Wii U eShop - News
January2017
Nintendo Download 26th January (Europe)
Castlevania: Dracula X! Inchworm Animation II! More!
We're not quite sure why, but the Nintendo Download Update details for Europe have been elusive today; thankfully the ever generous Daan Koopman has forwarded the Dutch press release that finally came through, and Kenneth Jensen then provided UK prices. In any case, this week comes with an...
Not so amazing
Do you remember that mesmerising screen saver from the '90s? The one that was an endless loop of twists and turns through a red brick maze? Well, Mega Maze is sort of like that, except everything is blue or white and it's just not all that entertaining. Mega Maze is exactly what its name implies; a game about solving mazes. There's...
Nintendo Download 19th January (North America)
Dragon Quest VIII! Star Fox 64! Punch Club! Yoshi demo! More!
It's time for another Nintendo Download Update for North America, and this week has shaped up rather nicely. On 3DS there's a huge retail release and a tempting demo, while a notable download arrival brings a bit of punch to proceedings. On Wii U there are some interesting Nindie options...
It's time to break some balls
Spheroids has a simple plot that is well-suited to a platform adventure game. Giant alien blobs known as "the Spheroids" are attempting to take over the world, and it's up to a brave Canadian boy named Lucas - with the assistance of a crazy scientist known as Otto - to save the day. Based in a comical science-fiction...
Nintendo Download 19th January (Europe)
Dragon Quest VIII! Poochy and Yoshi Demo! Toby! More!
Another week begins, and the latest Nintendo Download Update details are out for Europe. There's a major retail release on 3DS, while a notable demo and 'Nindie' release also stand out; let's get to the details. Wii U eShop: Toby: The Secret Mine (Headup Games, €9.99 / £6.99) - A rather...
Video Ladies And Gentlemen, We Might Have Found The Worst Game On Wii U
Alex suffers for his art
Like any console, the Wii U has seen its fair share of stinkers. Not every game can be like Splatoon, Super Mario 3D World or Bayonetta 2; some will invariably fall short of greatness and make you wonder exactly what compelled you to hand over your hard-earned cash in the first place. However, if you've ever wondered...
News F-Zero X Comes to the North American Virtual Console Tomorrow
Hopefully it's the patched version
F-Zero X has had a bit of a rough time on the Virtual Console this generation. The high-speed racer ran into some serious control issues when it made its Wii U VC debut in Europe, and these issues actually rendered it nigh unplayable. Fortunately, Nintendo listened to fan outcry and fixed the issue a bit later, and...
News CIRCLE Entertainment Dips Into New Territory With Koi on Wii U
Koi blimey
The Wii U eShop has been a platform for some rather left-field releases, and we think that the upcoming Koi from CIRCLE Entertainment will be another one for the list. It appears to take place within a Koi pond - obviously - with missions, customisation and more involved in the gameplay. A trailer and some screens showing different...
News Toby: The Secret Mine Arrives on the Wii U eShop Very Soon
It's about Toby and a secret mine, obviously
Late last year Headup Games, a publisher familiar for also developing and releasing Typoman on the Wii U eShop, confirmed that it was publishing another game on the system. That title is Toby: The Secret Mine, which is the work of Lukáš Navrátil, an independent developer from Czech Republic. It looks...
News The Next Penelope Cancelled On Wii U, But Nintendo Switch Version Could Happen
"The game was made for a Nintendo console from the beginning"
You might recall that we covered The Next Penelope a while back, and were quite excited about the fact that it was being ported to the Wii U. Playing like a cross between F-Zero, Micro Machines and the classic French/Japanese cartoon Ulysses 31, this combat racer was the work o
More like meh-slapunk
The Shmup genre is one that was quite popular in the halcyon days of pre-3D gaming, but it seems that the addition of the extra dimension largely rendered this style of gaming obsolete. Nowadays you may see new entries every now and then, but it seems that many are simple games designed for smart devices, or are otherwise too...
News Hex Heroes Still Coming To Wii U, Dev Hints At Nintendo Switch News
Well, that's refreshing
While other developers are dropping Wii U support and shifting projects over to the forthcoming Switch, the team behind Kickstarter project Hex Heroes are bucking the trend by standing by Nintendo's outgoing home system. An update has just been posted on the project's Kickstarter page which shows the game running on a Wii U...
Nintendo Download 12th January (Europe)
Mercenaries Saga 3! Shift DX! Discounts!
Nintendo Switch week is here, but the Wii U and 3DS eShop still have the usual updates on the way. In Europe this week's Nintendo Download Update has two new arrivals on the portable, while there are some tempting discounts across both systems; let's get to it. Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts: SEVERED...
Video Gorillas, Mechs And Lightning Bolts, Wii U FPS Draw The Line Has It All
"Give us your heart"
Way back in July last year we reported on the development of Draw The Line by indie studio Nexis Games, previously famous for the as-yet-unreleased Minecraft clone UCraft. Billed as the first in the The Dance of the Damned series, this FPS title is something of a melting pot of ideas. Your role is to protect a scantily-clad...
News Check Out This New Village Area in Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
"The afternoon sky was dark as night and red as blood"
Though Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is unfortunately quite some time away from being in the hands of gamers, Koji igarashi and his team have been doing a good job of communicating progress to their Kickstarter backers and showing how the game is shaping up. In the last post, we got a look...
Nintendo Download 5th January (North America)
Pokémon Snap! Spheroids! Quiet, Please! More!
It's the first Nintendo Download Update of the year in North America, and the headline release is a much-requested N64 title on the Wii U Virtual Console. Beyond that there are some interesting Indie options to consider, so let's get to it. Missed the European Nintendo Download Update? No need to wail...
News Pokémon Snap Listed for North American Wii U eShop Release on 5th January
Picture perfect
One common topic that's come up in North American Nintendo Download comments sections has been "where's Pokémon Snap?" It arrived on the Wii U Virtual Console in Europe back in August 2016, so there's been an unsurprising desire to see the much-loved N64 title in NA. Well, the wait seems to be almost over, with Nintendo's game page...
News Activision's Amazing Spider-Man Games Make A Sharp Exit From The Wii U eShop
The web-slinger runs out of time
Activision's two Amazing Spider-Man games for the Wii U have been yanked from the Wii U eShop. While neither title could be considered a solid-gold classic, The Amazing Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 presumably had an audience thanks to the licence alone - and it would seem that is also the reason for their...
Nintendo Download 5th January (Europe)
Spheroids! Quiet, Please! Shin Megami Tensei DLC! Discounts! More!
It's the first Nintendo Download Update of the year, but as this is a public Holiday the European details have been slow in coming. At the time of publication no UK press release has come through, but the ever-generous Daan Koopman has passed us the Dutch PR. This week includes a few...
December2016
Nintendo Download 29th December (Europe)
Happy New Year Sales! Videos! Erm... more discounts!
For most it's still a Holiday period, which might explain the rather quirky distribution of Nintendo Download Update details for Europe. There's been no UK press release that we can see, but the ever-generous Daan Koopman has sent us a press release from Nintendo's Dutch subsidiary. The offering...
Would you prefer to walk off a ledge?
Sleepwalking can be dangerous. It can result in people exiting their homes in the middle of the night and falling off a ledge. Back to Bed by Bedtime Digital Games plays on such fears by introducing us to Bob the sleepwalker and his subconscious guardian named Subob - a four legged creature that must guide him...
Halt and swap fire
It's an exciting time in the games industry. There are AAA games from big publishers, mid-tier downloadable games and even tiny indie experiences, all of which have the potential to be memorable, interesting experiences. Midnight Status has the makings of one such experience in Swap Fire, a first person shooter with an interesting...
Feature 30 Essential Wii U eShop Games
Because it's cold outside
Oh, the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful. And since we've got no place to go, Let it download, let it download, let it download. (Tsk, must do better, Ed.) So yeah, we're too much into the festive spirit to really make that opening 'bit' work, but in any case we thought the timing was good for...
It's got soul, man
Soul Axiom is a spiritual successor to Master Reboot, a rather decent and interesting Wii U eShop title from Wales Interactive. They're not directly tied together, but thematic and stylistic crossovers deliberately nudge and wink at those with experience of the previous release, while Soul Axiom also goes its own way. Ultimately,...
News Toby: The Secret Mine is Digging Its Way to Wii U in Early 2017
Headup Games steps in with publishing
Headup Games is a publisher that made its Nintendo debut in this Wii U generation with the rather smart Typoman. The company is a prolific publisher on various platforms, and in pleasing news one of its closest new releases will also be coming to Nintendo's system. The work of Lukáš Navrátil, Toby: The...
Nintendo Download 22nd December (North America)
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero! Mario Party 2! Geki Yaba Runner Deluxe! More!
It's the final North American Nintendo Download Update before Christmas, and there are some solid options available on Wii U and 3DS. There's a standout on Wii U, but there's also a fun retro party game and some tempting and affordable options on 3DS. Let's get to it. Missed...
Review Radiantflux: Hyperfractal
Become a master hacker and uncover the truth
In any crime-ridden story, hackers are often depicted as a quick solution to a series of complicated problems. Sometimes in these plots they willingly cooperate with law enforcement, but often they are portrayed as social outcasts who are leading the fight against huge corporations and government...
News Pic-a-Pix Color Will Brighten Up Picross-Style Challenges on Wii U and 3DS
Try for free in Lightwood Games' interactive Holiday card
There are various ways to announce games, but we want to doff our festive hats to Lightwood Games for its latest approach. It's announced Pic-a-Pix Color for the Wii U and 3DS eShop, out in 2017 with more details to come in January, and has given us all a chance to try it out. The concept is...
Fun for the whole family
Have you ever experienced a moment when you've attempted to draw an object or animal and your family or friends identify it as something else? The odds are very good as, in a nutshell, that's what Pictionary is all about. Scribble, by indie developer Bear Box Media, is essentially an enhanced digital version of the classic...
Nintendo Download 22nd December (Europe)
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero! Picross e7! Discounts galore! More!
Another week begins, but it's a little bit more special as the festive season is just around the corner. The European Nintendo Download update promises a notable Wii U release along with plenty more besides, including more Picross, downloadable videos and another ridiculously long list of...
News The Era of Meme-Filled 'Parody' Runners on Wii U Isn't Over - Here's Zombie Brigade
Oh no
Who remembers Meme Run? Go on, search in your subconscious, dredge up those memories; therapists can be hired later for extravagant fees. As the name made clear it was a runner that was full of memes, and it had an interesting history. So, you thought the era of meme-filled runners was over on Wii U, and that we could all lead richer, more...
News Minecraft Is Getting Fallout DLC And It's Coming To The Wii U
Taking the nuclear option
While Nintendo fans have been cruelly denied the chance to play the recent entries in Bethesda's Fallout series, there's some good news on the horizon - no, Fallout 4 isn't confirmed for the Nintendo Switch before you get too excited - but the Wii U version of Minecraft is getting Fallout-themed content via a new DLC...
Nintendo Download 15th December (North America)
Super Mario Run! Excitebots! Picross! My Nintendo discounts! More!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the Nintendo Download update. This week Nintendo of America is cheekily mentioning the latest mobile release (gasp!), but also has some tempting new arrivals and discounts on the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores. Let's get right to it. Missed the...
News 3Souls Episodes 2 and 3 to Now Arrive as Free Updates
Festive discount of part one also on the way
3Souls has been an intriguing release on the Wii U eShop, utilising the GamePad for dual-screen gaming and plotting out a three-part release schedule. Though we found faults with part 1 in our review, we appreciated some of the ideas and intent behind the title. Those interested in taking a punt on it...
News Koji Igarashi on How Bloodstained Will Utilize Procedural Generation
It'll handle all the environmental detail
Though Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night has been delayed until 2018, we can rest assured that Koji Igarashi and his team are doing everything they can to polish the game to the nth degree and make it all worth the wait. In a previous update, Igarashi mentioned how he would be utilizing procedural generation...
News Radiantflux: Hyperfractal Will Be Hacking Your Wii U Later This Month
Hack the planet
TACS Systems has announced that its next Wii U eShop title will launch this month. Radiantflux: Hyperfractal is a unique combination of adventure, action and puzzle-solving all presented in a faux desktop computer environment. You assume the role of a "neo-hacker" who delves into "data-fractal hyper structures" after receiving a...
Good enough to avoid being exiled
Metroidvania fans have had some great luck over the past few years; with solid indie titles like Guacamelee! and Axiom Verge, a once-quiet genre has inched back into the spotlight. Though the game's description claims that Exile's End isn't a Metroidvania game, it should indeed be counted in that category. Let's...
Nintendo Download 15th December (Europe)
Minecraft Complete Story! Pikmin 2! Teslapunk! Loads of discounts!
The European Nintendo Download Update details arrived a little later than normal, giving us a look at what to expect this week. It's a packed line-up, with lots of Minecraft storytelling, a well-regarded Wii re-release of a GameCube sequel, a number of 'Nindie' titles, discounts...
Feature The Nindie Christmas Celebration - Affordable Space Adventures Edition
A journey best shared
With Christmas just around the corner, many a Nintendo gamer is perhaps asking "what should I buy?" Alas, there isn't a whole lot to look forward to in terms of new releases, so in this series we'll be spotlighting a menagerie of quality indie games that have shown up on the eShop over the years. In this edition, Tom Whitehead...
Hold onto your handlebars
Of the sports games in the N64 era, Excitebike 64 feels left out of conversation more often than siblings such as Wave Race 64 and 1080° Snowboarding. Perhaps its release later in the console's life cycle didn't give it as much time to gain traction in people's memories, or maybe it's drowned in the limelight of its...
Nintendo Download 8th December (North America)
Metroid Other M! Fire Emblem Shadow Dragon! Demon's Crest! Teslapunk! More!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week brings a few new download-only titles to the Wii U and New 3DS eShop platforms, along with some varied and tempting Virtual Console options. With a couple of themes and a...
News Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Arrives on Wii U on 20th December
Just in time for Christmas
A couple weeks ago, it was announced that development on Shantae: Half-Genie Hero had been completed and that a release date was forthcoming. Fortunately, it has now been confirmed that the wait won't be much longer, the game releases in just a couple of weeks. WayForward recently updated the Kickstarter to announce that...
Nintendo Download 8th December (Europe)
Excitebike 64! Retail DLC! Discounts! More!
Another week begins, and the European Download Update details are available to show what's on the way to the eShop in the coming days. There's a promising Virtual Console release, a whole lot of DLC for recent retail releases and more besides, so let's get to it. Wii U VIrtual Console: Excitebike 64...
Feature The Nindie Christmas Celebration - Runbow Edition
Mitch Vogel on one of the multiplayer highlights of the eShop
With Christmas just around the corner, many a Nintendo gamer is perhaps asking "what should I buy?" Alas, there isn't a whole lot to look forward to in terms of new releases, so in this series we'll be spotlighting a menagerie of quality indie games that have shown up on the eShop over...
Review Octocopter: Super Sub Squid Escape
What has tentacles, spins and shoots missiles?
In an unlikely but plausible(?) scenario an octopus and a submarine have lost their way and sunk to the bottom of the deep blue sea during an epic battle. With the octopus still latched onto to the spinning watercraft, the two enemies must now unite in order to escape from the deadly depths. This...
News F-Zero X Wii U Update Improves Controls and 'Deadzone' Issue
About "75% better", according to our resident F-Zero veteran
Back in early November we wrote about a problem with the Wii U Virtual Console release of F-Zero X in PAL territories. The buzz around a release of the 60Hz North American version was quickly lost when it was discovered that there was a notable 'deadzone' in the analogue controls. Our...
Nintendo Download 1st December (North America)
Super Mario Maker 3DS! Advance Wars: Dual Strike! Hyperlight EX! More!
It's that time, once again, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This time around there's a major retail arrival on 3DS, a DS classic on the Wii U and some interesting 'Nindie' efforts. Let's get right to it, shall we? Missed the European Nintendo Download Update?...
November2016
News The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ Won't Be Coming to Wii U
However, the Switch is a good possibility
For the past year or so, The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth has been in something of a "will it, won't it" status on the Wii U. Though a port was initially unlikely, rumours began circulating that it would indeed be happening, and a confirmation came in April. However, this confirmation mentioned that the port...
News Stardew Valley is Cancelled for Wii U, But It's Heading to Nintendo Switch
"Switch’s unique capabilities could create some exciting opportunities"
Back in June it was announced that Stardew Valley would make its way to the Wii U eShop along with other console platforms; developer Concerned Ape expressed enthusiasm about utilising the GamePad's second screen, for example. It seemed like a good fit for Nintendo's system;...
Steer clear
Retro Road Rumble is neither retro nor a rumble, but at least it takes place on roads. The concept behind it is very much like Crazy Taxi; drive from point to point in the time allotted to gain points, with some music to keep you company. The difference is that it's presented in an isometric view, with visuals far worse than the 1999...
News Nintendo To Hold Special eShop Sale During The Game Awards 2016
Dazzling digital discounts?
The Game Awards take place this week and host Geoff Keighley has revealed that Nintendo is going to hold a special eShop sale to mark the event. It's not known exactly which titles will be included in the sale but it would be fair to predict that all Nintendo-related Game Award nominees should be featured. Fire Emblem...
Nintendo Download 1st December (Europe)
Super Mario Maker for 3DS! Picross 3D Round 2! Sonic discounts! More!
Another week begins, and we have the European Nintendo Download Update details to get us ready for releases later this week. This time around there are multiple high profile 3DS retail releases, along with a mix of download-only titles across both systems. Let's get to it. Wii U...
Nintendo Download 24th November (North America)
Majora's Mask! Dragon Ball Fusions! Citadale! More!
It's Thanksgiving in the US, and for everyone else a reminder that the festive season is right around the corner. We have the usual Download Update details for North America, and this week there are tempting Virtual Console options on both current-gen systems, a couple of Nindie efforts on Wii U...
Video DICO and Monobit Will Be Contributing to Bloodstained's Development
Bringing in reinforcements
It came as a bit of a tough pill to swallow when Koji Igarashi announced that Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night would be delayed into 2018. All the same, this has been done to ensure that the final product is of a sufficient quality; which is reassuring in light of certain other mighty disappointments on Kickstarter. Early...
News Nintendo Marks Sonic's 25th Birthday With Digital Sale In North America
Save up to 60 percent on select titles
Sonic turns 25 this year and Nintendo is marking the occasion with a sale on selected Sonic the Hedgehog titles, no doubt inspired by the Black Friday madness which is currently gripping the planet. The titles - all digital versions, of course - are: 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (3DS) - $2.99 (no
Video Get a Good Look at Exile's End in Its Wii U eShop Trailer
Retro cool
Already out in North America and out this week in Europe, Exile's End is an intriguing release on the Wii U eShop. Localised by Marvelous USA and XSEED (depending on your region), it adopts a neat retro aesthetic and seems to have some fantastic music. We're still working away at a review, but an eShop trailer for the EU release caught...
News Development on Shantae: Half-Genie Hero Has Been Completed
Now if we could just get a release date…
Fans of the Shantae series have no doubt been waiting with bated breath for WayForward to hurry up with development of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero. The latest in WayForward's flagship series, Half-Genie Hero was Kickstarted three years ago and has been in the making ever since. Originally, the game was...
Not a magic dragon
The font of this bold title would have you believe this game is about the most edgy of dragons out there; it encourages visions of a hardened, battle-weathered hero. Tales of Yore. Destruction. Wings of Magloryx has these elements, but the game's executed too poorly for it to matter. Dragons - benevolent or nasty - should be the...
News Nintendo of Europe Confirms eShop Cyber Deals Are Coming on Black Friday
Hope you've saved some Rupees
With Black Friday just four days away, Nintendo of Europe's Twitter account has announced that the region will be celebrating the high-savings event with special 'Cyber Deals'. Starting on 25th November, Nintendo fans can find these offers on both eShop pages for Wii U and 3DS; savings of up to 40% have been promised,...
News Spheroids Mixes Mutant Mudds And Pang, And It's Coming To Wii U Next Year
Might also be 3DS-bound
Eclipse Games has confirmed that it bringing its new title Spheroids to the Wii U eShop. The game mixes the bubble-popping mechanics of Pang / Buster Bros. with the 2D plain-swapping gameplay of Mutant Mudds to create a unique platforming adventure in which you have to save the world from the titular Spheroids. Here's the...
Nintendo Download 24th November (Europe)
Pokemon Sun and Moon! Beat the Beat! Exile's End! More!
Another week begins, and brings with it the European Nintendo Download Update details for the goodies we can expect this week. The 3DS has huge retail arrivals, while there are some tempting download-only options to be found on the Wii U in particular. Let's get to the details. Wii U eShop:...
Nintendo Download 17th November (North America)
Pokémon Sun and Moon! Excitebike 64! Swapdoodle! More!
It's time for another Nintendo Download Update, and this week's North American offering has one (or two, depending on your point of view) huge arrivals at retail on the 3DS. Beyond that we have a fantastic Wii game available for download alongside a surprise N64 title, some promising Nindie...
News Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise Coming to Wii U eShop in Europe
Time to warm up
Can you feel the Rhythm? Nintendo of Europe has announced that Beat the Beat: Rhythm Paradise will be making its way onto the Wii U eShop before the end of the month. This hidden gem was a critical success in the last generation, helping the series become more of a presence in the west. [tweet Recently, of course, we had Rhythm...
Video Check Out the Official Launch Trailer for Mekazoo
Hopefully it's still coming to Wii U
In the vacuum left behind by major third party developers, indie games have been the lifeblood of the Nintendo eShop, filling the digital storefront with all sorts of unique and interesting games. One game that caught our eye is Mekazoo, a neon-centric platformer that seems to be equal parts Donkey Kong Country...
Nintendo Download 17th November (Europe)
Lionel City Builder 3D! A retail demo! An aquarium thing! Um...
Another week begins, and as always we have the European Nintendo Download Update details to kick things off. Last week was a bit underwhelming in the region, and we're not going to lie - it's not exactly a barnstormer on the way this week either. Nevertheless there may still be one or...
Defy gravity
Gravity+ by Nitrolic Games is a puzzle title for the Wii U eShop that's all about gravitational pull; the plus sign featured in the game's title makes reference to the game's use of the directional pad to manipulate gravity. In reality, you are actually just rotating the game's maze-like environments in multiple directions in order to...
Nintendo Download 10th November (North America)
Harvest Moon: Skytree Village! Umbrella Chronicles! Rhythm Heaven! More!
It's Nintendo Download Update time, and the North American line-up is has been fully confirmed. It has some decent options, with the Wii U and New 3DS Virtual Consoles offering a few varied titles from the Wii and SNES. The Wii U eShop has an intriguing new download-only...
News Ohayou! Beginner's Japanese Aims to Help Budding Language Students on Wii U
Arriving soon at a budget price
Finger Gun Games previously made its debut on the Wii U eShop with Stone Shire, a Minecraft-style title, but has gone in an entirely different direction for its next release. Ohayou! Beginner's Japanese aims to help users gain the building blocks for learning the language. The basic premise is that you use flash...
Review Blasting Agent: Ultimate Edition
Everything old is new again
A recipe for a good old-fashioned shooter is actually quite straightforward. Take a vaguely sinister terrorist organisation with a remote base of operations (genetic experimentation is always a plus), stir in a brightly pixelated art style, sprinkle weapon upgrades, and always serve with a buff hero who shoots before he...
The '70s just called, they want their game back
Just the other day, this writer happened to encounter a page loading error on Google Chrome and got an opportunity to play that hidden dinosaur platforming game, where the T-rex has to jump over rocks and cacti as it runs through a desert. You know the one. This 'game' is simple, something that's just...
Exclusive Scribble to Bring Pictionary-Style Party Gaming to Wii U This Holiday Season
Let's draw out some details
Earlier this year U Host came to the Wii U eShop, a debut effort by Bear Box Media. A party quiz game, it also gives players the ability to create their own competitions, and we were impressed by how fun it can be when played in groups, awarding it a 7 - 'good' - rating in our review. The developer has now given us...
News Earthlock: Festival of Magic Still On Track for Wii U, With Third-Party Producing Port
"We will release on Wii U as soon as the game is ready"
It was quite some time ago that the ambitious Earthlock: Festival of Magic was crowdfunded on Kickstarter. Snowcastle Games earned plenty of fans for its comprehensive campaign, along with ambitious plans for the RPG that features turn-based combat, base building and development, in addition to...
Nintendo Download 10th November (Europe)
SHOOT THE BALL, discounts... erm, that's it
A fresh week is upon us, and as usual Nintendo of Europe has sent out details for the Download Update that's to come. In truth it's extremely slim pickings this time around, with one new game and some discounts. There's no particularly positive spin we can give, so let's just get on with it. Wii U eShop...
You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Though it seems all too likely that history won't be too kind to the Wii U, it's difficult to dispute the fact that it has been the couch multiplayer console of the generation. Aside from featuring highly polished iterations of classic Nintendo franchises with games such as Mario Kart 8...
Classic game, now with added flaw
There was some F-Zero-related DLC for Mario Kart 8 and a mini-game in Nintendo Land, but disappointingly the Wii U has not proven to be the console where the series made its return with a brand spanking new game. Whilst hopes for a new entry in the series must now switch to future hardware, Wii U-owning fans of...
(Don't) Do the twist
Kickstarter has given budding game developers a chance to shine that never existed in the early days of gaming. Twisted Fusion is one of the most recent titles to be supported by the service, but does it fare well from its crowdfunded roots? Let's find out. We're a little light on story in Twisted Fusion. The main character,...
Soapbox Captain Falcon, We Have A Problem With F-Zero X on Wii U
Controls are off course on Virtual Console (Updated)
Update: We've been asked quite a few times if this issue is the same on the Wii version of the game. As a test I've just used the exact same Wiimote + Classic Controller on both the Wii U and Wii Virtual Console versions available. The Wii version does not appear to have the same issue and the...
Are you still fascinated by the concept of fire?
We're all taught about fire at a young age. It's dangerous, and without it humanity would likely not have developed as it has. So how about a game where you are transported to the Stone Age and take control of a Neanderthal who is on a journey to locate fire? This is the basis of the eShop title that...
Nintendo Download 3rd November (North America)
Mario Party! Twisted Fusion! DK Jungle Beat! Hyrule Warriors DLC! More!
It's that time once again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week includes a first-party retail release on 3DS, while a couple of tempting Virtual Console games arrive on Wii U. Beyond that there are a variety of interesting download-only games...
News Donkey Kong Jungle Beat Hitting the North American Wii U eShop This Week
The Wii version, obviously
Though we often wait until the full Download Update is issued before going into too much detail on the line-up for any given week, it's worth changing it up to confirm that North American gamers are in for a treat - Donkey Kong Jungle Beat (the Wii New Play Control version) is heading to the Wii U eShop on 3rd November,...
News Here Are Your New My Nintendo Rewards
Get your lovely discounts here
A bunch of new My Nintendo rewards have gone live today, and as has been the case previously, these are all related to software discounts across Wii U and 3DS. There are different rewards for Europe and North America, which can be viewed below: Europe 30% off Typoman (Nintendo Wii U eShop): 250 Platinum Coins...
October2016
Interview Learning More About the Adventure in Wii U Exclusive Twisted Fusion
"I think the Nintendo audience is perfect for this game"
The list of Wii U exclusives is getting rather short as the system heads into its twilight, perhaps ahead of its time, but there are still intriguing games to keep us busy. One of them is Twisted Fusion, a title that emerged from a successful Kickstarter campaign back in Spring 2014 and is...
News Nintendo Confirms That Upcoming European Release of F-Zero X is the 60Hz Version
Sweet, sweet speed
If you grew up in the '90s and early noughties playing games in North America, you may wonder why gamers in PAL territories obsess over whether Virtual Console releases are PAL 50Hz downloads or NTSC 60Hz equivalents. It's all about speed, ultimately - different TV standards between regions at that time meant that games ran faster...
News Wii U Version Of Slain: Back From Hell Looking Doubtful
"Sales on that platform are just too weak to justify the port"
The Castlevania-inspired Slain: Back From Hell may not be making its way to the Wii U after all. The PC version was delayed earlier this year due to its intense difficulty, and that had a knock-on effect on the confirmed console ports - which included the Wii U. However, Developer Wolf...
Nintendo Download 3rd November (Europe)
F-Zero X! SEGA 3D Classics Collection! Hyrule Warriors DLC! More!
As we head towards the end of 2016 we still have a number of Nintendo Download Updates to enjoy on Wii U and 3DS. The European details for later in the week are here, and include some top-notch retro gaming, much-anticipated DLC and some intriguing Nindie downloads. Let's get to the...
News Sneaky Ninja Stealthily Targets Wii U eShop Early Next Year
"The stealth game Nintendo would make"
For Wii U eShop fans wondering what's still coming in 2017, there's good news as 2D stealth platformer Sneaky Ninja is planned to land on the store early next year. We're assured that the game plays like something between Mario and Mark of the Ninja, combining lighthearted platforming with tactical stealth...
Not the sort of pumpkin you'd expect
Mr. Pumpkin Adventure, developed by small indie developer Cotton Game and published by CIRCLE Entertainment, is described as a point and click puzzle title about a pumpkin that has lost its memory. Previously released on computer and mobile platforms, the intriguingly bizarre title has now graced the Wii U eShop...
Nintendo Download 27th October (North America)
Corpse Party! Just Dance 2017! Ectoplaza! Inchworm Animation II! More!
It's the final North American Nintendo Download Update before Halloween, so naturally there are a few spooky options this week. On 3DS there's a much anticipated retail release, while the portable's eShop has a couple of enticing options for creative gamers. The Wii U eShop has a...
Tomb sweet tomb
Curiosity is the folly of man. Those pesky humans tread where they do not belong, steal what isn't theirs, and dig into dark realms beyond their imagining. Their greed is a plague, and there's only one cure – giant smashy blocks! Tired of people raiding your elaborate tomb in search of treasure? Don't get mad; get even, with Defend...
News Nintendo Is Refusing To Let Project Giant Robot And Devilish Brain Training Die
"TBD"
Nintendo's recent financials contain all kinds of interesting information, including a rough release schedule for the coming months. While this is naturally looking a bit on the light side as the 3DS and Wii U come to the end of their lifespans and Nintendo continues to keep its Switch cards close to its chest, it does throw up some...
News Minecraft Spooky Bundle is Coming to Wii U
Get in the spirit of Halloween
Minecraft: Wii U Edition has been receiving pretty decent post-release support, with several map and skin packs being released to pad out the experience further. With Halloween being less than a week away, Mojang has opted to get people in the spirit by putting out a Halloween themed 'Spooked Bundle' with plenty of...
Interview Learning More About Ectoplaza, A Spooky Wii U Multiplayer Game for Halloween
"Nintendo of America have been tremendously supportive "
With Halloween approaching there are some appropriately themed discounts currently on offer for eShop fans. Ectoplaza, though, is an award winning upcoming arrival on Wii U that's perfect for the season - it's exclusive to Nintendo's system and features chaotic multiplayer action, with...
Nintendo Download 27th October (Europe)
Corpse Party! Just Dance! Gurumin 3D! Discounts and Themes Galore! More!
Another week begins, and we start off with the usual routine of the European Nintendo Download Update details, which give us a look at what goodies are on the way. The Wii U offers a couple of Nindie efforts, a retail release from Ubisoft, some tempting DLC and a lot of...
Eww, lukewarm pizza
You can probably count on one hand the number of video games where the premise revolves around delivering pizza. Aside from Spider-Man 2 from the GameCube era, which involved delivering some pies as Peter Parker, not much else comes to mind. Ninja Pizza Girl aims to be the pizza-delivering game to end all of them; let's see if...
Nintendo Download 20th October (North America)
SteamWorld Heist! Pirate Pop Plus! LoZ Spirit Tracks! More!
Well, today is dominated by Nintendo's next system, but as always we do have a Download Update for the Wii U and 3DS. It's rather good this week too, with some fantastic Nindie games on both systems along with a few intriguing options. A couple of much-admired games arrive on the Wii U and...
News Twisted Fusion Hits The Wii U eShop Early November
You're twistin' my melon man
We've just got word from Leuvsion - a studio led by UK-based developer Lewis Pugh - that work on the ambitious "open platformer" Twisted Fusion is now all wrapped up; the game will be available on the Wii U eShop in Europe and North America on the 3rd November and will cost £4 / €5 / $5. Way back in Spring 2014 this...
Let's rumble, bubble butt!
In an industry focused on creating increasingly complex games and pushing the boundaries of what can be done with the gaming medium, it can be nice sometimes to take a step back and play something that's just… simple. Pirate Pop Plus is one such game; there's not much to it on the surface, but it's one of the most...
News Mr. Pumpkin Adventure is Shaping Up to be a Quirky Wii U eShop Title
New Fairune 2 trailer released, too
CIRCLE Entertainment is one of the most prolific publishers on the 3DS eShop, and has also been making some strides on the Wii U eShop. It's got two titles on the way this week in North America (20th October) and next week in Europe (27th October), one each for Nintendo's home console and portable stores. Mr...
Nintendo Download 20th October (Europe)
Pokemon Sun / Moon demo! Rhythm Paradise! Halloween Discounts! More!
With the start of another week we have the European Nintendo Download Update, letting us know what download goodies are on the way this week; it's a corker, too. The most high-profile arrival is likely to be a freebie on 3DS, though there's also a retail release on the portable...
Nintendo Download 13th October (North America)
Disney Magical World 2! Chase Investigations! Gurumin 3D! More!
It's that time again for the North American Nintendo Download Update, and this week has some tempting options. The Wii U eShop line-up includes a roguelike that we rather, well, like; in addition the home console has two rather nice DS arrivals on its Virtual Console. The 3DS has a high...
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