Wii U eShop - News
May2014
News The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Arrives in Europe on 29th May
Yep, that's next week's update
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is not only an excellent portable entry in the series, but is also interesting for the fact that Capcom was primarily responsible for its development. Just this week we shared the happy news a game page listing had popped up for a Wii U Virtual Console release in North America — a...
Review Klonoa: Empire of Dreams
Wahoo!
Starting life on the PlayStation in 1997, at a time when Super Mario 64 had just brought the gaming world triple-jumping headlong into the era of 3D platforming, Namco's Klonoa series has always done things differently. Klonoa's first outing, Klonoa: Door to Phantomile, was a pioneering foray into 2.5D, mixing polygonal backgrounds with...
Nintendo Download 22nd May (North America)
Squids, Turtles, Soldiers, Aliens, Street Fighting and more
It's that time once again, as we have the full details of this week's Nintendo Download offerings in North America. This week brings us retro delights and new games on both the Wii U and 3DS, along with more DSiWare to keep the old portable going. Let's get to it. Want to know what arrives...
Site News Check Out Nintendo Life's eShop Picks On Your Wii U And 3DS
Recommended viewing
Those of you with especially good memories will recall that Nintendo Life has been featured on the eShop twice in the past few years — back in 2011, we were asked by Nintendo of Europe to contribute a list of our favourite eShop titles, and a year later we supplied our red-hot summer picks for the North American eShop. We're...
The battle returns
Originally released exclusively on WiiWare in 2009, Swords & Soldiers has had its fair share of ports in the five years since its initial release; it's made an appearance on almost every platform under the sun. The last of these to grace a Nintendo platform, the 3DS version, was not exactly a shining example of what one would...
Calamari meets kamikaze
Squids Odyssey plays like a mix between Angry Birds, billiards, and a strategy RPG. If that sounds like fun to you, that’s because it is. A cast of cephalopodic heroes embarks on a quest to save their underwater world from a corrupting black ooze the best way they know how: by launching their soft, squishy little bodies...
News The Legend Of Zelda: Minish Cap Will Be Sizing Up The Wii U eShop Soon
If you want to get ahead, get a hat
Nintendo has confirmed that The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap is coming to the western Wii U Virtual Console service in the near future. A page has appeared on the official Nintendo of America site which details the game, but the release date remains "TBC". Minish Cap was first released on the Game Boy Advance...
News HullBreach Studios and Cthulhi Games Retract Claim to Sadness IP
Others currently seeking to pick up the rights
Yesterday we posted the news and a short interview regarding a revival of the lost Wii game, Sadness, with independent Wii U developers teaming up to work on the project. It was news that excited plenty of download gamers, and there was certainly confidence of the project being on solid footing in our...
YOLO, Lolo
HAL Laboratory's 1989 puzzler Adventures of Lolo falls into the same category as titles like Mach Rider and Clu Clu Land: C-list NES classics that are often overlooked today but provide an arcade-like fun experience for those searching out Nintendo's "deep cuts" from the '80s. Adventures of Lolo is probably best remembered these days as...
News Gargoyle's Quest II Swoops Onto the Wii U Virtual Console in Japan
3DS or Wii U is fine in the West, really...
So, Gargoyle's Quest II may be on its way to the Virtual Console in the West, perhaps. Up to now we've seen the NES version arrive on the 3DS Virtual Console in Japan, while it's been rated by the Australian Classification Board — it's on the cards, then. This sequel — a prequel in terms of the plot...
News This Foul-Mouthed Bomberman Clone Is Blowing Up The Wii U eShop Soon
Tick, tick, tick, tick, BOOM
Fans of explosive destruction and naughty swears will be pleased to hear that Sanuk Games has announced that its next game is due to hit the Wii U eShop in the coming months. Bombing Bastards is an attractive arcade action title which is clearly inspired by Hudson's iconic Bomberman series, and features the vocal talents...
Exclusive Lost Wii Game, Sadness, To Be Revived as Wii U Exclusive
HullBreach Studios and Cthulhi Games are collaborating on development
Update 2: Following a rapid progression of events, HullBreach Studios and Cthulhi Games have retracted their claims to the Sadness brand — the details are available in this updated article. Update: In follow-up comments to our colleagues at Euro
Preview Ripping It Up With Wii U eShop Action Title Insanity's Blade
Armless fun for all the family
While Capcom, Konami and many of the other games companies which forged their reputations during the 8-bit era have since moved on to creating next-gen experiences, they have left a rich legacy of retro gaming brilliance which is proving to be particularly fertile ground for indie studios — one of which is Causal Bit...
News Wacky Physics-Based Puzzler Gravity Badgers Releasing 29th May
Grow out your mullet in celebration
Wales Interactive's utterly zany physics-based puzzler Gravity Badgers will be making its way to the Wii U eShop on 29th May. Nintendo Life had a little chat with Wales Interactive's Managing Director David Banner back in January; the team, excited by the possibilities offered by the GamePad, is also working on a...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 19th May
Yet more games make the cut for Wii U
It's been a busy week in the world of Kickstarter funding, with plenty of positive news for Nintendo gamers. There are three projects that have hit Wii U targets, a new entry that looks promising for the 3DS, and unfortunately some that have failed to make their mark. Plenty to consider, then, so let's get to...
Passes with flying colours
If you enjoyed Abyss earlier this month and you're thirsting for another relaxing, atmospheric Wii U eShop title with a smooth electronic soundtrack, Color Zen is exactly what you're looking for. It's a puzzle game with no time limit or scoring system: you simply match colours and unwind. The iOS/Android success-story has...
Nintendo Download 22nd May (Europe)
A SQUIDS Odyssey, Swords, Klonoa and much more
It's another Monday morning, which means we have a juicy Nintendo Download update for European gamers. This week includes plenty of options on both Wii U and 3DS, with brand new and Virtual Console titles on both systems. Without further ado, let's get to the details. Wii U eShop: SQUIDS Odyssey (The...
News Hover: Revolt of Gamers Hits Wii U Kickstarter Target
Another download title confirmed
For those following our weekly Kickstarter summaries, Hover: Revolt of Gamers by Midgar Studio has been a particular source of optimism. The colourful and promising free-running title has shown strong momentum with a realistic Wii U stretch goal. The positive news is that, with six days to go at the time of writing,...
News Road Redemption Developer Outlines Plans for a "Living, Breathing World"
An attempt to revitalise the arcade racing genre
Road Redemption, when it was successfully funded on Kickstarter, attracted plenty of attention due to comparisons with the iconic Road Rash series. The prospect of an action racer in that mould, along with concept footage that showed solid intentions, helped the campaign to funding success. The...
Rumour Wii Sports Club Japanese Retail Bundle Points to July Release for Boxing and Baseball
A knockout for Wii U?
The Wii Sports Club range on the Wii U eShop has offered some decent fun so far, bringing HD, Miiverse and MotionPlus upgrades to three events from the iconic Wii Sports. We're still awaiting Baseball and Boxing, of course, in order to complete the set; if a Japanese retail blog is to be believed, they're not far away. The...
Nintendo Download 15th May (North America)
Wii Party U(?!), Scram Kitty, Chronicles of the Moon and much more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week certainly brings decent variety and some much anticipated games. There are two exclusives across Wii U and 3DS that stand out, along with some other downloads and Virtual Console entries on both current systems. Let's get to...
News Color Zen to Chill Out on the Wii U eShop in North America Today, Europe on 22nd May
And... relax
A little ahead of the official North American download update from Nintendo, it's been confirmed that chilled-out puzzle game Color Zen will arrive on the Wii U eShop today; it'll come to Europe one week later on 22nd May. Developed by Large Animal and published by Cypronia, this is being plugged as a "new kind of puzzle game". With...
News Heart Forth, Alicia Successfully Hits Wii U Kickstarter Target
3DS version still on the cards
Successful Kickstarter project Heart Forth, Alicia, a '90s-inspired 'Metroidvania' RPG, has hit its Wii U stretch goal of $200,000 and will now be coming to the system. Wii U owners will have the opportunity to play the mystical retro-flavoured game about a young wizard on her journey to stop an evil Spirit from...
Video Musician Lindsey Stirling Dresses Up As Aurora From Child Of Light, Because Why Not?
Popular artist channels Ubisoft's RPG hit for unique video performance
We love Lindsey Stirling here at Nintendo Life — not only does she play a mean fiddle (OK, violin), but she's absolutely potty about video games and never misses an opportunity to cover the soundtrack of a famous title or dress up as a popular character. Her latest video —...
Review Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails
Off the rails
Announced over a year ago, Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails was one of the earliest Wii U download games to be confirmed. Now that it's finally here, has the wait been worth it, or should this game scram? Although you're pretty much immediately thrown into the action, there is a little bit of a story to Scram Kitty. The titular cat,...
News Swords & Soldiers HD to Invade the Wii U eShop on 22nd May
Arriving in both North America and Europe at a budget price
After the original version established itself among the top-tier of WiiWare games, Wii U owners may be pleased to hear that Swords & Soldiers HD is due very soon — it'll arrive on the eShop in North America and Europe on 22nd May at a budget price of $2.99 / €2.99 / £2.69. Below...
The best of both worlds
The WiiWare platform may not always be considered in a particularly glowing light, but it's undeniable that it did deliver some top-class download experiences. One of these was Swords & Soldiers from Ronimo Games, a side-scrolling real-time strategy title that made use of the Wii Remote pointer in an intuitive, natural...
News Club Nintendo Rewards Updated for May, Physical Items Return
Super Metroid! 3D Classic! Brain Age! Mario Kart 64!
During April Nintendo of America took away physical rewards from Club Nintendo ahead of maintenance work, and it's now reintroduced its standard range a day ahead of schedule. Little has changed, though it's worth checking out the updated options on the official website, with Mario and Luigi 3DS...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 12th May
Some fresh projects to consider
It's that time again when we provide updates on a batch of Kickstarter projects currently doing the rounds for Wii U and 3DS. It seems that there's some momentum around the Wii U eShop, in particular, as we're consistently being pointed to fresh projects that have included Nintendo's home console in their funding...
Someone should write a 600-page book about this game!
Wario Land 4 has seen a revival of sorts lately. Although Wario's core platforming series has been overshadowed for years by the surrealist microgames of WarioWare, last December journalist Daniel Johnson published Game Design Companion: A Critical Analysis of Wario Land 4, a staggering 600-page...
News Kosuke Yabuki Explains That Every Mario Kart is Made "From Scratch"
Explains retro course design and Battle mode's lack of arenas in MK8
Mario Kart 8 is now just a few weeks away, and the secrets of its modes and design have been stripped away in favour of anticipation as Wii U owners become keen to get their hands on the latest racer in the series. In a mini-interview with EDGE magazine, Kosuke Yabuki took the...
Nintendo Download 15th May (Europe)
Scram Kitty, Kirby, GBA's Wii U return and more
It's another Monday morning, Europe, but we have the European download update to remind us of what treats await later this week. It's a small batch this week that nevertheless has some potential crackers, with major releases — download-only and retail — across both Wii U and 3DS. Let's get to the...
News I've Got to Run! Gains Nintendo of America Approval for Wii U eShop Release
Trailer coming soon for Wii U exclusive
Auto-running platformer I’ve Got to Run! has now passed Nintendo of America’s approval process, bringing it closer to release. Developer Syrenne McNulty of 4 Corner Games confirmed the news in a recent tweet: [tweet A trailer for the game should be revealed on Wednesday 14th May, meanwhile: [tweet...
Video This New Insanity's Blade Trailer Cuts A Gory Swathe Through The Web
PC release confirmed for later this month, Wii U version coming later
We've been following the progress of Insanity's Blade closely over the past few months and can't wait to see what the game looks like when it finally hits the Wii U eShop. Causal Bit Games successfully kickstarted its unique take on the side-scrolling action platformer at the end...
Interview Yanim Studio on its Kickstarter-Funded Wii U Adventure, Red Goddess: Inner World
"Nintendo's audience will love what this game has to offer."
On Tuesday we reported on Red Goddess: Inner World, a beautiful new Kickstarter-funded Metroidvania-style title headed to Wii U, PS4, PS Vita, and PC next year if the campaign reaches its funding goal. If you haven't checked it out yet, take a gander at the Kickstarter trailer:
Groovy little motorbike
If you were lucky enough to pick up a shiny new NES way back in 1985, you would have had your pick of several future classics from a legendary launch-day lineup. If your idea of a digital good time happened to involve motorcycles, you were particularly spoilt for choice, with Excitebike and Mach Rider representing two-wheeled...
News Armillo Release Date Pushed Back Slightly, Launch Discount Confirmed
Formal announcement on global release coming very soon
Armillo is another entry in the pleasingly lengthy list of download games heading to the Wii U eShop, with developer Fuzzy Wuzzy Games supporting the system by making its release a timed exclusive. It has taken a little longer than expected to arrive, and the studio has issued an update to...
Get out of my thoughts and into my Wii U
You're on the run from the law, hunted for a crime you didn't commit and unable to return to your own home for fear of being caught. A road block looms ahead, halting everyone except for an acclaimed opera singer who is performing later that evening. As the sirens echo through darkened streets, you slowly...
News Cooperative Puzzle Adventure Shadow Puppeteer Coming to Wii U eShop
Developer Sarepta Studio approved for Wii U development
Norwegian developer Sarepta Studio has been approved to develop games for Nintendo systems, and its first order of business is to bring co-op puzzle adventure Shadow Puppeteer to the Wii U eShop. The game was initially announced as a PC release, but the developers at the studio are ecstatic to...
News Download Sales On Nintendo Formats Have Trebled In The Last Two Years
$235 million in digital sales gained in the past 12 months
Nintendo has confirmed that digital revenue across its consoles has tripled in the past two years. Nintendo President Satoru Iwata revealed the statistic at the recent investor's briefing, explaining that during the financial period between April 2013 and March 2014, around 24 billion Yen...
News Adventures of Pip Kickstarter Campaign Adds Wii U Support
Included in the $90,000 main goal
Tic Toc Games has announced that its recently-launched Kickstarter campaign for Adventures of Pip will now include support for the Wii U. The update, which can be seen below, came soon after receiving the all clear from Nintendo: IT'S FINALLY OFFICIAL! How cool is Nintendo! So cool they called us last night to say...
News Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn Slam Dunks Its Funding Goal
Kazaaming his way onto your Wii U
New Jersey developer Big Deez Productions has finally passed its $450,000 crowdfunding goal on Indiegogo for the upcoming Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, set to hit Wii U, PC, PS4, PS3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360; it raised $473,884 of its $450,000 goal, hitting its target relatively late in the day. When it made its début...
News Cruel and Cuddly Platformer Chubbins Sent to Nintendo for Approval
Hopping for a June release on the eShop
Chubbins. Go on, say it out loud. Chubbinnns. We last reported on this challenging-looking platformer with its perpetually bouncing bunny in March, when developer Dahku Creations announced it was bringing the title to the Wii U eShop. According to new word from Dahku, the Wii U version has now been...
News Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails Confirmed For Release on 15th May
That's in Europe and North America, prices also in
Update: We've asked Dakko Dakko for pricing details, and the studio's director Rhodri Broadbent has kindly confirmed that this will cost £8.99, €9.99 and $9.99. Original Article: Scram Kitty and his Buddy on Rails, from UK-based developer Dakko Dakko, has been on our radar as a Wii U...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 5th May
Ups and downs
We're a day later than normal, but we haven't forgotten our regular Kickstarter project update; the previous week has brought quite a few notable updates. We have successes and failures to consider, and some additions over which to cast our eye. As always the focus is on current campaigns or those that have been completed in the past...
We all live in a cyclops submarine
Abyss is perhaps exactly the sort of game the Wii U eShop needs in greater numbers: adventurous little indie titles with strong artistic vision and a focus on core game mechanics. With a budget price tag, you can't afford not to try out Barcelona studio EnjoyUp Games' HD re-release of its attractive 2012 DSiWare...
Nintendo Download 8th May (Europe)
Return to the Abyss, more Denpa men, discounts galore and more
Monday brings the beginning of another week, and Nintendo of Europe has once again served up details of the download goodies on the way this week. The stand-out is possibly the third entry in a popular AR series on 3DS, though there's a tempting budget title on Wii U, NES titles on both...
Review Ava and Avior Save the Earth
Toxic waste
A good educational video game needs to be both enriching and fun for the player. While 2020 Venture's Ava and Avior Save the Earth may sound like a good idea — it attempts to teach children about recycling, composting and getting rid of waste in a "green" way — it fails in almost every regard. With amateurish presentation and...
News Curve Studios And Dakko Dakko Heap Praise On The "Inspirational" Wii U
"The Wii U is a perfect system for indie development right now"
While big-name publishers such as EA, 2K Games and Bethesda are happy to ignore the Wii U, Nintendo's console isn't short of support from indie developers. Smaller studios are usually faster and keener to pounce on new ideas, and the concept of second-screen play has clearly captured...
News Cult County Kickstarter Ends Without Success, Developer "Discussing Other Options"
Jools Watsham thanks 1492 backers
For those that have been following the project closely, it should come as no surprise that Renegade Kid's Cult County Kickstarter campaign has fallen short of its target. The project was to come to Wii U, 3DS and host of platforms, but ended well short of its target with $46,736 raised of the $580,000 goal. It's...
News Upcoming Child of Light Patch to Rename Difficulty Settings
From "Normal" and "Hard" to "Casual" and "Expert"
There's more than one way to experience Child of Light, and the developers are hoping to make that a bit clearer by renaming the title's two difficulty settings. Instead of "Normal" and "Hard", there will be "Casual" and "Expert." Writer Jeffrey Yohalem mentioned during a livestream event with...
Review Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island
Egg-ceptional platforming
When you take into account just how much of a landmark title Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island was when it released back in 1995, it’s absurd to think that it’s only just being re-released on one of Nintendo’s Virtual Console services – well, that is if you exclude the exclusive 3DS release under the guise of the...
Nintendo Download 1st May (North America)
Triple Kirby, Mario Golf, Mega May begins and more!
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week brings some rather tempting offerings to both the Wii U and 3DS. There are retro classics on both Virtual Consoles along with brand new software, while some discounts and two major retail titles also make an appearance. Let's get to the...
April2014
Video Here's Some Battle Footage From Wii U Space Sim Hullbreach: Uncloaked
Take to the stars
We've already shown you some of the locations you'll get to explore in the forthcoming Wii U eShop title Hullbreach: Uncloaked, and we've now been given some fresh footage which shows how battles will pan out in the game. If you'd like to know more about the game, check out our interview with
News Cosmochoria Confirmed for Wii U Release
Another eShop game via Kickstarter
One project that's been covered in our recent Kickstarter campaign summaries is Cosmochoria, originally a PC title that saw a worryingly large Wii U stretch goal drastically reduced once the developer learned of the relative potential ease of porting to Nintendo's system. As of our last update at the weekend it...
Exclusive Opposable Games On Bringing Second-Screen Tactical Action To The Wii U With Salvaged
"Wii U is the perfect fit for the game"
UK-based indie studio Opposable Games has just confirmed that it is planning to bring its unique real time, second-screen strategy title Salvaged to the Wii U eShop, should the game successfully reach its Kickstarter goal of $125,000. We caught up with Design Director James Parker to chat about the influences...
News Chasing Aurora Dev Is Considering Bringing Semi-Sequel Secrets of Raetikon To Wii U
"Porting it to Wii U should be rather straight forward"
Chasing Aurora was one of the Wii U's most interesting and unique launch titles, and when developer Broken Rules confirmed that it was working on a spiritual sequel, many Nintendo fans hoped that they'd get to play it. However, amid comments from the studio that Chasing Aurora didn't meet...
The brush is as mighty as the sword
Listen, dear readers, and we shall recall our journeys with Child of Light. The darling of Ubisoft Montreal, it has become known as a beautiful sight. Screenshots and videos released to the world have proven its visuals most stunning. Yet when the tale is told and story unfurled, will all its design be as...
News Infinity Runner Heading To Wii U eShop
Includes multiplayer support for up to 32 players
Award winning game studio Wales Interactive have informed us that they’ll be bringing their latest title, Infinity Runner, to the Wii U eShop this Summer. Described as Mirror’s Edge meets Mass Effect, the sci-fi action running game is currently in development for Wii U, PS4, PS3, PS Vita, PC, Mac...
Nintendo Download 1st May (Europe)
Mario Golf, Cave Story, Child of Light and Simon goes on a quest too
This week brings a Euro Nintendo Download packed full of tantalising downloadable delights. 3DS retail: Mario Golf: World Tour (Nintendo, £34.99/€39.99) - Grab your clubs and bring fun to the fore in Mario Golf: World Tour! Join Mario and friends for engrossing golf action on...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 27th April
Confirmed Wii U games and tough campaigns
It's time for another Kickstarter campaign summary, with quite a few details that have changed since last week. We have two notable success stories, including a campaign that looked like a close call but secured success late in the day; there has also been a cancellation and others that look doomed to...
News Nintendo Serves Up New Videos For Kirby, NES Remix 2, Tomodachi Life and Mario Golf
Feast your eyes
After early months this year that have seen some major releases but also some quiet release spells, at retail and on the eShop platforms, we're now entering a stretch where most weeks have something enticing to separate us from our money. This week we have NES Remix 2 on the Wii U eShop, while next week Mario Golf: World Tour will...
Highlights low eShop sales and policies lagging behind Sony and Microsoft
Brandon Sheffield is, arguably, just the sort of developer Nintendo should be wooing — he produces games through his own studio Necrosoft, is an editor on Gamasutra and is a familiar face at industry events such as GDC (Game Developers Conference) and IDF (Independent Games...
News Abyss Confirmed to be Venturing to Europe on 8th May
A week after North America
It's not always easy for small developers and publishers to secure simultaneous releases across both North America and Europe, though EnjoyUp Games has been able to minimise the delay. Previously confirmed for 1st May in North America, gamers on the opposite side of the Atlantic will be able to dive into Abyss on the Wii U...
News Mega Man Battle Network 3 Headed to the Wii U Virtual Console
So says the Australian ratings board
This week's arrival of Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshi's Island on the Wii U Virtual Console drew to a close the initial run of confirmed Game Boy Advance titles in the West. With more confirmed for Japan, however, we're simply awaiting formal details on what's next for those of us outside of Nintendo's homeland...
Magic Hands Make Light Work
The more formulaic counterpart to RPG oddball Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Golden Sun expands on proven genre archetypes to deliver an experience that both pays tribute to and refines the classic role-playing adventure. It also gives some Wii U owners, potentially, their first experience of a franchise that has a...
News Super Toy Cars Announced for the Wii U eShop
A game described as "Mario Kart meets Micro Machines"
Spanish developer Eclipse Games has recently announced that its “tabletop arcade combat” racer, Super Toy Cars, will be zooming on to the Wii U eShop in the near future. According to the developer, the title hopes to capture the essence of classic racing games such as Micro Machines, Super...
Video New Child of Light 'Making Of' Focuses on Main Character and Narrative
"A modern fairy tale"
The Ubisoft Montreal team behind Child of Light has not been hiding their game under a bushel, no, but letting aspects of their project shine all the way up to its coming release. Not that any opportunity to gawk at the game's remarkable visuals is unwelcome. The latest "Making Of" video takes a few minutes to discuss Aurora,...
News Stick It To The Man Will, Erm, Stick It To The Wii U on 1st May
It looks insane, of course
You may remember news earlier this year of Stick It To The Man being confirmed for the Wii U. It's a peculiar-looking title that involves puzzle-solving, some stealth and platforming, along with mind reading. All standard stuff. It's previously been released on PC, PS3 and Vita, but developer Zoink Games told us that, for...
Nintendo Download 24th April (North America)
NES is remixed, Child of Light, Yoshi's back, a golfing demo and more
It's that time again, North America, for your Nintendo Download update news. This week brings two high profile titles to the Wii U eShop, along with the latest Game Boy Advance Virtual Console offering. It's more of a mixed bag on the 3DS, though there is a demo for a major retail...
News Multiplayer Sci-Fi Alien Shooter Hive Jump Coming to Wii U
Not for the faint hearted
Undoubtedly drawing inspiration from classic sci-fl horror flicks such as Ridley Scott’s Alien, indie game developer Graphite Labs has revealed via Twitter that it will be bringing its own video game adaption of this classic genre to the Wii U. Thanks to Nintendo’s “open arms” towards indie development, Hive Jump...
News North American Club Nintendo Update Closes Down Physical Rewards Until May
More game downloads added in the interim
Club Nintendo patrons in North America who were saving up their coins for some tangible Nintendo memorabilia will apparently have to wait a while before doing so as the program undergoes a system update. Visitors to the Club Nintendo rewards page will be met with the following message: Orders for physical...
News Hex Heroes Hacks Up Kickstarter Goal
Their real time strategy for funding paid off
Prismatic Games' Wii U-centric, asymmetrical, party real time strategy game Hex Heroes reached its $80,000 Kickstarter goal with less than a day to spare, bringing the world one step closer to knowing what a Wii U-centric, asymmetrical, party real time strategy game is. Prismatic thanked backers in a...
Interview MixedBag on Bringing forma.8's Mysterious Adventure to the Wii U eShop
"I think there's a lot of untapped potential in the GamePad"
Earlier this year Italian developer MixedBag caught the attention of Wii U gamers by teasing an announcement for the system; this turned out to be forma.8, an exploration game with a stylish visual approach. The studio's announcement reserved particular praise for Unity, Nintendo and Sony,...
Video Learn More About the Stunning Art Style and Sound in Child of Light
The adventure is getting closer
While plenty of attention with the Wii U has drifted towards Mario Kart 8 and a host of upcoming Wii U eShop releases, we feel that Ubisoft's Child of Light shouldn't be forgotten or overlooked. Arriving on the download store next week, it's a title full of potential. With a script that'll read like a poem and with...
News Possibility of SNES Remix and Other Remix Titles Depends on Fan Support
NES Remix director: "Does the marketplace want it or need it?"
In an interview with IGN, NES Remix and NES Remix 2 director Koichi Hayashida explained that the possibility of a SNES Remix, Game Boy Advance Remix, or other Remix brand titles will depend on the market's support and fan outcry. There could even be a Remix title based on third-party...
News The Nintendo eShop Is Like Paradise, Says Image & Form's Brjann Sigurgeirsson
"The gamers are REAL gamers who pay for quality"
As we're all well aware, the Nintendo eShop isn't the only digital marketplace out there right now. Sony and Microsoft have their own storefronts for downloadable titles, and the iOS App Store and Google Play market offer developers to chance to reach millions of potential customers. However, for...
Nintendo Download 24th April (Europe)
NES Remix returns, Yoshi on GBA, Yumi by another name and more
A day later than normal due to a Holiday Monday, we finally have this week's Nintendo Download information for Europe. We've got a Wii U sequel to a popular remix, more GBA goodness, a mix of good and not-so-good on the 3DS and a new DSiWare title. Plenty to consider, so let's get into...
News Popup Dungeon and Hover: Revolt of Gamers Both Join The Kickstarter Ranks
Both campaigns promise Wii U support if $100,000 stretch goals are reached
Two of the most promising potential Wii U Kickstarter campaigns are now in full swing this week. With $100,000 stretch goals for Wii U support in both projects, let's take a look. [ Texas-based studio Triple.B.Titles brings us Popup Dungeon, "a roguelike papercraft RPG that...
News Koichi Hayashida Explains Absence of NES Remix 1 & 2 on 3DS
Extra grunt of Wii U made it preferred platform
During an insightful exchange with IGN, NES Remix 1 & 2 Director Koichi Hayashida has explained how previous work with Super Mario 3D World, along with the power of Nintendo’s Wii U – and his own familiarity with the system's architecture – led to the development of the classic compilation...
Electric boogaloo
Shortly before the end of 2013 Nintendo suddenly surprised us — during a Nintendo Direct, it announced and then immediately released NES Remix, a very unusual but, we thought, very fun collection of small challenges based on various games from Nintendo's NES catalogue. A few months later and, in a different Nintendo Direct,...
News Abyss Will Find the Depths of the Wii U eShop on 1st May
Yours for just $1.99
Earlier this year we brought you the news that Abyss was confirmed for the Wii U eShop, a new updated version of the DSiWare title. Priced at $1.99 and promising new content, it immediately struck us as a potentially attractive offering on the home console, especially as one of our few complaints in our original 7/10 score was...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 20th April
Cancellations and close calls
In recent weeks we've produced Kickstarter summaries to show how campaigns are progressing, and this entry includes successes, cancellations and some close calls. Considering the fact that some exciting games have arrived and are on the way from successfully crowdfunded campaigns in the past, it's certainly worth...
Hickory Dickory Don't!
We all had high hopes for My First Songs, with fifteen of the most legendary nursery rhymes of all time finally together in one package. Bangkok-based developer RingZero Game Studio brings us this hotly-anticipated karaoke title just in time for your tax refund shopping spree — alas, My First Songs is not quite a Yankee...
Review Flowerworks HD: Follie's Adventure
A few carnations short of a full bouquet
You're a pint-sized explorer that's crash landed your spaceship on an alien planet dominated by vegetation, where flowers are your greatest ally. No, it's not Pikmin, it's Flowerworks HD: Follie's Adventure. A high-def remake of the well-received 2009 WiiWare title, Flowerworks HD is a floral-themed action...
News Turtle Tale Slowly Moves Closer to the eShop on 3DS and Wii U
Turtle power
There's some 2D platforming action getting closer to both the 3DS and Wii U eShop; those that want to be a heroic water gun-wielding turtle will soon be able to fulfil that fantasy in Turtle Tale. Announced last year and taking its cue from action platformers of the NES and SNES era, it's the work of Saturnine Games — the studio is...
Review F-Zero Maximum Velocity
Back to the future
Ah, F-Zero. The futuristic racing series that’s so fast that even Nintendo appears to have lost track of it. While it’s true that Nintendo hasn't really done anything new with the series since it last released the Japanese exclusive F-Zero Climax way back in 2004 (the last game we got was F-Zero GP Legend during the same...
News Tengami Soundtrack by David Wise Hits iTunes and Bandcamp
Music by the famed Donkey Kong Country composer available now
Atmospheric adventure game Tengami has been making headlines for its pop-up book art style, traditional Japanese setting, and music composed by David Wise. A longtime Rare collaborator, Wise has written the acclaimed music for hits like Donkey Kong Country, Star Fox Adventures, Marble...
News Nintendo of Europe Launches Voice to Victory Wii Karaoke U Contest
Sing like you're winning
Just recently we pointed you to a tease from Nintendo of Europe about an upcoming Wii Karaoke U contest, and details have now been revealed. It's the real deal, in the sense that eShop cash prizes are up for grabs. Called Voice to Victory, it now has a special Miiverse community, and tasks you with singing your heart out...
Nintendo Download 17th April (North America)
Classic Mario, GBA treats, HD Flowerworks, smashing cats and much more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week brings some rather tempting offerings to both the Wii U and 3DS. There are retro classics on both Virtual Consoles along with brand new software, while some discounts and a major retail title also make an appearance. Let's...
News DuckTales: Remastered Digital Soundtrack Coming to Amazon
47-track album to go on sale later this month
Capcom has announced that the official game soundtrack for DuckTales: Remastered will be available to download from Amazon's MP3 store from 29 April. With 47 tracks and clocking in at around the 90-minute mark, the album will include both Jake Kaufman's remixes for the recent re-release, as well as the...
News Space Shooter Cosmochoria Lowers Wii U Kickstarter Stretch Goal To $25,000
Development technicalities ''a lot more doable'' than originally thought
Kickstarter projects are rarely without their changes somewhere along the line. Stretch goals can be added, new features can be implemented and fan response or criticism can even have an impact on the final release. During our last Kickstarter round-up we wagered that the...
News Nocturnal Plants a New Flowerworks HD Trailer Ahead of Launch
Shows off blooming nice effects
There aren't many WiiWare titles getting re-purposed for the Wii U, but part of a select group with a few others is Flowerworks HD: Follie's Adventure from Australian developer Nocturnal. Due in this week's update (17th April) in North America and May in Europe, it'll have a discount price of $3.50 in its first month...
News Nintendo Teases a Wii Karaoke U Miiverse Contest
Neighbours, be warned
Wii Karaoke U probably still holds the crown as one of the most peculiar offerings on the Wii U eShop. In some ways it's one of the most modern titles Nintendo's released in terms of online functionality, with a substantial range of tracks available to stream and various time-based passes to purchase in order to satisfy into...
News Castlevania: Dracula X And Mega Man 5 Hitting The Japanese Wii U Virtual Console Next Week
Scream bloody murder
Next week's Japanese Wii U Virtual Console titles have been confirmed, and fans of Konami and Capcom should be pretty pleased with what's on offer. Arguably the most notable release is Castlevania: Dracula X (known as Akumajou Dracula XX in Japan and Castlevania: Vampire's Kiss in Europe), the SNES port of the PC Engine classic...
News Upside-Down Dimensions Could Be Coming To Wii U
Currently listed as "proposed"
Spanish developer Hydra Interactive Entertainment has announced Upside Down Dimensions, an action RPG that combines hack 'n slash, stealth, puzzles and platforming elements – drawing inspiration from games such as Paper Mario, The Legend of Zelda and Pokémon. The title has a launch window of 2015 for PC, Mac, PS...
Exclusive Here's an Early Look at Location Game Footage in HullBreach: Uncloaked
Both real and fantastical
HullBreach Uncloaked is an intriguing Wii U eShop title in a couple of respects — it's based on a Wii-browser MMORPG called HullBreach Online, and its developer (HullBreach Studios) has bold plans for the scope that it'll offer. It'll have all 576 sectors of its online predecessor, except with fully-realised 3D visuals...
Video This Child of Light Trailer Takes You Through The Beautiful World of Lemuria
Step into the light
In the lead up to Child of Light’s release on the Wii U eShop later this month, Ubisoft has been releasing a steady stream of trailers to show off its artistic action-RPG. Recent clips have displayed the game’s co-op mode, as well as the title’s partnerships for music and theatrical design. The latest clip, which
Review Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate - Deluxe Edition
The broken Bat
For as long as portable games have existed, the trend of developing handheld versions of popular console titles has been present and correct. These games tend to be inferior versions of the originals, taking a substantial hit graphically and often limiting gameplay, depending on what the portable console is capable of. In some cases,...
Nintendo Download 17th April (Europe)
Pocket football, GBA goodies, big-name demos, discounts and more
Nintendo is once again brightening our Monday morning with the European Nintendo Download update, which this week includes a variety of genres covering three systems — yep, DSiWare is back. There are some promotions — present and future — to consider, new games and Virtual...
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