Wii U eShop - News
February2014
News Shin'en Multimedia Lining Up Another Wii U Game Reveal
More FAST Racing Neo details to follow
Shin'en Multimedia was on the Wii U from day one with Nano Assault Neo, a twin-stick shooter that continued one of the studio's established franchises and was also an early showcase for the impressive visuals possible for downloads on the system. It was unsurprising that keen Nintendo download fans were also...
Interview Rainy Frog Talks About eShop Publishing in Japan
"The Wii U in Japan is more family orientated"
Earlier this year we told you about Rainy Frog, a publisher with ambitions to bring a number of Western download games to the Japanese eShop stores and, in the future, vice versa. Its one of a group of companies that establish offices in Japan — in order to be eligible as publishers in the region —...
News Hyper Light Drifter Delayed to End-of-Year Holiday Season
Non-PC versions will "follow shortly thereafter"
We've reported on Hyper Light Drifter a few times, as it looks like a highly promising action adventure that's on the way to the Wii U eShop along with a host of other platforms. With attractive visuals and a promise of retro-level challenge, it's certainly been on our watch-list. Unfortunately the...
News '90s Arcade Racer Targeting Mid-2014 Release, With 60fps at 720p
"Fidelity, image quality and a smooth framerate are our priorities"
Back in early 2013 '90s Arcade Racer was confirmed for the Wii U eShop, with an initial crowdfunding campaign making way for a publishing deal with Nicalis. Back then developer Antonis Pelekanos told us that it was a love letter to titles such as Daytona USA, and that he was...
Nintendo Download 6th February (Europe)
Golf, farming, an expedition and a load of discounts
It's Nintendo Download update time, Europe, and this week's Thursday offerings are perhaps more attractive for the discounts than the new downloads. We do have the arrival of a DSiWare / 3DS eShop series on the Wii U, along with some classic 8-bit sport and a new DSiWare game, but Rising Star...
News Pac-Man Museum Reportedly Cancelled on Nintendo Systems
Wee-wee-wee-wee-WOOP-WOOP
Newly name-swapped Bandai Namco announced Pac-Man Museum last summer as an eShop title for the 3DS and Wii U, but it seems the production ghosts have cornered its hopes of release. Nintendo Everything reports that while Pac-Man Museum will still be released on PC, Xbox 360 and the PS3, the
January2014
Review Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels
Super Masochist Bros.
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels is the famously difficult, Japan-only sequel to the titular plumber's breakout NES hit, expanding on the original formula with deviously challenging level design and obstacles. Western audiences were instead given the comparatively easy 'Super Mario USA' (a re-skinned translation of Nintendo's...
Feature 10 Nintendo DS Games We Want To See On The Wii U Virtual Console
Dual-screen desires
Nintendo has just lifted the lid on its plans to bring DS games to the Wii U Virtual Console, which means that owners of that particular machine will soon be able to enjoy a library of classic releases from one of the company's most popular formats. The DS has played host to some truly stunning pieces of software since its...
Nintendo Download 30th January (North America)
Link finally revisits his 16-bit past, discounts, new 3DS titles and more
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week includes a variety of offerings to — hopefully — cater to most tastes. There's a much anticipated Super NES classic on the Wii U Virtual Console, a variety of discounts on both eShop stores and some new titles for...
News Nintendo Confirms "Super Indie Connection Sale" on North American Wii U eShop
Five games to choose from
Earlier this week the European Download Update included the "Super Indie Connection Sale", a set of five download-only titles on the Wii U eShop that are available at meaty discounts on the condition that you own at least one of the games. Nintendo of America has now confirmed that the same update will be included in its...
News Satoru Iwata Confirms That DS Games Are Coming To The Wii U Virtual Console
Quick loading using the GamePad also on the way
Update: The official English translation of Satoru Iwata's briefing confirms that the quick-start GamePad feature — outlined below — will come in a system update due in the early summer. All other details below are accurate as per the translated briefing. Original Article: We will be providing a...
News Developer Of New Dreamcast Shooter Redux: Dark Matters "Has Plans" For Wii U And 3DS eShops
"It will be easy for us to port the game to Nintendo consoles"
The Dreamcast may be dead and buried as far as Sega is concerned, but that doesn't mean that developers have entirely abandoned the console. Back in 2012, NG.DEV.TEAM's Gunlord brought its high-octane, Euro-style platforming action to the "defunct" system, and 2014 has started with...
News NES Remix Update Adds Wii U Pro Controller, Remote and Classic Controller Support
Or play with those controllers on the GamePad screen, to be fancy
NES Remix was not only a surprise Wii U eShop release late last year, but also a popular arrival on the platform. By combining NES retro games with twists and tweaks to their gameplay it managed to earn a solid number of fans. One peculiarity was that it was GamePad-only in the...
News Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate Reduced to $19.99 on Both Wii U and 3DS
Hunt those downloads
With Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate confirmed to be on the way to the West in early 2015, Capcom seems keen to use the good news to shift more copies of the excellent Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on both Wii U and 3DS. European gamers can already look forward to some juicy discounts on both versions in this week's download update, but...
News Monochroma Release Delayed on All Platforms
Nowhere Studios provides an unofficial new release window for Wii U
Last year we directed your attention to Monochroma, a successfully crowdfunded project that promises much with a 1950s dystopian setting and attractive visuals. A puzzle platformer with four chapters weighing in at around 90 minutes each, it scraped past its target to secure...
News Zoink Games Has "Great News" On The Way for Wii U Owners
Tweeted with a typo, admittedly
While the Wii U may have taken some knocks recently, there's a steady stream of download developers, in particular, with games on the way or alternatively teasing future announcements. Zoink Games now falls into the latter category, having engaged in some tweeting with a fan and confirmed that it has news on the way...
Video The 10 Biggest Wii U Games Of 2014
It's a bumper year ahead
Not so long ago, we asked you to pick your most anticipated Wii U game for 2014 from a list of the 10 titles we thought were worth getting excited about. Fast forward a short while and the results have finally been counted and verified, and our trusty video expert Rory Cocker has duly created this handy presentation which...
News Nintendo Is "Wonderful" To Work With, Says BIT.TRIP Studio Gaijin Games
Unannounced projects currently being worked on
Nintendo's Wii U may be struggling to make the desired impression at retail, but that doesn't mean the system — and Nintendo itself — isn't held in high regard by some sectors of the development community. Last week, we heard Wales Interactive speak positively about the console, while Dakko Dakko's...
Nintendo Download 30th January (Europe)
Wii Fit U, hamsters that are brilliant and plenty of discounts
As is now the regular routine, European Nintendo Download fans can kick off the week with an early look at what's to come in Thursday's update. The upcoming week does only feature one new game, rounding off a quiet January for the eShop platforms, but does include a series of tempting...
News Kickstarter Campaign Launches For ReVeN
Metroid-inspired game includes Wii U in main target
A new Kickstarter campaign has been launched by Texas-based indie developer Varia Games for a 2D shooter/platformer called ReVeN. The title, which draws inspiration from classic games such as Metroid and Mega Man, could be coming to Wii U — as well as PC, Mac and Linux — if its $18,000 target...
News Early Mighty No. 9 Screenshots Blast Into View
Looking mighty fine
In September 2013, Mega Man mastermind and creator, Keiji Inafune, teased fans all over the world with the idea of a spiritual successor to the Blue Bomber. He showed off concept art and ambitious plans for his project, but the one thing he lacked was money, and so he turned to Kickstarter to ask fans to provide the necessary...
News Spin the Bottle DLC Update and Increased Price Detailed and Dated
"We are basically trying to do 'DLC’s done right'"
Spin the Bottle: Bumpie's Party is an intriguing game in a number of ways; not only does it utilise the GamePad and Wii Remotes for quirky minigames, but developer KnapNok Games wasted little time in stating that it'd be incorporating a DLC pricing model to reward early adopters. It may have taken...
Interview Wales Interactive on its Upcoming Wii U eShop Games and Working With Nintendo
"We love the GamePad concept and being able to connect to another display"
It seems fair to say that, though some quality releases have graced the Wii U eShop, we're still awaiting — due to various delays — a consistent flow of tempting download-only content on the store. With each passing week the list of promising and confirmed titles creep...
"We are massive Nintendo fans so it's a huge privilege"
Late last year we reported that Wales Interactive is bringing two games to the Wii U eShop; these are Gravity Badgers and Master Reboot. The studio has been prolific in its short existence to date, publishing a number of smartphone titles, but is increasingly moving onto PC and home console...
News Shovel Knight Targeting 31st March For Launch
Shiny new trailer and website also arrive
Shovel Knight was a significant crowdfunding success for Yacht Club Games, which is comprised primarily of former WayForward employees. That's impressive considering that it's the studio's first game, yet its initial release window of September was missed, as was its target for late 2013. The positive news...
Review Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
Should've put a stake in it
With 1987's Castlevania on the NES, Konami created a classic. The vampire hunting action game was a whip-roaring success, kicking off one of gaming's most iconic series and introducing a generation of gamers to the adventures of Simon Belmont, the joy of whip-based combat, and the explosive properties of holy water. The...
Review F1 Race Stars: Powered Up Edition
This Formula isn't quite the One
The kart racing genre has never been particularly short of options. While Nintendo may have created the most enduring franchise in the form of Mario Kart, others such as Sony and Sega have produced high-profile efforts, with Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed being a recent and excellent example. The fantasy of...
News Mighty Bomb Jack Is Blowing Up The North American Wii U Virtual Console This Week
Explosive stuff
We usually put our North American Nintendo Download update live later in the week when the official word hits the street, but every now and then we get a bit of a heads-up on forthcoming releases — and today is one of those times. A listing for Mighty Bomb Jack has appeared on the North American Wii U eShop which lists the NES...
News Rhythm Fighting Game KickBeat Gets Rated For Wii U
Blood on the dancefloor
A German rating for the Zen Studios "experimental rhythm game" KickBeat suggests that the downloadable PS3 and PS Vita title is headed to the Wii U eShop. This unique brawler combines music with combat action, and boasts a soundtrack packed with songs by artists such as Pendulum, Marilyn Manson, Celldweller, Blue Stahli,...
News Scirra's Construct 2 Engine to Support Wii U Nintendo Web Framework Development
Another route to the eShop
While various small developers are bringing their games to the Wii U eShop using custom-developed engines or licensed options such as Unity, Nintendo's also established the Nintendo Web Framework to allow games using web-based codes such as HTML5, CSS3 and Javascript to be published on the store. One upcoming HTML5 game...
News Team Kakumei Joins The Wii U Developer Family
They came in like a Wrecking Ball
For fresh, straight-out-of-college game devs, catching a break can be tough. It’s no different from any other job; employers want their new recruits to have experience in the field they’re applying for, so getting the job you want straight out of school can be hard. This was no different for Team Kakumei – a...
Look ma', I shot that lizard!
Nintendo, the pillar of family friendly gaming, once made a good amount of money by selling kids plastic guns. OK, it was a Zapper, but the point stands; we may bemoan some mature, modern shooters for the violence they promote, but more fantastical and cuddly violence has always been part of the gaming landscape. Cocoto...
Nintendo Download 23rd January (Europe)
Unepic, old-school Mario and Ninja Gaiden challenge, loads of discounts
European Nintendo fans once again have the download update to bring some cheer to a dreary Monday morning. This time around we have a new Wii U eShop title that's already earned an 8 in our review, along with some retro goodies and a lengthy list of 3DS eShop discounts. Let's...
News Shadow Of The Eternals Isn't Dead, But Don't Expect Big News Any Time Soon
Precursor "taking a look" at potential options
It's fair to say that Shadow Of The Eternals has had a particularly eventful development period. The game's status as a spiritual sequel to the GameCube classic Eternal Darkness ensured that it received plenty of attention when it was initially announced, but after more than one failed crowd-funding...
Not ungood
So you know how it goes: you’re playing a tabletop RPG with your friends. They poke fun at you because you, the Modern Gamer, want to try something that tends to work on a screen but doesn’t jive with the “realism” of high fantasy. Whatever. You excuse yourself to 'observe nature', but the lights go out and suddenly you’re not...
Interview Codemasters - F1 Race Stars: Powered Up Edition
Vroom vroom
Codemasters’ F1 Race Stars: Powered Up Edition finally zoomed on to the Wii U eShop this week in Europe and North America; its marketing promises fast and fun arcade racing on the Wii U, with four-player split-screen racing. Formula One fans may get a kick out of seeing stars such as Lewis Hamilton, Alonso and Vettel make an appearance...
News Here Are Some Monstrous eShop Discounts for North America
Monster Hunter! Scribblenauts! Bomb Monkey!
We've already had today's Nintendo Download update for North America, which included a tasty discount on the excellent Etrian Odyssey Untold: The Millennium Girl. But wait, there's more! Some of you kindly pointed out that there are extra discounts available, and as Nintendo's official update didn't...
Nintendo Download 16th January (North America)
Unepic, Powered Up F1, double Castlevania and a discount
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week we have rather slim pickings. That said, there are two new offerings on the Wii U eShop, a Konami double on the Virtual Console's and an attractive discount. So, let's get to it. Wii U eShop: Unepic (EnjoyUp Games, $9.99) — The work...
Video This New F1 Race Stars: Powered Up Edition Trailer Hits the Accelerator
Maybe the real sport could do with some of these ideas
At the risk of irritating Formula One enthusiasts around the world, we'll suggest that it's a sport often lacking the wow factor. Occasionally races are thrilling, but there are plenty of occasions where the cars simply follow each other around for a couple of hours — at admittedly high speeds...
News FuzzyWuzzyGames Talks About Its Development Experience With The Wii U
In early stages of planning for a fresh Wii U project, after Armillo
From an outsiders’ point of view, being a game developer seems like a fantastic way to express creativity. Whether you’re working as a team or whether you’re on your own, you are making something from scratch and turning it into something people can enjoy. There are many in...
Interview RCMADIAX on BLOK DROP U and Working On the Nintendo Web Framework
"At $1.99, that's about the cost of a pack of gum!"
Throughout 2013 Nintendo went to a good deal of effort to spread the work that its platforms, particularly the Wii U, were supportive of small, download-only developers. Much focus and, by extension, confirmed releases fell into the Unity engine camp, with Nintendo offering free tools and usage of...
Talking Point An Unplanned Flash Sale Looked Like Retail Download Genius from Nintendo
A flash sale... well, 'flashed' before our eyes
There was a moment this week when, for a brief and glorious moment, Nintendo ran a Steam-like flash sale on retail games. It may have passed plenty of people by, especially as it was for download codes on the official Nintendo UK store, but it was a glimmer of a brave new world where Nintendo creates...
News A World Of Keflings Now Expected In "The Latter Half" Of Q1 2014
Will the wait be worth it?
A World of Keflings was supposed to hit the Wii U eShop last year, but the game sadly missed its scheduled launch date. Thankfully, developer NinjaBee Games has addressed the slippage and insists that the title will see the light of day this year: [tweet A kingdom-building adventure of epic proportions, A World of...
News BLOK DROP U Developer Shares Perspective on HTML5 Web Framework Development for Wii U
Also outlines level release plans
BLOK DROP U is approaching release on the Wii U eShop, and is an early representation of a range of games we may see on the platform courtesy of the Nintendo Web Framework. It's a setup that Nintendo began to promote with greater visibility throughout 2013, as it enables game makers utilising code such as HTML5 (as...
News Club Nintendo Rewards Updated for January
Game & Watch! F-Zero! Snowboarding!
2014 is now two weeks old, and we finally have the new North American Club Nintendo rewards to sink our teeth into. Nintendo's kept us in suspense but has now lifted the lid on some DSiWare and retro treats to get the pulses racing. While the DSiWare releases, in particular, may make you stretch your memories...
News Unepic Begins Its Quest in Europe on 23rd January
One week later than North America
Unepic appears to be confirmed as next in line for download-only titles coming to the Wii U eShop, with news of its arrival in North America on 16th January now matched by clarification that it'll land in Europe one week later, on 23rd January. As clarified before, off-TV play will be available while the...
News New Road Redemption Footage Blasts Away Road Rash Comparisons
A work in progress, and all that...
Last year there was the pleasing news that Road Redemption had reached its crowdfunding goal and, in the process, been confirmed for the Wii U eShop. The work of Dark Seas Games and with an estimated release target of August 2014, it's been described by the developer itself as a title heavily influenced-by and...
Nintendo Download 16th January (Europe)
Luigi gets his PhD, F1 gets powered up, a mystical ninja and more
Monday means one thing, European gamers, Nintendo Download update time. News of what to expect on Thursday has arrived promptly this week and delivers a first-party puzzle game, a mini-game extravaganza on 3DS and a variety of racing, retro and discounted treats elsewhere. Let's get...
Always in another castle
Zen Studios, known mostly for its pinball titles, has created a promising new IP in CastleStorm, a tower defence / real-time strategy game with easy-to-learn, difficult-to-master gameplay and a tongue-in-cheek story filled with humour and personality. Playing a bit like a hybrid of Swords & Soldiers and Angry Birds, it's...
News UK Retailer GAME States Ambition to be at the Forefront Of Download Content Sales
"The amount of digital content is going to keep growing"
GAME is the prominent specialist video game retailer in the UK, with some stores around Europe, but has endured difficulties in recent history with administration and a transition to new owners in 2012. Since then the company appears to have found a degree of stability, and in an interview...
News Rainy Frog Launches to Focus on Bringing Western Download Titles to Japan
Kicks off with a re-named version of Spin the Bottle: Bumpie's Party
Whenever we refer to the continual growth of the eShop platforms here on Nintendo Life, and in particular the continuing rise of download-only and 'Indie' developers, we're specifically referring to territories outside of Japan. At present a game can only be released in Japan if...
Video Nyamyam's Jennifer Schneidereit Talks Tengami On Wii U
Folding is fun
We personally can't wait to get our hands on Tengami, and with the launch looming ever closer it's the perfect time to remind ourselves of how amazing this Wii U eShop adventure is looking. Created by UK studio Nyamyam, Tengami is described as a "relaxing" and "reflective" experience, and the hands-on time we got with the game when...
Just what the doctor ordered?
Nintendo ends the Year of Luigi with Dr. Luigi, a puzzler that feels more like a green, L-shaped re-skin of the Dr. Mario series than a true sequel, due to its identical gameplay, much of the same music, and simplistic visuals. Fortunately, Luigi proves to be just as good a doctor as his more experienced brother, and...
Nintendo Download 9th January (North America)
Chibi-Robo!, retro shooting and some 3DS discounts
It's Nintendo Download time, North America, and this week brings a potentially terrific 3DS eShop game, some retro shooting on the Wii U Virtual Console and a variety of discounts. It's a thin list, but may have something for everyone — let's get to it. Wii U Virtual Console: Gradius (Konami,...
A truly super Mario game
Super Mario Bros. 3’s recent arrival on the Wii U eShop seemed like a conspicuously low-key affair compared to the considerable hype that surrounded its hugely anticipated original release back the early nineties. However, that doesn't mean that the lack of booming fanfare should be interpreted as a cause for concern; over...
News Shin'en Multimedia Clarifies Control Options For FAST Racing NEO
Doesn't rule out alternative platforms
FAST Racing NEO is due this year and is sure to be on the radar of those that enjoyed FAST Racing League on WiiWare. To date its developer, Shin'en Multimedia, has kept details close, but gave some tid-bits in a recent interview with Nintendo News. Tilt controls for steering were confirmed, as it was clarified...
News Two Tribes Development Studio Shuts Down and New, Smaller Company is Formed
Two Tribes Publishing B.V. remains unaffected
Two Tribes, the development studio best-known for games such as Toki Tori and Toki Tori 2+, has entered bankruptcy, with the original owners Martijn Reuvers and Collin van Ginkel now forming a new, smaller company. Two Tribes as a development studio was a separate business from Two Tribes Publishing...
News Unepic Confirmed for 16th January on the North American Wii U eShop
GamePad and TV screens shown off
Unepic is an RPG adventure title that was confirmed for the Wii U eShop in 2013, even featuring in some official sizzle reel footage. It's the work of Barcelona-based Francisco Téllez de Meneses and is being published by EnjoyUp Games, a name likely to be familiar to Nintendo download enthusiasts. It certainly...
News HullBreach Uncloaked Emerges Into View For Wii U eShop
A modernisation of Wii Browser MMORPG HullBreach Online
While the Wii was best known for its virtual sports, waggle and the fact it had a lot of fantastic games, it also had a small but relatively dedicated batch of games that utilised the Wii Browser. One of these was HullBreach Online, an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game)...
News Flavoured Cats Is Inspired By Super Mario 3D World, And Is Stalking Its Way To The Wii U
Could this be a purrrfect platform adventure?
If you liked Super Mario 3D World's feline transformation then you'll be like the cat who got the cream when you hear about CW Games' new title. The indie studio has revealed that it is bringing its furry 3D adventure Flavoured Cats to the Wii U eShop, a game inspired by Super Mario 3D World and Super...
An abstract adventure
Knytt Underground is unlike anything else on the Wii U eShop; it's the work of Nicklas Nygren (better known as Nifflas), a developer that's produced some intriguing download titles on PC — including this game's predecessors — as well as the critically acclaimed NightSky. The fact this game stands apart from its eShop...
News NES Remix Miiverse Contest Cancelled Due To Emergence Of Exploit
Cheaters never prosper, but ruin it for everyone else
Remember that NES Remix Time Attack Challenge contest we told you about not so long ago? Turns out Nintendo has discovered an exploit within the game which allows players to post a faster time. Director Koichi Hayashida has therefore issued a statement via Miiverse regarding the termination of...
Brain over brawn
Whereas Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream is consistently considered to be one of the best games on the NES, console sequel Super Punch-Out!! seldom appears in the top 10 when recalling the best games on the SNES. Did the puzzle-fight formula not hold up as well for the second time around at home, or was 16-bit competition just that...
Nintendo Download 2nd January (North America)
It's déjà vu, plus some additional treats
This week's Nintendo Download update for North America is in, though it prompts a distinct feeling of déjà vu due to it being almost identical to last week's update; just two new downloads make an appearance. Our suspicion is that the details are reiterated to compensate for any confusion or loss of...
Feature The Biggest Wii U Games of 2014
Some good 'uns are on the way
A new year is here, and with it comes the opportunity for Nintendo and its partners to excite Wii U owners in the best possible way — with great games. We've decided to list some of the most anticipated and exciting games coming to the Wii U in 2014, all as a taste of what's to come. Our aim with this list is to...
Video This Dr. Luigi Trailer May Be The Perfect Remedy
Available now in North America
It may have slipped the attention due to its release date, but Dr. Luigi arrived on the Wii U eShop in North America on 31st December 2013 for $14.99, with its arrival in Europe set for 15th January. It continues the popular falling block puzzling well-known with Luigi's brother, introducing some new modes and also...
December2013
News Nintendo Apologises for Nintendo Network Issues as Full eShop Services Return
Information on Pokémon Bank and Poké Transporter "as soon as possible"
As most eager Nintendo gamers will be aware, the Nintendo Network suffered extensive problems and downtime on 25th / 26th December, with a gradual but limited return to services — particularly the eShop stores — on 27th / 28th December. It seems that all is now fully up and...
Nintendo Download 26th December (North America)
Dr. Luigi, CastleStorm, Pokémon Bank, many discounts and more
Update: Perhaps unsurprisingly, Nintendo has now confirmed that the release of Pokémon Bank is delayed, contrary to the Download Update issued on Boxing Day. Original Article: Nintendo is yet to update its official press site, but the latest Download Update details have been...
News Pokémon Bank Withdrawn From 3DS eShop in Japan as Nintendo Network Issues Continue
Western release on 27th December in doubt
Since Christmas Day there have been serious problems with the Nintendo Network, with the big N assuring gamers that its working hard to resolve the issue. At the time of writing various online games are functional, but there are still problems with both eShop platforms and the 3DS version of Miiverse across...
Feature A Year in Development - Shin'en Multimedia
Life in the FAST lane
In our third Year in Development feature we have a guest article from Shin'en Multimedia's Manfred Linzner. The eShop developer has, over a number of years, forged a reputation for developing high-quality, polished games on Nintendo's download platforms. In this article Linzner summarises the studio's 2013, including surprise...
Definitely under par (that's a good thing)
It seems slightly odd that, nearly two-and-a-half years after it made an appearance in the big reveal of Wii U at E3 2011, we now finally get to play Wii Sports Club: Golf. Perhaps unlike its contemporaries to date — Bowling and Tennis — this is the first of the new download-only series that feels like...
Just like Dracula, it keeps coming back to life...
Konami, admittedly following the lead of others such as Nintendo and Capcom, sure likes to remind us it was making awesome games way back in the 1980s. "Hey", it says, "remember how great Castlevania was on the NES?" We sure do, Konami and, oh look, now we can buy it again on the Wii U! It's one of...
Nintendo Download 26th December and 2nd January (Europe)
Storming castles, classic Mario, Pokémon banking, EDGE and much more
Update: Nintendo of Europe issued details for two full weeks of downloads previously, so a fresh update isn't expected. Please note that Pokémon Bank has been delayed due to the Nintendo Network server issues encountered during the festive season. Original Article: With this...
Feature A Year in Development - Renegade Kid
A Q & A with Jools Watsham on 2013
In the second of our "Year in Development" mini-series, we sit down for a Q & A with Jools Watsham, co-founder and main spokesman for Renegade Kid. We already reported on confirmation of Mutant Mudds Deluxe content as a free update on 3DS, and below is the full manuscript that focuses on the studio's year, from...
Feature 12 Days of Christmas - EarthBound Escaped The Wilderness
Fans rejoiced
If you tell a non-interested observer that the release of a Super NES game on the Wii U caused a frenzy of excitement online, they may raise an eyebrow or, more likely, give you a quizzical look. Why would a game from so long ago be thrilling, when we have all of these highly cinematic HD experiences to enjoy? Of course, being a gamer...
Video This Atmospheric Tengami Trailer Makes The Wait For The Wii U Version Even Harder
Turning the page
Tengami is certainly one of the most unique games we've seen in quite some time, and is one we've been keeping a watchful eye on ever since we broke the news that it's coming to the Wii U eShop. Developed by former Rare staffers Phil Tossell and Jennifer Schneidereit, Tengami is an adventure where you can interact with parts of the...
Video Nintendo Minute Highlights Its eShop and Wii U Favourites of 2013
Nintendo Life also makes a very brief cameo...
Not too long ago we told you about the Nintendo Minute show kicking off its Favourites of 2013 with the 3DS. Since then two new episodes have emerged covering the eShop platforms and the Wii U, as it all builds up to the overall favourites that are yet to be published. The eShop list in particular has...
News Nintendo Launches NES Remix Contest on Miiverse
Regular tips are also on the way
NES Remix was a surprise release from the most recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts, serving up bite-sized challenges and twists on 16 games from the iconic 8-bit system. We were big fans in our NES Remix review, and we certainly hope that more NES games — or perhaps those from other retro systems — will get the...
Solo komodo
Double Dragon is notable for a whole host of reasons, among them that the NES version bears one of history's most misleading game titles by being a solo adventure with nary a dragon in sight. It also opens with an iconic, if anachronistic, bang — or, more specifically, a pow. A gangster brute socks a woman in the gut and carries her...
News Renegade Kid and Nicalis Titles Reduced on eShop Platforms
Ho ho holy moly so many discounts...
It seems that the 3DS and Wii U eShop platforms are going discount crazy, with plenty of reductions in Europe today, more on the way, and now North America happily getting in on the act. Both Renegade Kid and Nicalis are feeling festive, in the former case across regions and the latter just in North America...
News Nintendo of Europe's Ed Valiente Highlights the Creative Value of Indie Developers
"If there are interesting, creative... and fun games, consumers will come"
In what's surely been one of the most notable shifts of power in recent years, download and 'Indie' developers have gone from being underdogs struggling to release games to being central in a home console battleground. The continuing and extravagant growth of the PC Steam...
Nintendo Download 19th December (North America)
Knytt Underground, Classic Konami, 3D Sega and more
It's that time again, North America, when we can calm down from Nintendo Direct madness and consider the week's download options; this is the last pre-Christmas update, too. This week brings us new offerings on the Wii U and 3DS eShop platforms, with plenty of diversity and styles to choose from...
News Nintendo of Europe Confirms Upcoming eShop Discounts
Top up those funds
Yesterday's Nintendo Direct broadcasts were certainly full of surprises, with some reveals also coming in as little as 10 seconds of video. One announcement that's worth pointing out for those that missed it in Europe is that there's an extensive range of discounts coming over the next few weeks, covering retail and download-only...
Mixing it up
During what is likely to be the final Nintendo Direct of 2013, there were a few surprise game announcements. One of these was a bit more surprising than the rest, because it was available immediately after its announcement — NES Remix. At first glance, NES Remix might just seem like a collection of NES games, but in truth it's more...
News Wii Sports Club: Golf Swings Onto the Wii U eShop
Available now and includes an extra retro-inspired course
Rumoured yesterday due to system maintenance targeting its app, Nintendo today used its Nintendo Direct broadcasts to confirm that Wii Sports Club: Golf is available right now in Europe and North America. When you log into the game (or download it for the first time) you should automatically...
News Dr. Luigi announced for Wii U eShop
The Year of Luigi continues
During today’s Nintendo Direct presentations it was announced that Dr. Luigi will be coming to the Wii eShop. Based on the classic puzzler Dr. Mario, Dr. Luigi also requires players to line up colour-coded pills to destroy viruses. Dr. Luigi offers an original mode called 'Operation L' where the pills are, of course,...
News NES Remix Confirmed And Available Today on the Wii U eShop
16 NES classics with a twist
During today's Nintendo Direct extravaganza, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata confirmed NES Remix, a title previously outed in a rating by the Australian Classification Board. Available from today in the Wii U eShop, it contains mini-game versions of 16 classic NES titles, including the likes of Super Mario Bros.,
News PC Engine And MSX Games Coming To Japanese 3DS And Wii U Virtual Console Services
Retro goodies promised for next week
Nintendo has confirmed that it is expanding both the 3DS and Wii U Virtual Console services in Japan to cover additional systems. On the 25th December, PC Genjin (600 Yen) and Parodius (800 Yen) will be hitting the Wii U Virtual Console — titles which originally released on the PC Engine and MSX respectively...
News System Maintenance Targeting Wii Sports Club Shortly After Nintendo Direct
What a coincidence
As many Nintendo enthusiasts likely already know, tomorrow will bring another Nintendo Direct broadcast to capture our attention. Coincidentally — or not, as the case may be — a short burst of system maintenance will affect Wii Sports Club online play and rankings shortly after that broadcast. Below are the compiled details...
No need to block this one
The Wii U eShop is gradually building its library, but for the large part has been populated by relatively substantial games that cost a decent amount of change; while that's absolutely fine, this is a platform also suitable for inexpensive experiences either quick-fire or simple in nature. RUSH, like its Two Tribes...
Video Lycra-Clad Promo Insists That Wii Fit U Is "Fitness That Fits"
Working up a sweat doesn't have to be that hard
Wii Fit U is available for download from the eShop right now, and aims to expand on the massive global success of Wii Fit and Wit Fit Plus. In order to spread the word and educate the masses, Nintendo has released a promotional video which illustrates how versatile the game is and shows the benefits of...
News Physics-Based Puzzler BLOK DROP U Is Slotting Into Place On Wii U In 2014
Drop it like it's hot
BLOK DROP U — one of the first Nintendo Web Framework titles — will be hitting the Wii eShop early next year. Developer Michael Aschenbrenner got in touch with us to confirm the release date, as well as deliver a few details about the game. BLOK DROP U is a physics-based puzzle title where the objective is to guide a red...
News CastleStorm Bringing the Battle to Wii U on 26th December
Includes GamePad-only features
After some delay, Zen Studios has now confirmed — after the official Nintendo game page had suggested as much — that CastleStorm will arrive on the Wii U eShop in Europe and North America on 26th December; it'll cost $9.99 / €9.99. This has certainly had our attention for a good while, blending tower-defence...
Review The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
A link to perfection
It's no accident that when Nintendo decided to do a direct sequel to a Zelda title — well, as close to a direct sequel as the series is ever going to get — it chose The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past as its reference point. A Link Between Worlds is set some years after the events of the 1991 SNES classic, but it uses a...
News Wii U Version Of How To Survive Will Be Reanimated Next Year
Zombie title launched on other formats in October
Remember How to Survive, the zombie-infused action title which hit Xbox Live Arcade, PlayStation Network and Windows in October? The game was due to see release on the Wii U eShop as well, but we've heard nothing about it since then. Thankfully, publisher 505 Games hasn't totally forgotten about the...
Nintendo Download 19th December (Europe)
Knytt Underground, more 3D Sega goodness, discounts galore and more
It's the start of another week as 2013 draws to a close, dear readers, and it seems that various download publishers have decided to get into the festive spirit with a lot of discounts available on both the Wii U and 3DS stores. We have new games, too, with Knytt Underground on Wii...
Review The Legend of the Mystical Ninja
The true karate kid
Konami's classic action title The Legend of the Mystical Ninja is a welcome addition to the Wii U's slowly expanding library of Virtual Console offerings. In an era where lighthearted, fun characters have all but been forgotten in favour of grim shooters, playing as "Kid Ninja" — or Goemon, for fans of his Nintendo 64...
Nintendo Download 12th December (North America)
RUSH, Double (Double) Dragon, 3D Sega and more
It's Nintendo Download day, North America, and your collection of download treats for the week has been revealed. This week brings a mix of the old and new on both Wii U and 3DS, while DSiWare also makes an appearance. There's certainly decent variety on offer, so check out the details below. Wii U...
News Proposed Ghosts 'N Goblins Reboot Is Cancelled Following An Intellectual Property Dispute
Not all that shocking, really
Remember the Kickstarter campaign we reported on a while back about a possible reboot of Capcom's Ghosts 'n Goblins? The team behind the project stated that they would try and produce the game with or without Capcom's blessing, but did say that even if the Japanese giant refused to become involved, the name of the title...
News SNES Inspired 'Super World Karts GP' Adds Wii U to Funding Goal
Mode-7 inspired kart racer adds Wii U funding goal to Kickstarter campaign
With Mario Kart 8 on the horizon, you wouldn't be judged for wiping away a lone tear when thinking of some of the many great kart games of yesteryear. But as with any retro-binge, we are sometimes faced with a terrible realisation after a race down memory lane – these...
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