miner Uncovers Evidence Of Twilight Princess On Nintendo's Wii U eShop
The salt is on standby
When The Legend of Zelda: Twlight Princess was simultaneously released on the Nintendo GameCube and Wii in 2006, it was praised for being the mature Zelda title fans had always dreamed of. To this day, it remains a favourite – so how would you feel about it making a return? The proven data miner who operates under the...
#GetTheGoat
You may be wondering, what is a Toto? No, we're not talking about the 1970s American rock band behind hit songs like 'Rockmaker' and 'Hold the Line'; Toto is amazing, but this isn't that Toto, even though this toto is also amazing. A toto is a small sentient tablet which has a strange obsession of having a goat sit on its head, and they...
Review Medabots: Metabee & Rokusho
Meh-abots
Medabots has always been a bit of an odd case. Clearly created to hitch a ride on the Pokémon hype train, it's a series about people who - instead of capturing and fighting with creatures - collect machine parts to build and fight with robots. Unlike Digimon, which was also similar in setup, Medabots never really seemed to catch on...
Not so sparkly
Puzzle solving games with gems, jewels and shiny objects are a dime a dozen. Sometimes, it doesn't take a gemologist to determine which ones are valuable or worthless colourful bits of glass. Gemology joins this glamorous, risky world of puzzle games hoping to be discovered. But is it really worth it? How many gem puzzle games are...
Nintendo Download 15th October (Europe)
Nintendo Selects! Dragon Ball Z! Momonga Pinball! DSiWare! More!
Another week begins and the European Nintendo Download Update details are now available - slightly later than normal - for us to peruse. This week brings Nintendo Selects discounts to the 3DS eShop along with a fresh retail release, while on Wii U we have some new eShop entries and a...
A shot in the dark
Perpetual Blast is an endless shooter. Similar to the concept of the popular endless runner genre on mobile devices, Perpetual Blast focuses on doing one thing and one thing only. Sadly, myriad execution errors keep it from being an enjoyable experience. The idea of Perpetual Blast is simple: find and destroy 100 boxes as fast as...
News Octodad: Dadliest Catch Has Been Delayed, Release Date Should Be Announced Soon
Developer had some tentacle difficulties to work out
It may have fallen to the back of many gamers' minds, but Octodad: Dadliest Catch is still due to receive a port on Wii U. The popular Indie PC game follows the adventures of an octopus masquerading as a typical suburban father and his attempts to hide his true identity from his family. Players...
Hands On Learning to Enjoy Death in RIVE
Two Tribes isn't cute and cuddly any more
Two Tribes, prior to its closure and restructuring in early 2014, had a broad range of games and genres both developed in-house and as part of its publishing arm. Toki Tori was the best known of its titles, a cute - albeit tricky - puzzler that branched out across consoles and smart devices. The company's...
News Minecraft Game Engine Could Be Ported To Wii U Thanks To Minecraft: Story Mode
"Everything that looks like Minecraft is actually built in Minecraft"
Edit: Given the confusion that the original title caused, we've altered it slightly and are currently seeking clarification from Telltale regarding the game engine that Story Mode will run in. Original Story: Minecraft: Story Mode has been confirmed for release on Wii U, and...
News Developer Of Acclaimed Indie Title Lumo "100% Trying" To Secure Wii U Release
Inspired by SNES title Equinox, no less
If you were lucky enough to attend EGX here in the UK recently then you may have spotted a lovely-looking indie title by the name of Lumo. This isometric offering is packed with references to gaming's past, and was born out of a Twitter conversation between its creator - former Ruffian, Lionhead and Bizarre...
A fine line between rapture and ruin
Race the Sun doesn't look like much from its screenshots. The minimalistic visuals and simple gameplay premise might not grab you at a glance. It's in hurtling down those gray fields, narrowly missing hulking monoliths as your plane's solar fuel gauge steadily drains, the sun slowly falling as the sky turns a...
Nintendo Download 8th October (North America)
Chibi-Robo!, 3D Sonic 2, Legend of Legacy and much more
It's time once again for another Nintendo Download Update, and this week's North American line-up has some tempting options. There are four 3DS retail games, including a Nintendo platformer and an RPG with impressive pedigree, while M2 remasters another wonderful SEGA game for the eShop. On Wii...
Review Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis
A toy story
Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is the Nintendo DS sequel to the original GBA classic and a new recruit to the ever-growing Wii U Virtual Console library. Rather than being more of the same platforming puzzle action, Nintendo chose to focus this entire game around what is but a small percentage of the previous game - the...
News Midora Developer Admits He Knew Kickstarter Funds Wouldn't Be Enough To Complete The Game
"I knew that the game would need more than $60,000 to be made"
The developer of the Zelda-inspired RPG Midora has admitted that he knew full well that the amount of cash raised during its Kickstater campaign wouldn't be enough to cover the full cost of development. The crowdfunding drive raised $73,470 in 2014 - a little over the base target of...
News Momonga Pinball Adventures is Flipping Onto Wii U on 15th October
Includes challenges and online leaderboards
Pinball fans with a Wii U do have some options to scratch their itch courtesy of Zen Pinball 2, though Momonga Pinball Adventures from Paladin Studios is aiming to shake things up a little. Originally confirmed for the Wii U back in 2013, it's now got a final release date for the system. It'll roll its...
Video Shin'en Discusses FAST Racing NEO's F-Zero-Inspired Hero Mode And Multiplayer Options
"We really wanted this to be a full package"
FAST Racing NEO is coming this year, and is likely to scratch that F-Zero itch with its brand of anti-grav racing action. We got chance to sit down with Shin'en's Martin Sauter to talk about the game at this year's EGX, and as well as speaking about the game's development, he revealed that the title is...
News Super Meat Boy May Be Coming to the Wii U
"Wii haven't forgotten about U"
For those of you with long memories, Super Meat Boy was actually set to release for the WiiWare service back in 2009. After a lengthy series of delays, it finally got canned in 2010; likely as a result of the miniscule file size restrictions for WiiWare. Indeed, this was difficult news for many, and it was made...
News Image & Form Wants Real Life SteamWorld Photos, With Copies of Heist Still Up for Grabs
Hopefully your camera skills aren't too rusty...
We've been sharing a number of the SteamWorld Heist ambassador contests with you here on Nintendo Life, which have formed a neat promotion in which a number of gamers have won copies of the upcoming game across all platforms, from 3DS to Wii U, PC and beyond. The latest contest is now live, and once...
Nintendo Download 8th October (Europe)
STARWHAL! Sporty Mario! 3D Sonic 2! Pac-Man! More!
The start of another week has rolled around, so that means it's time for more Nintendo Download Update news in Europe. This week serves up some promising downloads with a frantic multiplayer Nindie game, a couple of Mario sporting games, another potentially wonderful 3D Classic from SEGA and more...
News Freedom Planet Bug Causes Screen Freezing Problems for Some Players
Still fighting for freedom from bugs
Freedom Planet only just released on 1st October, but it was initially supposed to release much earlier. As some of you may have known, Freedom Planet was delayed by a few months due to some sort of game breaking bug that was reported in the advance release copies sent to reviewers. While the delay may have upset...
Hands On Aperion Cyberstorm is Bringing a Welcome Slice of Twin-Stick Shooting Action to Wii U
We play, and play, and play, in the score chasing mode
Sometimes we get an interesting perspective - based on our readership at least - of what 'clicks' with the eShop audience and what doesn't. Some games get a lot of buzz right off the bat while other equally deserving games continue to be largely overlooked. At times reasons can be discerned but,...
Review Hold Your Fire: A Game About Responsibility
Star Chores
It's time we put a stop to the romanticism of life in space. Too long have we had to endure the thrills of blast-filled chases through asteroid belts and hyperspeed flings among the stars. Who do these games think we are? Interesting? No, we want the truth! We demand the 9-5 trudgery and certain, unforgiving death that comes with being a...
Purple is the new blue
Yes, Freedom Planet feels like an old-school 2D Sonic game, but thankfully it manages to overcome some of the hurdles that bog down the blue hedgehog's classic Sega games. Freedom Planet boasts colourful characters whose story extends past a bland cliché of catch phrases. The art style consists of a gorgeous colour palette...
Feature The Biggest Wii U Games of 2015 - Q4 Edition
Goodies to finish off 2015
Every few months of each year we do lists of what we consider to be ten of the biggest games on each system that are on the way. We're kicking off with the Wii U for this quarter and, although we gave retail and eShop games separate lists earlier in the year, the limited remaining slate for 2015 has prompted us to combine...
News Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures is Still Coming to Europe, Currently Awaiting Approval
At last...
Earlier today we got a look at AVGN 2: ASSimilation, the next entry in the game series featuring the YouTube personality / character. In that same post we pointed out that the first game, Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures, is yet to come to the Wii U and 3DS in Europe.
One cup of Speed Racer lore. One cup of Mad Max universe...
Car Battler Joe tells the cliched story of how Joe Todoroki went out of the comfort of his bedroom to drive through the wasteland of Galacia in pursuit of his estranged father. Rumour has it that he joined a band of misfits in order to destroy the same sport that made him the most famous...
Nintendo Download 1st October (North America)
Freedom Planet! Pumped BMX+! Chronus Arc! More!
It's that time, North American gamers, to cast your eye over the new downloadable eShop treats that are available this week. There are diverse offerings, including a highly anticipated and delayed action platformer, a creation tool, BMX stunt action and more; some discounts are also rather tempting...
Review The Rivers of Alice: Extended Version
We’re all mad (about watercolour) here!
Fictional rivers usually come in one of two forms – either gentle and beautiful, moving softly through mystical forests, or fast and dangerous, destroying everything in their path. Luckily, in The Rivers of Alice: Extended Version the former idea is adopted, leaving us with a game that is just as...
News VoxelMaker is Set to Hit the North American eShop on 1st October
Adding a whole new dimension to pixel art
For those of you that aren't well versed in technical jargon, a voxel is essentially just a 3D version of a pixel. While this isn't something that would really have much relevance in most everyday conversation, it is of utmost importance in Nostatic Software's upcoming game, VoxelMaker. You'll be able to see...
September2015
It seems that the rocket has missed its mark
Defense Dome is a classic-style arcade action game developed by the aptly named HullBreach Studios for the Wii U eShop. Designed to be played in short bursts, this game offers quick access to three separate level designs, with promise for more content to be made available as add-on content. It is...
Exploring Space, One Turn at a Time
Oh to be lost in space, exploring strange new worlds with a plethora of rocks. Lots and lots of space rocks. Enjoying the thrill of combat from dangerous, colourful and stinky creatures at your fuel tanks. Rescuing your fellow scientists, some unwillingly and others affected by the loneliness that is space...
First Impressions Taking A Shot At Fatal Frame: Maiden Of Black Water
"I like it here...She's calling me."
The Fatal Frame series, known as Project Zero in Europe, has had an inconsistent presence in the West for quite some time now. Though several installments made their way onto Nintendo consoles - most notably the Wii - fans outside of Japan have grown accustomed to importing in order to get the latest spooky...
News Metroid Prime: Hunters Arrives on Wii U Virtual Console in Japan
Yes please, NoA and NoE
When Nintendo announced DS games for the Wii U Virtual Console quite some time ago, many reacted with variations of "huh", "erm" and "that's weird". Yet it has worked reasonably well in many cases, with the GamePad screen and TV having various configurations to get the most out of these previously portable titles. It also...
News Super Smash Bros. Wii U & 3DS Version 1.1.1 Is Now Live
New and classic stages, Mii Fighter outfits & more
Nintendo’s ongoing support of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U & 3DS continues with the latest patch for the game now live. Version 1.1.1 further enhances the overall game experience and also introduces new paid DLC offerings including the anticipated Super Mario Maker stage as well as seven...
Review Rock 'N Racing Off Road DX
Quantity over quality
EnjoyUp's top-down racer Rock 'N Racing Off Road, released in February, was a disappointing, frustrating experience that left much to be desired. Now, just months later, Rock 'N Racing Off Road DX aims to improve upon the formula and offer a more robust set of features, tracks, cars, and modes. Yet while there's certainly more...
30 percent sold on 3DS, 20 percent on Wii U
Yacht Club Games may have removed Shovel Knight's Nintendo exclusivity in recent months, but the game has still performed best on Nintendo consoles. According to Nathan Vella, president and cofounder of Capy Games, 30 percent of sales have been on the 3DS, with 20 percent of total sales on Wii U. 14...
"What do I look like, me lad?"
Job the Leprechaun is having a hard time. A witch has kidnapped his best friend, Eri, and has taken her far away, past lands filled with knights, zombies, and goblins. So Job's going to save her…eventually. First, he'll grab all the four-leaf clovers he can find, slowly moving through the poorly-defended countryside...
News Deep Silver And Comcept Confirm Launch Date For Mighty No. 9
Physical and digital versions coming at the same time
Publisher Deep Silver - along with Mighty No. 9 developer Comcept - has confirmed that the physical and digital editions of the game will launch in North America on February 9th and the rest of the world on February 12th. This revised release date was down to the game slipping from its expected...
Out of this world
There is something to be said about the power of some good ol' fashioned couch multiplayer in this age of online gaming. There's a certain degree of delightful chaos in the experience of competing head to head with friends that are physically present that can't be replicated by voice chat or matchmaking. Nowhere is this more...
