WiiWare News (Page 5)
Podcast NLFM Episode 21: Curse of the Halloween Hootenanny
Fear the reaper!
Since it's not only the single best month of the year and because we had so much fun last time [citation needed], the NLFM Halloween Hootenanny has returned! More spooky, more sinister and more deathly, this episode is best listened to in a dark castle dungeon while eating raw pumpkins. Failing that, anywhere else will do. 1. Hip...
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...
