Wii U eShop News
January2013
News Nintendo of America Outlines Upcoming Q1 eShop Releases
There are even dated Wii U eShop titles
Nintendo of America has issued details on a number of upcoming games on the way to North America in the next few months. While there aren't necessarily any real surprises, we have a few solid dates. The headline news for the Wii U eShop is the confirmed release date of Ron Gilbert's The Cave, a platform...
News Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 Is Download-Only In North America, Too
Following Europe into digital realms
Last week, we revealed that Wii U slugfest Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 would be only available as a digital download in Europe. Today, we've been told that the game will adopt the same distribution platform for North America. That means that Japan is only region to get a physical copy of the game -...
Feature A Tour of the Two Tribes HQ
Going behind the scenes
With its upcoming Wii U eShop release of Toki Tori 2, as well as plans to port a couple of existing titles to the console's download platform, developer Two Tribes has a lot of work on its plate. Despite that the team has been kind enough to produce the following exclusive tour of its HQ, giving an insight into the size of...
News Renegade Kid Will Definitely Be Developing More Games For Wii U
Mutant Mudds Deluxe is just the beginning
Mutant Mudds Deluxe is heading to Wii U in the first quarter of this year and it appears Renegade Kid, the game's developer, enjoyed making the game so much it will be making more Wii U titles in the future. Speaking in an interview with Official Nintendo Magazine, Renegade Kid's co-founder Jools Watsham...
News Anima: Gate Of Memories Coming To Wii U eShop
Another Kickstarter campaign is successful
Spanish developer Anima Project Studio - the team behind the WiiWare title ANIMA: Ark of Sinners - has announced that its next project is coming to the Wii U eShop. Anima: Gate of Memories has recently passed its Kickstarter goal of $90,000, bringing in $110,664. The title will initially see release on PC...
Developer Interview Zen Studios On Portable Pinball Success And Wii U
The pinball wizards have more to come
Zen Studios is an experienced indie developer that, despite its varied projects, is possibly best known for its pinball games. It's a team that wasn't entirely unfamiliar with Nintendo hardware in past generations — it developed Ghostbusters: The Video Game for DS — and it's become best known to fans of the...
News Zen Studios: Wii U eShop is an "Amazing Development for Nintendo"
"The doors are wide open for other small studios"
Best known for its pinball titles — though it has dabbled in other genres — Zen Studios earned a starring role in the final Nintendo Direct broadcasts of last year when Zen Pinball 2 was announced for the Wii U eShop. Initially expected in December, it's been pushed back from that original target...
Nintendo Download 17th January 2013 (Europe)
Crashing mobs, mysterious mahjong, more zombies and basketball
It's another week of download news for Europe, this time arriving just in time to brighten up our Mondays. This week covers every platform; the 3DS receives a wacky match-three puzzle game as well as something a little more conventional, zombies infest DSiWare and the home consoles bring...
News Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 Will Be Download-Only In Europe
Becomes first ever download-only Wii U retail title
Tecmo Koei’s Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 is a 3D fighter that has you beating your way through countless hoards of enemies. The game is based on the popular manga series Fist of the North Star, which has been running in one form or another since 1983. The game is set to be released on...
News Platinum Games' Hideki Kamiya: Bayonetta eShop Release Down To SEGA Or Nintendo
Remains a possibility
Last year during a Wii U preview video we learnt that Bayonetta, a highly regarded action title released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, was getting a sequel that would be exclusive to Wii U. Bayonetta 2 is being developed by Platinum Games with the help of Nintendo's producers so it's very unlikely it will appear on other...
News Mutant Mudds Deluxe Details Revealed
Renegade Kid working on a 3DS eShop FPS
As previously teased, details about the upcoming Mutant Mudds Deluxe have been revealed in the début issue of Nintendo Force magazine. In addition to all of the content on the 3DS title, including the Grannie levels DLC, there'll be 20 new "parallel universe" stages with a ghostly theme, which will include...
News Chasing Aurora Demo Soaring Into Wii U eShop Soon
Broken Rules also working on an update
The Wii U eShop is already populated with some great games that have been developed by hard-working indie developers. One such title is Chasing Aurora, which has you soaring across the skies and flying through narrow little gates in a race against time. In our recent interview with Broken Rules, the game's...
News Nintendo Force To Reveal Exclusive Mutant Mudds Deluxe Info
Issue one is available today
You've probably heard of Nintendo Force already - it's a venture by a team of dedicated Nintendo fans (including our very own Corbie Dillard) to recreate the magic of the now-defunct Nintendo Power. Although it doesn't have the blessing or involvement of the original Nintendo Power staff, Nintendo Force is aiming to be...
News Trine 2 Magic Mayhem DLC Appears Unlikely To Happen
Developer confirms Trine 3 will happen, eventually
Trine 2: Director's Cut has proven to be a popular title in the Wii U eShop for many reasons. It's a very good game for a start, something we pointed out in our Trine 2: Director's Cut review, and it has some of the most glorious HD visuals ever seen on a home console; it really showed what Wii U...
News Zen Pinball 2 Dev Working With Nintendo To Ensure Smooth Launch
It's the first free download with paid-for DLC on any Nintendo system
Zen Pinball 2 was supposed to hit the Wii U eShop back in December, but the release was delayed until January so that Zen Studios could fine-tune the game a little more. We're now a third of the way through the month and there's still no sign of the game, but the developer has at...
News Mighty Switch Force: Hyper Drive Edition Gets 30% Discount in North America
The sales keep coming
After an initial period when Europeans wallowed in Wii U eShop sales to the envious glances of North American gamers, the shoe is now getting firmly tied to the other foot. Three titles received festive period discounts in the region, and now WayForward Technologies has kicked off the New Year by chopping 30% off Mighty Switch...
News Nano Assault Neo Developer Lavishes More Praise On Wii U
Shin'en clearly pleased with Nintendo's new hardware
We know that Shin'en Multimedia - the studio behind the Wii U eShop title Nano Assault Neo - is fond of Nintendo's latest console, because we spoke to the company recently about developing for it. However, Shin'en is clearly a very pro-Wii U firm, as the Manfred Linzner has recently spoken to UK...
News Virtual Console Games Will Eventually Be Playable On Wii U GamePad Alone
Nintendo still working towards getting the Virtual Console set up on Wii U
The Wii U eShop has been hailed by a number of small developers as an exciting new platform on which to publish games; however, since the system's launch the eShop hasn’t seen a significant growth due to few new titles emerging. Many people have also been wondering what is...
So, what do you think of Wii U?
Chances are, if you're a dedicated Nintendo fan then you already own a Wii U console. Nintendo's latest hardware has a lot to live up to - its predecessor the Wii is one of the best-selling pieces of gaming hardware ever - but we personally think it's off to a good start, with some unique features, a great online...
News Two Tribes Considering More Wii U eShop Releases
Points are all that you can score
Two Tribes is currently working on finalising Toki Tori 2 for release on the Wii U eShop, but has been busy on Twitter hinting at more projects and releases that it's planning for the new system. On the cards are two existing PC/Mac/Smartphone titles, while the same thread of tweets also floated the idea of a "co-op...
News Picked Up A Pre-Owned Wii U Console? You Could Have Access To Free Downloads
Content tied to hardware and not Nintendo Network ID
We all know that the current Nintendo Network ID system isn't perfect - we've spoken about it in the past, in fact. However, things have become even more interesting with the news that second-hand Wii U consoles retain download privileges for games purchased by the original owner - even after the...
Feature The Biggest Wii U Games of 2013
Well, those that we know about
2012 was a busy year for Nintendo — which our upcoming yearly review will hopefully demonstrate — but now it's all about moving forward with its current systems, with Wii U hogging plenty of headlines by virtue of the fact that it's less than two months old. We won't truly know how well worldwide launch and Holiday...
News Mutant Mudds Deluxe Content Will Be Exclusive To Wii U
3DS won't be getting any DLC
Mutant Mudds Deluxe will be heading onto the Wii U eShop in the first quarter of 2013 and it has been revealed by Renegade Kid, the game's developer, that the additional content that will be found in it will be exclusive to the Wii U version. Taking to Twitter, Renegade Kid's co-founder Jools Watsham revealed that the...
News Indie Hit FEZ Is Finally Shaking Off XBLA Exclusivity In 2013
Could be heading to the Wii U eShop
FEZ creator Phil Fish has confirmed that the indie platformer will be coming to other platforms in 2013. He broke the news on the Polytron site in a post which reflects on 2012 and explains the plans for the next twelve months. FEZ launched on Xbox Live Arcade in April 2012, and gained a raft of awards. However,...
December2012
News Zen Pinball 2 Now Gearing Up For January 2013
We guessed as much
In the most recent Nintendo Direct broadcasts, it was announced that Zen Pinball 2 was on the way to the Wii U eShop in December. It's set to incorporate a similar setup to that seen on the Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms — an initial free download with trial tables, accompanied by a large range available to buy individually or as...
Round Table Let's Talk About The Wii U eShop
A new era of downloads
This week we've been publishing an extensive range of Developer Interviews with all of the indie studios that released download-only games at launch on the Wii U eShop. Naturally, there's been plenty to talk about, so some of the Nintendo Life team decided to weigh in with their thoughts. Joining features editor Tom Whitehead...
Developer Interview Tomorrow Corporation on the First Days of the Wii U eShop
It's Little Inferno just for Wii (U, and PC)
So, Little Inferno, what can be said about it? Our own review stated that "it's as much a sandbox or digital toy as it is a game", with the simple fact that the experience can basically be summarised as burning stuff. There's money to earn and collect, as well as puzzle combos to figure out, but it's a...
News Capcom Wants Your Help For Future Digital Releases
Let your voice be heard
Capcom senior vice president Christian Svensson has posted a survey on Capcom-Unity asking users what they think Capcom should be doing in terms of future potential digital games. Note that's digital only — not retail projects. Within the survey, Capcom wants to know what you're most interested in seeing, such as straight...
Developer Interview WayForward Technologies on the First Days of the Wii U eShop
High and Mighty
Californian developer WayForward Technologies is a long-time supporter of Nintendo and its hardware. Often noted for its proficiency with 2D, the company has worked on all manner of titles on several Nintendo platforms, from licenced games to its own original properties such as Shantae and the Mighty series. For the launch of the Wii...
News Nintendo Europe Working On Fix For Wii U eShop 18+ Restriction
Growing up
We've already reported (and ranted) about the absurd mature content restrictions which impact the Wii U eShop in Europe. Games like ZombiU cannot be purchased outside of a four-hour window thanks to German law regardin
Nintendo Download 20th December 2012 (North America)
Wario, escaping vektors, Wii U discounts and 3D goodies
The download information arrived a little later than normal today, and no wonder — there's a lot of content available this week, along with some surprise sales on Wii U. Enough pre-amble, let's get into it. 3DS download software: escapeVektor (Nnooo, $9.99) — The original release on...
Developer Interview Broken Rules on the First Days of the Wii U eShop
Taking flight
While the launch line-up of download-only games on the Wii U eShop features some multi-platform releases or exclusives from studios well-known to Nintendo enthusiasts, Chasing Aurora is potentially in a category of its own. Broken Rules had previously released its highly regarded PC title And Yet It Moves on WiiWare, but may not...
Developer Interview Shin'en Multimedia on the First Days of the Wii U eShop
Neo beginnings
Shin'en Multimedia is a developer likely to be well-known to Nintendo download enthusiasts, with the company having made multiple appearances on Wii and 3DS, in particular. Some of its releases, such as Jett Rocket and Art of Balance TOUCH!, have been among the best titles on WiiWare and the 3DS eShop, respectively, while the small...
Developer Interview Neko Entertainment on the First Days of the Wii U eShop
The cat meows
Neko Entertainment has been ever-present on Nintendo consoles since it was formed in 1999. Based near Paris, France, the developer has created both retail and digital download games for most major systems of the last decade, from Nintendo 64 right through to Wii U. In something of a coup for the outfit, Neko secured a place in Wii U...
News The Cave On Wii U Is "Pretty Much" Like Other Versions
Double Fine aiming for parity across platforms
Double Fine's first Wii U game The Cave is due on the eShop early next year, and the company has been showing off what makes the Nintendo version so special. The GamePad's screen is used for character selection, and can also be used to focus the in-game camera on a certain individual by double-tapping...
News Mario Voice Actor Charles Martinet To Lend His Talent To BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2
It's a me...Commander Video?
Gaijin Games has announced that its upcoming title, BIT.TRIP Presents: Runner 2 Future Legend of Rhythm Alien, will be narrated by none other than Mario voice actor Charles Martinet. The renowned voice actor will be voicing seven cut-scenes that appear in the downloadable game. Rather than lending his voice to a new...
Nintendo Download 20th December 2012 (Europe)
Escaping vektors, Clive in the Wild West and heroes in castles
It's the final Nintendo Download update before Christmas, so Nintendo's got a helping of festive cheer for us to download. Only Wii is left out to ask Scrooge for some new content, with both handhelds getting new games and Wii U joining in with some juicy price reductions. Let's get to...
Developer Interview Frozenbyte on the First Days of the Wii U eShop
A not-so frosty reception
Over the last few months, Nintendo has displayed a significant shift in its attitude towards digital distribution and online in general. On 3DS we've seen the addition of downloadable retail games, a more regular stream of demos and downloadable content for first party titles. Wii U looks set to extend this approach...
News Little Inferno Soundtrack Available To Download For Free
A heart-warming gift
Wii U eShop title Little Inferno has caused a heated debate in the gaming community. Some people love it, others simply don’t get it, but one thing most people have enjoyed about the niche little game is the soundtrack. Tomorrow Corporation, the game’s developer, has revealed on its blog that the soundtrack is now available...
Rumour Capcom Is Bringing Its Arcade Classics To 3DS And Wii U eShop
Coin-op titles headed to Nintendo systems in 2013?
Capcom is working on bringing its arcade classics to digital platforms in the form of Capcom Arcade Cabinet, and according to French site Pockett Videogames, the Wii U eShop and 3DS eShop will be joining the retro party. So far, it would seem as if Capcom Arcade Cabinet is only coming to the Xbox...
Talking Point Test Running Rayman Legends
The art of a good demo
Yesterday the demo for Rayman Legends arrived on the Wii U eShop in both Europe and North America, and a number of gamers who wanted this title at launch eagerly started the download. There are a few things to say about it, both in terms of the glimpse it gives us of the game and how it is, essentially, the epitome of a well...
News Unepic Adventuring Onto Wii U eShop in 2013
"A mixture of platform game, role game and joke"
EnjoyUp Games has announced this week that it'll be publishing Unepic, an indie RPG platformer released on PC in 2011. In this adventure you play as Daniel, "great videogame player, big lover of sci-fi movies, novice player of role games, pot-head", who is swept away to a mysterious castle which he...
News Nintendo Says The Play Limit On Demos Is Set By The Publishers
But why have a limit in the first place?
Similar to 3DS equivalents, Wii U demos come included with a play limit - meaning that after you've played a demo a certain number of times you can no longer access it, leaving it unavailable for further use. Eurogamer.net questioned Nintendo on why limits vary with each demo title, and why such a limit...
News Rayman Legends Demo Finally Arrives In The Wii U eShop
Three levels to satisfy your hunger
Ubisoft's highly anticipated Wii U platformer Rayman Legends is set to be released in the end of February (1st March for the UK). The game was originally penned down as a Wii U launch title but was unfortunately put back, however Ubisoft did say it would make a demo version available on the eShop from the off -...
News Trine 2: Director's Cut Is Getting An Update Next Week
Trine harder
Frozenbyte has told Nintendo Life that an update for its Wii U eShop title Trine 2: Director's Cut should be available sometime next week. The update will bring several extra features, such as in-game voice chat and Wii U Pro Controller support, plus some additional language support and visual improvements. The puzzle-platformer sees...
Talking Point The Wii U eShop Needs Patience
As did the 3DS eShop
In our most recent Talking Point that reflected on a potential shift in Nintendo Direct expectations, we described the attitude among many gamers — including us here at Nintendo Life — that demands new content as quickly as possible, a relentless ongoing compulsion for more news and games than we can handle. It's human...
News Cloudberry Kingdom Leaps To March 2013 Release
New game also in development at Pwnee
We reported last month that Wii U eShop title Cloudberry Kingdom wouldn't be available for download in the Wii U's launch month in Europe and North America. Developer Pwnee Studios has confirmed that the game - apparently set to be the Wii U's most insanely difficult download title - is now set for a March 2013...
News Toki Tori 2 Delayed Until Early 2013
This egg's not ready to hatch
Developer Two Tribes has today confirmed that it's delayed the release of Toki Tori 2 on the Wii U eShop, so it won't be arriving on 20th December. The reasoning is simple; the developer wants to make a better game. Toki Tori 2’s a personal project for us. It’s first game we’ve made without being tied to a...
News Annoyed About Age Restrictions On The Euro Wii U eShop? Blame Germany
Upholding the law
Nintendo has confirmed that the time-based age restriction on the Wii U eShop - which prevents 18+ titles being purchased outside of a four-hour window at night - is down to German law. Speaking to Eurogamer, a Nintendo Europe spokesperson had this to say: At Nintendo we always aim to provide a safe gaming experience for fans of...
News Nintendo Network Premium Website Goes Live
Good news for enthusiastic Wii U eShoppers
Unlike with the arrival of Wii, Nintendo gamers have an important choice to make when picking up a Wii U — Premium or Basic? Various factors dictate the final decision, and perhaps one is the Nintendo Network Premium promotion, which gives those with the black model points for Wii U eShop purchases. If...
Talking Point Time for Wii U to Treat Us Like Adults
The nanny console
This week has brought us an interesting story about Wii U eShop restrictions that are limited to European consoles, but perhaps provide greater insight into the relationship between gamers and their new Nintendo systems. It came to light that what we initially thought was a botched parental control issue on the platform was...
Soak it up
Puddle was originally released on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network earlier this year to decent reviews, and after looking at feedback from the previous versions Neko Entertainment has released what it claims to be the best edition of the game at Wii U launch. The Fluidity (Hydroventure)-like game isn't quite a super soaker, but...
News 18-Rated Content on Wii U eShop Only Accessible for Four Hours a Day
Yes, really
Earlier this week we received messages from readers that couldn't download ZombiU or Assassin's Creed III from the Wii U eShop. We tested this and received the same error message, which made it seem as if there were botched parental controls on the platform. You cannot view this content. The times during which this content can be...
News Little Inferno Developer Looking Into Enabling User-Created Content
Mods coming to your fireplace?
Little Inferno is one of the more unusual additions to the Wii U launch line-up; an eShop game which is essentially a virtual fireplace, it's the work of Kyle Gabler, Allan Blomquist and Kyle Gray - otherwise known as the Tomorrow Corporation. Gabler created the cult classic World of Goo for WiiWare, while Gray was the...
Feature Toki Tori 2 Top 5: Two Tribe's Favourite Creatures
Going natural
Toki Tori 2, the sequel to one of WiiWare's best-known titles, arrives on the Wii U eShop on 20th December. This sequel features significant changes from the structure and gameplay of the original release, while the included level editor may give extra life to the experience for any budding game designers with their hands on a Wii U...
News Conker's Bad Fur Day Creator Could End Up Making Wii U eShop Games
"It definitely might have potential for the new controller"
Chris Seavor - the man behind Rare's infamous Conker's Bad Fur Day on the Nintendo 64 - has revealed in an interview with Not Enough Shaders that he's considering the possibility of developing for the Wii U eShop:
News Error Prevents Purchase Of ZombiU And Assassin's Creed III On Euro Wii U eShop
Botched parental restrictions in EU to blame?
Update: Despite testing this issue throughout the day we've now discovered, thanks to prompts from readers who've encountered the issue with some videos on 3DS systems, that this issue is caused by a restriction to accessing 18-rated content before a specific time. A test after 11pm UK time brought us...
News Check Out The Wii U and 3DS eShop Titles That Are Coming Soon
Throwing humans, puzzling action, pinball and more
Did you miss both Nintendo Direct presentations from North America and Europe today? Not to worry, as we've gathered all the latest Wii U and 3DS eShop announcements and included them for you below. Tokyo Crash Mobs — A truly bizarre title where you have to throw people at other people, Tokyo...
News Panorama View And Google Maps Confirmed For Western Release
More intuitive ways to use your GamePad
This morning's Japanese Nintendo Direct revealed that Panorama View and Google Maps would both be coming to Wii U in Japan. Surely Nintendo wouldn't leave out North Americans and Europeans now, would it? Well worry not westerners, as during this afternoon's North American and European Nintendo Direct...
Nintendo Download 6th December 2012 (Europe)
UPDATE: Wario 3 joins Denpa men, hyper mighty switching and a paper adventure
After a few days of suspense — the release day of EU download details varies every week — we finally know what to expect in the Wii U, 3DS, DSi and Wii online stores this week. All four systems are accounted for, which should warm up any Nintendo gaming Europeans...
News Google Maps Finding Its Way Onto Wii U
See the world without going outside
After announcing the Spring arrival of Panorama View in today's Nintendo Direct broadcast from Japan, Satoru Iwata possibly surprised a few people by confirming that Google Maps is also on the way to Wii U. A Google branded app — alongside the likes of YouTube — won't do Wii U any harm, especially as it'll...
News Panorama View to be Sighted on Wii U eShop in Spring 2013
Confirmed in Japan, at least
One of the first concepts that was shown off for Wii U, and which made an appearance at various demo opportunities and expo appearances for the system, was Panorama View. It's a relatively simple app that uses real-life video and allows you to view the action from any angle you desire, simply by moving the GamePad. It's...
News Trine 2: Director's Cut on Wii U Outperforms Rival Consoles
A small win for Wii U graphics obsessives
Trine 2: Director’s Cut has been a high profile launch download on the Wii U eShop, due to its popularity on other formats and eye-catching visuals. Prior to release day it drew a lot of attention for the latter reason, in that it showed off the fact that Wii U was bringing Nintendo into the HD age, and...
News Pier Solar HD Kickstarter Smashes Through Wii U Stretch Goal
Nintendo version now assured
You'll have to forgive us if we've been talking a lot about Pier Solar recently, but we're rather taken with WaterMelon's 16-bit RPG. Launched in 2010 on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, the game received a limited print run which has since become a collector's item. Keen to get the game into the hands of a wider audience,...
News Trine 2 Has Gone Walkabout Down Under
Is expected to become available mid-December
Wii U eShop title Trine 2: Director's Cut was available on launch day in North America and Europe, but unfortunately Australian gamers were left disappointed as the game could not be found in the virtual store at all. The game’s developer, Frozenbyte, has revealed that the reason for the title’s...
News uPlay App Now Available on Wii U eShop
Achieve and unlock some extras
When Wii U launched we brought you the news that Ubisoft was bringing its uPlay service directly to the Wii U as an app, a further example of the publisher's early enthusiasm for the system. The app was available on the European eShop right from the off, and it appears that it's now live in North America, too. This...
Talking Point Selling the Wii U Concept - The GamePad and eShop
All part of a big package
So the Wii U system is now well and truly out in the wild, with Japan being the last major territory to join in. It may seem peculiar that Nintendo should satisfy its home country last, but judging from the area's consistently daunting sales of 3DS it's not likely to be a tough market to crack. North America and Europe —...
November2012
Feature Toki Tori 2 Top 5 - What's New In The Sequel
Calling the shots
Toki Tori 2, the sequel to one of WiiWare's best-known titles, arrives on the Wii U eShop on 20th December. This sequel features significant changes from the structure and gameplay of the original release, while the included level editor may give extra life to the experience for any budding game designers with their hands on a Wii...
Nintendo Download 30th November 2012 (Europe) - Wii U Edition
Got your hard drive ready?
Wii U is finally arriving in Europe and PAL regions, and with it comes all of the excitement of a new system. Part of that — after the system update, of course — is the Wii U eShop, which arrives with some exciting download-only games as well as a host of retail titles. There's plenty to get through, so let's get to...
News Mutant Mudds Deluxe Venturing Onto Wii U in Q1 2013
Mud-sliding its way into the Wii U eShop
A few months back Jools Watsham of Renegade Kid posted possibly the shortest blog post we'd ever seen, which simply showed an image of Mutant Mudds on a Wii U GamePad with the accompanying title "Mutant Mudds Deluxe". Obviously this indicated that the popular 3DS eShop title would be following in the...
News Two Brothers Developer Speaks Of Nintendo In Glowing Terms
Nintendo "fighting against a stereotype", says indie dev
AckkStudios - the team behind Two Brothers - has given some more details about what it's like to work with Nintendo on the Wii U eShop. Speaking to Kotaku, brothers Brian and Andrew Allanson (spooky, eh?) spoke about how Nintendo had approached the development of the game,
Review Trine 2: Director's Cut (Wii U eShop)
Three’s company, two
It’s always a strange occurrence when the sequel to a hit game becomes available to a new community of gamers, especially when those gamers might have no prior knowledge of the series. Trine 2: Director’s Cut is not only one of the first games available on the Wii U eShop, but it's also the first iteration of the Trine...
Review Little Inferno (Wii U eShop)
Burn, baby, burn
"Your Little Inferno is not like other games. There are no points, there is no score, you are not being timed. Just make a nice fire, and stay warm in the glow of your high definition entertainment product." This opening letter from Tomorrow Corporation - the real-life developer and in-game mega-conglomerate from whom you've just...
News Cloudberry Kingdom Delayed On Wii U eShop
We hope it's available 'berry' soon
The developer behind Cloudberry Kingdom - Pwnee Studios - has revealed that its upcoming Wii U eShop title will be delayed. When asked if it would be available for download this month, the response from Pwnee was: Unfortunately it is not. Looks like we're going to delay for a bit and go for a simultaneous launch...
Review Mighty Switch Force: Hyper Drive Edition (Wii U eShop)
Arresting development
When Mighty Switch Force was released for the 3DS eShop it was quickly heralded as not only one of the service’s best games but also one of the best games on the stereoscopic handheld period. Faultless controls, addictive puzzle platforming and a healthy dose of WayForward’s trademark charm made it shine, and now with the...
Review Nano Assault Neo (Wii U eShop)
Bullet hell on a cell
Much like the its 3DS predecessor, Nano Assault Neo is an arcade-style shoot 'em up that’s all about piloting a microscopic spacecraft and blasting molecular baddies. There isn’t actually a plot present in this game, so there’s no need to worry about being bogged down by unnecessary story. What we have instead is a...
News New Gameplay Trailer For Chasing Aurora Soars In
Braving the elements
The Wii U eShop has gained a fair amount of support already from developers. One such developer is Broken Rules, which has brought the vibrant Chasing Aurora along to the virtual store for launch. Already available in North America, Chasing Aurora will be available in Europe on the same day Wii U launches – that’s November...
News Premium Wii U Owners In The UK Need To Spend £62.50 To Receive £5 eShop Voucher
Points mean prizes?
One of the big draws for the Wii U Premium Pack is its reward scheme which allows users to gain money back on their eShop purchases. It was originally claimed that eShoppers would gain 10% back as a reward but it appears this is not the case - it’s a little bit less. Nintendo UK has revealed a little bit more information on...
News Trine 2: Director's Cut Springs To Life With A New Trailer
A story about a joker, a thief, and a knight
Despite only launching a couple of days ago, the Wii U's eShop is slowly building up it's own library of downloadable games, with one of the forerunners being Trine 2: Director's Cut. While the original game launched last year for PC and other home consoles, this Wii U exclusive version comes with the...
Review Chasing Aurora (Wii U eShop)
Soaring
At its heart, Chasing Aurora is a game about the dream of flight. Developed by Broken Rules - the studio behind And Yet It Moves - it's a beautiful journey with distinct single- and multiplayer components that share a focus on simplicity and the endlessly enjoyable act of flying. As a launch game for the Wii U eShop, it's first and foremost...
Talking Point The Wii U eShop Could be a Developer's Dream
Nintendo hands over the reins
When it comes to download game platforms, Nintendo's had to evolve rapidly. The arrival of the DSi and Wii online stores brought the famous company into the realm of the download market for the first time; both services have produced a number of top-notch gaming experiences, and in some cases proved to be the making of...
News Frozenbyte - Indie Developers Have More Control On Wii U eShop
Trine 2 developer enjoying the freedom
Trine 2: Director's Cut is available in the Wii U eShop right now in North America — and will be on launch in Europe — and the game's developer, Frozenbyte, has had nothing but praise for the way Nintendo is approaching downloadable gaming. In an interview with IGN, marketing manager at Frozenbyte, Mikael...
Nintendo Download 18th November 2012 (North America)
U better believe it
It's a special Nintendo Download update today, as lucky gamers in North America can enter a brave new world of HD offerings on Wii U. There are five download-only titles to choose from and a giddying range of retail options, which shows how seriously Nintendo's taking the idea of selling us games without boxes. Let's get to it...
News Wii U Version Of Mighty Switch Force Much Harder Than The Original
The difficulty has gone into hyper drive
When you get your brand spanking new Wii U home on launch day and dive into the eShop, you’ll find a sidescrolling puzzle-platformer called Mighty Switch Force: Hyper Drive Edition; it's a game 3DS owners will be more than familiar with seeing as it's an enhanced port of the 3DS eShop title, Mighty Switch...
Developer Interview Gaijin Games Gets Drunk with Wii U Power
WiiWare champs set their sights on the future and rhythm aliens
While plenty of developers have stepped up to take a swing at WiiWare, only a pinch have started from scratch and built good names strictly based on their output for the service. Perhaps the biggest success story in this realm is Gaijin Games: as a brand-new studio, the three-strong...
"Wii U is a revolution of the social space of the play situation"
Spin The Bottle certainly isn't your average run-of-the-mill video game - but then the studio behind it is unique, as well. Spawned from the development hotbed of the Copenhagen Game Collective, KnapNok Games is all about creating unique experiences with modern technology, with a...
News Toki Tori 2 Lands on Wii U eShop on 20th December
Not for use in festive meals
Toki Tori 2 is likely to be one of the most widely recognisable names in the early weeks of the Wii U eShop, due to its predecessor being one of the leading titles to herald the arrival of WiiWare. The diminutive little chicken isn't going to be quite ready for launch day, however, with confirmation from Two Tribes that...
News Unemployment And Platforming Combine In Wii U Title 8-Bit Boy
One man show
Danish one-man studio AwesomeBlade Software has announced that its retro-themed platformer 8-Bit Boy is coming to the Wii U. Created by Rasmus Kønig Sørensen - a Danish ex-video game journalist with a bachelor degree in Construction Management - 8-Bit Boy is a love letter to the 2D platforming epics of old. Sørensen counts himself...
News Wii U User Accounts and Nintendo Network ID Detailed
12 user accounts allowed
During today's Nintendo Direct broadcast, Satoru Iwata provided information on Wii U user accounts and the Nintendo Network ID. In terms of user accounts, it'll be possible to have up to 12 on the system, with each storing their own save data, settings and internet browser bookmarks. With the console's concept of being an...
News The Pinball Arcade Set for Wii U Launch Window Release
Pinball wizards
In a recent interview with Warpzoned, Rob Mann, community manager at Farsight Studios, has confirmed that his company is hoping to release The Pinball Arcade during the Wii U's launch window. The pinball simulation game is notable for including a collection of real-world pinball tables, which have been accurately remade in digital...
News Developer Excited by Indie Friendly Wii U eShop
Anticipated indie title teased for Wii U
The Wii U eShop may still be a mystery to us — a Nintendo Direct broadcast to show it off wouldn't be a surprise — but there have certainly been plenty of developers queuing up to share optimistic viewpoints on the platform. The latest to do so is a young studio called Nyamyam, founded in late 2010 by two...
October2012
News Wii U Digital Promotion Giving You More Bang For Your Buck
Nintendo delves deeper into its Deluxe Set promotion
We already knew that Nintendo had mentioned a digital promotion for those who purchased the Wii U Deluxe Bundle - buyers of said bundle who purchase a game from the Nintendo eShop will receive 10% of their value back in the form of points. This in turn allows users to purchase more content from...
News Ostrich Island Could Be Making Its Way To Wii U
The game we've all been waiting for...
MeDungeon Games has revealed that it has plans to bring Ostrich Island to the Wii U eShop. The game is already in the works for Windows, Mac, and Linux, but may make its way to Wii U should its current crowd-funding initiative prove successful. It's described as a mix between an adventure game and a...
News Puddle For Wii U Will Be The Definitive Version Of The Game
Neko Entertainment explains why the Wii U version is the best so far
In September we confirmed that Puddle would be available for Wii U on the Nintendo eShop. Neko Entertainment has now dropped some good news on the Wii U version, that it's been improved in a number of areas specifically for Nintendo's upcoming home console. Due to the good...
September2012
News Ron Gilbert's The Cave Coming To Wii U eShop
Promises Metroidvania-like platform adventure action
Ron Gilbert is something of a legend in gaming circles; he's the genius behind such LucasArts classics as Maniac Mansion and The Secret of Monkey Island. He's currently working alongside fellow ex-LucasArts staffer Tim Schafer at Double Fine Productions, and The Cave is his latest venture...
August2012
News Developers Enthusiastic About Wii U's Download Service
The future's bright
Several developers have expressed displeasure at Nintendo's previous digital set ups with WiiWare and DSiWare over the years. While the services certainly had successes — Gaijin Games' BIT.TRIP series and Frontier's LostWinds, to name a couple — a number of problems with them have been cited, from lack of flexibility through...
July2012
Interview Tomorrow Corporation - Little Inferno
Burning down the house
When some of the folks behind WiiWare wonder World of Goo and the creator of DS darling Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure team up for a project, well, you best sit down and pay attention. Tomorrow Corporation is hoping to light up Wii U when their debut title Little Inferno hits this winter. We caught up with the men...
News Mighty Switch Force! HD Heading to Wii U eShop
Lick of paint
WayForward's eShop favourite Mighty Switch Force! is getting revamped for the Wii U's download store. Mighty Switch Force! HD is currently on course to launch alongside Wii U later this year, with all-new graphics akin to the hand-drawn style of Wii title A Boy and His Blob. It'll also include all the extra content recently released...
June2012
News Chasing Aurora Announced for Wii U eShop
From the makers of And Yet It Moves
Broken Rules — the team behind WiiWare gem And Yet It Moves — has just confirmed Chasing Aurora is coming to the Wii U eShop in late 2012. The game aims to recreate the sensation of flight using the Wii U GamePad, with a single player story mode told without dialogue. This puts us in mind of SEGA Saturn...
May2012
News Zen Studios Reveals CastleStorm for "Nintendo Digital Platforms"
Including eShop
3DS owners, it's a good job you like castles. Yesterday we had Castlevania: Lords of Shadow — Mirror of Fate confirmed and today Zen Studios — yes, the pinball guys — announced CastleStorm for "Nintendo digital platforms". The tower defence/strategy hybrid was officially confirmed for the 3DS eShop but Zen has said it's in...