Another week, another impressive European Nintendo download line-up to separate us all from our cash. The Switch eShop has a broad range of strong arrivals, while the 3DS has three retail releases vying for attention. The Wii U doesn't miss out, either, and there's also a lot of DLC and discounts to get through - let's get on with it, shall we?
Switch eShop
Stardew Valley (Chucklefish LTD, €13.99 / £10.99) - Since it was announced earlier this year this has been top of plenty of wishlists. A hugely popular game across PC and consoles, this will be the first iteration that'll also be playable on the go. It adds its own modern spin to Harvest Moon-style ideas such as tending to your land and forming relationships with suitors. We'll bring you a review as soon as possible.
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (Asteroid Base, €14.99 / £11.99) - A hit on other systems, this is a colourful title in which up to four players frantically rush around a spaceship to control various weapons and systems in order to hold off enemy attacks. Perhaps best in co-op, you can also play solo with AI companions helping you out; we enjoyed it a lot in our Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime review.
Axiom Verge (Thomas Happ Games, €17.99 / £14.99) - An innovative Metroidvania that in the eyes of some (including our reviewer) is a modern classic. On the surface it looks traditional, but an innovative approach to glitches and their impact on the world helps to make it a distinctive experience. We love this game, and that didn't change in our Axiom Version Switch review.
Oxenfree (Night School, €19.99 / £15.99) Originally released on PS4, Xbox One and Steam in 2016, Oxenfree casts the player as Alex, who travels with her stepbrother Jonas to an abandoned military island packed with hidden secrets. The game offers a multiple-choice conversation system that alters the story as you play, building your in-game relationships with every reply, statement and question. There's also a radio which allows you manipulate the game world and make contact with the strange and mysterious forces that have been dormant on the island for the past 70 years. Critically acclaimed when originally released, we'll check it out on Switch. Available from 6th October.
Earth Atlantis (Headup Games, €14.99 / £13.49) - Looking a lot like the classic arcade blaster In The Hunt, Earth Atlantis places you in a world where the majority of the planet's surface is covered in wet stuff. There are plenty of enemies to take down as you embark upon a 'monster-hunting' approach to the side-scrolling shooter genre, all with a distinctive art style. We'll had a review with you soon, in the meantime here's an interview with the director and lead designer.
Tumblestone (The Quantum Astrophysicists Guild, €12.99 / £11.99) - The name may sound familiar, as this was a 'Nindie' title given a big push by Nintendo on the Wii U eShop last year. It's a game that reminds us that puzzle titles can be engrossing and a lot of fun, with plenty of content, modes and options to play alone or with buddies. We'll take another look on Switch, but in the meantime you can check out the strong recommendation in our Tumblestone Wii U review.
Ninja Shodown (Rising Star Games, €12.99 / £9.99) - Another potential winner to add to the stack of entertaining local multiplayer games on the Switch. This one is all about chaotic arena brawls (either co-operative play or as opponents) and looks like it could be fun. We'll see whether it truly has the way of the ninja in a review.
Volgarr the Viking (Crazy Viking, €9.99 / £8.99) - Also coming to Wii U at some point this has now made its way to the Switch. It pitches itself as a tough action platformer in which you'll die a lot. It looks a tad rough visually, but that doesn't mean it won't be a lot of fun; we'll try it out for review.
Metal Slug X (HAMSTER, €6.99 / £6.29) - We've already had three ACA Metal Slug titles on the store to date, though X is considered to be pretty darn good - it's a rearranged version of Metal Slug 2 (fixing that game's drastic slowdown) and we loved it in our Wii Virtual Console review.
Tower of Babel (EnjoyUp Games, €9.99 / £8.99) - This looks somewhat quirky in footage, as a knight auto-runs up and down sort-of 3D towers, with your goal being to dodge obstacles and grab collectibles through jumping, ducking and adjusting your dash speed. Unfortunately we were left rather unimpressed in our Tower of Babel review.
Switch eShop Demos
Just Dance 2018 (Ubisoft, free)
Spelunker Party! (Square Enix, free) - Available from 7th October.
Switch DLC
Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: Pixel Pack (Ubisoft, €2.99 / £2.49) - Included in season pass.
Infinite Minigolf - Tortuga (Zen Studios, free)
3DS Retail Downloads
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions (Nintendo, €39.99 / £34.99) - One of the most beloved entries in the RPG series gets a revamp on the 3DS, with updated visuals and a new strategy-light spin-off campaign. Though the all-new content is a tad uninspired, the main game is still an absolute delight to play - we get into why in our Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions review. Available from 6th October.
Layton's Mystery Journey: Katrielle and the Millionaires' Conspiracy (Level-5, €39.99 / £34.99) - After spin-offs and experiments the Layton series goes mostly back to its roots in this new release, with Katrielle and chums solving a lot of puzzles while solving a dozen cases. It's a welcome return to form for the IP, as we explain in our review. Available from 6th October.
Culdcept Revolt (NIS America, $39.99) - A series with a very sporadic history in the West, this blends fantasy, card battles and board game play for what could certainly be an interesting release. We're finalising a review to go live later this week.
3DS eShop
Symphony of Eternity (KEMCO, €7.99 / £7.19) - KEMCO is bucking the trend, changing up its modus operandi to bring us something completely different... nah, just kidding, it's a retro-styled RPG. There's a legendary weapon and an epic quest, and that - ladies and gentleman - is another KEMCO RPG 3DS eShop release. It might be good though, to be fair.
3DS DLC
Layton's Mystery Journey: Costume bundle pack (Level-5, €7.99 / £7.19)
Layton's Mystery Journey: Daddy's girl (Level-5, €1.99 / £1.79)
Layton's Mystery Journey: Luke lookalike (Level-5, €1.99 / £1.79)
Layton's Mystery Journey: Emmy impersonation (Level-5, €1.99 / £1.79)
Layton's Mystery Journey: Anton-ish attire (Level-5, €1.99 / £1.79)
Layton's Mystery Journey: Aurora again (Level-5, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Free Bats' Free Time (NIS America, €3.99 / £3.59)
Culdcept Revolt - Free Avatar Pack (NIS America, free)
Culdcept Revolt - Free Book Cover Pack (NIS America, free)
Culdcept Revolt - Vampire Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Necromancer Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Gothic Lolita Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Green Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Red Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Blue Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Yellow Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Alien Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Angel Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Detective Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Black Knight Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Hero Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Battle Boy Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Shrine Maiden Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Red Riding Hood Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Magical Girl Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Puppet Doll Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Tin Man Set (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Archer Pack (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Warrior Pack (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Musician Pack (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Horror Pack (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Mascot Pack (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Glasses Pack (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Rose Pack (NIS America, €0.99 / £0.89)
Culdcept Revolt - Animal Pack (NIS America, €0.99 / £0.89)
Culdcept Revolt - Steel Pack (NIS America, €0.99 / £0.89)
Culdcept Revolt - Scale Pack (NIS America, €0.99 / £0.89)
Culdcept Revolt - Dragon Pack (NIS America, €1.99 / £1.79)
Culdcept Revolt - Avatar Pack (NIS America, €19.99 / £17.99)
Culdcept Revolt - Book Cover Pack (NIS America, €14.99 / £13.49)
Culdcept Revolt - Dice Pack (NIS America, €9.99 / £8.99)
3DS eShop Temporary Discounts
BOXBOY! (Nintendo, €3.74 / £3.36 until 26th October, normally €4.99 / £4.49)
BOXBOXBOY! (Nintendo, €3.74 / £3.36 until 26th October, normally €4.99 / £4.49)
BYE-BYE BOXBOY! (Nintendo, €3.74 / £3.36 until 26th October, normally €4.99 / £4.49)
Zombie Panic in Wonderland DX (Akaoni Studio, €6.30 / £5.67 until 2nd November, normally €7.00 / £6.30)
AeternoBlade (Corecell, €7.49 / £6.75 until 19th October, normally €14.99 / £13.50)
Epic Word Search Collection (Lightwood Games, €5.99 / £4.49 until 19th October, normally €7.99 / £5.99)
Epic Word Search Collection 2 (Lightwood Games, €5.99 / £4.49 until 19th October, normally €7.99 / £5.99)
10-in-1: Arcade Collection (Gamelion, €0.99 / £0.89 until 19th October, normally €1.99 / £1.79)
Crazy Kangaroo (Gamelion, €0.99 / £0.94 until 19th October, normally €1.99 / £1.89)
Hazumi (Gamelion, €1.34 / £0.99 until 19th October, normally €2.69 / £1.99)
League of Heroes (Gamelion, €1.99 / £1.79 until 19th October, normally €3.99 / £3.59)
Monster Shooter (Gamelion, €2.00 / £1.60 until 19th October, normally €4.00 / £3.20)
Pick-A-Gem (Gamelion, €1.49 / £1.39 until 19th October, normally €2.99 / £2.79)
PIX3D (Gamelion, €1.99 / £1.79 until 19th October, normally €3.99 / £3.59)
Rage of the Gladiator (Gamelion, €3.49 / £3.14 until 19th October, normally €6.99 / £6.29)
SpeedX 3D (Gamelion, €1.49 / £1.34 until 19th October, normally €2.99 / £2.69)
SpeedX 3D Hyper Edition (Gamelion, €0.99 / £0.89 until 19th October, normally €1.99 / £1.79)
Collide-a-Ball (Starsign, €0.99 / £0.99 until 19th October, normally €1.99 / £1.99)
Ping Pong Trick Shot (Starsign, €0.99 / £0.99 until 19th October, normally €1.99 / £1.99)
Crollors Game Pack (Nvriezen, €1.26 / £1.18 until 2nd November, normally €1.49 / £1.39)
My Nintendo 3DS HOME Theme
BOXBOY! 2.5th Year Anniversary (Nintendo, 20 Gold Points)
Wii U eShop
Volgarr the Viking (Crazy Viking, €9.99 / £8.99) - Same game, different console.
Wii U Virtual Console
Double Dungeons (EXTREME, €5.99 / £5.39) - The run of TG-16 games continues with this ambitious (for its time) attempt and 3D dungeon crawling. Unfortunately we were left distinctly unimpressed in our Wii Virtual Console Double Dungeons review.
Vigilante (IREM, €5.99 / £5.39) - Another TurboGrafx-16 game for your consideration, this time around it's a side-scrolling beat 'em up. You can go full retro and check out our 2007 review, if you like.
Wii U eShop Temporary Discounts
3Souls (Red Column, €0.90 / £0.80 until 5th November, normally €3.60 / £3.20)
Ascent of Kings (Nostatic Software, €1.49 / £1.11 until 12th October, normally €1.99 / £1.49)
Wicked Monsters Blast: HD PLUS (Corecell, €3.99 / £3.59 until 19th October, normally €7.99 / £7.19)
Wii U Demo
Just Dance 2018 (Ubisoft, free)
Lots of options this week - let us know what you'll be downloading in the poll and comments below.
Comments 51
Damn what a week... AGAIN.
I have already played Axiom Verge on the Vita, so it will have to stand in line after Stardew Valley. But... the backlog... already...
Too many games!
Stardew Valley....finally!
Note to self get job asap or sell liver on ebay.
What the?!
I didn't know Culdcept Revolt would have so many DLCs, did they ever annunced them? If so I definitely missed the news O_O;
Today is coming out as well the big update for 3Souls in Wii U that add to the game the 2 missing chapters: Nophes and Nidemon.
This is a free update for everyone with the game, and it make the game finally completed .
To celebrate the launch of the full version of the game, it will be on sale for 0.90€
The update and the sale is coming to the Nintendo America eShop as well today
Here is the launch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syym2fx-Xfo
Enjoy the game!
That is a stupidly ridiculous amount of day one DLC for Culdcept Revolt, was initially interested in the game but that kind of puts a bad taste in the mouth.
It feels strange not voting on the European updates anymore. It's something I've done for near 10 years. It's just now with Switch being region free, all my purchases are made on the US Eshop as overall it works out a lot cheaper. It's convenient how their updates now arrive before the European one. Anyway, as I said over there,what a week for Switch....again.
@Clipse Wow, that's generous! The whole game for 80p?! I'll definitely give it a go for that price!
That DLC.
With Layton I wasn't even aware of its existence, so it's not exactly heavily plugged... probably a legacy of its smartphone days.
@OorWullie TRAITOR!
I kid of course. The EU one is a nuisance because of all the discounts listed, so I do the NA one quickly first. Just logistics innit.
Is the switch going to be indie machine like the vita? Don't get me wrong I LOVE my vita and there will be a switch under the christmas tree. Personally speaking, "indie machine" is enough for me. I just find it hard to believe in that way lies long term success for the switch. I don't think any of the games this week are bespoke switch games.
Tempted to get Stardew Valley, it feels like a perfect fit for the system.
As does Axiom Verge, but I already have it on both PC and Wii U so I don't need it again.
Either way, I hope both these titles find a lot of success on the Switch eShop.
Got Stardew Valley, even though still a little salty at their terrible insult to Wii U owners.
Also glad to know Oxenfree is tomorrow. The eshop said today but had yet to come out with the rest of todays games. Was worried it would become another "switch to tba" as the day closes.
6 games I have yet to finish on switch, about 120 on steam, 2 on Wii U, 4 on 3DS and I STILL want to buy axiom verge, stardew valley and oxenfree... Working so I can buy stuff I don't have time to use... what a sh*tty paradox
@RainbowGazelle Thank you! Enjoy the game and let us know what you think
@ThomasBW84 Ah alright, I didn't think of that. I just assumed you were getting informed sooner. It's strange NA don't include all those details.Same goes for the US Switch Eshop coming soon section. Compared to the UK's own section it's well behind. Considering the US is their strongest market, it makes you wonder what their team gets up to.
What's all this horrendous Layton DLC that wasn't mentioned in your review?
@AcridSkull
Stroll up a couple of posts...he didn't even know it existed.
I might have grabbed Axiom Verge if I didn't already have it on PC. And I might get Stardew Valley later, but not now.
Nothing for me this week. Poor Wii U discounts.
I'll wait for physical Axiom Verge. Just picked up FIFA18, Lego Worlds and Pokken so my wallet could do with a breather anyway haha. (Switch has no games lol...).
Earth Atlantis and Oxenfree for me this week. Possibly a couple of others if I've time.
A few things that interest me like Earth Atlantis (Axiom verge can wait till physical release) but likely to wait as I've spent enough this month.
I don't even stress my backlag, i play what i want. This week all 3DS retail downloads, but when will see. Then there is Odyssey. Luckily after this month nothing for me end of the year.
I'm playing Stardew. Gotta save me pennies though, Mario's almost out!
If someone doesn't have BoxBoy games, get them now!
Not going to buy anything before Mario Odyssey comes out. At least that's what I keep saying to myself. I will get Stardew Valley at a later date. Might get Axiom Verge on Switch too once it gets a discount, unless I actually get the urge to play it on my Wii U before that happens.
Very nice mix on all systems this week.
I'm in two minds re stardew valley. Is it really just farming and making friendships or is there more too it?
What I wouldn't give to see the sales figures of Double Dungeons on Wii U ._.
@OorWullie How do you pay on US eshop? Do you buy vouchers, or use a card?
I strongly recommend the Spelunker demo.
Anyway, i'm still disappointed we didn't get Zero Gunner 2 this week. Zerodiv needs to give proper dates, i don't enjoy being hyped every Thursday for something that does not happen.
For one, Stardew Valley. Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god. It‘s finally done downloading. ~immediately drops everything~
Also Superstar Saga and Lady Layton physically.
And finally A Hat in Time on PS4.
Holy moly! What's with all the Culdcept Revolt DLC... 😨 Never seen that much, geez. Are they for real?
Why can't they release some good Wii U Virtual Console games? They've been pants for God knows how long.
@gcunit I use US Amazon gift vouchers to buy Eshop top up codes.It works out great for me as a lot of my customers for my business have issues paying through my Thai store so I just tell them to send me gift cards instead. If I was buying individual titles direct from the Eshop or smaller amounts of top up codes this way with my own debit card it wouldn't be as worthwhile as the time you factor in exchange rates and foreign transaction fees you don't save as much. Even then though, you still save something. Buying codes from Amazon requires to change some settings in your account though, so if you want to try let me know and I'll tell you what to do.
Some quality stuff here!
Bit sad no Switch discounts.
I guess Stardew is the game to get as I never tried it before. Played Axiom on Wii U, but might get it again on the Switch at a later date. Awsome game! But seeing this list I want all the Box Boy games on Switch!
@gcunit
Sorry to butt in but I use these guys.
https://mobile.pcgamesupply.com/catalog/buygames/Nintendo-Wii-Points-Card
Gamebesitas.
Awesome.
That's a surprising amount of Day 1 paid DLC for Layton's Mystery Journey, I'm not impressed. That's very unexpected, since previous Layton games on Nintendo consoles never had paid DLC. And there wasn't any hints that it would be getting this DLC before the release.
Still waiting for the next Nintendo Arcade game...please be Punch Out.
Pretty sure I got oxenfree on my iPad for five quid
@SLIGEACH_EIRE remind me when Nintendo eshops have good discounts
@OorWullie, @electrolite77 Thanks. I don't use vouchers though, only like to pay in exact amounts. But seems I can only use my c/card for European eshops.
@ThomasBW84 it's ridiculous that they didn't integrate all layton dlc into the 3ds version considering it costs more than twice of what the mobile version costs (which is better every way).
Absolutely excellent week, on both Nintendo systems.
Bought Stardew Valley and Metal Slug X. Seriously considering Tumblestones. Oxenfree was just on Games with Gold so I'll probably play it on that but then I'm getting so much more time on the Switch I'm still tempted.
Problem is my backlog is ridiculous and getting bigger, with more to come over the next couple of months. It's like the opposite of the Wii U years.
@gcunit
I had the same problem, couldn't get any of my cards to work on either the USA or Japan eshops. The Russian shop has the odd bargain.
Stardew Stardew Stardew Stardew Stardew!
I was on the fence with Culdcept Revolt and Layton's Mystery Journey, but the revelation of DLC for both of these titles has caused me disgust. It's such a contemptible practice.
Layton has no 3D, an abundance of day 1 DLC, was released first on mobile devices and costs significantly more than said mobile release (nearly two and a half times more). I think this may very well be the first Layton game that I skip. Good going, Level-5.
bought Earth Atlantis, ordered Culdcept Revolt, Stardew Valley after two assignments are complete.
May be that i wait discounts for Layton and Culdcept, reasons mentioned already. Anyway don't want to buy them immediately...
Metal Slug X for me. Tempted by the puzzler but only recently bought Puyo Puyo Tetris and still have Magical Drop II to play. Am curious about Oxen Free, always like a good Halloween appropriate game to play in October, but maybe not £16 curious, lol!
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