Wii U eShop News
August2015
News Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty Wii U Screens Remind Us That It's Due This Year
It's happening
Update: Below are another four screens showing the work in progress build for Wii U, with release due in 2015. Original Article: Oddworld: New 'n' Tasty is a critically acclaimed remaster - it's far more than a simple remake - that's gone down well on various systems. Its Wii U release has been elusive and long delayed,...
Review DK: Jungle Climber (Wii U eShop / DS)
Aping the King of Swing
What do you get when you throw away an established series' playbook and try for something new? You get DK: Jungle Climber. Unlike previous entries in the venerable Donkey Kong franchise, DK: Jungle Climber takes a fresh look at the series by focusing on swinging and timing more than precise platforming. The problem? It gets...
News Nintendo Confirms Full Gamescom Line-Up
Including Shovel Knight's 'Plague of Shadows' DLC
Nintendo has been keen to ahead of Gamescom opening to the public with a range of announcements for Europe, covered in other articles, and has also outlined its plans for the show itself. If you are heading along to the world's biggest gaming expo this weekend in Cologne, Nintendo is keen to keep you...
News Get a Taste of Upcoming eShop Goodness in This Awesome Sizzle Reel
Beatbuddy is out today, don't forget
We love a good sizzle reel here at Nintendo Life, and Nintendo of Europe has released a beauty to celebrate its presence at Gamescom. Focused on Wii U and 3DS eShop releases, it rattles through plenty of exciting games that are out now or on the way relatively soon. Many of these are familiar, though its nice to...
Review Canvaleon (Wii U eShop)
Karma karma karma karma karma Canvaleon
Take a peek at some recent Wii U releases and you may see a painterly pattern forming. That's right; what with Art Academy: Atelier and Splatoon splashing some colour onto Nintendo's home console this year, it's almost like an artistic renaissance is upon us - just with more squids. On the surface, Canvaleon...
Review Astral Breakers (Wii U eShop)
Puzzling Over the Stars
Ever since the stars aligned and humans discovered the fun of matching coloured objects, we've been trying to invent new ways to make puzzle games based on this simple premise. Puzzle Fighter and Bust-a-Move are just some of the diversions we've come up with. Astral Breakers joins the fray and brings with it a little bit of...
News PolyKid's Poi Hits Kickstarter, $80,000 Needed To Bring It To Wii U
2016 release date mooted
Back in June we reported on Poi, a 3D platformer from PolyKid which is inspired by the likes of Banjo-Kazooie, Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. The title was slated for release on Wii U and PC, and the team confirmed that Kickstarter would be used to raise funds. The
Review Mario Tennis (Wii U eShop / N64)
Love All
Some people would say Mario Tennis is worthy of praise solely for the fact it introduces the glorious specimen known as Waluigi into the Nintendo World. These people are right, but you can't write a full review out of that. In all seriousness, Mario Tennis marks a highlight in Nintendo's adaptation of the sport into a fun, casual style...
News Typoman Set to Spell Out a Release on 16th September
That's the target for all regions
Typoman was one of nine titles to feature in the E3 Nindies@Home promotion, a smart twist on puzzle platforming with wordplay and a Limbo vibe to the visual design. Based on that demo alone it's certainly full of promise. The good news is that it's not too far away from its arrival on the Wii U eShop. It's now been...
Review Dare Up Adrenaline (Wii U eShop)
Don't you dare...
Dare Up Adrenaline is a game that doesn't have much going for it. The idea of a Pilotwings-style experience with high-flying stunts and tricks is certainly an appealing concept, but this title fails to deliver on every front. The main gameplay hook of Dare Up is controlling a wingsuit-wearing daredevil through the skies. The idea...
Nintendo Download 6th August (Europe)
Beatbuddy, Star Fox, DK,Dragon Ball Z demo and more
Another week has begun, bringing with it the European Nintendo Download Update. This time around we have a long-anticipated Indie effort on the Wii U, alongside a lesser known title and two DS releases; the 3DS offers a demo, DLC and plenty of discounts. Let's get to the details. Wii U eShop:...
Interview 13AM Games on Getting Up to Speed With Runbow
"When we go to parties it's always the Wii U out entertaining everyone"
You can always judge how much Nintendo's eShop teams enjoy an upcoming release by the amount of support it receives at the big N's expo booths, social media channels and more. On those criteria Nintendo's staff clearly adore Runbow, as the colourful nine-player Wii U eShop title...
July2015
News Kung Fu FIGHT! Will Exchange Blows With the Wii U eShop Next Week
The second release from Nostatic Software
Though Nostatic Software is a studio with quite a few games in its release history, it's new to Nintendo hardware. Just recently it published a compilation of small games as The Quiet Collection on the Wii U eShop in North America, which we gave a recommendation in our review. The studio is wasting no time...
News Puzzle Platformer Hue Bringing Some Much-Needed Colour To The Wii U eShop Next Year
Colour me excited
UK publisher Curve Digital has confirmed that it is bringing indie title Hue to consoles early next year. A unique puzzle platformer which allows you to shift the colour of the level to overcome traps and hazards, Hue has already gained a lot of attention on the indie dev circuit. Here's what Fiddlesticks Creative Director Henry...
News Astral Breakers Is Bringing Old-School Puzzle Action To The Wii U eShop Next Week
It's in the stars
Those of you who have enjoyed playing the likes of Tetris, Columns or Puzzle Bobble against another human opponent will know that this sort of competitive play offers a buzz that few other genres can match - and developer Intropy Games is of the opinion that we don't see enough of this kind of action puzzler these days. Therefore,...
News Brave Tank Hero Rolling Onto The 3DS eShop On August 11th
Wii U eShop version to follow "in the coming weeks"
Natsume has confirmed that it is releasing the 3DS version of Arc System Works' Brave Tank Hero on August 11th in North America. The game is also coming to the Wii U eShop, and will launch on that platform in a few weeks. Here's some information on the game, direct from Natsume itself: It's up...
News Team17 Is Publishing Yooka-Laylee And Wants To Produce A Physical Version
“There is a large demand for a physical game”
UK veteran Team17 is publishing Playtonic's Yooka-Laylee, it has been announced. The 3D platformer raised more than £2M via Kickstarter earlier this year, and is coming to the Wii U. Team17 will assist with localisation, certification, QA, marketing and other business concerns. Here's what...
Nintendo Download 30th July (North America)
Three Kirby games, BADLAND, Xeodrifter, Flick Golf and more
It's time once again for the North American Nintendo Download Update, and this week brings a fairly busy and diverse line-up. The Wii U is offering a triple-header of Kirby games, alongside a welcome port from Renegade Kid and a promising Game of the Year Edition. On 3DS we have a...
Review The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth (Wii U eShop)
Gross. Gripping. Great.
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth has been a long time coming on Wii U, but it was worth the wait. With excellent enemy and boss variety along with a seemingly endless supply of pickups and items to help Isaac escape his mom's horrifying basement, the game constantly surprises players with something new. The only thing you'll see...
Weirdness The Previously Untold True Story Behind Rusty Pup Developer Gory Detail
(Disclaimer: May not actually be true)
Gory Detail is the studio founded by former Rare developers Christopher "Conker" Seavor and Shawn Pile, and the pair are currently hard at work on The Unlikely Legend of Rusty Pup, which is coming to both Wii U and 3DS. Those of you already familiar with Seavor's work will know he likes a good laugh - and the...
News Nindies@Home Promotion Arrives In Australia & New Zealand Tomorrow
Better late than never
The Nindies@Home Wii U eShop promotion arrived in North America and Europe last month, but was noticeably absent in Australia and New Zealand on launch day due to local classification laws. Nintendo Australia released the following statement via Facebook explaining it was at the time working with developers to make the...
Review Xeodrifter (Wii U eShop)
Muddvania
Renegade Kid has shown Nintendo a lot of support in the form of nicely crafted downloadable titles for the 3DS, including its the retro-styled Mutant Mudds and Metroid-esque adventure Xeodrifter. Like Mutant Mudds, Xeodrifter has made its way to the Wii U eShop, and like Mutant Mudds, Xeodrifter is a very good game - if you don't mind...
News ZaciSa: Defense of the Crayon Dimension! Dated for Europe, Aims to Draw You In With a Discount
Fully updated with improvements from NA launch version
There have been a number of Nintendo Web Framework releases on the Wii U eShop that haven't made it to Europe, for a host of reasons. One that is making the transition - however - is ZaciSa's Last Stand, though as announced earlier in the year it'll be called ZaciSa: Defense of the Crayon...
News Muramasa: The Demon Blade And Trauma Team Hitting The Japanese Wii U eShop Next Month
Classic Wii titles inbound
Nintendo has revealed that two fan-favourite Wii titles will be coming to the Wii U eShop next month. Vanillaware's Muramasa: The Demon Blade and Atlus' Trauma Team (known as Hospital: 6 Doctors in Japan) are the titles in question, and will launch on August 19th for 2,700 Yen each. "Muramasa: The Demon Blade and games...
Video We Tackle Crazy 9-Player Wii U Fun in Chompy Chomp Chomp Party
We ask about the plot too, because why not?
Just recently we held our Nintendo Life Gaming Night in Cambridge (England), in which lots of responsible adults (mostly) gathered to play all sorts of delightful games, both retro and brand new. We had a couple of Nindies at the event, and we've previously shared our video interview for the F-Zero-ish...
News Nintendo of America is Bringing Three 'Classic Kirby Games' to the Wii U eShop This Week
Celebrating the pink one's birthday
Pretty soon Kirby will turn 23 in the West, and Nintendo of America has announced that the mascot will have a a few classics on the Wii U eShop this week to celebrate. The download update is on 30th July, a couple of days before the 23rd Anniversary of Kirby's Dream Land being released in North America. As you...
News Freedom Planet is Speeding Onto the Wii U Soon
Retro Sonic fans, get ready
Update: Well, we said these Nintendo website listings aren't 100% right. Freedom Planet's developer has tweeted that the game will actually come after the RTX convention (which is 7th-9th August) as development has taken longer than expected. Thanks to Grumblevolcano for the heads up in the comments. Original Article:...
Livin' large
"Fat City" is the colloquial name for a well-to-do section of New Orleans, and became the primary inspiration for the idiom "being in fat city," a phrase that unsurprisingly means to be doing well. Fat City is now also the name of an action-puzzler on the Wii U eShop by Heavy Iron Studios (which has a record for work-for-hire Disney...
News Promising Platformer Mekazoo Adds Local Co-Op Multiplayer
Due in Q1 2016
Though we always have to wait for games to arrive before judging whether they live up to their potential, some download titles are obvious examples of a dedicated team striving to produce a high quality game. In an era when concept games of questionable quality and value flood the eShop, projects with more love and care given to them...
Review The Quiet Collection (Wii U eShop)
Shh...
If you've ever gone digging through old diskettes (or, like some reviewers, are kind of old yourself), you might have come across some pixelated shareware adventures from the '90s. The Quiet Collection has four little games that feel like a love letter to these old-school distractions, in ways that are both fun and potentially frustrating...
Nintendo Download 30th July (Europe)
Badland, Legend of Kay, Flick Golf, Hello Kitty themes (?!) and more
Another week begins with the Nintendo Download Update details in Europe. This week brings a couple much anticipated Wii U releases, a smartphone smash hit, more welcome puzzles and various discount options. Let's get to the details. Wii U eShop: BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition...
Review KEYTARI: 8-bit Music Maker (Wii U eShop)
Weak Beats
Keytari: 8-Bit Music Maker seems to be an interesting entry in the eShop for anyone who's ever grooved along to the chiptunes that played during NES games. After hearing music from Super Mario Bros. and Mega Man for decades, Keytari tries to put the tools in your hand to make your own. Unfortunately, its limited capabilities turn it into...
News Crunchyroll Wii U App Can Now Be Used Without A Subscription
Exciting news for anime lovers
Upon its arrival, the Crunchyroll Wii U application was a welcome addition to Nintendo’s digital library of offerings. The one setback was the fact users had to sign up to Crunchyroll’s premium service or use the trial period to watch their favourite anime on demand. As of today, a significant change has been...
Review Santa Factory (Wii U eShop)
Ho ho ho? More like no no no
XINESS Games' Santa Factory isn't likely to inspire much confidence in players over the age of five. It's clearly aimed at very small children, featuring extremely simple platforming mechanics and some light edutainment elements after each level. That being said, it's not fair to write it off for its target demographic...
News Elliot Quest For Wii U To Get Free Content Update
Miiverse features and additional content
We really liked 8-bit style RPG platformer Elliot Quest when we took it for a spin in our review. Anyone looking for a challenging, satisfying action adventure should give this game a look; it's also great showcase for what HTML5 can do. The developers at PlayEveryWare aren't finished with Elliot Quest,...
News Aperion Cyberstorm's Multiplayer Versus Modes Look Suitably Chaotic
Twin-stick blasting that's coming to the Wii U
Aperion Cyberstorm may be taking a little while to arrive, but it's a promising twin-stick shooter that's on the way to the Wii U eShop. Developed by aPriori Digital, it'll have a Metroidvania-style single player campaign but will also have a notable focus on local multiplayer, with co-op and versus...
News Xeodrifter Cross-Buy Will Include 3DS eShop Early Adopters When Wii U Version Lands
Great news all around
Xeodrifter is a gem on the 3DS eShop, a rapid Metroidvania-style project from Renegade Kid that's rightly earned plenty of praise. With its imminent arrival on the Wii U eShop in North America there had been doubts that early adopters would be able to enjoy the offer - this was the result of eShop limitations and the existing...
Nintendo Download 23rd July (North America)
Binding of Isaac Rebirth! 3D Streets of Rage 2! Legend of Kay! Much more!
It's Nintendo Download Update time once again, and we have a fairly packed week in North America. We have a relatively controversial and long-awaited arrival on Wii U and New Nintendo 3DS, cross platform RPG goodness and some quirky efforts on the home console, while a budget...
News Assault Android Cactus Brings Mega Weapons and Neat Camera Angles Into the Battle
Boom
We're rather looking forward to Assault Android Cactus - the frantic bullet-hell shoot'em up is due this Summer on PS4 and 'later' on Wii U; it's been a long time coming. The Early Access PC build has been progressing nicely, so its arrival on Wii U is certainly something to look forward to. The latest information and footage of the title...
Review Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Tending to the roots
If you're a fan of the Harvest Moon series, you know that a faithful instalment will leave only two questions: who do I get to marry and just how much free time can I afford to sacrifice over the next month or two? Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town sticks closer to this original formula than some of its more modern cousins,...
News BADLAND: Game Of The Year Edition Hits Wii U eShop On 30th July
Save the clones
The Wii U eShop is doing a good job of attracting quality multiplatform indie titles lately, and the next in line is BADLAND: Game of the Year Edition, which lands on 30th July in North America and Europe. The North American price is $9.99, with Euro pricing still to be confirmed. The Wii U version builds on the original tablet game...
Review Final Fight One (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Still the One?
It's fair to say Capcom was on a roll in the late '80s and early '90s. During this period it pushed out some bona-fide classic pieces of software, including 1989's seminal coin-op brawler, Final Fight. Indisputably one of the finest side-scrolling beat-'em-ups ever created, it joined a rush of similar coin-guzzling titles including...
News Ubisoft Launches Its eShop Summer Sale in North America
Lots of tempting discounts
It's fairly standard for Ubisoft to run a couple of major sale periods on various download stores throughout the year, and the eShop platforms are no different. Some of the content may have been around for a good while, but that doesn't mean there aren't some gems to consider picking up. The latest sale is underway in...
Review Asteroid Quarry (Wii U eShop)
Lost and Bored in Space
The life of a space miner is a lonely, but simple one. With Earth's resources exhausted, a single miner is dispatched to cut ore from nearby asteroids and bring it back to a space station. It's not the most complex work, but it is complicated by the abundance of space pirates out there who want to capitalize on the player's...
News Nova-111 Is A Unique Strategy Puzzle Title From Two Former PixelJunk Developers
Curve Digital is publishing on Wii U eShop
Curve Digital has confirmed that it will be bringing Funktronic Labs' Nova-111 to the Wii U eShop. Founded by two former Q-Games (the studio behind the PixelJunk series, Star Fox Command, Star Fox 64 3D) staffers - Eddie Lee and Kalin - Nova-111 is a unique fusion of real time strategy and turn-based...
Review Neon Battle (Wii U eShop)
Ping
Every Indie developer has to start somewhere. However, it seems that in this day and age where just about anybody with a laptop can make a game, many fail to remember an absolutely critical fact: you've got to walk before you can run. Nowhere is this more evident than in Helix Games' sophomore outing, Neon Battle. While this simple arcade game...
Nintendo Download 23rd July (Europe)
Yoshi! Streets of Rage 2 3D! Exciting discounts! More!
It's Monday, once again, and we have the Nintendo Download Update details for Europe to get the week started. This batch brings a promising mix of old and new on the Wii U, while a classic SEGA beat 'em up arrives in 3D form on Nintendo's portable along with a few other tempting options. Let's...
Review Land it Rocket (Wii U / Wii U eShop)
A crash landing
With the gaming world becoming more and more in love with storylines, deeper monologues and character building, simpler experiences are sometimes needed. These can come in any shape or size, on any system, and that is what Land it Rocket sets out to provide. Land it Rocket is a simple single-button game that pushes you into a world...
News Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures 2 is Confirmed, and Looks Set for Nintendo Systems
More poop jokes inbound
The Angry Video Game Nerd (AVGN) is still one of the biggest YouTube names out there in the minds of plenty of gamers, which was proven with the release of Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures across various platforms. That included Wii U and 3DS versions, and now that a sequel has been announced it looks like Nintendo fans will...
News Atlus Leads the Way With eShop Discounts in North American Nintendo Download Update
A few 3DS HOME Themes and demos, too
Our standard North American Nintendo Download Update this week was shorter than normal, as a result of Nintendo of America postponing the issuing of its formal press release. We were advised of the delay, and it was clearly to accommodate Satoru Iwata's funeral. The region has now issued the full details, and...
Review Super Street Fighter II: Turbo Revival (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Ryu on Wii U (again)
1991's Street Fighter II is a game that got people very excited and led to a surge of interest in the fighting genre. It's also a game that got updated a lot — new moves, new characters, new speeds... — while being ported to numerous home consoles and computers. Several of those ports have seen a Virtual Console release...
Video This Fan-Made Yooka-Laylee Animation is Pretty Neat
Give 'em a call, Playtonic!
Yooka-Laylee has clearly won over plenty of gamers, from Rare fans to those with fond memories of collect-a-thon 3D adventure platformers on Nintendo 64, and others who simply like exciting projects. It raised over £2 million before its Kickstarter campaign reached a close. The game itself is naturally some way off, but...
News The Quiet Collection Will Politely Release "Four Old-School Adventure Games" on Wii U
Due on 23rd July in North America
Quirky games are to be expected in download stores such as the eShop, and that's no bad thing. The Quiet Collection may fit into that category when it arrives on the North American Wii U store next week - the 23rd July release will cost $4.99. What does five bucks get you? This collection from Nostatic Software...
News Tengami Passes Nyamyam's Sales Targets on the Wii U eShop
"I don't regret releasing on the Wii U"
Tengami is a relatively unique proposition within the Wii U eShop catalogue, with Nyamyam delivering a slow-paced yet intriguing adventure that's accompanied by a gorgeous David Wise score. It's arguably a rather niche offering, with limited scope offset by a lovely pop-up artbook style and a focus on...
Nintendo Download 16th July (North America)
Tiny Galaxy, airport management, Blaster Master, G.G Series and more
Following the passing of Satoru Iwata earlier this week Nintendo isn't actively issuing press releases at the time of writing; as a result the following is based upon checking the eShop stores. We have a promising Nindie effort on Wii U, a couple of quirky efforts on 3DS, more G.G...
Review Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising (Wii U eShop / GBA)
Just like a black hole, it'll suck up hours of your time
With the first Advance Wars being a hit on the GBA not long after the system launched, it was no wonder that a sequel would eventually follow. Released about two years later, Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising feels very much like an expansion pack, but one that is still more than worth the...
Nintendo Download 16th July (Europe)
Mario & Luigi, Capcom classics, PokéPark and more
Due to the passing of Satoru Iwata earlier this week the information for the European Nintendo Download Update wasn't issued without request. The details are available now, and we have some particularly promising retro and familiar releases along with a music streaming service on Wii U, while the...
News Rakoo & Friends is Racing Onto the Wii U eShop
Adapted for Wii U with exclusive multiplayer mode
In the past couple of years we've seen some download titles transition from touch devices to the Wii U. The latest to do so is Rakoo & Friends, which was originally brought to smart devices by Bandai Namco as Rakoo's Adventure. This new version has its name change courtesy of an exclusive...
Review Baila Latino (Wii U eShop)
Lati-NO
The Wii was (and is) a wonderfully appealing console, enticing folk who'd never considered picking up a joypad into a quick round of Wii Sports or Mario Kart. The Wii was also the natural home (and origin) of the Just Dance series of games, which went on to sell in vast quantities. Waving a Wii-remote to a spot of Katy Perry on a Friday...
News Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria is the Next Wii U and 3DS Cross-Buy Release
Out next week in North America
Choice Provisions - which we feel obliged to point out was formerly known as Gaijin Games - has confirmed that its next title will also be the latest cross-buy offering between Wii U and 3DS. The company is publishing Dragon Fantasy: The Volumes of Westeria, a quirky RPG originally developed by Muteki Corp. It's a...
News Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut Heading to the Wii U eShop in August
Will cost €9.99 in Europe
Grip Games, which is publishing Toxic Games' Q.U.B.E: Director's Cut on consoles, has confirmed more release details for the upcoming physics puzzler. It'll cost €9.99 in Europe (probably $9.99 in the US) and is coming to Sony and Microsoft platforms in late July - the Wii U version doesn't have a completely final date...
News 2D Action-RPG Dark Flame Has A Chance Of Coming To Wii U eShop If Nintendo Fans Show Interest
Kickstarter assisting the process
The creator of the Metroidvania-style 2D Action-RPG, Dark Flame, has tweeted the title has a chance of a release on the Wii U eShop if Nintendo fans show their support. [tweet Dark Flame's creator is looking at taking his project to Kickstarter in hope of gaining funds to hire a few professionals and further...
Review The Stonecutter (Wii U eShop)
Cut the crap
Visual novels haven't historically made much of a splash outside of Japan. It's only been in relatively recent times that titles like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward have shown Western gamers that reading can be fun - especially when mixed together with simple game elements like puzzles and branching...
Review Star Fox Command (Wii U eShop / DS)
Command and conquer
Fox McCloud and friends are coming back in a big way this Holiday season with Star Fox Zero for the Wii U, and while the jury's still out on whether the title will live up to expectations, Nintendo has given fans a refresher course in barrel rolls by releasing Star Fox Command on the system's Virtual Console in North America...
Review Quadcopter Pilot Challenge (Wii U eShop)
Controls failin', players wailin', quadcopter
A common complaint among Wii U critics is that the platform's primary controller, the GamePad, doesn't get utilized enough to justify its existence. Whether or not you agree with this assessment, one indie developer that's making an effort to assuage these concerns is TACS Games, whose Quadcopter Pilot...
News Grim Tales and Horrifying Creatures Await in Year Walk for Wii U
Dakko Dakko helping to reimagine the game on the eShop
Year Walk was well received back in 2013 when it was originally released on iOS devices, then arriving on PC in 2014; the horror adventure is loosely based on an old Swedish tradition called Årsgång. In the game the player experiences grim tales, horrifying creatures and cryptic enigmas which...
News Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Will Be Bigger Than Your Average Castlevania-esque Romp
Over 1,600 rooms to explore
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night, widely regarded as a Castlevania successor and led by Koji Igarashi, was a phenomenon on Kickstarter. It's become the most successful game project ever on the platform, and its success brought plenty of stretch goals and a
Review Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (Wii U eShop / N64)
Kirby Sixty-Phwoar
Like many of Nintendo's properties during the transition from the SNES to the N64, Kirby underwent a shift from a flat 2D sprite to a fully rendered polygon rendition of himself. Rather than taking Kirby down the route of Mario and Link, however, the pink mascot stuck closer to his origins - the mechanics of Kirby 64: The Crystal...
Review Mario & Luigi: Partners In Time (Wii U eShop / DS)
Fun for all ages
It takes quite a lot of star power to be able to co-star with yourself in something. The upcoming Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam is set to show that our favourite plumbers are not lacking in this department, but it's not the first time developer AlphaDream has pulled a similar gimmick! For that we should look to Mario & Luigi:...
Review Roving Rogue (Wii U eShop)
Stark roving mad
So what exactly does an adventurer do after they beat the last boss? This is the question Padaone Games' Roving Rogue poses to its players, and it gives a pretty straightforward answer: they walk back to the first level, of course. Kurt the Righteous does just that in this light platforming adventure, which begins promisingly but...
News Cube Life Update To Bring Local Multiplayer And Lots More
Also #1 in the UK, Germany and France!
If Minecraft mania has taken over the planet, then certainly Cube Life: Island Survival has staked its claim for Wii U dominance. This Minecraft clone is now in #1 place in the Wii U eShop in the UK, Germany and France. Yes, that's right - above even Yoshi's Woolly World and Splatoon. Slovakia-based developer...
Review Shiftlings (Wii U eShop)
Stuck in second gear
Puzzle-platformers are all the rage in the world of indie games. Perhaps it's because they're so accessible for so many different kinds of gamers - or because they're a genre well suited to exploring unconventional narratives. Whatever the case, intuitive design is central to the success of these generally more minimalist games...
News Poncho Will Bring Some Robotic Style to the Wii U eShop This September
Try to restore humanity - no pressure
Rising Star Games will be bringing another title to Nintendo hardware soon, confirmed that Poncho - developed by Delve Interactive - will head to the Wii U eShop and other platforms this September. This is a puzzle platformer in which you jump between layers of depth in order to find your maker and save...
Nintendo Download 9th July (North America)
Mario Tennis, Epic Indie Sale, loads of Wii U downloads and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for the Nintendo Download Update line-up to tempt you ahead of the weekend. It's a busy line-up this week with a glut of varied releases on the Wii U eShop, the arrival of a classic Mario sports game and the rather impressive 'Epic Indie...
Review Don't Crash (Wii U eShop)
Crash and burn
The Wii U eShop sometimes comes under fire for having a library of games that seem better suited to mobile platforms. Let's be fair, though: despite their reputation, mobile games aren't intrinsically bad - there are plenty of quality titles to play on smartphones and tablets if you're inclined to seek them out. That said, the eShop...
News Epic Indie Sale For Wii U eShop Is On Its Way To North America
Own or buy one receive 60 percent discount off the rest
As discovered earlier this week, the 'Epic Indie Sale' is on its way to the Wii U eShop in Europe. As part of the promotion, if you own or purchase any of the eligible titles, you’ll receive a 60 percent discount on all other offers. We now have confirmation that this same sale will be...
Soundtrack release is also planned
The Wii U eShop certainly has some promising games on the way this year, and one of these is Shin'en Multimedia's FAST Racing NEO, the pacy futuristic racer that impressed in its Nintendo Treehouse E3 showing. It's a title that's taken a while, yet seems all the better for it. Some key details are already known;...
News Mario Tennis is Smashing Its Way to the Wii U Virtual Console This Week
The original classic
The Nintendo 64 was home to various classics and also kickstarted some key franchises, and though Mario Tennis may not be on many top 10 lists for the system it is - in the opinion of this writer - up there with the most fun games on the console. Yes, that's nostalgia speaking. One of a number of games on the N64 that had...
News Limbo Looks Set to Finally Arrive on the Wii U eShop
According to a German rating, in any case
Limbo was a title very much at the vanguard of popularising download 'indie' games on consoles - its arrival on Xbox Live Arcade was one of multiple breakthrough releases across Xbox 360, PS3 and, of course, the Wii and its WiiWare range. Developed by Danish studio Playdead, it was a timed exclusive on the...
News The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth Launches on the New 3DS and Wii U on 23rd July in North America
The countdown begins...
The Binding of Isaac: Rebirth is a much anticipated release on multiple levels for Nintendo gamers. Not only will this be the definitive release of a cult classic Indie game, but it also marks the first time the game will be appearing in any form on Nintendo platforms. After the initial release of the game was famously...
News Early Adopters of Xeodrifter Actually May Not Receive a Free Copy of the Wii U Port
Both versions will still support cross buy, but only after the Wii U launch
Shortly after the announcement that Xeodrifter would be receiving a Wii U port, Renegade Kid's Jools Watsham confirmed that the game would feature cross-buy and that those who've bought the game already on their 3DS would be receiving a free download code for the Wii U...
Review Kirby Squeak Squad (Wii U eShop / DS)
Squeaky Clean Fun
For a company so often associated as being at the forefront of innovative thinking in the video game industry, Nintendo can have a tendency to stick with a tried and tested formula. The Mario, Zelda and Pokémon franchises have all received their share of criticism for not drastically changing their instalments over the years, and...
News FreezeME, Coming to Wii U, Looks Rather Similar to Super Mario Galaxy
From indie dev Rainy Night Creations
There are plenty of new development studios that have chosen the Wii U eShop for their début release, and Rainy Night Creations is another with FreezeME, a 3D platformer that's still planned for the system despite a failed Kickstarter campaign earlier in the year. A couple of years in the works (a mix of part-...
Nintendo Download 9th July (Europe)
Mega Man goodness, Never Alone, Bike Rider DX2, 'Epic Indie Sale' and more
Another week begins, and as per our custom in Europe that means we can get warmed up with news of the download treats on the way later this week. We have a few new Nindie efforts on Wii U and 3DS, Mega Man RPG goodness, and also some tempting discounts in the Wii U eShop...
News F-Zero 'Spiritual Successor' Kickstarter Makes Classic Crowdfunding Mistakes
No video pitch, uses a Blue Falcon model that won't be in the game
F-Zero fans have had little to cheer them in recent times, thought the barnstorming - but brief - showing of FAST Racing NEO on the Nintendo Treehouse broadcast during E3 was a positive; it's not F-Zero and has its own style, but it is super fast futuristic racing that's looking...
Review The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Wii U eShop / N64)
A classic for any time
There's little remaining to say that hasn't already been said about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. A true masterpiece and a genuine game-changer; what was once revolutionary is today simply one of the greatest action/adventure games ever created. Now available to download from the Wii U eShop, this latest release...
News Castles is Building a Base on the Wii U eShop this September
Details on its puzzle system are clarified
Castles is a promising strategic puzzler from Spanish developer WhootGames, and just recently we shared the news that - having been Greenlit on Steam - it's getting closer to a Wii U eShop release. The developer's not wasting any time, and has confirmed that it's now arriving on all current-gen consoles...
Review Solitaire Dungeon Escape (Wii U eShop)
Fortress of solitaire
Since the introduction of Windows, most PC owners have had the ability play Solitaire for free. A simple, addictive game of strategy and luck, there's a reason it continues to be available for free in various forms, so releasing a paid version of the game is an uphill battle from the beginning. Jose Varela Games' Solitaire...
Review Life of Pixel (Wii U eShop)
A passionate pastiche of pixels past
Independent games are well-known for reaching into the early days of the industry for inspiration. Many indies borrow the retro style of chiptunes and pixel art, being an aesthetic that's easily created on a smaller budget, and titles like Shovel Knight have even elevated the look beyond its original form. Life...
"Development of Virtual Console titles require detailed manual work"
The Virtual Console promised so much when it launched alongside the original Wii all those years ago. Indeed, on that particular console it became something of a goldmine of amazing retro titles, and when Nintendo announced that the service would carry over to the Wii U, many...
Nintendo Download 2nd July (North America)
Ocarina of Time, Roving Rogue, Samurai Warriors, discounts and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for a look over this week's Nintendo Download Update goodies. One of the greatest games of all time is up for grabs, while there's a mix of Nindie and major third-party options through the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores. Throw in a load of...
News Cypronia to Offer Future Release for Free as Celebration of Cube Life: Island Survival Sales
Early sales show promise in Europe
It's no secret that a number of developers have been producing variations on the theme of Minecraft for the eShop stores, filling a gap in the market. They've enjoyed some success doing this, and Cypronia has been in touch to state that its entry - Cube Life: Island Survival - is doing rather well since its launch...
June2015
News Veterans Of 3DS Title Xeodrifter Will Get The Upcoming Wii U Version For Free
Developer reports disappointing EU sales, though
Renegade Kid's Jools Watsham has confirmed that existing owners of the 3DS version of Xeodrifter will get the forthcoming Wii U eShop port for nothing. The game will be cross buy, which means that when you purchase one edition, you get the other entirely free of charge. Huzzah! According to...
Reaction The Concept of eShop 'Early Access' is Both Exciting and Slightly Terrifying
Tom Whitehead thinks it would be the best of times, and the worst
Nintendo is rapidly disproving the suggestion that it's behind-the-curve or old fashioned in the download gaming space. Aspects of the company's decision-making remain cautious, but the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores have not only brought Nintendo up to speed with a number of modern...
News Nintendo Is "Exploring" The Idea Of Early Access Games On Its Consoles
"There could be some benefits there"
Nintendo of America's third-party relations and indie development boss Damon Baker has revealed that the company is currently pondering the idea of "Early Access" games on its consoles. Speaking to Polygon, Baker said: We don't have anything to announce, but I can say that we're certainly exploring options and...
Nintendo Download 2nd July (Europe)
Going rogue, Ocarina of Time, Fire Emblem, Advance Wars and much more
Another week begins, and as usual we have the Nintendo Download Update for Europe to get us started. This week seems to have a pretty strong line-up, with three excellent retro experiences accompanying a retro-style Nindie release on the Wii U. A delayed retail title also lands on...
News The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is Hitting the Wii U Virtual Console Very Soon
Confirmed for Europe, NA surely not far behind
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is, by popular concensus, one of the finest video games of all time. Following its original Nintendo 64 release it's appeared on GameCube and the Wii Virtual Console, while also having a fabulous remastered version on 3DS. For fans who simply can't get enough of it,...
News Castles Hits Steam Target Ahead of Planned Fall Release on Wii U
An "adventure/action puzzle game"
There are plenty of download games aspiring to make their way to consoles, including the Wii U eShop, and one that's got one step closer is Castles by Spanish developer WhootGames. The project is celebrating its successful elevation to being Greenlit on Steam, which will prompt the next stage of the title getting a...
News Gunman Clive's 3DS Outings Are Dashing To Wii U In Rootin'-Tootin' HD
Two for the price of one, partner
Gunman Clive and Gunman Clive 2 are two of our personal favourites on the 3DS eShop, so we're pleased as punch by the news that the games are being released on the Wii U - but in 60 frames per second high definition. Gunman Clive HD Collection - for that is its name - has already been submitted to Nintendo of...
Video New Factotum Trailer Feels Like Red Dwarf Meets Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy
Forthcoming Wii U eShop release is lost in space
Indie developer TACS Games has kindly sent us a brand new trailer for his upcoming Wii U eShop title Factotum, and we're really digging the "BBC Sci-Fi" vibe. Looking and sounding like a cross between the cult sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf and the equally funny Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Factotum...