WiiWare News
First Impressions FAST - Racing League
Taking Shin'en's latest for a spin
Plenty of Nintendo fan ire has been drawn by the lack of an F-Zero game for the Wii, and with Wipeout exclusive to Sony consoles there's a huge gap in the market for sleek-looking futuristic racers. WiiWare developer Shin'en Multimedia is hoping to fill that with its upcoming WiiWare title FAST – Racing League,...
Features The Vehicles of MotoHeroz
Get behind the wheel
Continuing our exclusive look at upcoming WiiWare physics-racer MotoHeroz from Trials HD developer RedLynx, we have a look at the cars you'll be racing around in when the game launches on WiiWare this summer. Be sure to read our previous articles: The World of MotoHeroz, The Characters of MotoHeroz and
News Aya and the Cubes of Light Speeds Towards Launch
Developer cranks up the pace
Last August, developer Object Vision Software showed off Aya and the Cubes of Light for WiiWare, but the initial video drew many to comment on the game's slow pace. To its credit, the team decided to increase the game's speed, with the fruits of its labour now visible. The video below shows Aya's quicker movement speed,...
News RedLynx Talks 3DS and Future WiiWare Development
Ooh, the possibilities...
With its upcoming WiiWare racer MotoHeroz set for release this summer, Finnish developer RedLynx touches on possible 3DS development and the likelihood of making more WiiWare games. In an interview conducted by Wiiloveit, various RedLynx staff members spoke about the development of racing game / platformer MotoHeroz, but it...
Nintendo Download 16th May 2011 (North America)
The long-awaited Chrono Trigger is finally here!
The wait may have seemed like an eternity for RPG fans, but Square's Chrono Trigger, considered by many gamers to be one of the finest role-playing offerings in video game history, has finally arrived on Nintendo's Virtual Console service. The world can now start spinning again. WiiWare: Gabrielle's...
Maniacal. Deadly. Killer.
If we had to sum up Interplay's MDK2 in one word, we would choose "old-school." With a silly sense of humour, unforgiving difficulty and enough bullets to take down a small country — or in this case, alien invasion — MDK2 is a "game for gamers" through and through. And while it shows its age a...
Review Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey 3 (WiiWare)
The final chapter
Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey 3 is the last part of retail game Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey, and follows the same pattern as predecessors Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey 1 and Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey 2. If you haven't played one of the previous games there's no need to worry, as this version is entirely...
Nintendo Download 13th May 2011 (Europe)
Adventure returns to the island
There's only one game headline-worthy this week: the long-awaited return of Master Higgins on Virtual Console, with two titles for DSiWare and a blank on WiiWare. Here's the line-up: Virtual Console: Super Adventure Island (Super NES, 800pts) — Unofficial Hudson mascot Mr Higgins returns in the first Super NES entry...
News Egypt: Engineering an Empire Taking Over WiiWare and DSiWare
Two more strategy games headed to Nintendo's digital stores
Originally announced for the DS, Egypt: Engineering an Empire will now be launching on two different platforms. Based on a documentary from The History Channel of the same name, Egypt: Engineering an Empire is a turn-based strategy game from Bloober Team and is already available on iOS...
News Start Your Engines for FAST - Racing League's Release Date
Europe first past the post
Shin'en's past WiiWare output has been pretty solid — both Art of Balance and Jett Rocket sit near the top of their genres — so hopes are high that upcoming racer FAST — Racing League can continue the studio's hot streak. The developer has just been in touch to let us know the game's European release date is locked...
Nintendo Download 9th May 2011 (North America)
Mighty Milky Way and MDK 2 mark a good week
Certainly one of the stronger Nintendo Downloads in recent memory, today sees a new DSiWare game from Shantae: Risky's Revenge creators WayForward on the same day a well-respected classic hits WiiWare. WiiWare: MDK 2 (Interplay, 1000pts) — Here are some words you don't often see in the Nintendo Download:...
Features The Power-Ups of MotoHeroz
Sounds like a blast
MotoHeroz is a WiiWare game being created by Trials HD developer RedLynx, of Helsinki, Finland. We've teamed up with the Finnish developer to bring you a series of exclusive articles, starting with The World of MotoHeroz and The Characters of MotoHeroz. The Power-Ups of MotoHeroz: What's a fun arcade racing game without powe
Nintendo Download 6th May 2011 (Europe)
Plants, pirates and pianos
Puzzle fans are typically well catered-for in this week's update, so let's get down and see what's available tomorrow. DSiWare: Plants vs. Zombies (PopCap Games, 800pts) — Essentially a cut-down version of the recent retail release, this is still brimming with horticultural strategy and is well worth your 800 Points...
Nintendo Download 2nd May 2011 (North America)
Rival Turf! Hair cuts! BINGO!
The Nintendo Download continues its merry path this week with releases on all formats, though only one genuinely new game in the form of DSiWare's pirate puzzler Ikibago. Read on and see what's in store this week. Virtual Console: Rival Turf! (Jaleco, Super NES, 800pts) — A relic from the days when scrolling beat 'em...
Review Word Searcher Deluxe (WiiWare)
Word down
It's hard not to question the practicality of a game like Word Searcher Deluxe. Word search books are almost literally a dime a dozen these days, and even the cheap-o books are becoming a little unnecessary considering the number of free options there are on the Internet and mobile app stores. As if that wasn't enough, Digital Leisure...
News 3DS Console and WiiWare Games On Offer in Abylight Contest
Will you be the lucky one?
If you didn't win our 3DS giveaway you might want to take a look at Spanish developer Abylight's website on Monday. In a contest to promote the studio's WiiWare game Fish'em All, Abylight will be giving the game away to 150 people between Monday and 27th May. One of those players will be chosen at random to win a Nintendo...
Features The Characters of MotoHeroz
Meet the racers
In anticipation of MotoHeroz's June 2011 release on WiiWare, we've teamed up with Trials HD developer RedLynx to bring you a series of exclusive articles. Last week we brought you The World of MotoHeroz, and now it's time to meet its inhabitants. The Characters of MotoHeroz: There are four characters in the story of MotoHeroz, and...
They should keep it in the Congo
Ubongo is a board game popular in continental Europe, but its video game counterpart doesn't hit the target. The mechanics of the game are simple: up to four players play simultaneously, each with their own "plate", which is a shape that must be completely covered with Tetromino-like objects; imagine Tetris...
Interview MonkeyPaw Games - BurgerTime World Tour
Developer talks classic arcade update
With the upcoming release of Burgertime World Tour on the WiiWare service, we thought now might be a good time to get in touch with MonkeyPaw Games and attempt to gain some new information on the title. John Greiner, president of MonkeyPaw Games, was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to sit down...
Nintendo Download 25th April 2011 (North America)
DSiWare gets the lion's share
Put the excitement about the new Nintendo console out of your mind for a while and enjoy the Monday tradition that is the Nintendo Download. Most of the focus is on DSiWare this week, with one title on WiiWare and no Virtual Console outing due to the release of Mega Man X last week. DSiWare: Inchworm Animation (Flat...
First Impressions BurgerTime HD - MonkeyPaw Games
Time to build some burgers!
If you spent any significant amount of time at arcades during the early 80's, chances are you played BurgerTime at one point. While not as blisteringly popular as Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, the game did gain quite a following and even became a staple in many grocery stores. We've seen quite a few of these classic 80's arcade...
Features The World of MotoHeroz
Part one of our exclusive series
MotoHeroz is a new WiiWare game from Finnish developer RedLynx, developers of the highly acclaimed Xbox Live Arcade hit Trials HD. According to RedLynx: The game takes the fun, fast gameplay of physics-based racers, adds it to a frantic rally race, and delivers a fresh new kind of side-scrolling, platform racing...
Review Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey 2 (WiiWare)
Spot the difference
Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey 2 is the second slice of the stripey one's retail appearance, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise to you that it follows the exact same template as previous release Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey 1. Sadly, you can't carry your profile over from the first game, though it wouldn't make much...
Nintendo Download 22nd April 2011 (Europe)
Is it a good Friday?
It's certainly a quiet Friday, with one new title for WiiWare and a pair for DSiWare. Read on to find out what's vying to take your Nintendo Points away from you this week. WiiWare: Ubongo (Korner Entertainment, 800pts) — The popular board game comes to WiiWare courtesy of Korner, the same team that brought you Fireplacing...
News Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove Does the Monster Mix on WiiWare
Groove to the beat next month
Considering the overwhelming success of Wii dancing games at retail, it's a wonder that next month's Gabrielle's Ghostly Groove: Monster Mix will be one of a select few when it launches next month. Natsume's spooky-themed rump-shaker will land on the download front next month, bringing multiplayer support for four...
Nintendo Download 18th April 2011 (North America)
Take on Mega Man X
After the news that Mega Man 5 is coming to Virtual Console, we have the unexpected arrival of Super NES Blue Bomber outing Mega Man X. Virtual Console: Mega Man X (Super NES, 800pts) — Run, jump, blast: it's Mega Man in the 16-bit era, and the first Super NES entry in the series to arrive on Virtual Console. Look out for our...
News Cricket Challenge ESRB Rating Bowls WiiWare a Googly
That's a cricket term
North American cricket fans frustrated at being unable to purchase Ashes Cricket 2009 on their side of the pond should stay tuned to the Wii Shop Channel in the coming months, as the ESRB has just rated Cricket Challenge. Gameshastra's leather-on-willow title will be the first dedicated representation of the sport to make it...
News MDK 2 Shoots for 1000 of Your Nintendo Points on 9th May
WiiWare's next big title
Dreamcast adventure MDK 2 was very well regarded in its day for its unique combination of action and puzzles, and is still fondly remembered for introducing many to the joys of sniping. Now Interplay's tale of three unlikely heroes has received a date for WiiWare: 9th May. For 1,000 Points players can jump into the tale of...
Nintendo Download 15th April 2011 (Europe)
Head back to Adventure Island
Hudson hero Master Higgins resurfaces on Virtual Console in Adventure Island II, alongside new titles from Ludia and Tivola. Virtual Console: Adventure Island II (Hudson, NES, 500pts) — Master Higgins is back with his trusty axe, four dinosaurs and an evil witch to take down. This NES platformer brings back fond...
Review Physiofun: Pelvic Floor Training (WiiWare)
Are you sitting comfortably?
On a service practically overflowing with niche games, Physiofun: Pelvic Floor Training is the undisputed champion: a game designed to help prevent postnatal urinary incontinence. 99% of you can stop reading now, unless you really want to know how successfully a video game can strengthen your pelvic floor, in which case...
Review Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 5 (WiiWare)
Your number's up
No sooner did the bell ring to signal the end of Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 4 then it's time to buy a new uniform — figuratively speaking — and sit at the front of the class for Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 5, the final game in this particular series. Continuing to guide you through your numerical...
Review Play with Birds (WiiWare)
Play with Turds
Last year, the revamped WiiWare version of the beloved indie game La Mulana was delayed upon its submission by publisher Nicalis, as it was deemed "not good enough” by Nintendo's quality control team. Nicalis must have sent Nintendo a dirty diaper with the words “La Mulana” scrawled crudely on the side instead of an actual...
Nintendo Download 11th April 2011 (North America)
Ink, birds, slingos and prisons
It's that time on a Monday again: here's the delicious downloadable delights dished out today, hoping to separate you from the numeric currency locked away within your DSi and Wii consoles. WiiWare: Play with Birds (Games Farm, 500pts) — A mix of avian-themed minigames that takes you through the life of a cartoon...
Review Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 4 (WiiWare)
A game you can count on?
This is the third entry in Tivola's educational series, representing another year/grade of maths puzzles to help your youngsters pick up the basics. Previous entries haven't been quite up to par, and that sadly continues with Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 4. Freddy the Vampire returns to help guide players through...
Take the bait
Hey there! Do you want to play some WiiWare game called Planet Fish? Didn't think so. Well then, do you want to play a highly original and puzzle-based spin on the fishing genre that's big on fun and creative problem solving? Ah, well then you do want to play Planet Fish, a game that is able to transcend its unappealing title and...
Nintendo Download 8th April 2011 (Europe)
One of the most unique weeks ever
WiiWare has seen some odd releases over the years — step forward Muscle March, Tomena Sanner and Fireplacing — but the bar has been raised with this week's download. Read on in astonishment. WiiWare: Physiofun: Pelvic Floor Training (Kaasa, 1000pts) — Pelvic floor exercises are designed to help strengthen the...
News WiiWare Gets Weirder with Pelvic Floor Training on Friday
Deal clencher
Last year Kaasa released Physio Fun Balance Training to help rehabilitate patients following hip, leg or foot surgery. Many readers rubbed their eyes in disbelief, but you've seen nothing yet. This Friday sees the release of Physiofun: Pelvic Floor Training for 1,000 Nintendo Points. Pelvic floor exercises are chiefly used to help...
Nintendo Download 4th April 2011 (North America)
Here's your Bonk
Banishing the memory of last week's poor showings on the Nintendo Download, this week offers up a bumper crop of games, with Virtual Console, DSiWare and WiiWare all receiving fresh new games to play. Virtual Console: Super Bonk (Super NES, 800pts) — A platformer so classic it's practically prehistoric, Super Bonk takes the...
Review Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey 1 (WiiWare)
Lite stripes
The world's most famous stripe-wearing recluse is making his first appearance on WiiWare following a trio of outings on DSiWare. Where's Wally? Fantastic Journey 1 (known as Where's Waldo? in North America) is all-but identical to the DSiWare release Where's Wally? Travel Pack 1, with the same stages and objectives, but it works much...
News Japan's Minna No Theater Channel Closes Its Curtains
It's a wrap for the WiiWare video rental service
Since its launch back in January 2009, Japan's Minna No Theater (Everyone's Wii Theater) service allowed users to stream rented video content on their Wii consoles, and half a year later, the service got a boost when homegrown and international films were added to the selection of various television...
Nintendo Download 1st April 2011 (Europe)
Will you be an April fool?
This week's North American Nintendo Download was underwhelming to say the least, and its European counterpart absolutely blows it out of the water. Let's see what treats await. Virtual Console: Brawl Brothers (JALECO, Super NES, 800pts) — We've already got Rival Turf on Virtual Console, and now its successor reaches the...
News We'll be Forever Collecting Carrots with Bobby Carrot Soon
Game submitted for lotcheck
It's been a long road for FDG Entertainment in getting Bobby Carrot Forever ready for release on the WiiWare service, and the end of that road is finally in sight. We've brought you exclusive screenshots of the latest instalment in the puzzle series, which also launched on iOS devices, we then brought you the traile
News BurgerTime HD Takes 40 Mega Bites Out of WiiWare
A whopper to relish
Retro remakes and WiiWare go together like bleeps and bloops, like gloomy arcades and sticky floors, like burgers and relish. How appropriate then that MonkeyPaw Games and Frozen Codebase are bringing BurgerTime HD to Nintendo's download service this summer. A game about creating a giant and delicious burger, when a press release...
News WiiWare, Fez Developer Does Not Like You At All
Hence the cursing
Love it, hate it, WiiWare divides opinions even among the most ardent Wii fans. Its polarising effect goes much farther though, splitting developers down the middle like a samurai sword through a ripe watermelon. Falling on the juicy — if bitter — side is Phil Fish, developer of Xbox Live Arcade title Fez. Fish told Destructoid...
News Nintendo Clarifies Stance on Garage Developers
Loves them really
There was something of a storm in a teacup around Reggie Fils-Aime's recent comments that Nintendo isn't interested in garage developers. As long-time fans of WiiWare and DSiWare will know, some of the services' better titles have originated from semi-professional coders or small development teams. Now Nintendo of America's...
Nintendo Download 28th March 2011 (North America)
No new WiiWare this week
We often talk about rarities in the Nintendo Download, but here's a truly surprising event: this week's download sees no new WiiWare title available for download. There's a pair of demos, two DSiWare titles and no Virtual Console outing, making a pretty underwhelming week for those with Nintendo Points. WiiWare Demos: Dart...
News River City Ransom 2 Gives WiiWare a Wallop this Summer
Beat it
Last week we shared news that River City Ransom 2 had been announced, but at the time it was still up in the air whether the game would come to WiiWare. Will it? Won't it? It will, says Miracle Kidz. Andriasang pegs the game for a release on WiiWare this summer, though that's likely to be a Japanese release only at this stage, so don't...
Nintendo Download 25th March 2011 (Europe)
Dodos, Wallies, maths
It's new game overload in this week's Nintendo Download, with no fewer than four brand new titles appearing on European shores, a stark contrast to the most recent North American Nintendo Download. What's on offer for European download fans? Scroll down and don't waste another second waiting. DSiWare: DodoGo! Robo (Neko...
Podcast NLFM Episode 18: Rageful Streets and Happy Dinosaurs
Missed weeks? What?
Remember when we said NLFM was going to be weekly? Well, we kind of fudged that for the past couple of weeks. Sorry! But we're back with a fiery fever in this episode, where gangsters are punched, pianos diddled and dinosaurs remembered. 1. MONSTER! MONSTER! — Penny Arcade2. Yuzo Koshiro — Go Straight (Streets of Rage 2,...
Review BINGO PARTY Deluxe (WiiWare)
Bing-oh…
Developers Ateam Inc have seen a gap in the download game market: bingo. For those who thought this pastime was restricted to bingo halls and retirement homes, think again. Bingo Party Deluxe is now available on WiiWare; does it succeed and scream ‘house’ at the top of its voice, or frustratingly bemoan the drawing of all the wrong...
Nintendo Download 21st March 2011 (North America)
Playing catch up
A rare occurrence in this week's Nintendo Download for our North American chums: all the games in the line-up are already available in Europe, so you'll likely already know if you're after any of the new titles or not. Let's delve in and see what's available. Virtual Console: Natsume Championship Wrestling (SNES, 800pts) — Step...
News Super Dodge Ball's Attack Line Drawn for WiiWare this May
Updated and aiming for your head
Originally developed for the arcades and the NES in the late '80s, Super Dodge Ball is making a return as Miracle Kidz announces more details on the remake set for WiiWare release this year. Known in Japan as Downtown Nekketsu Dodgeball, the game will be taking after Nekketsu Koko Dodgeball Bu (known as Super Dodge...
News Reggie: We're Not Interested in "Garage Developers"
Only wants proper indies, thanks
Whether or not Nintendo has nothing to fear from mobile games, or whether Nintendo President Satoru Iwata's comments about low value games were accurate, the debate about Nintendo's relationship with small game developers is ripe for analysis. What's the company's official stance the matter, though? Nintendo of...
Review Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 3 (WiiWare)
The numbers game
It's now year 3, and Successfully Learning Mathematics to offer more maths-related madness with Freddy the Vampire. Previous games saw a competent mix of maths puzzles for the younger generation, with some bonus games thrown in. Year 3, for better or for worse, changes little in updating the series. Freddy the Vampire, an avatar...
News Fresh Bobby Carrot Forever Trailer and Details for You to Digest
Hare raising
WiiWare adventure Bobby Carrot Forever is coming along at a fair old clip now, having spent a few years in the WiiWare wilderness. The latest updates comes in the form of a new trailer and confirmed gameplay details too. Apparently the game will offer 15 hours of gameplay across more than 70 levels, with further levels to be made...
Nintendo Download 18th March 2011 (Europe)
Take on Final Fantasy III
As we revealed recently, SquareEnix is backing Virtual Console with a pair of classic RPGs, kicking off this week with the one and only Final Fantasy III, also known as Final Fantasy VI. Virtual Console: Final Fantasy III (Super NES, 900pts) — This is an excellent chance for Wii owners in Eur
Iit's veery goood!
Announced as it was all the way back in 2008, gamers can be forgiven for suspecting that Liight might, like so much vapourware before it, never have graced our Wii consoles. But this week, the long-awaited and oft-discussed game finally got its chance to shine. The good news is that the extended development time actually seemed...
Review Heavy Fire: Black Arms (WiiWare)
Kill 'em all
Remember Heavy Fire: Special Operations, that on-rails military shooter that was kind of not good at all? Well, it got a sequel. Don't ask us how, but somehow it convinced enough people to plunk down their cash to be worth another go for developer Teyon. While it does delight us to say that there have indeed been a few tweaks for the...
Nintendo Download 14th March 2011 (North America)
They're coming!
It seems North America is getting quite the variety of download releases this week, although the Virtual Console is taking a vacation. The mulltiformat smash hit Plants vs. Zombies finally arrives on DSiWare and the extremely long-awaited WiiWare puzzler Liight has finally made its way to a release. There's also yet another WiiWare...
Nintendo Download 11th March 2011 (Europe)
Here comes the Lilt man... LILT!
It's Friday again, and as usual there is a veritable smorgasborg of downloadable goodies for you to consider including Gaijin Games' lilt line on WiiWare. There are no Virtual Console games this week, but you can look forward to Final Fantasy III next week. Oh yus! WiiWare: lilt line (Gaijin Games, 500pts) —...
Review Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 2 (WiiWare)
Do the math
For many years, even before the heady days of Mario is Missing, gaming has given something back to the community in the form of educational titles. Whilst rarely excellent in the traditional entertainment sense, they aim to integrate fun challenges with learning, thus creating the edutainment sub-genre. Successfully Learning Mathematics:...
News BIT.TRIP FLUX Soundtrack Available to Download Now
$5.99 for music to go
Now that WiiWare has bid a teary-eyed farewell to the BIT.TRIP series with BIT.TRIP FLUX it's the perfect time to sit in the dark, on your own, and cry to some of the finest music to have graced WiiWare. The soundtrack for BIT.TRIP FLUX is now available to download from CD Baby, as a 10-track album for $5.99. Not only that,...
Nintendo Download 7th March 2011 (North America)
Bomberman Hero!
It's a right royal knees-up on the Nintendo Download front this week, with everything from third-party N64 games to a double helping of Series games — one from G.G and one from GO — and much more. Hold onto your hats! Virtual Console: Bomberman Hero (Hudson Soft, N64, 1000pts) — A single-player Bomberman game, this one splits...
Features The History of BIT.TRIP, Part 3
In this installment, Gaijin explains their carefully laid plan for game four's runaway popularity, go through BIT.TRIP hell and reflect on the end of the series.
Be sure to read Part 1 and Part 2 of our look at the history of BIT.TRIP and Gaijin Games. EYEBALL REVOLUTION: The team somewhat jokingly chalks RUNNER’s popularity, apart from being very...
Features The History of BIT.TRIP, Part 2
In this installment, Gaijin struggles to find the fun in CORE and crafts what they feel to be a beautiful game in VOID.
Be sure to read part 1 of our history of BIT.TRIP. ON THE MAP: Luckily for Gaijin, BEAT was a success; had the game tanked then the series would’ve likely gone ahead as planned, but it ensured them that they were on the right...
Features The History of BIT.TRIP, Part 1
In the first part of our look at how the BIT.TRIP series was made, learn how its developer, Gaijin Games, crashed and burned on its first go, how the series formed and why level 3 of BEAT is so visually messed up.
“Who is the Commander?” The question posed by IGN as the headline for a Dec. 19, 2008 news post on their Wii channel was modest,...
News High Voltage Cancels Animales de la Muerte for WiiWare
Another casualty
WiiWare has had a rough time of it these past few months: Super Meat Boy was canned in November, then last week it lost Bloktonik, and now High Voltage's Animales de la Muerte has been cancelled for WiiWare. The game was originally announced back in 2008 as a Wii-exclusive, with its gameplay focusing on shooting undead animals, but...
Nintendo Download 4th March 2011 (Europe)
Holding out for a Hero?
It's an auspicious day in Virtual Console history, as the service receives only its second third-party N64 game in the West, after Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber. It's certainly the highlight of what is otherwise a rather underwhelming download this week. Virtual Console: Bomberman Hero (Hudson Soft, N64, 1000pts)...
News WiiWare Comes Under Heavy Fire: Black Arms on Monday
Jungle fever
Monday's Nintendo Download will arrive amid a storm of bullets as Polish developer Teyon has revealed its next title Heavy Fire: Black Arms will land on the service next week. The successor to shoot 'em up Heavy Fire: Special Operations, Black Arms takes the fight out of the desert and into the jungle. There's a launch trailer below...
Review Arcade Essentials (WiiWare)
We’re gaming like it’s 1979
Before the modern era of electronic entertainment, a major venue for any gamer was the local arcade. These establishments were noisy fun factories featuring enough flashing lights to cause fits, homes to huge game machines that were simple and addictive – the perfect combination for separating you from your pocket...
News Nintendo Names Cynthia Gordon New Corporate Affairs VP
Denise Kaigler's replacement commences next month
As Nintendo's range of hardware expands, so too does its family of employees. The company has announced the hiring of Cynthia Gordon, a strategic communications professional with over two decades of consumer-brand experience, as Nintendo of America's Vice President of Corporate Affairs. Gordon will...
News Liight Finally Shines on WiiWare on 14th March
Just 500 Points
It's been a long time coming, but WiiWare puzzle game Liight is finally coming to WiiWare on 14th March for 500 Points. We first heard of the game way back in September 2008, after which we interviewed Studio Walljump, but now years later the colour-matching game is on the way to WiiWare. You can read our Liight Fir
News BurgerTime HD Gets a Taste of Being a Multi-Platform Game
MonkeyPaw Games' retro title rated by the ESRB
Our Ante Up: Texas Hold'em review showed that a game doesn't need to be flashy in order to be successful, and publisher MonkeyPaw Games has had its upcoming title rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board; a retro title that's sure to follow in the same vein. A recent ESRB rating of BurgerTime HD...
News Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 2 Likely to have a Bigger Budget
First episode success gives developer more gold rings
Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1 marked the welcome return of the blue spiky one's 2D home console adventures after a long hiatus, and now, four months after the release of the debut title in the latest episodic adventure, talk is starting to flow on what we can expect from Episode 2. Brand...
Nintendo Download 28th February 2011 (North America)
BIT.TRIP's over
CommanderVideo finally reaches the end of his journey as BIT.TRIP FLUX reaches WiiWare, casting a long shadow over this week's download. WiiWare: BIT.TRIP FLUX (Aksys Games, 800pts) — Gaijin Games brings the BIT.TRIP series to a close with this sixth title, which contains plenty of elements fans of previous releases will recognise...
First Impressions escapeVektor: Chapter 1
We take Nnooo's trippy arcade title for a spin
It's now been almost three long years since Nnooo released its first WiiWare title Pop, and now after having turned its attention to DSiWare and its rather unique set of myLifeCollected applications, the company has decided to make a surprising return to WiiWare with the brand new title escapeVektor:...
Review My Little Baby (WiiWare)
Needs a time out
Simulation titles have come in all shapes and forms, from home decoration with Home Sweet Home to virtual fireplaces with Cosy Fire and many more. This time around we have My Little Baby, a simplified version of the DS retail title of the same name, where your aim is to raise and care for a baby. While it tries to present this...
News These Target Renders Reveal Gaijin's BIT.TRIP Visions
Get a peek at pre-development mock-ups of the first five games
Seeing how games develop over time is always of interest to us here at Nintendo Life, which is why we badgered BIT.TRIP developers Gaijin Games for an exclusive peek at some of their development documentation and how we wound up with these target renders for the first five games. These...
News Gaijin Games Acquires Robotube, Bloktonik WiiWare Cancelled
Mixed news, everyone
Famed WiiWare developer Gaijin Games and Robotube Games have worked together in the past – Mr Robotube appears as a cameo character in BIT.TRIP FATE, for example – but the two just got a whole lot closer, as Gaijin announces it has acquired Robotube in an "extremely hostile" takeover. While this means two fine...
News First Bobby Carrot Forever WiiWare Trailer Sprouts Up
Don't soil yourself
WiiWare's Bobby Carrot Forever must be in a Gro-Bag these days: we went for over two years without hearing anything, then this month the exclusive Bobby Carrot WiiWare screenshots and first gameplay trailer have appeared within the space of a few weeks. The video has everything you'd want in a trailer: a cheesy American voice...
Review BIT.TRIP FLUX (WiiWare)
FLUXing good
With the BIT.TRIP series, Gaijin Games has somehow been able to take gamers back to the early days of video gaming while at the same time combining this nostalgic experience with a whole host of challenging and engaging gameplay elements. BIT.TRIP FLUX marks the sixth and final release of the series, and while it might look like little...
Nintendo Download 24th February 2011 (Europe)
All is FLUX
The critically-acclaimed BIT.TRIP series reaches its sixth instalment today with CommanderVideo's final appearance: BIT.TRIP FLUX. Let's see what else is available this week. WiiWare: BIT.TRIP FLUX (Aksys Games, 800pts) – The conclusion to the BIT.TRIP saga, this takes its cues from series-starter BIT.TRIP BEAT with some brand new...
News Nnooo Returns to WiiWare with escapeVektor: Chapter 1
Arcade action
Australian developer Nnooo has made a name for itself with its DSiWare titles, including myDiary, myNotebook and the upcoming augmented reality game Spirit Hunters Inc. The studio has just announced its first WiiWare title since 2008's Pop in the form of escapeVektor: Chapter 1. The game is set inside the Wii, with players
Review Cricket Challenge (WiiWare)
Cricket hits the streets! Uh, sort of…
When the Nintendo Wii and the Wii Remote were unveiled, a lot of sporty gamers thought of one thing: Wii Cricket. Unfortunately, despite online petitions and campaigns in the system's early years, the perfect cricket experience on the console hasn't been forthcoming, even with the addition of MotionPlus in...
Nintendo Download 21st February 2011 (North America)
Faxanadu leads the charge
It's been two weeks since we last saw a Virtual Console game, which means it's time for another one, this time in the shapely side-scrolling form of Faxanadu on NES. There's also a couple of WiiWare demos and some DSiWare puzzle games of course, as well as headline WiiWare download... well, we won't spoil it. Virtual...
Not so hot hot hot
The WiiWare catalogue is full of surprises; Hudson's My Aquarium has sold more units than anyone could have predicted, proving there's an audience for non-games on the service. It's just this audience that is expected to enjoy Cosy Fire, the latest fire-tending simulation following Korner Entertainment's Fireplacing. Things start...
News Triple Sports Developer Code Monkeys Closes its Doors
After 23 years
It's always disappointing when a developer chooses to cease trading, and one of the latest casualties is UK studio The Code Monkeys, the team behind Manic Monkey Mayhem and the Triple Sports series on WiiWare. The shareholders and directors took the decision to cease trading on the company's 23rd anniversary, although there has been...
Nintendo Download 18th February 2011 (Europe)
Get bowled over
It's an unusual occasion in the Nintendo Download this week: this week's games are all brand new for Europe, with not a single catch-up title for North America. Virtual Console receives its first-ever wrestling title and there's cricket, babies, noodles, monsters and celestial bodies too. Let's get to it. WiiWare: Cricket Challenge...
News Man Arrested for Blackmailing Nintendo with Stolen User Data
Crime doesn't pay
Come on, people. It's one thing to steal the data of Nintendo users, but it's another thing to attempt to blackmail Nintendo with it. Police in Spain have arrested a man in the southern province of Malaga suspected of stealing the user data of Nintendo gamers, who allegedly then tried to blackmail Nintendo with the...
Competition Winners Jam City Rollergirls (North America)
You probably already know if you won
Last week's Jam City Rollergirls contest went down a storm, with retweets pinging around the Internet like a jammer hurled through a crowd of blockers. From such a vast array of entrants we reached out and grabbed two, offering them a free copy of Jam City Rollergirls, and those winners are: bittripfanJimHawkeye
News BIT.TRIP FLUX Reaches WiiWare Before February is Out
25th for Europe, 28th for America
It's very nearly fluxin' time, as Gaijin Games has announced the sixth part in its BIT.TRIP series will reach WiiWare at the end of this month. BIT.TRIP FLUX hits Europe on February 25th before zapping North America on February 28th. No price has yet been announced, but previous games have come in around the 800...
Podcast NLFM Episode 17: Love Fest 2011
Love is in the air for this Valentine's Day special
Ho ho ho! Happy Valentine's Day, citizens of Earth! Let Nintendo Life be your love muffin this year with a very special NLFM dedicated to all things lovey-dovey-goo-goo. If the music of this episode doesn't melt your ice-cold heart even a little then we'll only be hurt just a tad. 1. Shōgo Sakai...
Nintendo Download 14th February 2011 (North America)
From Redmond with love
According to corporate thinking, today's the day you're supposed to show your special somebody how much you love them. That seems to be the thinking behind this week's Nintendo Download too, with the Big N showering you with the gaming equivalent of chocolate, roses and a Hugh Grant movie. WiiWare: Pucca's Kisses Game (BigBen...
Nintendo Download 11th February 2011 (Europe)
Genies, models, dolphins, viruses, fires and hip hop
There can be only one headline title this week, leaving all others in the shade. Shantae: Risky's Revenge finally reaches Europe after a lengthy wait, letting gamers all over the continent see why this is the best game DSiWare has to offer. DSiWare: Shantae: Risky's Revenge (WayForward, 1200pts)...
News MotoHeroz Trailer Should Get You All Revved-Up
Car platformer in action
While the name may not be a classic, MotoHeroz has pedigree: developer RedLynx created Xbox Live Arcade's acclaimed Trials HD, an addictive take on the racing genre. With its upcoming WiiWare title the company hopes to recreate its success, with the trailer below showing off the game in action. A cross between a racing game...
Review Pucca's Kisses Game (WiiWare)
No! Come back! Keep reading!
For anybody who isn't aware, the eponymous character in Pucca's Kisses Game is a Disney-owned franchise. The cutesy 10-year old spends most of her many cartoon appearances running around attempting to kiss a ninja named Garu who, in turn, is pursued throughout by a ninja named Tobe and his minions. This storyline carries...
Exclusive First Bobby Carrot Forever WiiWare Screenshots
WiiWare title returns
It's been a long time since we heard anything about Bobby Carrot Forever. In fact, you'd have to go back to our WiiWare World days to read the game's announcement from December 2008, but the game is still very much under way at FDG Entertainment. In fact, we have some exclusive new screenshots of the rabbit's new outing to...
Podcast NLFM Episode 16: Adventurous Adventures
Zelda, Dragon Quest, Terranigma and more
Didn’t we have some fun though? Remember when the podcast was sliding into the fire pit and I said "Goodbye" and you were like "NO WAY!" and then I was all "We pretended we were going to murder you"? That was great. 1. Sick YG — Ain't That Funny (MadWorld, Wii)2. Miyoko...
Nintendo Download 7th February 2011 (North America)
Things that make you go... hmmm
Another week and another download to entice you to part with your hard-earned Nintendo Points. What wonders await in the world of WiiWare and beyond? Let's find out. WiiWare: Spot the Differences! (Sanuk Games, 500pts) – A pleasingly to-the-point title for this WiiWare release, it does what it says on the tin, and...
News Win a Copy of Jam City Rollergirls with Nintendo Life!
Get ready to whip it
Frozen Codebase's sporting title Jam City Rollergirls is available on WiiWare in North America now, and as our exclusive Jam City Rollergirls interview revealed there'll be a playable demo in future. However, if you want to go one better and win a free copy of the complete game, read on! Frozen Codebase has kindly furnished us...
