Update:
Stretchmo is now also available as a free download from the 3DS eShop.
Original Article:
It's that time again, North American gamers, with another Nintendo Download update to deliver some digital goodies on Wii U and 3DS. This week brings some promising Nindie efforts on Wii U, GBA and DS titles, a SEGA 3D Classic and imported retail game on the 3DS, and a whole load of discounts and HOME themes. There's plenty to consider, so let's get to it.
Missed the European Nintendo Download details earlier in the week? Don't push that big red button yet, the information you need is right here.
Wii U eShop
Ultratron (Curve Digital, $8.49 until 26th May) - For those with a yearning for a retro-style arena-based shmup, this may be an ideal option. From the team behind Titan Attacks, this brings the '80s to mind yet has flashy HD visuals to boot. It looks rather fun, with the bonus that it has 40 levels and a whole load of special weapons to tackle; we'll see whether it wins the battle or should be blown to smithereens in our review.
Nihilumbra (Beautifun Games, $7.99 until 28th May) - It's taken a little longer than expected to make its way to Wii U, but does arrive with a unique co-op mode utilising the GamePad. This is an adventure puzzle title in which you manipulate the environment with coloured paint, while it's also boasting an attractive art style and involving narrative. We'll see whether this delivers on its potential in our review.
Funk of Titans (EnjoyUp Games, $8.99) - Developed by studio A Crowd of Monsters, not an actual crowd of monsters, this platformer splits over 40 levels across three worlds: Pop, Rap, and Rock. To quote a press release directly, you "show those jive-turkey Pagan Titans why funk is the music of the Gods! Funk-Fu for the win!" We'll get funky for a review.
Wii U Virtual Console
New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo, $9.99) - It's easy to forget in this era of plentiful 2D Mario experiences, but this was the first 'new' 2D Mario game since the Super NES era when it arrived on the DS; that explains the 'New' branding. Its visual style and mini-games were eye-catching upon release, and this spawned a fresh wave of 2D Mario platformers. We rather loved this in our original New Super Mario Bros. review, but will gaze upon it with current-day eyes for a fresh look.
Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue & White (Capcom, $7.99) - Another continuation of the RPG gameplay introduced in the first two games, with malfunctions thrown into the mix. Although this comes in two different versions, the content is largely the same across both; we'll bring you a review soon.
Wii U eShop Temporary Discount
Wooden Sen'SeY (Neko Entertainment, $2.99 until 21st May, normally $9.99)
Midnight (Petite Games, on discount until 28th May)
Toon Tanks (Petite Games, on discount until 28th May)
Arrow Time U (XenoHorizon, $1.49 until 28th May, normally $1.99)
GetClose: A Game for RIVALS (Wombat Source, $1.99 until 28th May, normally $2.99)
Wii U eShop Permanent Discount
Snake Den (Game Bytes, $1.25, was $3.99)
3DS eShop
3D Thunder Blade (SEGA, $5.99) - Another terrific SEGA arcade makes its way to the 3DS; this time around you're piloting an attack helicopter through tricky terrain and combat scenarios. This M2 remaster includes stereoscopic 3D, Circle Pad Pro / C-Stick support, remixed music and more besides. We'll gear up and take to the skies for our review.
3DS Retail Download
Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains (Spike Chunsoft, $39.99) - The game for this popular anime is finally available in the West, with its peculiar premise combining well with frantic action. It has some niggling issues, though we have still given it a recommendation; you can get all the details you need in our Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains review.
3DS eShop Temporary Discounts
Conception II: Children of the Seven Stars (Atlus, on discount from 18th May to 25th May)
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers (Atlus, on discount from 18th May to 25th May)
Cooking Mama 4: Kitchen Magic (Majesco, on discount from 18th May to 25th May)
Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appétit! (Majesco, on discount from 18th May to 25th May)
Gardening Mama 2: Forest Friends (Majesco, on discount from 18th May to 25th May)
Big Hero 6 Battle in the Bay (Game Mill Entertainment, $19.99 until 15th June, normally $29.99)
3DS eShop Permanent Discounts
Vacation Adventures: Park Ranger (Microvalue, $4.99 from 15th May, was $7.99)
Vacation Adventures: Park Ranger 2 (Microvalue, $4.99 from 15th May, was $7.99)
3DS HOME Themes
Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains (free with an eShop purchase of the game)
Pushmo: Mallo & Friends
SEGA 3D Classics Fantasy Zone
SEGA 3D Classics Space Harrier
In addition there's a Capcom Spring sale that was detailed after original publication, which we've covered right here.
That's everything on the way to the North American eShop stores this week. Let us know what you plan to download in the poll and comments below.
What will you be downloading first this week? (253 votes)
- Ultratron (Wii U eShop)
- Nihilumbra (Wii U eShop)
- Funk of Titans (Wii U eShop)0%
- One of the Wii U eShop temporary discounts
- Snake Den (Wii U eShop permanent discount)0%
- New Super Mario Bros. (Wii U Virtual Console)
- Mega Man Battle Network 3 Blue & White (Wii U Virtual Console)
- 3D Thunder Blade (3DS eShop)
- Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains (3DS retail download)
- One of the 3DS eShop temporary discounts
- One of the 3DS eShop permanent discounts0%
- One of the 3DS HOME Themes
- Nothing for me this week
Please login to vote in this poll.
Comments 82
nothing for me this week...
Dear Nintendo,
I would really like to finish the story of Golden Sun. Releasing only half the story and giving the rest of the world (that has the service) the whole story just isn't nice.
Neither US or EU downloads have anything for me this week.
Just Nihilumbra and Ultratron for me this the rest is very disappointing.
Still no Starwhal... another disappointing Thursday morning.
I have to wonder what DS games look like when played on WiiU... I can't imagine it's very good.
Nice to see 3 indie release in 1 week. Watched all 3 vids w/ my kid the other night and don't think we'll be picking any of them up but they looked like real games at least, not a single Flappy Bird clone among the 3.
Getting 3D Thunder Blade. Sega does an outstanding job on their 3D Classics line.
I wish Nintendo would remember they have a Virtual Console on the 3DS.
I may get one of those Capcom games they'll put on sale, hope there's some good prices
@Lizuka I've been wondering this too. There's so many NES games that they could release, and it's getting nothing.
3D Thunder Blade for me. Looks like Nintendo has abandoned VC for 3DS.
Still no Fire emblem sacred stones
@ikki5
Dear ikki,
Quit saying something that I agree with. With love, Lz
Yawn... Might get 3D Thunder Blade.
Hey everyone! I wanted to mention that GetClose now offers a brand new mode called "Protect the Crown". This new mode offers 8 new levels, and allows you to play solo (you can also still play co-op with friends). Protect the crown within the time limit from a seemingly endless horde of baddies! The sale above is in celebration of this new update. Thanks!
waiting for splatoon, nothing for me this week
Won't get anything this week, won't throw a tantrum or a negative comment about it. I will still get a funds card for Splatoon.
160 hours in HW, two Adventure Maps left.
Downloaded Attack on Titan: Humanity in Chains yesterday so I'm good.
Knowing niche games like this goes on sale over time, I did say I'll buy it if it ever get localized to support the effort. I am a man of my word.
Nothing this week appeals to me, although I will second @ikki5 call for the second GBA Golden Sun game. I need to finish Capt. Toad, DKC: Tropical Freeze, and Monster Hunter 3 for retail and multiple eShop RPGs. But I am finding that I have to take those three in small doses to avoid frustration or boredom from repetition (harvesting badly needed but rarely given monster parts gets old fast).
How bout something that never got released in the Americas like Jam in the Band!
Everyone buy 3D Thunderblade! There's a special mode with an all new retrotastic level! Don't hold back!
@Darknyht Nonsense, you will third him, my good sir/madame
I spy with my little eye another Sega 3D classic! Instant download
Maybe I'll get Battle Network 3.
New Super Mario Bros.!
Pretty good week. Unfortunately nothing for me. Theres great sales out there.But i should stop buying games on the basis of a bargain. If I were to ever play said game,I would play it as soon as I bought it..And i dont!
Nothing for me. I was gonna get Battle Networks but I realize I own it. I'm still playing tropical freeze.
I guess it's cool for those who skipped the DS era to get the opportunity to play the original NSMB, but I still have my game card so nothing for me again.
Pretty good week, I think! Thunder Blade 3D and Mega Man Battle Network 3 for me, and probably New Super Mario Bros. later, since I still have the DS version.
I'd like to get Affordable Space Adventures if it were more, you know, affordable. Hoping for a sale on that game soon.
I am hoping that the new Pushmo game is available as a surprise just like it was in Europe.
The fact that there is a Pushmo theme being released today gives me hope.
Really good week. Ultratron is a definite purchase for me and I might get Nihilumbra too. I also plan on picking up Megaman and 3D Thunderblade eventually.
I'll pick up NSMB for the minigames.
I missed the minigames.
Coincidentally I am wearing my Chibi Attack on Titan shirt and didn't even realize today was the day the game came out.
@LztheQuack Missed your comment, my apologies.
Pro tip: if you're getting Battle Network 3, get Blue. There really isn't much difference between the two, but Blue has one additional enemy that there isn't an equivalent to in White.
Wooden Sen'sey for me. It has always been one of those "maybe at a discount" games for me, and this particular discount seems pretty good.
After how awesome 3D Life Force II and all the other Sega 3D games have been I'm totally down for trying 3D Thunder Blade when I get home from work tonight and can buy it. Wish Nintendo would update the eshop at midnight EST so I could buy and download games the night before though...
Nothing for me...
Probably Ultratron, maybe Toon Tanks.
What about "Golden Sun: The Lost Age" and "Advance Wars: Dual Strike"?
Waiting to see what Capcom has to offer. If RE: Mercs is cheap, I'll go for that.
Nothing for me this week. Back to my empty mind!
I wish Europe got New Super Mario Bros. this week. Will just have to enjoy Fullblox instead. I'm also busy playing through Yoshi's Island DS still.
@ikki5 yes. I completed all the Golden sun games on original consoles, but they need to release them all. Too good of games to hold back
Nintendo, not gona happen, but if you could release GBA games on the 3ds I'd give you so much cash it is scary. Maybe its good you haven't done it.
Attack on Titan looks good though I have no familiarity with the series, and if I didn't already have the NSMB cart I would probably pick this up. With new amiibo and Splatoon at the end of the month, I'll likely wait for a sale on Titan and NSMB.
Why must NA get all the good games. We Europeans get nothing good :/
Ultratron looks awesome!!!
Stretchmo is out now on the eShop as well.
@Lizuka
In all fairness, the lack of 3DS VC releases is balanced with the current stream of Sega 3D Classics.
The 3D Classics are basically VC games...from more advanced systems than what Nintendo currently offers (GB, GBC and NES)...with more options and improvements (including the main attraction of 3D effect)...and better price points than your average virtual console game.
ThunderBlade for me. I wish someone would take the 3DS and make a full sized open world Xenoblade type of game. Would also be nice if they would port Dragon Quest X on 3DS and Wii-U. Funny things seem to be happening at Nintendo these days. Let's see what happens next.
You didn't list it, but Fullblox for me.
Has anyone considered that MAYBE Nintendo isn't putting many Virtual Console games out because Club Nintendo is almost officially done, the replacement service might somehow include an actual universal account system and they are holding off until it's launched so people don't keep buying games and eventually feel burned (more so than they already will) when the new service allows for cross platform play with a single purchase?
I'm sure it's wishful thinking on my part, but a [35 year old] boy can dream, can't he?
stretchmo for me
NSMB, Nihilumbra, Thunderblade 3D and Stretchmo for me!
I'd get Thunder Blade if I had the money. Too bad the two SEGA themes aren't After Burner II and Out Run. I'd get one if they were.
Battle Network 3
I was actually thinking about this the other day. I was worried they wouldn't release more BN games.
I'm so glad I have other hobbies.
I was going to get NSMB but my card number was stolen the other day along with $100 so I won't be able to get it till next week.
@sinalefa - "won't throw a tantrum or a negative comment"
In case you didn't see me mention it earlier, I'm not too happy w/ Sword and Soldiers 2 being $19.99 next week. Ronimo announced the price on their Facebook page last Friday and Nintendo has it listed as well. You know I've been waiting a long time, but I probably won't pay $20 for a digital only game when most of them go for $10 or $15 or less. Mario vs Donkey Kong Tipping Stars was $20 but that was 2 games for the price of 1, Wii U and 3DS. Even Child of Light was only $15 - purchased w/ a $5 DDP credit so I only had to pay $10. Taking that DDP program away isn't helping my mindset for buying digital games any. I'm hoping for a week 1 sale - seen a few of those lately - or a 20% discount for owning S&S HD on my Wii U. Something.
New Super Mario Brothers would be a perfect title for the 3DS ... but no, lets mess it up again. Many pointed out the 3D Classics are now the VC releases... ok, but whats the problem offering for example NSMB on both, Wii U and 3DS?
@Barbiegurl777 Do you know if that game is officially pushed back? I know Amazon still has it for May 26th.
Not that I will probably even get it (at least not right now) at this point; I was thinking about getting it, but TOO MANY GAMES
just 3DS thunder blade
@AlexMurphy I've got a feeling we won't have that option until the next console and handheld are released.
As to why we never had the option for 3ds& wiiu cross buy in the first place is something only NOJ has the answer to.
Still no Wii games for North America while UK gets great releases..... Il find a way... I'm sick of Nintendo's draconian business strategies.
@ezer you sir are crazy, il take your Nintendo Wii u release schedule any day.... You get loads more Wii downloadable games and your release dates of mainstream Wii u games have been better, for example I think North America has to wait till December for yoshi's woolly world which is a crock of poopitypoo for English to English localization.
We got Kirby and the rainbow paintbrush early you get the better yoshi's game...
Ugh. AoT:HiC "would" be my pick, but I really can't stomach $40 right now. I don't really want to wait for a price drop either. Guess I'll have to pony up the cash some time soon...
Stretchmo! This article needs to be updated.
I want more time to play games....
@GetClose Ah, now seeing your icon reminds me! I've eyed GetClose before, so count me as sold! <heads to Game Pad>
EDIT: Tried out some single-player on the Game Pad. Not bad, though I've little grasp on it from a couple plays. Seeing the 3-4 player controls, I wonder: Can a Wii Controller [Pro] work, too? I mean, I'll try myself later, but on the chance it doesn't, might that be for a later update?
I love the Battle Network series, so it is MMBN 3 for me.
I kinda hope that NSMB comes to the Wii-U DS VC soon!
@TJF588 Pro Controller will work on the new mode for players 3 and 4 (on or off tv); still no support for wiimotes (no plans yet). Hope that answers your question. Thanks for playing the game!
@GetClose Sure does! Not sure how you'd even figure how to do two players on one Wiimote...or even one player...Nunchuk? Ah, but that's irrelevant, so long as I can use the Zs I have!
Another Week, same crap.
ⓈⒽⓄⓄⓉⓂⓔ.. Ultratron, Stretchmo, aaand 3D Thunder Blade! Need more hours in a day...
@TJF588 DS games can only be played with the Gamepad.
I'll be waiting for reviews of Nihilumbra and Ultratron. Gotta say, though, Ultratron KINDA reminds me of Nano Assault Neo, which I have already. Hopefully it will be significantly better, judging by the video. As for Nihilumbra, I'll wait and see...
NSMB hands down best game ever
@ultraraichu hey there, i downloaded attack on titan too, and its awesome. hard, but awesome. but i have a question for you, it says u get a free theme with purchase, how do u get it? do u know?
@3dcaleb Yep. You need to go to the eshop and go to setting/ other (scroll to the far left top row). From there go to account activity and view receipt on Attack on Titan. The code is on the bottom of the receipt at which point it tell you to enter it on the Theme shop.
Hope that helps and enjoy.
@ultraraichu awesome, thank you.
Tap here to load 82 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...