Wii U eShop News
March2015
Nintendo Download 12th March (North America)
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M., Trine, 3D Out Run, retro F-Zero, discounts and more
It's that time, North American gamers, for the weekly news on the download goodies coming to Wii U and 3DS. This week brings the latest retail offering from Intelligent Systems, retro F-Zero, a much-anticipated Wii U eShop adventure platformer and a stone-cold classic in the...
News F-Zero: GP Legend Rated For North America Wii U Virtual Console, Arrives This Week
You got boost power!
The Wii U Virtual Console iteration of the GBA title, F-Zero: GP Legend, was already released in Europe earlier this year, and now it's speeding its way towards North America this week, after an official ESRB rating was locked in. The original title released in the west in 2004 took F-Zero on Nintendo's portable device of the...
News Here’s Why Axiom Verge is Not Initially Coming to Wii U
Foiled again!
For those of you out of the loop, Axiom Verge is a highly anticipated, upcoming indie title that takes heavy inspiration from Metroid as well as other side-scrolling shooters of the NES era. Axiom Verge is especially notable for being the product of merely one man, an engineer named Tom Happ, who has some light experience in the game...
News SteamWorld Heist's Capers Face a Delay
But some screenshots have been swiped for your viewing pleasure
SteamWorld Heist developer Image & Form Games have returned from their showings at PAX East and GDC and are quite pleased with their game's reception, if their latest blog update is any indication. Unfortunately, fans will need to take the good news with a dash of patience, as the...
"Before we launched on PC, we had fairly high hopes for Life of Pixel"
Late last year developer Super Icon Ltd re-affirmed that Life of Pixel is coming to the Wii U eShop. That was great news for fans of platformers and retro systems - this game has the neat hook of each level looking like it's from a different retro system, including Nintendo...
Review Kung-Fu Heroes (Wii U eShop / NES)
Everybody was kung fu fighting
Kung-Fu Heroes is a charming looking title for the NES released in the US in 1988 - the comical martial arts game was originally launched as an arcade title in 1984, and was then ported to the NES in 1986 by Culture Brain (formerly known as Nihon Game). The NES adaptation is the second entry in the Super Chinese series...
Review Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll (Wii U eShop / NES)
There’s not much fight in this one
Culture Brain's Hiryū no Ken fighting series dates back to the 1985 arcade release, Shanghai Kid. The 1987 NES title, Flying Dragon: The Secret Scroll – exclusive to Japan and the US (1989) – took the original concept and expanded on it, as well as paving the way for future entries in the franchise. This...
Nintendo Download 12th March (Europe)
Punch-Out!!, Metroid: Zero Mission, 3D Out Run and much more
It's time to brighten up Monday mornings in Europe, with the latest Nintendo Download Update having decent odds of achieving that goal. We have a mix of strong Wii, Indie and Game Boy Advance titles on the Wii U, an exciting retro remaster on 3DS and a whole load of discounts from...
We're stoked
OlliOlli isn't really a skateboarding game. The skateboard aesthetic provides a lovely minimalist visual style to navigate the tiny pixel skateboarder through, but there's no open world to explore and experiment in, nor is it filled with free-form choices. Mechanically rock-solid, OlliOlli is a 2D on-rails experience with meticulously...
News A Cowboy's Tale from Nexis Games Rides to the Wii U eShop in 2016
We added the apostrophe
When one gets right down to it, there aren't a lot of notable Wild West-themed games currently, on any platform; it's a rather puzzling omission. In an industry that's absolutely obsessed at the moment with open world adventure games, one must wonder why more developers don't follow in the footsteps of titles such as Red Dead...
Review GravBlocks+ (Wii U eShop)
Try to keep up (and down, left, and right)
Falling block puzzlers aren't necessarily a rare experience these days. What isn't commonplace, however, is such a puzzler that throws a twist on the formula that enhances and refreshes the experience. GravBlocks+ (itself an enhanced version of the Android game GravBlocks) tries its hand at mixing up the...
"Europe is a unique opportunity"
BLOK DROP X Twisted Fusion developer RCMADIAX has taken to Twitter to report that European sales of the game have surpassed expectations, with the title being downloaded almost twice as many times on its day of launch than it did in North America. Launching a game in Europe isn't as easy as it is in North America,...
News Once Bitten, Twice Dead Coming to Wii U
Can you survive the Zomblockalypse?
Open worlds are great and all, but you gotta make sure to clean them out once in a while. These things will just start crawling with zombies if you're not careful. Austraila-based developer Dark Day Interactive has announced Once Bitten, Twice Dead, a horror survival title set in a fallen world of undead...
Feature Ten Upcoming Nindie eShop Games to Watch on Wii U and 3DS
And more besides...
The Wii U and 3DS eShop stores have become notable improvements on their Wii and DSi predecessors, and a range of familiar and new download developers have pitched up with their wares in recent times. The last couple of years in particular have brought some fantastic games, and as Nintendo's GDC announcement made clear there's...
News Curve Digital is Bringing the Eye-Catching Four Sided Fantasy to Wii U in 2016
Playing with perceptions
During this week's GDC 2015 event Nintendo unveiled a host of upcoming eShop games on Wii U and 3DS, reminding us all that its policies in supporting download developers - Nindies - are continuing to bring notable rewards. Those titles shown off are all coming this year, but Curve Digital (also at GDC) has announced a title...
Nintendo Download 5th March (North America)
Mario vs. Donkey Kong and OlliOlli x2, Proun+ and much more
It's time for more Nintendo Download Update treats, North American gamers, and this week brings the region its first cross-buy options on Nintendo's systems. We have Mario toys puzzling their way through levels and some rad pixelated skateboarding across Wii U and 3DS, while there are also...
Review Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars (Wii U eShop)
We tip our hats to you
Despite Mario and Donkey Kong largely getting along with one another these days, there's still the ancestral drive to kidnap women in red dresses burning in DK's DNA, and so we get the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. The latest entry, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars has ditched the different 3D perspective of the previous...
Yacht Club Games "keeping an eye out" for Nintendo possibilities
Remember when Shovel Knight was a Nintendo console exclusive? Nice, wasn't it? Those days are long past now, with developer Yacht Club Games confirming that the faux-retro platformer is headed to both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. To rub a bit more salt into the wound, it was confirmed...
News Nintendo Executive Discusses the eShop, Indies, and Their Relationship With Nintendo
"There's so much talent that's coming out of it"
It's no secret that Indie games play a much larger role in the lineup and promotion of Nintendo's consoles than they have ever before, with a number of triple-A third party companies being largely inactive on Wii U. Indeed, Nintendo has come a long way from the days of the DSiware and Wiiware...
Create a platform exciting enough to match its Indie games
In recent weeks Satoru Iwata addressed shareholders in an Investor Briefing Q & A, tackling a range of issues around Nintendo's business. An issue that came up was the "digitalization" that we're seeing, with more and more gamers opting to download their games, and also seeking new ways...
News Indie Developers Praise Nintendo's Policies and "Wave the Banner" for the eShop
2015 could be hugely exciting on the stores
With GDC 2015 (Game Developers Conference) in full swing, Nintendo has taken the opportunity to pitch an exciting and extensive line-up of eShop games that are coming to both Wii U and 3DS this year. Its announcements included new games, release dates for others and information on GamePad features for some...
News Nintendo Announces Fresh Release Details on a Host of Exciting eShop Games
Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Director's Cut! BOXBOY! Dates! Surprises!
We're big advocates of the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores here at Nintendo Life, and both have delivered some fantastic games in recent times. Nintendo of America has now issued fresh details on a range of new titles on the way, with some truly exciting news to keep download fans busy...
News Copyright Owner of 'Trollface' Image Explains Role in Getting Meme Run Taken Down
Unclear whether the runner will live to troll another day
Meme Run is certainly a title that's prompted plenty of debate since it arrived on the Wii U in North America, and the latest twist in its brief history came yesterday when it was taken down from the eShop. Little information came from developer Ninja Pig Studios, though it updated its...
Review Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Worth fighting for
While Fire Emblem is a franchise with a long history in Japan, its track record in the West is far more condensed; in fact Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones on Game Boy Advance was only the second series entry to arrive in the West. The first Western arrival is also available on the Wii U eShop, meaning that there's a useful...
News Aperion Cyberstorm is Blasting Its Way to the Wii U eShop Soon
Pew pew pew
The Wii U eShop continues to surprise with indie games which are distinctly different from those you find at retail. UK based developer aPriori Digital is the latest challenger to take a punt on the Nintendo store with its upcoming 5 player twin-stick shooter Aperion Cyberstorm, which is developed in Unity. The 5th player will use the...
News Unity 5 Development Engine Launches, Includes Wii U Support
A step up for Indies using the toolset
GDC 2015 (Game Developers Conference) is well underway, and Unity took the opportunity to launch its latest major version at the event. Unity 5 was unveiled, which provides new tools to produce stronger visuals, in addition to enhanced analytics and features along with an ongoing free version for those learning...
News Gone Home Console Versions Are "Not Actively in Development Any Longer"
Publishing deal with Majesco currently off
Gone Home was critically acclaimed when it arrived on PC in 2013, widely praised for its narrative in particular; there was unsurprisingly some buzz last year, too, when a Nintendo Unity presentation announced the game for Wii U. Nintendo's home console has hosted some excellent Indie efforts, and this...
News Meme Run Disappears from the Wii U eShop
Miiverse community page also taken down
Meme Run was a peculiar arrival in 2014, generating controversy over its style and enjoying sales success against a backdrop of heavy criticism. Despite being loaded with memes, obviously, it was even tweeted and promoted by Nintendo of America when it was released. Due to the nature of the game being packed...
News WayForward to Celebrate 25th Anniversary With eShop Discounts
Mighty and Shantae sales on the way
WayForward celebrates it 25th Anniversary this year; the company has established a reputation for high-class first-party games such as the Mighty and Shantae IPs, and has also produced some excellent licensed titles. It's got quite a track record. The company will likely be celebrating the landmark for much of...
News Yacht Club Games Announces Free Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows DLC Expansion
Plague Knight seizes the spotlight
It's doubtless that many of you have probably already played Shovel Knight, the old-school indie smash hit. Inspired by series such as Mega Man, Castlevania, and The Legend of Zelda, this was a classic styled game done right. Featuring vibrant pixel art, a stellar soundtrack, loot, collectibles, and that good old...
Review Pac-Attack (Wii U eShop / SNES)
When worlds collide
Originally a multi-platform release in 1993, Pac-Attack – otherwise known as Pac-Panic – was derived from Namco's arcade game released in the previous year, Cosmo Gang the Puzzle. On first glance, Pac-Attack may appear to be an average run-of-the-mill puzzle game with one of the prominent videogame characters of the time...
First Impressions Contemplating the Long Con in The Swindle
Steampunk hijinks
The Swindle is primarily the work of Dan Marshall and some close colleagues through Size Five Games, but due to the efforts of UK publisher Curve Digital has rapidly changed up from being another intriguing PC release to plotting a multi-platform arrival. The inclusion of the Wii U eShop is promising, as this is shaping up to be a...
News Trine 3: The Artifacts of Power Announced for a 2015 Release
PC confirmed and consoles TBA
Trine 2: Director's Cut was a launch day eShop release on the Wii U in November 2012, and remains as one of the highest-selling downloads on the store. Frozenbyte's beautiful platformer certainly made an impact, and Nintendo fans are still awaiting the remake of the original - Trine Enchanted Edition - which is...
News Mario Kart 8 DLC Still Set for May as Online eShop Purchases are Offered in Japan
Mario Kart.tv now linking to an eShop portal
Nintendo's taken notable strides in recent times with its online services and the eShop, particularly in the area of improving convenience for those buying download games when away from their console. In North America it's now possible to buy a decent collection of games via the company's official website...
Nintendo Download 5th March (Europe)
OlliOlli, Proun+, BLOK DROP X TWISTED FUSION, Retro newcomers and more
Another week begins, and Nintendo of Europe has served up its Download Update details with some promising releases on the way. We have some rad cross-buy for Wii U and 3DS gamers, mash-ups, retro games making their first appearances in Europe and much more. Let's get to it. Wii...
Review Mappy-Land (Wii U eShop / NES)
Cats vs. Mouse
Mappy, a plucky mouse detective, is one of many arcade game mascots lost to time, having only starred in a few games over the years. While the character has guest-starred in various Namco games over the years (and makes a clever cameo in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS), the biggest role Mappy's had is in a web series from the...
February2015
News Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria Adventuring to 3DS and Wii U This Year
An updated entry including the original Book I and Book II
Last year it looked like Muteki Corp would be bringing its retro-style RPGs Dragon Fantasy Books I and II to the 3DS eShop, titles that both arrived on PS Vita and PS3 in 2013. That never transpired, but now Choice Provisions - formerly Gaijin Games - is publishing the titles in an updated...
Preview Hitting the Rails With OlliOlli on Wii U and 3DS
Totally sick, dude (is that right, ed?)
As a chubby thirty year old with the athleticism of a sloth and the cool-factor of a professional chess player, your humble writer will never be seen on a skateboard down at the local skateboarding-park-thingy. That's a reality of life, but video games are all about fantasy, so it's possible for even the least...
News OlliOlli Arrives on Wii U and 3DS Next Week, Cross-Buy Confirmed in All Regions
As it was on PSN
OlliOlli is the next eShop release from publisher Curve Digital, bringing Roll7's excellent title to Nintendo gamers. With attractive pixel-based visuals and addictive gameplay this could certainly be an attractive option, and the good news is that this will arrive on 5th March with Cross-Buy in both Europe and North America, making...
Video Watch Us Fumble Through The Opening Minutes Of Affordable Space Adventures
I always wanted you to go into space, man
Affordable Space Adventures - a forthcoming collaboration between KnapNok Games and Nifflas - is on a crash-course with the Wii U eShop, and we've been lucky enough to have a mess around with the latest build of the title. As you can see from the footage below - which, be warned, contains somewhat unrelated...
News Masahiro Sakurai Praises the Achievements of Steam, Isn't Content With Other Download Services
Not quite Smash ready
In his most recent column in Famitsu Weekly, Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai shared his views on digital services in gaming; his comments suggest that he feels console stores - by extension including the eShop platforms - could learn a lot from PC gaming. Sakurai-san said the following. It's become mandatory that...
Preview Puzzling Our Way through Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars
Tips go in the jar, mate
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is just a few days away for North American fans, and those in Europe will only have to wait a little bit longer to get their hands on it. With the release date rapidly approaching, we've put together a short video to show you what you can expect to see in the game when it hits the 3DS and...
Nintendo Download 26th February (North America)
Donkey Kong Country bonanza! Titan Attacks! IRONFALL Invasion! More!
We suspect this week's Nintendo Download Update for North America will be rather popular with retro and Rare fans, making up for Nintendo of America's slight delay in issuing the details. Alongside these Rare classics are some attractive new download options on both systems, too -...
News Woah Dave! Getting Free Deluxe Update On 3DS, Also Coming To Wii U
New levels and characters promised
Woah Dave! developer Choice Provisions has revealed that the game is getting a "Deluxe" update on the 3DS. Woah Dave! Deluxe - which has just hit Steam - features two new levels, a host of new characters, boss battles, fresh enemy types, UFOs you can ride, a "classic" mode which returns everything to how it was in...
News Dot Arcade is an Intriguing Vintage Title Heading to Wii U
We mean pre-Donkey Kong arcade vintage
Indie developers drawing inspiration from retro games is extremely common, but not many eShop releases pre-date the era that brought us the Donkey Kong arcade, for example. Dot Arcade is doing just that, as it'll recreate the light-based games of generations long since gone on the Wii U. Taking us back to the...
News Scram Kitty Developer Praises the Wii U and Mentions New Project
“It always brings a lot of new potential to gameplay”
Many of you may remember Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails. The crazy rail shooter took its name rather literally and featured a gunner that moved along physical rails, with the goal being to shoot all the evil mice in a space station and save all the cats. It was a pretty strange setting;...
News MixedBag Provides an Update on Stylish Wii U eShop Title forma.8
Revamped visuals put on show
Among a number of promising Wii U eShop reveals in early 2014 was forma.8, from Italian developer MixedBag. It's a project that introduces exploration of an alien world in a small ship - nearer its announcement we spoke to the studio's Mauro Fanelli, who provided the following summary: forma.8 is what I call a classic...
Review Paparazzi (Wii U eShop)
Snap judgement
Indie developers seem to be doing a great job of delivering games with local multiplayer to the Wii U eShop as of late. From Chariot to GetClose: A Game for RIVALS, Sportsball to Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition, affordable — and quality — entertainment with the intention of livening up a living room is readily...
"If we find the right answer, Nintendo will prosper as a company"
Nintendo has finally published its official translations of the recent Investor Q & A that Satoru Iwata hosted, and while it's light on reveals it does have a variety of answers that provide insight into the company's approach. The overall tone is one of certainty, with Iwata-san...
News Clive 'N' Wrench Aims to Bring Back Those Rare 3D Platforming Memories on Wii U
Inspired by Banjo-Kazooie et al
If you owned a Nintendo 64 in its heyday, or have familiarised yourself with its library in recent times, you'll have done a lot of 3D platforming and collecting. It may seem old-hat now, but the concept of running around in a 3D world collecting trinkets was somewhat mind-blowing, and Rare was prolific - titles like...
Nintendo Download 26th February (Europe)
Hyrule Warriors DLC, Pac-Attack, Titan Attacks, Kirby HOME themes and more
It's Monday morning, but that's a good thing if you're a Nintendo fan in Europe, as it brings us the latest Nintendo Download Update news. This week has some typically bonkers Wii U DLC along with a range of rather tempting downloads on both systems. Let's get to it. Wii U...
News Zen Pinball 2 Set to Hit a New High Score for Number of Tables Available
Wii U release date hopefully coming soon
Zen Pinball 2 is the main pinball experience on Wii U; it's already host to a massive collection of pinball tables, but it looks like a couple more are set to join the list in the near future. Announced via the official Zen Studios Blog, the Iron & Steel Pack has been confirmed to be added into the game...
News Indie Title Bizerta: Silent Evil is Stalking its Way to Wii U
Resident Hill
The Wii U is relatively lacking in the horror games department - games such as ZombiU and Resident Evil Revelations are few and far between, leaving players looking for a good thrill disappointed. It's possible that Fatal Frame V could be set to rectify that, but there's no confirmation of that getti
Pure and Simple
Every so often a video game will emerge which further dissembles the division between games and art; it's fair to say that Blek is one of those titles. Its miminimalistic, unsophisticated presentation and engaging puzzles garnered it resoundingly high praise following its release on iOS and Android, and resulted in developer Kunabi...
Review Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Slightly less than super Ghouls ‘N Ghosts
Once upon a time when arcades were vibrant and 2D platform games were all the rage, Capcom struck gold with the original Ghosts 'N Goblins. The legendary tale of Sir Arthur and his quest to save Princess Prin Prin from demons was a huge success, but also notoriously difficult. Super tough from the off, in...
News Intriguing Indie Developer Simogo Teases Wii U Projects
Experimental games could be a good fit for the GamePad
The Wii U eShop has attracted its fair share of intriguing games, including titles that have previously made their mark on PC and / or smart devices. Small Indie developers are no doubt attracted by Nintendo's relatively open approach to the eShop, and support - not to mention a free licence -...
Video Check Out Kirby's Adventure Wii on the Wii U eShop
You'll need shades with all those colours!
Nintendo's latest Wii digital re-release for Wii U in Europe is Kirby's Adventure Wii - AKA Kirby's Return To Dream Land. This Wii title from 2011 is a back-to-basics adventure that puts Kirby into familiar territory - there's no need to complain if you're in North America, you get the brand new Kirby and...
News Rodea: The Sky Soldier Confirmed For Release In North America And Europe
Arriving this fall
After a disjointed development cycle, Rodea: The Sky Soldier has now been officially confirmed for a release in the West. NIS America will handle the digital and physical publishing rights of the game on both the Wii U and 3DS, with the title expected to arrive this fall. A copy of the original Wii game is set to be bundled with...
News Children of Morta Hits Stretch Goal to Confirm Wii U Release
Pixel-based hack 'n slash oh my!
While the standard of many Indie games is truly on another level when compared with the formative days of download gaming, there's often a level of deja-vu and familiarity in their appearance. With engines like Unity prominent small developers have a challenge to make their titles look unique; as a result we think...
Nintendo Download 19th February (North America)
Kirby, Axelay, RPG goodness, microtransactions, DSiWare and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for details of this week's download goodies to warm us up for the weekend. There's a tempting Wii U retail release, along with a classic SNES shooter, some interesting RPG options on 3DS, the return of DSiWare and more. If that's got your...
News KnapNok Games and Nifflas Exploring Idea of Affordable Space Adventures on 3DS
Focused on the Wii U version for now
Affordable Space Adventures is certainly on our radar here at Nintendo Life - its unique use of the GamePad and integration of co-op has caught our attention, and we've already named it as one of the biggest Wii U games of 2015. A development partnership between KnapNok Games - Spin The Bottle: Bumpie's Party -...
Review Rock 'N Racing Off Road (Wii U eShop)
Not-So-Super Off Road
EnjoyUp was clearly inspired by the classic arcade racer Ivan "Ironman" Stewart's Super Off Road when developing Rock 'N Racing Off Road, an old-school, top-down racer. But while the game looks like a modern update to Super Off Road, it's not nearly as fun or memorable. Unfortunately, Rock 'N Racing Off Road is a disappointing...
News Humphrey, of SPIKEY WALLS Fame, to be a Guest Character in Blocky Bot on Wii U eShop
Because why not?
Earlier this week we told you about Blocky Bot, a budget-priced title on the way from Mobot Studios. Though typically associated with fairly substantial download titles, the developer explained that it wants to produce a fun game that's suitable for short, snappy gaming sessions. It'll be "a bit of a mash up" of styles and genres...
Videos show them off and hopefully point to similar Western releases
After a two week absence for Wii downloads on the eShop, this week's European Nintendo Download Update details confirmed the arrival of Kirby's Adventure Wii in the region. With that confirmed, focus for Wii fans inevitably turns to the remaining games that have already been...
Review Puzzle Monkeys (Wii U eShop)
Fun as a barrel thereof
Ever since Tetris introduced gamers to the joys of skydiving shapes, block-dropping puzzlers have fallen into place on nearly every console and handheld under the sun, and for good reason: they're simple to learn, endlessly replayable, and - when done right - utterly addicting. Seeking to fill a simian-sized gap in the Wii...
News SteamWorld Heist to be Playable At Upcoming US and UK Events
PAX East, EXG Rezzed and The Steampunk World’s Fair
SteamWorld Heist is set to be one of the most intriguing download releases of 2015. A follow-up - but not sequel - to the hugely popular SteamWorld Dig, developer Image & Form is aiming to release the title across multiple platforms, including the eShop on Wii U and 3DS. It's a departure for...
Talks self-publishing, New Nintendo 3DS XL and more at Indiecade East
Nintendo recently attended Indiecade East 2015 in New York, where Damon Baker - Senior Manager in Marketing and Licensing - met with fans and developers alike, and led a seminar called "Self-Publishing with Nintendo." Nintendo Life attended the informative seminar and then had a...
"The core audience... we weren't going to win with them on that decision"
Nintendo of America has been an active supporter of Indiecade in recent years, and recently attended the New York based Indiecade East event to showcase eShop releases and to promote the Wii U and 3DS as valid platforms for small developers of all types. It was in attendance...
Review Mega Man Battle Network 2 (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Casting a wider net
The world as portrayed in the Mega Man Battle Network series is so ridiculous and yet so outlandishly awesome that it's hard not to adore. In our boring reality, if your toaster doesn't work it means you're pretty much out of luck. In the Battle Network world, it more likely means you need to upload your virtual companion into...
News Nintendo to Introduce Free Software With NES and SNES Experiences Activated Through amiibo
North America shown to be dominant in amiibo shipments
Nintendo's Investor Briefing and Q & A is underway after its postponement of a couple of weeks, and Satoru Iwata's Presentation has been uploaded to the company's Japanese website. It's heavily focused on sales patterns rather than outlining new products or core strategies, but one new...
Review Dolphin Up (Wii U eShop)
Tony Hawk's Pro Porpoise
Every once in a while, a game comes along that you didn't know you wanted. Rawkins Games' Dolphin Up is one such title, providing a surprising amount of entertainment with an extremely simple concept. Being a port of a mobile title from a few years ago, its simplicity comes as no surprise — and, with a few more additions,...
Review Blaster Master (Wii U eShop / NES)
Master your blast!
The latest eShop release of Sunsoft's 1988 NES classic, Blaster Master, marks the title's third Virtual Console appearance. With the game previously sighted on the Wii and more recently the 3DS, now it's the Wii U's turn to host this side-scrolling and top-down platform shooter that has since spawned an entire series. The western...
Video ZaciSa's Last Stand Update Detailed and Shown Off in New Trailer
A belated Valentine
Not so long ago we revealed details of ZaciSa: Defense of the Crayon Dimension, an expanded version of ZaciSa's Last Stand that'll finally make its way to Europe. Developer ZenFa Productions did promise a free update with additional content for the North American version in that announcement, however, and has used the Valentine's...
News Mobot Studios Aims for High Quality Fun at a Budget Price with Blocky Bot on Wii U
"Sometimes you just want to sit down and play something fun for 10 minutes"
The Wii U eShop - particularly in North America - has been host to a number of budget releases aiming to deliver quick, harmless fun; while some have succeeded, there have also been plenty of disappointments. Experienced developer Mobot Studios is next to step up to the...
Nintendo Download 19th February (Europe)
Wii downloads return with Kirby, classic Castlevania, GBA goodness and more
Monday morning can be a dreary time, but Nintendo of Europe has sent out the Download Update details for the coming week to bring some sunshine into your life. After a two week absence we see the return of Wii downloads on the eShop, some retro classics, DLC, loads of...
Review Tri-Strip (Wii U eShop)
Geometry Bores
Tri-Strip is a puzzle game about placing strips of triangles into a grid to make squares, which clears up space and nets you points; using the stylus, touchscreen and a single button, you can strategically drag, drop and rotate pieces into open spots. It's a style of play that requires a little bit more hesitation and thought when...
Nintendo Download 12th February (North America)
Majora's Mask 3D! Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate! 3D Fantasy Zone! More!
It's a big week for 3DS fans, with the coming weekend bringing North American gamers the New Nintendo 3DS XL and some eagerly anticipated retail games. Beyond the obvious big-hitters there are also some interesting download-only efforts, another classic 3D remaster from Sega and a...
News Curve Digital is Plotting an Honest Release With The Swindle on Wii U
Steampunk Heist
Curve Digital recently announced a partnership with Size Five Games to bring its Steampunk Cybercrime Caper, The Swindle, to the Wii U eShop in 2015. This version of The Swindle will be developed and published by Curve, and will launch on the Wii U and practically every other platform know to man except the 3DS. Dan Marshall,...
News Sneaky Ninja Infiltrates Kickstarter
Touted as "Mario meets Mark of the Ninja"
Ninja come in several different varieties, but few seem to be as round or whimsical as those in Stafall Studios' Sneaky Ninja. The egg-like masters of shadow are the focus of a Kickstarter campaign with a Wii U release as one of the main goals. According to the Sneaky Ninja Kickstarter page, the game plans...
News RCMADIAX Scales Back Wii U Plans for 2015
Likely to focus "on platforms with a larger install base" in 2016
RCMADIAX was the first developer to release a Wii U eShop title that utilised the Nintendo Web Framework - BLOK DROP U. The studio's strategy throughout the remainder of the year was to release a series of bite-sized concept games, available at budget prices and relatively simple to...
News Spin the Bottle And Knytt Underground Going Half Price This Week
Makes the wait for Affordable Space Adventures a little easier
Affordable Space Adventures is coming soon to the Wii U eShop, and to celebrate the impending release KnapNok and Nifflas have slashed 50 percent off the price of Spin the Bottle: Bumpie's Party and Knytt Underground. Both titles will retail for €3.99 / £3.99 / $5.99 until February...
News 2D Platformer Mekazoo Swinging onto Wii U Later This Year
Robotic animals and high-speed platforming. Sound familiar?
Seattle-based indie developer The Good Mood Creators has announced the upcoming release of Mekazoo, an absolutely stunning 2D platformer for Nintendo Wii U. While an official date has yet to be revealed, this is definitely one to keep on your radar if you're a fan of side-scrolling...
News Candlelight Studios' Untold Story Could Potentially Be Told On Wii U
It starts with a spark
It seems like there's currently a renaissance of sorts happening regarding retro RPGs. Seeking to recreate the glory days of Dragon Warrior and Final Fantasy, many indie developers are putting out RPGs featuring sprites, classes, towns, turn-based combat, and all the trimmings of the RPG days of yore. Candlelight Studios is...
Nintendo Download 12th February (Europe)
Majora's Mask 3D! Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate! Ace Combat! Kirby! More!
It's an exciting week for dedicated Nintendo gamers in Europe, with the New Nintendo 3DS arriving in stores and some long-awaiting retail games also landing in the eShop. Nintendo of Europe kept us waiting, but we now know that beyond those big-name releases there are loads of...
News GBA Classics Sonic Advance And Mega Man & Bass Arrive On The Japanese Wii U eShop Next Week
Two welcomed additions
SEGA and Capcom continue their strong support for Nintendo’s digital eShop platform next week, with the simultaneous release of Sonic Advance and Mega Man & Bass on the Japanese Wii U Virtual Console. Priced at 702 yen each, the 2001 and 2002 Game Boy Advance titles will be unleashed on 18th February. Sonic Advance is...
News Conker Creator Chris Seavor Reveals More Details On The Origins Of Rusty Pup
Latest game from former Rare duo is shaping up nicely
It's been a while since we reported on The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup, a new title for the Wii U and 3DS eShops from former Rare staffers Chris Seavor and Shawn Pile. Since bringing you the exclusive news that the title was headed to Nintendo formats, things have been a little on the quiet side...
Review Mega Man Zero 2 (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Zero times two
Just one year after Mega Man Zero, Inti Creates released a sequel for the Game Boy Advance spin-off. That might sound a bit quick, but Mega Man Zero 2 is no mindless cash-in. It took the sturdy foundation set by its predecessor and built upon it in impressive ways, while also smoothing out the rough edges. On top of that it wove an...
News Eiji Aonuma Launches a Majora's Mask 3D Art Academy Contest on Miiverse
May have had a PA write the post, we'll never know
We're well aware that a good number of the Nintendo Life community are rather talented artists, or perhaps enjoy looking at others' masterpieces, so it's worth noting that one of the best Art Academy: SketchPad contests to date is underway. As you can see in the entry above it's based on The Legend...
News Trashmania Trilogy Developer Unsure Of Wii U eShop Title’s Future
Unable to confirm if the game will even be completed
The creator of the upcoming Wii U eShop title, Trashmania Trilogy – including Trashmania, Trashmania: Remix, and Trashmania: After Dark – has revealed he is unsure of the game’s future. Jonathan Bont, the indie developer previously best known for his efforts on the Ouya, delivered the news...
News Renegade Kid Reveals a Snippet of Information on eShop Sales
Keep it up
Renegade Kid has been a longtime supporter of the Nintendo eShop, with games such as Mutant Mudds, Xeodrifter, Bomb Monkey, and more periodically turning up through the storefront's lifespan. Particularly fond of retro inspired games - with Moon Chronicles and ATV Wild Ride 3D being notable exceptions - the studio's shown
Review Frenchy Bird (Wii U eShop)
Avian aggravation
From the title alone, it's pretty easy to tell that Frenchy Bird is yet another in the line of Flappy Bird imitators released on the Wii U eShop. Yet whereas some of its competitors have been content to merely replicate the feel of the original, Frenchy Bird makes the bold move of replicating it with personality. Goofy music,...
News Nintendo Remains Silent on Third Party Wii Games Coming to the eShop
We can but hope...
In a rather surprising announcement during last month's Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that select games from the Wii catalogue would be making their way onto the Wii U eShop; it's been the first time that full scale Wii retail games have been available to download. Since then four Nintendo games have shown up (three each in...
Video The Latest Trailer For RIVE Will Dent Your Resolve And Melt Your Eyeballs
"There's fun in failure"
Two Tribes' upcoming Wii U eShop shooter RIVE has been on our radar since it was first announced, and the studio has now released another trailer which celebrates that thing we all try to avoid: failure. The new footage - shown below - was, according to Two Tribes' Collin van Ginkel, inspired by observing players at gaming...
Nintendo Download 5th February (North America)
MH4U demo, Hyrule Warriors Majora's Mask DLC, Moon Chronicles and much more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for Nintendo Download Update details. This week brings a popular demo for an upcoming Capcom blockbuster, concluding episodes from Renegade Kid, some fun hack-and-slash Zelda DLC, a pre-purchase and download on a Wii U retail...
News Curve Digital Confirms OlliOlli Release Window on Nintendo Consoles
Grinding onto Wii U and 3DS mid-March
We reported late last year that 'sick' indie skateboarding title OlliOlli would be making an appearance on Nintendo consoles in early 2015, and now the hype is real. Publisher Curve Digital, the same company that brought indie hits such as The Swapper and Thomas Was Alone to Nintendo platforms, has confirmed t
Review Citizens of Earth (Wii U eShop)
Citizens, Unite Up!!
ATTENTION ALL RESIDENTS OF THIS FINE, BLUE PLANET WE CALL EARTH! Permit me a moment and I'll show you that role playing games don't all have to be about swinging swords and finding mystical artifacts. They don't have to use that tired old fantasy setting we've grown so used to, or even star a typical protagonist! Here, your...
News Ubisoft Launches Yet Another Massive eShop Sale in North America
Watch Dogs! Rayman Legends! ZombiU! More good (and rubbish) games!
Ubisoft may not be throwing games at Nintendo systems any more, but it sure is happy to run eShop discounts on its older titles. Every few months we see plenty of price reductions, and the latest promotional batch has now been announced for North America. Available now and running...
Nintendo Download 5th February (Europe)
Shantae's back, Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate demo, Zero 2 and more
It's the morning after the late night watching the Super Bowl, or just a normal Monday depending on your preferences, but nevertheless Nintendo of Europe's been so kind as to issue its Download Update details. It's an enticing week, with WayForward's third Shantae game finally hitting...
Review Breezeblox (Wii U eShop)
Breezy
One of a growing number of indie titles appearing on the Wii U eShop, Breezeblox is a block-rolling puzzle game from début developer Brennan Maddox that, on first glance, seems to owe more than a little to mobigame's cube-based classic EDGE. Beyond the minimalist aesthetic and Cartesian conceit, however, they're very different games, and...
January2015
News Sega's Wonder Boy Lives On In Monster Boy, And He Could Be Coming To Wii U
Made in collaboration with series creator Ryuichi Nishizawa
Sega's Wonder Boy series - produced with the now defunct Westone - is one of those classic 8 and 16-bit franchises which tragically never made the transition to 3D, and as a result has faded into memory in recent times. However, things are looking up for fans. While we're not exactly...