WiiWare News
News Nintendo UK Launches New WiiWare Portal
See what you're missing out on
WiiWare, it's safe to say, hasn't had quite the impact some would have hoped. Its problems have been well-documented — not least on this site — but Nintendo UK is throwing more weight behind the service with a new online portal called We are WiiWare. Designed to showcase some of the best games and the teams...
Talking Point Should Nintendo Regularly Offer Free Games for Download?
Is continuing in Four Swords' footsteps the answer to the $0.99 download mentality?
As of last week, every DSiWare gamer can download The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition for free. This was originally a full retail title, now with added wireless connectivity, a new single-player mode and bonus levels. Compare that to Super Mario...
Nintendo Download 6th October 2011 (North America)
Bulging pockets
Following on from Baseball and Golf, the Game Boy sports trend continues with this week's Virtual Console release, while WiiWare gets some futuristic shooting action while DSiWare gets medical problems and minesweeping. The Nintendo Download: always varied. 3DS Virtual Console: Side Pocket (Game Boy, G-Mode, $2.99) — Europe...
Feature A Peek Behind the BIT.TRIP Curtain
Concept art and inspirational materials pulled straight from the Gaijin Games archives
Gaijin Games' BIT.TRIP series hits all the right notes for retro game enthusiasts over the course of its six games: Clever and varied design, formidable challenge, pregnant storytelling and an audio/visual style that quotes the days of the Atari 2600 without the...
News Survey - 58% of Indie Devs Say Nintendo Difficult to Deal With
Interesting statistics ahead
2D Boy is responsible for World of Goo, one of the best games WiiWare has to offer. The studio's Ron Carmel recently conducted a survey of around 200 independent developers, asking which formats the teams had supported and planned to continue working on in future. Sadly, Nintendo consoles sit right at the bottom. The...
Review escapeVektor: Chapter 1 (WiiWare)
Virtual world, real quality
After the delightful Pop (and its various offshoots), it seemed a bit like Nnooo was taking a break from game development. The studio released several applications through DSiWare, and while they were quite good, gamers might be forgiven for assuming that the company's future releases would gravitate more toward...
Nintendo Download 6th October 2011 (Europe)
Three to go
There's new content on 3DS Virtual Console, WiiWare and DSiWare this week, so let's get to it and see what's on the way. 3DS Virtual Console: Catrap (Game Boy, ASK, £2.60/€3) — You must restore Catboy and Catgirl to their normal forms — whatever that may be — by heading through a series of mind-bending puzzles. Not the most...
Review 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix (WiiWare)
101 reasons to avoid this
One hundred and one games. It's a tempting proposition isn't it? It's unlikely that as an average consumer you will play, let alone purchase, one hundred and one games in a whole year, so when Nordcurrent comes a-knockin' at your door and offers you exactly that many titles for the low, low price of 700 Points, you'd be...
Nintendo Download 29th September 2011 (North America)
Another trip to Super Mario Land
With yesterday's release of Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition you'd be forgiven for thinking there's nothing worth paying for today, but this certainly is not the case. 3DS Virtual Console: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (Game Boy, Nintendo, $3.99) — One of Mario's best portable outings, this...
Feature escapeVektor: Chapter 1 - An Insight Into its Development
See how it's done
Over the past three weeks you may have seen feature articles from developers Nnooo, telling you all you need to know about escapeVektor: Chapter 1. With the title set for its WiiWare launch on 29th September, Nnooo now round off their preview coverage with a behind the scenes look at the development of the title. Check it out...
Nintendo Download 29th September 2011 (Europe)
Mario and Zelda together
There's three titles out on the Nintendo Download in Europe this week, but it's certainly a case of quality titles available. Here's what's coming up on Thursday. 3DS Virtual Console: Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (Game Boy, Nintendo, £3.60/€4) — This classic portable outing is fondly remembered as one of Mario's...
Feature Become a True escapeVektor Expert
Escape with all the medals
It's time for the final part of our series of features from WiiWare developers Nnooo, telling you all you need to know about escapeVektor: Chapter 1. With the title due for release on 29th September, this is your last chance to pick up vital tips to help your escape. Read on to learn about Interceptors, achievements and...
Interview Object Vision Software - Aya and the Cubes of Light
We talk to the B2B software house turned game studio about its debut release
For over a decade, if you knew about Object Vision Software, it was likely because your business needed custom, or bespoke, software or consultation. Now the B2B firm has stepped into the world of video game development with the innovative WiiWare puzzler Aya and the Cubes...
Nintendo Download 22nd September 2011 (North America)
Twinbee, cubes and a ninja
This week's North American download releases once again cover all three of Nintendo's platforms, though fans anticipating a particular release may feel that the titles on offer don't quite cut it. Read on for details. 3DS eShop: 3D Classics: TwinBee (Nintendo, $4.99) — The 3D Classics series continues with another...
Nintendo Download 22nd September 2011 (Europe)
TwinBee rides again
Wii owners aren't tremendously well catered-for this week but 3DS owners get to play a new 3D Classic, so as usual it's easy come, easy go here at the Nintendo Download. Let's see what lucky Europeans will get to pick up on Thursday. 3DS eShop: 3D Classics: TwinBee (Nintendo, €5/£4.50) — The 3D Classics range continues to...
In pole position
If there's one letter of the alphabet that, when included at the end of a title should instantly tell you not to buy that game, it's the letter “z”. The quality of a product with a name that has the linguistic audacity to inappropriately replace the sensual sweeps of a sexily shaped "s", is for the most part awful:...
Feature Unlocking the Secrets of escapeVektor: Chapter 1
Learn more about Vektor
Last week we brought you the first in a series of three features from WiiWare developers Nnooo, introducing escapeVektor: Chapter 1. In this latest instalment, Nnooo tell us about another enemy type, as well as details on the secrets and achievements to be uncovered in the title. Anti-Hunter tactics, exits to hidden areas and...
A blast, easel-y
Painting is a lot of fun, and as it happens, it's even more fun with a group. Why it's taken so long for a game studio to realise this is beyond us – and it was beyond the man behind Paint Splash and father of three, Uffe Flarup, as well. That's why he created Kidspaint, a homebrew application that let families everywhere enjoy...
Nintendo Download 15th September 2011 (North America)
Mega Heroz this week
Details of this week's North American downloads are sure to please, with a variety of titles on all formats. Without further ado, check below for details. 3DS Virtual Console: Mega Man: Dr Wily's Revenge (Game Boy, Capcom, $3.99) — Mega Man's first adventure on the Game Boy gets the 3DS Virtual Console treatment. Our review...
Nintendo Download 15th September 2011 (Europe)
Fab four this week
Whatever your Nintendo console of choice, this week's Europe update has you covered. If you happen to own a Wii and 3DS, then it may be time to pick up some more Nintendo Points and eShop funds. 3DS Virtual Console: Mega Man: Dr Wily's Revenge (Game Boy, Capcom, €4/£3.60) - Mega Man's first adventure on the Game Boy gets the...
Podcast NLFM Episode 20: It's Alive!
Thanks for hanging on to those RSS feeds
Had you going there for a while, didn't we? Weekly. Ha! Sorry for the absence, fearless listeners, but Nintendo Life's chip and game music podcast NLFM is back on track after a too-long hiatus. And boy do we have some doozies for your ears! 1. Shiryu — The Goddamn Batman (Shiryu’s Arcade vol. 4)2. Yoko...
First Impressions MotoHeroz (WiiWare)
We take the Trials-style game for a quick spin
It's always tough to tell what you're going to get when developers decide to combine two separate genres into one new gaming experience. Sometimes it works and offers up something fresh and unique, whereas other times it can be a complete and utter disaster. With their upcoming WiiWare release...
News Horizon Riders to Shoot Up NA WiiWare on 6th October
Sabarasa's rail shooter gets a release date
It's been over a year since we've heard anything about WiiWare rail shooter Horizon Riders, but we've just uncovered a North American date of 6th October via its official page on Nintendo.com. You can learn more about the game, which earlier was confirmed to support the Balance Board and Wii Zapper...
Feature Introducing escapeVektor: Chapter 1
Can you help Vektor escape?
We're happy to bring you the first in a series of three features from WiiWare developers Nnooo, introducing escapeVektor: Chapter 1. The developer's latest title following the excellent Pop, escapeVektor: Chapter 1 promises a retro arcade experience. Read on to learn more. Avoiding Patrols, Electric Fences & Cannons!...
Nintendo Download 8th September 2011 (North America)
Another mixed bag
You know the drill by now: today's Nintendo Download spans the good, the not-so-good and the downright baffling. Here's what's available for you today. 3DS Virtual Console: Golf (Game Boy, Nintendo, $2.99) — Take to the links in this simple take on a good walk spoiled. Whether it's a better golf game than free Ambassador game NES...
Review Trenches Generals (WiiWare)
Fun with guns or suicide mission?
The blood. The smoke. The little exploding cartoon men. War is Hell. Recreating the feel of battle with a cartoony spin is Trenches Generals, the latest spin on the tower defence subgenre, updated from the recent iOS version for WiiWare with updated AI, levelling-up system, content and more. But is this an explosive...
News Exclusive Screenshots of Miis Playing Soccer Up
!
There's some strange sports on WiiWare — Target Toss Pro: Lawn Darts and Zoo Disc Golf, take a bow — but in all the years of the service we can't come up with one decent football (or "soccer") game. Could that game be Soccer Up!? We don't know, but we have some exclusive screenshots of Mii characters in action. That'll have to do...
News MotoHeroz Races to North America on 15th September
Points at the ready
RedLynx's WiiWare racing-platform lovechild MotoHeroz will finally make it to the podium next week, with a confirmed North American and European release date of 15th September. It'll set you back a pretty penny though, costing 1500 Wii Points, putting it amongst the most expensive games on the service. As our exclusive Feature:...
Nintendo Download 8th September 2011 (Europe)
Two to tango
Most kids have gone back to school, so perhaps that's why this week's Nintendo Download is so slim, to minimise distractions from the very serious studying going on. Or there's simply nothing good to release this week and any proximity to children returning to full-time education is merely coincidental. Whichever it is, here's your two...
Nintendo Download 1st September 2011 (North America)
NES, DSiWare and WiiWare
By now you've probably downloaded the 10 free NES Ambassador games for 3DS but if there's still currency burning a hole in your pocket help is at hand. Here's what's vying for your virtual funds this week. WiiWare: Trenches Generals (Fishing Cactus, 700pts) — This is a strategy war game that some recognise from an earlier...
News escapeVektor Zig-Zags Worldwide on 29th September
Nnooo's latest gets dated
escapeVektor: Chapter 1 is heading towards a worldwide launch later this month, as developer Nnooo has announced it's due on 29th September. The retro-themed shooter/puzzler will cost just 500 Nintendo Points when it lands on WiiWare in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand at the end of the month. We played it...
Review Aya and the Cubes of Light (WiiWare)
A game with gravity
If there's one system on the landscape of modern gaming that has an abundance of quality 2D platformers with a novel twist, it's the Wii. Kirby's Epic Yarn, And Yet It Moves, Donkey Kong Country Returns, New Super Mario Bros. Wii – all superb side-scrollers that mix the classic play mechanic of precision movement in an...
Nintendo Download 25th August 2011 (North America)
Watched over by the Gargoyle
This week in the Nintendo Download there's something new available for almost every downloadable platform, with 3DSWare the only thing missing out. There's even a WiiWare demo, so without any further hesitation let's bring you the rundown. 3DS Virtual Console: Gargoyle's Quest (Game Boy, Capcom, $3.99) — Play as...
News Japan Gets Cool Zelda-Themed Prepaid Cards
Grab the Skyward Sword
Over in Japan, Nintendo releases all kinds of themed cards for its digital stores, from Mario and Link eShop cards to a new range of Zelda 25th Anniversary eShop cards. The cards each focus on a different game, from Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time to the latest design promoting Skyward Sword. Each costs 1,000 Yen. There's a...
News Sonic 4: Episode II Not Due Until 2012
Will it still hit WiiWare?
Sonic Team head Takashi Iizuka has revealed that the follow-up to 2010 platformer Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 won't launch until 2012 at the earliest. Iizuka cited the anniversary celebrations surrounding Sonic Generations as one of the reasons we won't see the 2D game until next year: This year, 2011, is the...
Review Flight Control (WiiWare)
Near miss
The secret of Flight Control's incredible success on iOS devices was that it was perfectly suited to the platform it launched on. It very simply transposed the immediacy of direct touch controls that iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch benefit from within a game that is superficially nothing more than drawing lines on a screen. Yet the key phrase...
Nintendo Download 25th August 2011 (Europe)
Three new titles
A trio of games round out August in Europe, with something on DSiWare, WiiWare and the 3DS Virtual Console as the Wii's Virtual Console drought continues. Here's what's dropping in this week. 3DS Virtual Console: Gargoyle's Quest (Game Boy, Capcom, €4/£3.60) — The ugly gargoyle appears on Virtual Console in this 2D adventure...
Interview Microforum - Kyotokei and the Future of the eShop
We take the new horizontal shmup head-on
We love when something a little out of the ordinary pops up on WiiWare, and one such game is Kyotokei, an original horizontal shoot-em-up that recently launched in North America and garnered an impressive 7/10 in our Kyotokei review. Our own Corbie Dillard and Zach Kaplan sat down with Giovanni Simotti, CTO...
Interview Firemint - Flight Control (WiiWare)
We talk about the newest iteration of the up-and-coming developer's popular IP
After conquering the iOS, DSiWare and even PlayStation Move platforms, Firemint's addictive air traffic control-based Flight Control is landing today on WiiWare in Europe and North America. We sat down with Writer and Media Liaison Logan Booker to talk about the...
Nintendo Download 18th August 2011 (North America)
Fighting in the streets
It's that time of the week again: the Nintendo Download is upon us, bestowing a bounty of digital deliciousness, or leaving a sour taste in your mouth. You decide. Here's what's on offer and vying for your currency today. 3DS eShop: 3D Classics: Urban Champion (Nintendo, $4.99) — The NES 'classic' is reborn in a third...
News Square Up to Aya and the Cubes of Light on 25th August
For 1000 Points
Update: Nintendo has now changed the release date to "To Be Confirmed". We'll have more news as it arrives. It's been a long road to release for Aya and the Cubes of Light: originally set for distribution last year, developer Object Vision delayed the game to respond to feedback from its audience. Now the company is ready...
Nintendo Download 18th August 2011 (Europe)
Stretching the word "classic"
Europe gets its third 3D Classic this week, letting console owners indulge in a little three-dimensional fighting in the street. Elsewhere there's a bit of air traffic control, some Asian farming and extreme off-roading. Come with us, but look out for any manholes. 3DS eShop: 3D Classics: Urban Champion (Nintendo, €5)...
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
Horizontal shoot 'em ups have become quite scarce in recent years, even on the WiiWare and DSiware services, so when one does pop up from time to time, fans of the genre tend to sit up and take notice. With Kyotokei, Microforum have crafted a fairly basic shoot 'em up that borrows heavily from such classic...
Nintendo Download 11th August 2011 (North America)
New content on all platforms
Is it Thursday already? With all the excitement around the 3DS price drop — happening tomorrow, remember — this is a crucial week for 3DS, and things just got even more exciting as it's Nintendo Download time. This week we've got a little bit of something for everyone, so let's dive in and see what there is. Virtual...
Review Monochrome Racing (WiiWare)
Unintelligent design
One of the best modes in the Micro Machines games was undoubtedly “Head-To-Head”, in which the goal was to reach the furthest edge of the screen while pushing an opponent to the opposite side. The balance of risk and reward resulted in a nail biting play experience where one mistake would cost you dearly, the most talented...
News Nigoro Wants Your Input on a La-Mulana Soundtrack Release
You get to decide what it should have
If you've been keeping an eye on the La-Mulana blog, you should be aware that Nigoro is very much in touch with its fans. When the game was still in development, the team asked its fanbase about music, potential censoring and many other things. With a USK rating in tow and a final lotcheck all that remains, the...
Nintendo Download 4th August 2011 (North America)
It's Mario's Picross time!
Get out the chisel and get on the grid as the original portable Picross comes to 3DS Virtual Console, alongside some Spanish, black-and-white rubber-burning and plenty more. 3DS Virtual Console: Mario's Picross (Game Boy, Nintendo, $3.99) — The classic picture crossword game makes its way across the pond after its 14th...
Review Burn the Rope (WiiWare)
A game that'll rope you in
Step one: create a simple, fun and addictive activity. Step two: throw in an interesting twist. Step three: build on that foundation with something that adds variation and challenge while channelling the essence of what makes it fun. These are the steps to making a great puzzle game, and it's that first task at which many...
Review Successfully Learning German: Year 5 (WiiWare)
Erledigt
The final outing for the Successfully Learning German WiiWare series is now among us and it's business as usual for the Tivola-developed edutainment tool. As with earlier entries, Year 5 makes no attempts to actively teach participants anything new, instead providing interactive exercises for students of a particular level to practice the...
Review Bobby Carrot Forever (WiiWare)
At last
Few titles have successfully combined the puzzler and adventure genres like Chip's Challenge and its ilk. Bobby Carrot Forever is one such derivative, removing the Sokoban-influenced box-pushing and building on a foundation of collectible items and manually-set traps. But is it good enough to make you hop or would Bobby have been better off...
Nintendo Download 4th August 2011 (Europe)
Wakka wakka wakka
The maze craze comes to 3DS with the world's most famous yellow pill-muncher landing on Virtual Console this week. Elsewhere there's a catch-up on DSiWare and a new WiiWare game, though sadly Wii Virtual Console is left lacking again. 3DS Virtual Console: Pac-Man (Game Boy, Nintendo, £3.60/€4) — The ever-hungry blob is back...
Your own personal mixing board
Although the music/rhythm genre has fizzled a bit recently, we are still seeing a few releases here and there. And while Just JAM is nowhere nearly as deep or engaging as a Guitar Hero or Rock Band title, it does put quite a bit of musical direction in the palm of your hands via the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, but with a...
Nintendo Download 28th July 2011 (Europe)
Go on, let's golf
After a long wait we finally have the first new game to buy in Nintendo's 3DS software (download) category, as well as plenty of other downloadable content too. Let's see what's coming to Europe this week. 3DS eShop: Let's Golf! 3D (Gameloft, €6 / £5.40) — This isn't the first tee-off for Gameloft's sporting series, as we've...
Nintendo Download 28th July 2011 (North America)
Farming, shrines and more
In all the excitement about 3DS price drops and free download games, don't forget your old friend the Nintendo Download. Here's what's available in North America later today. 3DS eShop: Let's Golf! 3D (Gameloft, $6.99) — The eShop's first properly new downloadable game, Gameloft's golfing game features six courses, eight...
News Just Why Is La-Mulana Taking So Long?
Explained inside
La-Mulana on WiiWare: it's not a myth, it's a real thing. Despite believing the game would be out months — if not years — ago, we're still waiting on the adventure game here, even with its recent appearance in Japan. What's the hold up? It seems the game has fallen foul of the ratings boards here in the West, according to the...
News Points Burning a Hole in Your Pocket? Try Burn the Rope
WiiWare's next hot title?
Burn the Rope is coming to WiiWare in North America on Thursday with a price tag that's sure to ignite debate. The WiiWare version of the popular iOS puzzler arrives on Thursday with a price of 1,000 Nintendo Points. The same game on iTunes will run you around $0.99, with extra levels available to download for more money of...
News Two More WiiWare Compilations from Nordcurrent
Good news if you like arcade and party games
Nordcurrent has just been in touch to let us know it has another two WiiWare releases lined up. Firstly is the continuation of the 101-in-1 series with 101-in-1 Explosive Megamix. A collection of mini-games that was released on the DS back in 2009, Nordcurrent will be serving it up again, this time for...
Where can Wii go from here?
Let's not beat around the bush here: WiiWare hasn't been a runaway success. Many Wii owners are unaware the service exists, what it offers and why they would want to use it, and those console owners who are familiar with the Wii Shop Channel are just as conscious of its myriad problems: poor content, dull presentation and...
News Check Out the First Just JAM DLC in These Trailers
100 Points a pop
Just JAM, the music-based WiiWare game from Big John and Zivix Interactive, released earlier this month, and now the first two batches of downloadable content have gone live. You can preview the first selection in the trailer below, which includes Soar by Roster McCabe, Shadow Godz by The Alpha Centauri and Let's Dance To This by...
If you like difficult levels, it's for you
The game has still not been released in Europe and North America, but details of the upcoming DLC for La-Mulana have now been revealed. Downloading the 300 Nintendo Point package will unlock a boss rush mode, which comes with a timer so you can try to beat your best times on it. But any La-Mulana veterans...
Nintendo Download 21st July 2011 (North America)
Nintendo Video arrives!
After last week's excitement with the Netflix application coming to 3DS, now everyone gets a taste of free 3D video with the Nintendo Video application to download from the eShop. Elsewhere there's a 3D Classic, some DSiWare and a WiiWare title too. 3DS eShop: 3D Classics: Xevious (Nintendo, $5.99) — The second...
News GameCube to See New Downloadable Life on Wii U
WiiWare just got more interesting
Many have wondered whether the Wii U will include a Virtual Console service updated with GameCube games, and now NOA executive Amber McCollom has revealed that the answer is yes – through WiiWare. In an interview with NintendoGal, she is quoted as saying: GameCube discs will not be compatible with Wii U, but a...
Review Successfully Learning German: Year 4 (WiiWare)
A dezent learning tool
As the overall level of education across the world rises, the pool of talented young people becomes much deeper, wider and more competitive. Consequently we've seen a general increase in home tutors, after school classes and educational software. Of this latter method of out-of-school learning, very few have the capacity to...
Review 3D Pixel Racing (WiiWare)
Even the pixels can't save this one
Long-time gamers have a unique love affair with the pixelated visual style of yesteryear, so it comes as no real surprise to see developers like Silicon Studio, creators of PlayStation 3 game 3D Dot Game Heroes, have success melding the nostalgic look of pixelated sprites with the modern visual capabilities of...
Nintendo Download 14th July 2011 (Europe)
Will you pick up Picross?
North America is revelling in a delight of digital downloads today, but let's see what European Nintendo fans can spend those funds on this week. 3DS Virtual Console: Mario's Picross (Game Boy, Nintendo, £3.60/€4) — Mario's first foray into the world of picture crosswords, this is developed by Jupiter, the team behind...
Nintendo Download 14th July 2011 (North America)
Pixels and Netflix!
3DS gets its first "proper" downloadable application today in the very red form of Netflix. If you want something just a bit more interactive, there's plenty of new games to download too, as you'll read in the beautifully formatted list below. 3DS eShop: Netflix (free) — The streaming video app comes to 3DS, and is...
Review ANIMA: Ark of Sinners (WiiWare)
Time to repent
Recent history in the WiiWare platform hasn’t seen an over-abundance of must-have, exciting releases. There is little surprise, then, that the release of ANIMA: Ark of Sinners was met with some optimism. With trailers giving an impression of an old-school Castlevania style of gameplay, a lot of gamers’ interests were piqued. The...
News Retro Roads Never Looked Better Than 3D Pixel Racing
Blocks are best
If we said "here's a cool-looking racing game from the creators of Enjoy Your Massage!" you'd probably close your browser and race to scrub your eyes clean of those three hideous words linked to one of WiiWare's worst-ever games. Don't do that, though — 3D Pixel Racing actually looks kind of cool. Boasting a graphical...
News Bobby Carrot Forever Finally Ready for Release Next Week
Something to chew on
Bobby Carrot Forever has been in development a long, long time: our news coverage dates back to December 2008, but after years of toiling FDG Entertainment's leporine hero is finally ready for action. On 21st July the game will hit the Wii Shop Channel for 800 Points, a pretty reasonable asking price for a 15 hour game with 72...
Review Big Town Shoot Out (WiiWare)
John Marston died in vain
You're stuck in traffic on a rainy day. Positioning yourself between the cars ahead and behind you, avoiding collision with the merging vehicles, occasionally reading street signs; these things don't require skill so much as a sort of passive awareness. It's not your first time in traffic. You know the drill. It's a test...
Nintendo Download 7th July 2011 (North America)
A strong week?
Another one-two punch of 3DS Virtual Console games this week, as well as a mixed bag of DSiWare and a little musical entertainment on WiiWare. Let's do this. 3DS Virtual Console: Fortified Zone (Jaleco, Game Boy, $2.99) — Guide a male and female soldier through the fortified zone in this top-down shooter. It may not be the most...
Nintendo Download 7th July 2011 (Europe)
A double 3DS delight
Frustrated that Japan is getting all the 3DS Virtual Console games before Europe? The comeback starts here, with two games released on the portable's download retro service this week, as well as a pair of DSiWare games and even a WiiWare adventure too. Read on. 3DS Virtual Console: Fortified Zone (Jaleco, €3/£2.70) — A spot...
Review Successfully Learning German: Year 3 (WiiWare)
Hier gehen wir wieder
By now you probably have a fairly good grasp on whether or not Tivola's array of educational games is for you, and Successfully Learning German: Year 3 does absolutely nothing to change the series template. If you're still desperately grappling with the language then this second instalment of Wii-based linguistic training might...
Nintendo Download 30th June 2011 (North America)
This doesn't suck
Long-awaited Virtual Console games are where it's at today, with Wii and 3DS both receiving quality titles just in time for July. Wii Virtual Console: Final Fantasy III (Super NES, 800pts) — The wait is finally over as another 16-bit Square epic reaches Virtual Console in North America. Check out our Final Fantasy III review to...
Nintendo Download 30th June 2011 (Europe)
A dreamy download
This week it's fairies, vampires and dreams on the European Nintendo Download, including the first outing of a famous and beloved mascot from the Big N. What games are you dreaming of downloading? 3DS Virtual Console: Kirby's Dream Land (Game Boy, UK: £3.60, EU: €4) — Kirby floats onto the 3DS with his first dreamy adventure,...
Features The Game Modes of MotoHeroz
Wrapping it up
Over the past months we've brought you exclusive articles from Finnish developer RedLynx, detailing the world, characters, power-ups and vehicles on offer in the WiiWare game. Now we have the most important and final part in the series, explaining exactly how yo
News Big John Games to Just JAM on NA WiiWare Next Month
Jam out to these screen shots and trailer
On 7th July, Big John Games is set to release a new WiiWare music program called Just JAM in North America for 800 Points. The press release, trailer and screen shots below show off the title's live, in-performance take on aural interactivity, with experience points, downloadable content and "millions...
News Ark of Sinners Scheduled for Release Next Month
More jumping action for WiiWare
Since Anima Game Studio's Ark of Sinners announcement last November, we haven't heard much on the 2.5D side-scrolling platformer. A recent report by Revogamers has put an end to that quiet spell as the publication has revealed the game will be released some time in July. The main character in Ark of Sinners is a young...
Not quite worth its salt
It's a fact: the postal service in is at a crossroads. In many regions, it can't even stay afloat. Email has replaced letter writing, bills are paid online, and even physical packages are being trusted more and more frequently to privately-owned couriers. So how can the postal service become profitable again? By raising...
News Telltale has "No Plans" for Puzzle Agent on WiiWare
Another mystery solved
Telltale Games has really dialled down its WiiWare support in recent times: last October we revealed Back to the Future was not coming to Wii and now Puzzle Agent: Nelson Tethers is the latest casualty. Cubed3 contacted Telltale, whose community manager Alan Johnson had this to say: We're always looking to get our titles on...
Nintendo Download 23rd June 2011 (Europe)
No Sonic in sight
Tomorrow marks the 20th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, but Europe's not getting into the spiky spirit in the eShop at least. Nintendo has just sent over the list of games you can expect to play form this weekend, so let's see what lucky European guys and girls can download. 3DS Virtual Console: Double Dragon (Game Boy, €3)...
Nintendo Download 23rd June 2011 (North America)
Anyone for Tennis?
Over in little old London, the Wimbledon Championships are ongoing, so Nintendo is looking to capitalise on it with its 3DS Virtual Console release this week. Let's see what else is available. 3DS Virtual Console: Tennis (Game Boy, $2.99) — A simplistic but moderately enjoyable portable rendition of the sport, this should tide...
Review Successfully Learning German: Year 2 (WiiWare)
Nicht so toll
Tivola's continued attempts to teach the world basic mathematic and linguistic skills continues apace with Successfully Learning German: Year 2, marking another appearance from vampire Freddie, the world's least qualified teaching assistant. If you've played a previous Successfully Learning game you'll know what to expect, but if not...
News Looks Like There's No Sale on Sonic Games This Week
Hardly the birthday gift he wanted
Thursday marks the 20th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, but it looks like Virtual Console owners won't be able to grab a cheaper piece of gaming history. SEGA's announced that it will be reducing prices on the hedgehog's games on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network to celebrate his birthday, but there's no...
News Remember, the Nintendo Download is On Thursdays Now
Nothing out today
Those of you tuning into Nintendo Life expecting to find out what's available to download in North America today may be confused, but not to worry, we haven't given up — as of last week, the Nintendo Download has moved to Thursdays. While it was initially believed that press releases would be available on Monday to prepare for...
Nintendo Download 16th June 2011 (Europe)
What's new today?
The European Nintendo Download is now live too, so let's see what's ready and waiting for you right now. 3DS Virtual Console: Donkey Kong (Game Boy, UK: £3.60, EU: €4) — The classic story of a gorilla and a plumber retold once again in this Virtual Console revisitation of the game also known as Donkey Kong '94. Expect our...
Nintendo Download 16th June 2011 (North America)
Roll up, roll up!
Now the 3DS eShop is available, all Nintendo's downloadable store fronts will be updated on Thursdays. That means WiiWare, DSiWare and 3DS software will all go live on Thursday, with press releases on the same day. We now have a full list of what's available today. Wii Virtual Console: Mega Man 5 (Capcom, NES, 500pts) — The Blue...
News Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Due "In the Near Future"
Hedgehog still alive
With all the excitement around Sonic Generations and the blue hedgehog's upcoming 20th anniversary — that's 23rd June, of course — many players are wondering what will happen to the second instalment in SEGA's downloadable reimagining of the hedgehog's adventures. Last year's Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode I came and went in...
First Impressions Aya and the Cubes of Light
It'll make your head spin
There may not be the huge numbers of incoming WiiWare titles we've seen in the past, but we'll take quality over quantity any day. One of the more interesting titles coming to WiiWare is Object Vision's Aya and the Cubes of Light, a puzzle platformer that's quite unlike anything on the service so far. As you might expect,...
Nintendo Download 6th June 2011 (North America)
Picture dungeons and puzzles abound
The pre-E3 Nintendo Download is here, and there's not much to crow about for Nintendo's existing downloadable offerings; a handful of titles on DSiWare and a single WiiWare game are here to tide you over until the 3DS eShop update hits in the next 24 hours. WiiWare: Ubongo (Korner Entertainment, 800pts) — A...
Nintendo Download 3rd June 2011 (Europe)
Yard sales, restaurants and rocks
Not many surprises today, with just one new WiiWare game two DSiWare titles. There's no Virtual Console game, perhaps because we got one two weeks in a row a while back? Here's what you can grab this week. WiiWare: Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville (Konami, 500pts) — Another hidden object puzzle game, it's...
Review FAST - Racing League (WiiWare)
FAST and furious
It's been a long time since the last F-Zero game. The last one to make its way to the West, F-Zero GP Legend, was released outside Japan in 2003, and we haven't heard a word from the series since, other than its character inclusions in Super Smash Bros. Brawl. While we wait for Nintendo to finally announce something, we're more...
News La-Mulana Hits Japan On 21st June
Western release dates to be revealed soon!
It's been a while since we had any news related to Nicalis and Nigoro's La-Mulana, but the silence is broken today with the first release date for the game, and it's sooner than you might think. Japan will be getting the game on the 21st of June, which is in just a few weeks. The developers also state that...
News Mario and Link Make eShop Cards Look Good
Is this to trick us into buying more?
With the worldwide 3DS system update just around the corner, Nintendo still hasn't officially announced what the new prepaid cards will look like, and as Japanese gamers start snapping theirs up, we can't help but think: "The eShop Cards in Japan look cool!" In revamping its virtual currency system,...
Nintendo Download 30th May 2011 (North America)
Leagues, islands, houses, valets and B-teams
All being well, next week we'll be able to access the 3DS eShop, hopefully creating an upsurge in the number of interesting handheld titles to download. Here's what's on the way this week for all you North American Nintendo Points-lovers. WiiWare: FAST — Racing League (Shin'en Multimedia, 1000pts) —...
Say it ain't flow
Overflow is possibly the most frustrating game you'll play all year. You'll be frustrated at the countless times you'll fail a level for reasons you don't even understand; you'll be frustrated at the finicky pointer controls that you're forced to use; you'll be frustrated at the camera, which doesn't always scroll up and down as...
Nintendo Download 27th May 2011 (Europe)
Let's go FAST
The wait for F-Zero to hit Wii may be never-ending, but the next best thing is about to arrive in the shiny ship shape of Shin'en's latest WiiWare outing. Elsewhere there's intergalactic planetary action and more English words with an education-loving vampire. Only on the Nintendo Download. WiiWare: FAST - Racing League (Shin'en...
Nintendo Download 23rd May 2011 (North America)
Puzzles, bullets, objects and liquids
DSiWare has a lot of puzzle games, but today sees the launch of one of the Kings of the genre: Puzzle Quest comes to DSiWare, alongside a retro shooter and an object-twisting game. DSiWare: Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords (1st Playable Productions, 800pts) — Interestingly, this game is already...
Review Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove: Monster Mix (WiiWare)
Don't give up the ghost
Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove: Monster Mix. You really only have to read the title to figure out who the intended audience is for this game: younger gamers. Kids. And that's not intended to be a jab, by the way; gamers often use the “kids’ game” moniker as a way of implying shallow game design, but that's not an entirely...
News Wii Shop Channel Now Accepting eShop Cards
Interesting happenings afoot
You may remember Nintendo revealing that Nintendo Points will be useless on the 3DS, with a new cash-based currency system coming into effect for the console's eShop. It now appears, however, that Nintendo is going for a total rebrand of its currencies, with the European Wii Shop Channel now accepting eCards. The video...
