Wii U eShop - News
June2016
Nintendo Download 16th June (Europe)
Gunslugs! Fire Emblem Fates DLC! Twin Robots! Discounts Galore! More!
Happy E3 week to one and all; unsurprisingly we have the European Nintendo Download Update details to get it started. We have puzzle platforming on Wii U and frantic run-and-gun action on the 3DS as new releases, along with a retail download targeting young gamers. Fire Emblem...
News Dual Core Gets European Release Date Along With Update in North America
Off-TV play is on the way
Dual Core is one of the Wii U eShop's most intriguing recent arrivals (we're still working on a review), with dual-stick shooting along with co-op play and RPG elements. Developer Gray Fin Studios has now confirmed some positive additional details for both European and North American gamers. First off, the European release...
News B3 Game Expo For Bees Gets Surprise Price Cut
That'll sting
B3 Game Expo For Bees is one of the quirkier titles to come to the Wii U in recent times, blending first-person shooting and adventure with some neat usage of the GamePad. One of the downsides (which we highlighted in our review) is its brevity, and we observed that "it might be worth it to pick this title up sometime on a sale or...
Video The Battle Mini-Game for Minecraft: Wii U Edition Goes Live on 21st June
Get ready to Nintendoom your friends in the arena
A couple weeks ago, it was announced that another free update would be coming to Minecraft: Wii U Edition. Following hot on the heels of the Super Mario Bros. Mashup Pack, this new update will include a new Battle mode where players duke it out in arenas and fight for glory. The new mode will have...
News Two Short-Term Rewards Are Added to My Nintendo in Europe
Kirby and karaoke
We think it's fair to say that My Nintendo has had a mixed reception since launching as the new loyalty service from the big N. It's offered some unique rewards, including its own game with My Nintendo Picross: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, but has also failed to inspire with some of its other options. Its latest...
Nintendo Download 9th June (North America)
Kirby: Planet Robobot! Olympia Rising! Wario! Puzzles! More stuff!
It's that time again, dear reader, for the last Nintendo Download Update before E3. This week brings a fabulous Kirby retail release on 3DS, and beyond that there are some interesting download-only options across both the Wii U and 3DS. Without further pre-amble, let's get to it...
Talking Point Five Years of eShop Progress Doesn't Mask Nintendo's Next-Gen Challenge
Gamers want a lot, it seems
Earlier this week the 3DS eShop - and the eShop as a broader brand - celebrated its 5th Anniversary, and we shared a rather cheerful article in praise of the progress made with the store. Though Nintendo was relatively early in the download scene with the Wii and DSi stores, both had a number of issues and over-stringent...
News Nintendo Announces E3 eShop Discount Plans and Miitomo x The Legend of Zelda Promotion
Retweet for wigs
Nintendo has slowly started to flesh out its E3 plans, and has now confirmed a couple of additional promotions to get us in the mood before and during the event. First of all, we're contractually obliged to share some handsome concept art that Nintendo including in its press release, as it's lovely. There's more Legend of...
Video Feast Your Eyes On This Footage Of Mighty No. 9's Boisterous Bosses
Feeling the burn
The much-delayed Mighty No. 9 might have taken a credibility hit thanks to its recent trailer, but this spiritual successor to Capcom's legendary Mega Man is still shaping up nicely - as the following gameplay footage attests. GameSpot has captured video of three different bosses from the game, proving that creator Keiji Inafu
Video Check Out This Early Footage of Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night
Looking good
Considering the self-destructive route Konami has been on in recent times, it's been disappointing to see many of its popular franchises effectively put on ice, including the Castlevania series. Of course, it could be argued that it's been awhile since the last classic Castlevania game came out, as Mercury Steam took the series in a new...
Hot Buzz
There is something so delightfully goofy and left-field about the premise of B3 Game Expo for Bees that it's difficult not to be utterly charmed by it. A bee security guard protecting bee gaming companies in a "convention hive" from a firsties-obsessed robotic bear? That's the type of organized randomness that can make for something...
As fun as running straight into a brick wall
'Runner' games similar to the likes of Bit.Trip Runner have been a popular choice for quite some time now. Popularised by mobile titles and best enjoyed for their addictive "one more try" gameplay, the genre often strips the medium down to its very basics - just one button to press and a top score to aim...
News Playtonic Handling Wii U Version of Yooka-Laylee, Team17 Porting To PS4 And Xbox One
"We wanted to make sure that Wii U gets the right attention"
It's tempting, in light of the system's declining role in the market and modest userbase, to be rather fearful around third-party Wii U projects. With Yooka-Laylee moving into 2017 it'd be understandable to feel twitchy; yet thankfully this is a Playtonic Games title, with the studio being...
Interview Playtonic On Yooka-Laylee Progress And Its New 2017 Release Window
Going behind the scenes on the exciting platformer
Yooka-Laylee is aiming to bring back the long-forgotten 3D platforming/collectathon genre that helped make developers such as Rare juggernauts of the industry, and is also one of the last shining beacons of hope for long-suffering Wii U owners. We were lucky enough to have a first-hand look at the...
News Yooka-Laylee Delayed Until 2017, E3 2016 Trailer Looks Lovely All The Same
Take the rough with the smooth
Playtonic has just released the E3 2016 trailer for its forthcoming 3D platformer Yooka-Laylee, and the footage illustrates quite keenly just how far the game has come since we first laid eyes on it last year. The title - which is now being released in Q1 2017 - is shaping up very nicely indeed, and it appears that...
A boy, a bot, and a really big gun
When picking up any platformer for the first time, it's just second nature to check for the jump button. They're so ingrained in the experience, you're likely hearing Mario's sound effect in your head even as you're reading this. Look for a jump button in Kick & Fennick, however, and you're not going to find...
Nintendo Download 9th June (Europe)
Lots of Kirby! Fire Emblem Fates Revelation! Terraria on Wii U! Much more!
With the start of another week we have the European Nintendo Download Update details, and there are multiple promising arrivals this week. Kirby is on top form with the latest major retail release on 3DS, while on Wii U we have world-building and humorous adventure on offer...
News Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is All Set for a September Release on the Wii U eShop and at Retail
Quite a transformation
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, the latest entry in the excellent WayForward series, has been a long time coming since it was successfully funded on Kickstarter. With a flashy HD engine and a multi-platform launch for the first time, it's clear that it's an important release for the developer. WayForward has now confirmed that the...
Video Image & Form Reiterates That SteamWorld Heist is Coming to Wii U 'Pretty Soon'
Hints at cross-buy discount, too
SteamWorld Heist may be one of the top games to have arrived on the 3DS eShop in 2015, but some have been patiently awaiting HD iterations. PS4 is first up on this score (along with Vita) but has seen its release pushed back a little to (hopefully) come out alongside the PC version. For Nintendo gamers, of course,...
Grids meet GamePad
Type "sudoku" into the search engine here at Nintendo Life and you'll discover two things. First, there are a lot of sudoku games out there, from children's starters starring Lola the Panda to those proclaiming to be for elite brains only. Second, of all these games, only this one here, Sudoku & Permudoku, is designed for the...
News Olympia Rising Ascends to North America on 9th June
Just in time for summer
For those of you that live in North America, you may remember that Olympia Rising released in Europe a couple months ago. The retro 2D action platformer calls Kid Icarus to mind with its greek mythology inspired themes and its colorful visuals. We rather liked it in our review, praising the story and visuals, but criticising...
News XSEED Games Will Be Publishing the Physical Copies of Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Soundtrack CD to be included
Shantae: Half-Genie Hero is slowly but surely creeping its way slowly towards its inevitable release date, as hype and expectations continue to build by the same factor. The first entry in a new trilogy for the series looks like it'll be trying a lot of new stuff, and Shantae fans are understandably eager to see what the...
Review Dragon Fantasy: The Black Tome of Ice
Here be dragons
Last year's Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria was a thorough, if unsurprising, callback to the early days of JRPGs. Rather than try to buck tradition and innovate, it instead opted to embrace all the well-trodden tropes that made the genre so popular. Its sequel, Dragon Fantasy: The Black Tome of Ice, is very much the same in...
News Runbow 3DS Retail Edition Spotted on Amazon
Update: 13AM Games says listing has 'misinformation', but has E3 plans
Update: 13AM Games has given us an update on this Amazon listing: We're happy that people are excited about the possibility of a 3DS and retail version of Runbow, but we have to make it clear that this leak is not from 13AM Games and unfortunately contains some misinformation...
Nintendo Download 2nd June (North America)
Metroid Prime Hunters! DKC3! Kick & Fennick! More!
It's that time once again for the North American Nintendo Download Update, and this week has a mix of genres and styles to choose from. New Wii U releases include some platforming and shooting, while the same can be said for the Virtual Console releases across the home console and New 3DS. Beyond...
News Metroid Prime Hunters Hits the Wii U Virtual Console in North America Tomorrow
Let the hunt begin
Though there were a few tentative attempts at making a Metroid 64 for the Nintendo 64, nothing concrete ever fully materialised, leading many to wonder if Super Metroid would ever receive a proper follow up. The silence was finally broken many years later on the GameCube with the release of Metroid Prime, Samus' first 3D...
News Antipole DX Aims to Flip Expectations in Its Latest Trailer
Development winding down for a release later this year
We've been closely watching Antipole DX, the rather promising dual release coming to the Wii U and 3DS eShop this year. It's an enhanced re-release of the rather good DSiWare title Antipole, with much-improved visuals, new levels, online leaderboards and Miiverse stamps. Developer Saturnine...
News Lost Reavers Updates to Version 2.0.0, Adding a New Stage and Some Tweaks
Extra XP also available until 8th June
Lost Reavers may be a free download, but it's struggled to make the right impression since its arrival on Wii U. We only gave it a very modest recommendation in our review, mainly due to the fact it can be played for free and all that's lost is time, but it's certainly got key areas where it needs to improve...
May2016
News Mega Man Legacy Collection Among Discounts in Capcom's North American eShop Spring Sale
Resident Evil games! Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate! More!
Discounts, we all love them, and it seems that Capcom has unveiled some as part of an eShop Spring Sale to tempt North American Wii U and 3DS owners to part with some cash in the coming week. The following price cuts are live and are only running until 6th June, so if you're in the Americas you...
News IronFall Invasion Studio Is Bringing RISE: Race The Future To Wii U, 3DS And Nintendo NX
Futuristic drift-based racing inspired by Sega Rally? Yes please
IronFall Invasion developer VD-Dev has lifted the lid on its next project, a racing game under the title RISE: Race The Future. An arcade-style racer which draws on Sega Rally for inspiration, RISE is coming to a wide range of systems, including the Wii U, 3DS and (eventually)
News Prism Pets is on its Way to the Wii U eShop Soon
How relaxing
The success of the eShop on the Wii U paired with the touch screen-centric controller has led to many smart device games (or others of that ilk) popping up on the digital storefront. While many of these may offer experiences that some may call shallow, they represent a side of gaming that's more focused on instant gratification, and it...
Crawls flat
Retro-style pixelation is a tricky commodity to master. Pull it off well in a game and players can bask in warm, fuzzy nostalgia or (for the young'uns) simply enjoy an artful use of the form. If you don't integrate it well, players might just wonder why the style choice was made in the first place. 8Bit Hero unfortunately leans toward...
Interview Exploring the Ambition Behind 3Souls, the Episodic Wii U eShop Exclusive
Utilising the GamePad and "kishōtenketsu" approach
Though the console is in the midst of a disappointing sales decline, the Wii U is a system that - for those already on board - still has plenty to offer. It's in the download scene where intriguing titles can still be found, and the eShop on the home console continues to attract ambitious new...
Nintendo Download 2nd June (Europe)
Donkey Kong Country 3! Kick and Fennick! Fire Emblem DLC! More!
With the start of another week we have the European Nintendo Download Update, outlining what goodies are on the way in a few days. The new arrivals are low in number but have some quality nonetheless, while there are a range of discounts to consider. Let's get to it. Wii U eShop: Kick...
"We want to surprise the player all the time"
Just recently Playtonic Games raised the curtain on Yooka-Laylee, a title that's got a lot of 3D platforming and Rare fans excited. The studio is a mix of veterans from the venerable developer along with some younger talent, and after a period of silence it's emergeed to share more of its project.
News Inti Creates CEO Takuya Aizu Really Doesn't Like The New Mighty No. 9 Trailer
"Unforgivable"
Yesterday, we reported on a new Mighty No. 9 trailer which featured such gems as "combo on combo action" and gameplay that will "make the bad guys cry like an anime fan on prom night." The trailer hasn't gone down well, and currently has over 14,000 downvotes on YouTube. However, anime fans aren't the only people dissatisfied with...
News Battle Minigame is Heading to Minecraft Console Editions in June
No explicit mention of excluding Wii U, break out the bunting!
Though it took its sweet time, Minecraft: Wii U Edition has been a welcome and quality arrival on the system, with the recent free addition of The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack being another plus point. Now it seems that all of the console versions are in line for some free content soon, with...
Nintendo Download 26th May (North America)
StarTropics x2! Futuridium! Dragon Fantasy! Dual Core! Much more!
It's that time again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week is undoubtedly a good one, with multiple promising releases across Wii U and 3DS. There are a couple of NES classics, a twin-stick shooter, a retro-styled RPG and a fast paced action title...
News North America Gets Both StarTropics Games for This Week's Wii U Download Update
At last
StarTropics is one of those franchises that saw its start on the NES and never really took off after that. Playing somewhat like a tropical version of The Legend of Zelda, StarTropics was something of a cult classic, made particularly famous for a letter which came with each copy that players had to dip in water to receive a secret message...
News Hyper Light Drifter Collector's Edition Looks Pretty Fine
Fingers crossed that it comes to Wii U after all
A couple months back, it was announced that Hyper Light Drifter may not actually make it to the Wii U, as originally promised. Due to contractual issues with the developers of GameMaker – the engine it was developed for – it seems that the Wii U port has been put out to pasture, though there is...
A bad hand
Those of you who are old enough to have been to a casino may have encountered a video poker machine before. Effectively a virtual simulation of the timeless card game, these offer up something a little bit different than the slot machines: a game where planning, luck and a bit of savvy can see the player receiving a decent bit of cash...
News B3 Game Expo For Bees is a Wii U Exclusive Shooter With a Quirky Premise
Looking for that E3 buzz
It's no secret that Nintendo's E3 plans are a tad underwhelming, but one Nindie is aiming to add a bit of fun to the occasion with its own themed game - B3 Game Expo For Bees. The wordplay is obvious, but what's surprising is that this is a first-person shooter that's heading exclusively to the Wii U - its been developed by...
Video Latest Mighty No. 9 Trailer Dials Up The Ridiculousness
"Combos ON combos"
After several annoying delays, Mighty No. 9 finally has a release date, and to remind us that it's coming Deep Silver has released this action-packed trailer. Showcasing plenty of gameplay and some amusing daft commentary, the footage should hopefully stir up some excitement after months of wondering just when the game is...
News The League of Evil is Double-Jumping Over to Wii U and 3DS eShop
Get ready to pixel punch those mad scientists in the face
If you love games like Super Meat Boy, you'll be in for a treat with the impending arrival of League of Evil, which is headed to the Wii U and 3DS eShop at some point in the not-too-distant future. Publisher Ratalaika Games has teamed up the one-man Woblyware Studio from Finland to bring this...
Review Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge
Toying around
Beyond simply dropping amiibo into stores and saying "look, Nintendo characters as collectible toys", the big N has also been trying to produce free software to tempt Wii U and 3DS owners to pick up some figures. We've already had amiibo Tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits, but that was an oddly flawed and arguably rubbish app - thankfully...
I see your true colours..
As its name might suggest, REIMORY's Color Symphony 2's premise is based on the idea of colour, or more accurately "the ambiguity of colour". A platform puzzle game, Color Symphony 2 allows the player to solve various puzzles by shifting colours, affecting the world you are in. Although it brings some really good ideas, the...
News Denis Dyack Blames "Unethical" Journalists For Almost Killing Shadow Of The Eternals
Confirms project is "back from the dead"
When former Silicon Knights boss Denis Dyack revealed he was producing a spiritual successor to the GameCube classic Eternal Darkness way back in 2013, fans were overjoyed. However, confusion over the crowdfunding drive for Shadow of the Eternals led to some
Review Escape From Flare Industries
Not up to inspection
There are some best practices that can be followed when manufacturing a puzzle platformer for the masses. A cute character, easy-to-understand controls and a simple objective are often positives, and Escape from Flare Industries does deliver these in its packaging. Unfortunately, the end product suffers from some defects that...
News It Wasn't Nintendo's Idea To Mix Minecraft And Super Mario Together
"They actually came to us with what their vision was"
Some might claim that it's too little, too late, but Minecraft is available on Wii U and is getting some pretty amazing exclusive content, too. The Super Mario skin pack recently went live and is free to download for anyone who owns the game already. It's also going to be bundled with the...
Nintendo Download 26th May (Europe)
Futuridium EP Deluxe! Cat Heroes! Mario Basketball! Tasty Discounts! More!
As another week begins we have more Nintendo Download Update details to consider for Europe. This week brings a range of promising download-only games on both Wii U and 3DS, along with another DS title on the Wii U Virtual Console. Some varied DLC is also on the cards, along...
Video Nintendo Aims to Get Down With the Kids in Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE Series
"I'm serious, dude"
Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE is around a month away in the West, and Nintendo has the task of pitching the quirky Atlus-developed cross-over to a new audience. It's always appeared to be a bonkers title, though that's not necessarily a bad thing. Nintendo of America has now started a new video series that aims to show all the hip...
The more you know
Of the three major console platforms of the current generation, none seem to be as family oriented as the Wii U. Nintendo has taken some heat for this, of course, with some enthusiasts claiming that it puts out "kiddie" platforms that no self-respecting gamer would dare to admit spending too much time with. Wherever you may stand...
News Playtonic Raises the Curtain to Show Off A Lot of Yooka-Laylee Details
"Today is just the preliminary act"
Yooka-Laylee caused a big stir when it was crowdfunded through Kickstarter, with developer Playtonic Games being formed by a group of experienced former Rare employees. When we went hands on and visited the studio we couldn't help but be excited about its potential. Playtonic Games has been relatively quiet in...
News Lynn and the Spirits of Inao Has Been Cancelled
Unpaid interns seem to be the problem
As is likely common knowledge now, Kickstarter campaigns don't always have the Hollywood endings that we wish they could have. Occasionally, unfortunate events occur along the way that effectively make it impossible for the studio to continue development, leaving the eager backers standing in the lurch. It's...
My love throws me like a rubber ball, oh oh oh
JoinDots' Sweetest Thing is a puzzle game in which you strive to rebuild the sugary realm after it has been destroyed by ants. Another mobile game which has made its way to the Wii U shop, this describes itself as a time management game, but fails to be a challenge for any fan of this genre. When you...
Nintendo Download 19th May (North America)
Minecraft and Mario DLC! PixelJunk Monsters! PokéPark! Contra III! More!
It's that time once again, dear readers, for the North American Nintendo Download Update. This week includes some rather neat free and paid DLC along with some rather promising new downloads on both Wii U and 3DS. Virtual Console games, DLC and discounts are also up for grabs,...
Video Five Super Mario Secrets in Minecraft: Wii U Edition
Blocky brilliance
As you're likely well aware by now, Minecraft: Wii U Edition has some rather neat and exclusive content - The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack is up for grabs as a free update. It features all sorts of skins and features, along with an Adventure to take on, and certainly helps the Wii U version to stand out. It's not a phoned-in effort...
Keeping up with the Indiana Joneses
Nestled away in the busy excitement of a Nintendo Direct last January, Bandai Namco first announced Project Treasure; a 4 player co-op title set to release exclusively for Wii U. With famed Tekken producer Katsuhiro Harada and a team of young developers on board, their admirable goal was to create a game that...
Shoot all of the things
While twin-stick shooters are relatively common on rival download stores, the Wii U eShop isn't blessed with many. Tachyon Project, then, offers to fill a gap with its arena-based stages and frantic gameplay, and it does so in decent style. Presented top-down with a flat perspective, this title is undoubtedly visually...
Not very endearing
First impressions can be very important, and The Deer God makes an excellent first impression. It's a shame, then, that it loses momentum so quickly. Let's get that first impression out of the way first, though. The Deer God is an absolutely beautiful game. In it, you play a hunter whose soul has been trapped in a deer after his...
Reminder The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack is Live Now in Minecraft: Wii U Edition
It's-a-free, wahoo!
When Minecraft: Wii U Edition was revealed in late 2015 there was a promise of unique Nintendo content, so it's rather pleasing that it's arrived as a free update rather than paid DLC - The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack. Even better is the fact that it should be available right now, according to Nintendo, and owners of the game only...
Cold-blooded killers
Imagine you're going about your daily routine and then all of a sudden there is an uprising. Lizard-people have come out of hiding in an attempt to wipe-out humanity once-and-for-all, and now it's up to you to grab your weapon of choice and eradicate every last one of the green shape-shifting pests. Conspiracy theories aside,...
News SteamWorld Heist Dated for PS4 and Vita, Wii U Version Still "In the Works"
Gawk at some steamy HD screenshots
SteamWorld Heist has been an excellent title to date on the 3DS eShop, with 'The Outsider' DLC recently giving players a little more content. Many have been waiting for the HD version, however, and there's now been some progress on that front. In the latest episode of 'The Engine Room', Image & Form has...
"Now that I’m on my own, I have complete freedom"
While Dan Adelman had a rather grand formal job title at Nintendo of America - Head of Digital Content and Development - he was, in the eyes of many, the Indie Champion; he was highly regarded for his efforts to bring quality download games to WiiWare, and then the eShop on 3DS and Wii U. A little...
News Dual Core Blasts Its Way Onto Wii U on 26th May
Process that
Earlier this year we shared some details on Dual Core, a promising shooter from small developer Gray Fin Studios. It now has a confirmed release date for North America, 26th May, and will cost $9.99 - it's still waiting for a final date in Europe, which "will likely be a few weeks later". This colourful twin-stick shooter has robots as...
News Rynn's Adventure: Trouble in the Enchanted Forest Arrives in North America Soon
That sly fox
Arcane Four Studios is the latest development company that's planning its first foray onto Nintendo hardware. Having already arrived on PC, Rynn's Adventure: Trouble in the Enchanted Forest is arriving on the Wii U eShop in North America on 26th May, with a price tag of $9.99. It's certainly an ambitious title, with the platforming...
Random Japanese eShop Fans Can Top-Up Funds in Style With SNES-era Cards
Retro currency
For those of us with credit cards buying eShop games is a simple button press away, but there's still a market for eShop fund cards - whether as gifts or cash-bought, they're a handy option if there's a download that you simply must have. The latest range available in Japan allows gamers to top up with some extra retro style. Tweeted...
News Three New Discounts Arrive on My Nintendo in Europe
Worth your points?
My Nintendo, the loyalty / rewards programme that replaced Club Nintendo, is working a little differently between regions. In North America updates are less frequent but more sweeping, while in Europe there are changes every 2-3 weeks, albeit less new offers each time around. The European service has now had its mid-May update,...
Nintendo Download 19th May (Europe)
Fire Emblem Fates! PixelJunk Monsters! Mario in Minecraft! Much more!
Another week is underway, and as always we have the European Nintendo Download update to get us up and running. This week brings some high profile DLC and a promising download release on Wii U, while the 3DS has one of its biggest retail releases of the year alongside a couple of...
Another round with a square
It's not easy to mix chill with challenge, and yet the Midnight series somehow manages to do a quite decent job of it. Petite Games has brought the twilight golf-like back for another go, providing another round of stages with next to no changes in the formula. Midnight 2 should feel right at home to those who played its...
Partying alone
For gamers seeking fun with friends Mario Party has long been a good series to visit. Although multiplayer is preferable for the games, there are occasions where you may play alone whether just for practice or because everyone's avoiding you after you mistook that drinking fountain for a bidet. For Mario Party DS (on Wii U at least)...
Exclusive FAST Racing NEO Update, Called 'Vertigo', Goes Live on 18th May
Makes key improvements to online play and adds a mini-map
FAST Racing NEO was a standout title on the Wii U eShop late last year, but Shin'en Multimedia encountered some delays releasing its planned update - the challenge of a global roll-out played a factor. The good news is that the update is coming very soon - on 18th May - and will make some...
Nintendo Download 12th May (North America)
Super Meat Boy! Disney Art Academy! Phantom Hourglass! DLC! More!
It's time for another batch of Nintendo Download Update goodies in North America, and this week certainly has some enticing options. The 3DS gets a relatively high profile retail release, while the Wii U has a mix of highly anticipated and promising download titles. Throw in a Legend...
News Microsoft's Phil Spencer Says Minecraft Partnership With Nintendo Has Been "Great"
"Nice to see Minecraft doing so well on the Wii U"
The head of Microsoft's Xbox division is quite a chilled out guy. Not only does he find the very concept of console wars "distasteful", but he can't stop saying nice things about Nintendo, claiming that the Japanese firm is a "bea
News 90's Arcade Racer Hits The Pits For Name Change, No Longer Listed For Wii U Release
Gentlemen, (don't) start your engines?
The long-awaiting 90's Arcade Racer has been given a new name - '90s Super GP - but it appears that the title is no longer coming to the Wii U. The product page on the Nicalis site lists the formats as Xbox One and PS4 only, along with a release date of Fall 2016 - that's three years after the original release...
Too square to be hip
Have you ever said to yourself, "I would like a game that combines elements of Street Fighter, Space Invaders and Puyo Puyo"? If you have, then you are going to love Blockara. Blockara is a puzzle game first and foremost, but it borrows plenty of successful mechanics from other games. The result of all that borrowing, however,...
News RCMADIAX Is Bringing Child-Friendly Puzzler Zoo Match To Wii U eShop This Year
And no, this isn't the unannounced title mentioned previously
RCMADIAX has revealed that it has another Wii U eShop game in the works, and before you ask, it's not the mystery title that was teased last week. Zoo Match is coming in Q3 2016 and involves matching cards by "image, sound, or spelling". The developer has stated that the title is aimed...
News Wayforward Issues an Update on Shantae: Half-Genie Hero
Retail version incoming!
A few years ago, Wayforward announced Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, a continuation of the metroidvania series that has brought the studio the most attention. After a very successful Kickstarter campaign and a lengthy development process, it seems that the game is in the last leg of its journey to release. To keep backers up to...
Feature Developer's Perspectives on the Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle
"I would change nothing about this bundle. This bundle is pure joy."
The Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle is, at the time of writing, in its final stretch. The final offering includes 11 games (and a neat 3DS HOME Theme) - three of which are retail titles - for $13 or more, with three tiers from which to choose. The mix of big-name games and high...
Candy Crush with trowel blades
Queen's Garden takes a leaf from games like Candy Crush and Bejewelled, which is no surprise considering it was initially released for smart devices. It's a good addition to your Wii U if you enjoy match-3 puzzles but lacks in the whole 'garden' side of things, with more customization and depth needed. The difficulty...
Reminder The Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle Ends on 10th May
Over 150,000 bundles sold so far
The Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle has now passed 150,000 purchases, which at the time of writing brings it just shy of $1.5 million in revenue. It's far surpassed the original North America-only bundle, with a global audience no doubt helping to deliver impressive results. With the bundle due to end at 11am...
News Super Mario Mash-Up Pack Jumps Into Minecraft: Wii U Edition in Upcoming Free Update
Downloadable from 17th May, disc version hits stores on 17th June
When Minecraft: Wii U Edition arrived late last year Mojang, Nintendo and Microsoft promised exclusive Nintendo content in 2016, and now details have been confirmed. The Super Mario Mash-Up Pack will be free and available with an update on 17th May (18th May in Europe), and a disc...
News Wii U Indie Title Twin Robots Does An Excellent Chibi-Robo Impression
Ratalakia Games also reveals two other Nintendo titles
Ratalaika Games has announced that it is bringing Thinice's 2.5D platformer Twin Robots to the Wii U eShop "very soon". Looking a lot like Nintendo's own Chibi-Robo!: Zip-Lash, the game allows you to switch between two robots as they try to work together to find their way out of each level...
Although the meat’s been out for a while, it hasn’t spoiled
Super Meat Boy has been around the block. Developed by Team Meat and designed by Edmund McMillen (one of the creators of the original Flash game, Meat Boy, and designer for another well-known indie title, The Binding of Isaac) and Tommy Refenes, this is the latest in the countless ports...
Nintendo Download 12th May (Europe)
Super Meat Boy! Mario Strikers! Contra III! Discounts galore! More!
With another week comes another set of Nintendo Download Update details for Europe, and this time around there are some rather tempting options on both Wii U and 3DS. The home console has a long awaited platforming arrival along with some other interesting options, while both...
Gonna party like it's 1999 (yes we know most places got it in 2000)
Since 1998 the Mario Party series has entertained gamers by mixing the play of traditional board games with frantic mini-game action. There have been numerous releases over the years (most recently Mario Party 10) and now Wii U owners can purchase one of the earliest entries from...
"Nintendo is showing that they are forward thinking in their approach"
The Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle, now in its final few days, has demonstrably been a success. Unlike 2015's Humble Nindie Bundle it's been available in multiple territories around the world, with a mix of retail and download-only titles tempting eShop gamers to part with...
News Bloodstained Will Launch the Base Campaign First, Followed by Staggered Content Releases
The right way
Mighty No. 9 has finally, to the shock of many, gone gold and been fixed with a firm release window. The game was delayed after numerous delays for varying reasons, but it seems as though extra content made possible by the Kickstarter funds was the main reason for the holdup. Of course, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night also had an...
News Demongeon Promises a Hellish Platforming Challenge on Wii U This Summer
Devilishly difficult
For those that complain about modern video games being too easy, there are plenty of developers more than happy to serve up fiendishly difficult titles to buck the trend. Mobot Studios seems keen to help fill the gaps, confirming another upcoming Wii U eShop release - the studio previously published the likes of Paper Monsters...
For you retro art fans
Not so much a game as a creativitiy app, Nostatic Software's PixelMaker does exactly what it says in the title. Those of us with an arty side or penchant for retro gaming will enjoy creating or recreating well known pixel characters with the use of this tool, and the user interface is uncomplicated and easy to grasp. With the...
Random Some F-Zero Fans Won't Give Up on a FAST Racing NEO Crossover
Don't hold your breath
The ever-useful tools of Photoshop and similar applications mean it's hard to believe much of what we see nowadays, but they can nevertheless bring some wish fulfilment. For example what if the brilliant FAST Racing NEO was allowed to include the iconic Blue Falcon as a vehicle? Shin'en Multimedia's game is very much its own...
Exclusive Learn More About the Affordable Space Adventures Soundtrack, Now Available for Free
Nicklas Nygren introduces the album
Affordable Space Adventures is, in this writer's opinion, one of the finest download-only titles on the Wii U eShop. It's a rare example in which the GamePad is used brilliantly, and as it's part of the current Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle there's no excuse for Wii U owners not to try it. Beyond its clever...
Nintendo Download 5th May (North America)
Pocket Card Jockey! Super Punch-Out!! PixelMaker! Discounts! More!
It's time for the North American Nintendo Download Update details, once again, and this week brings a relatively broad variety of games. The Wii U has a number of new releases vying for our attention, along with another DS Virtual Console title. The New 3DS gets a fun arrival on its...
News RCMADIAX Has Just Submitted A Mystery Wii U eShop Game To Nintendo
Such a tease
Prolific eShop developer RCMADIAX has revealed that it has just submitted an unannounced Wii U title to Nintendo of America for approval. The indie has confirmed that it will reveal more information on the game once approval has been granted. The studio's last Wii U eShop title - SUPER ROBO MOUSE - launched earlier this month, and it...
News Kick & Fennick Arrives on the Wii U eShop on June 2nd
Kicking and screaming
For the handful of you that own a PS Vita, you may remember Kick & Fennick. The action platformer made its debut on the troubled handheld in February 2015, and while the concept of it seemed interesting enough, it received mixed reviews. Kick & Fennick sees players take control of a young boy named Kick who rockets...
News PixelMaker is Getting Creative on North American Wii U Systems This Week
A budget tool for pixel art fans
PixelMaker arrived on the European Wii U eShop on 28th April, and now Nostatic Software has confirmed it's hitting the North American store this week on 5th May; it'll cost $2.99 in the US. Having previously brought us VoxelMaker, Nostatic now seems to be taking the same approach to producing pixel art. At a budget...
It’s time to take out the trash
Yes. You are reading the title correctly. This is the review for Epic Dumpster Bear. A Unity-made precision platformer with a hilarious twist. Created by Log Games Ltd. (creators of the Wii U puzzle game Puzzle Monkeys), Epic Dumpster Bear takes you through the tragic life of Dumpster Bear, an unsuspecting brown...
Video Check Out the Launch Trailer for Mini Mario & Friends amiibo Challenge
Time to dust off those amiibo
A few months back, it was announced that Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge would be arriving on both Wii U and 3DS. The sort-of sequel in the long-running Mario & Donkey Kong series aims to take a free-to-play approach to things, with the caveat that you need amiibo to unlock see everything the game has to...
News Three New Titles Have Been Added to the Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle
Two for Wii U, one for 3DS
The Humble Friends of Nintendo Bundle has enjoyed decent success so far, passing $1 million in money raised. It's now had the standard mid-bundle additions, adding three titles overall. Of the three new games two are for the Wii U eShop and one for the 3DS eShop - they are Runbow, Swords & Soldiers II and
Dot's all, folks!
Last year, Dot Arcade on the Wii U eShop simmered gameplay down into its simplest, retro arcade-like form and served it up with pizzazz. One of the three games available in that package has now busted out as Dodge Club Party, upping the number of players yet losing much of its flair in the process. Dodge Club Party operates very...
