DSiWare - Timeline
Monday15th Oct 2012
Die hard the hunter
It's hard to believe that it's been almost three years since we first saw Spirit Hunters Inc. in its earliest incarnation. But rest assured, that development time has gone into turning the idea into a rather diverse and playable augmented reality experience. When you first begin playing Spirit Hunters Inc., the game seems fairly...
Sunday14th Oct 2012
Review Robot Rescue 2 (DSiWare)
Robot Parade
The sequel to Teyon's first DSiWare release from back in 2009, Robot Rescue 2 charges players with leading a flock of oddly organic looking robots to safety across gridded stages. Rescuing these robots is made more complicated, and much more interesting, by the fact that their movement is synchronized. Press any direction on the D-pad...
Friday12th Oct 2012
News Ikachan Confirmed For Both DSiWare And 3DS eShop
Two platforms, same game
Yesterday, we teased a picture that showed Ikachan running on a 3DS. For those who don't know, Ikachan is a 2D retro style platformer from Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya, the man behind Cave Story. While developer Nicalis was originally intending to release Ikachan as a DSiWare title, they decided to produce two versions of the...
News Want to Know How to Play Spirit Hunters?
Developer videos explain forthcoming DSiWare AR title
Each week up until the release of Spirit Hunters on DSiWare on November 22nd, developer Nnooo will be releasing videos which give a little more detail on the inner workings of this interesting augmented reality title. Using your 3DS or DSi's camera, Spirit Hunters lets you do battle with ghosts...
Thursday11th Oct 2012
Nintendo Download 11th October 2012 (North America)
Mario gets on the course, robots are rescued, the one true demo arrives and more
Last week was a bit of a bumper week for the Nintendo Download update in North America, and we have another packed list for you. Every platform is covered in some form, and there's a demo and some videos to fill your time too; let's get right into it. 3DS Downloads:...
Wednesday10th Oct 2012
News EnjoyUp's Zombie Skape Shuffling To DSiWare Soon
Skateboards and Zombies galore
EnjoyUp Games, the publisher behind La Mulana and Chrono Twins, has announced Zombie Skape today for DSiWare and the 3DS eShop. It's described as an arcade game with a 'terrifying' atmosphere. Oo-er. Protagonist Ethan dreams to become number one number one at skateboarding and outdo his idol Johnny Eagle. Unlucky for...
Nintendo Download 11th October 2012 (Europe)
Pokémon dreaming, samurai sword slashing and rescuing robots
So, it's finally time for this week's Nintendo Download update for Europe. We have a crack team currently investigating what happened to the official press release, but we'll go ahead and let you know what download delights are on the way based on what was revealed during last week's...
Tuesday9th Oct 2012
Review Academy: Chess Puzzles (DSiWare)
Chess, minus chess
Sometimes a game is so simple in concept that it’s difficult to find the right words to describe it. It’s also worth keeping in mind that simplicity is not always a bad thing, and it can often work in a game’s favor. With that being said, Academy: Chess Puzzles is the definitive simple pleasure. The first thing that needs...
Thursday4th Oct 2012
News Spirit Hunters Ghosting Onto DSiWare on 22nd November
Light and Shadow versions both available
While Australian development studio Nnooo is fairly well known to Nintendo download gamers for Pop and escapeVektor: Chapter 1 on WiiWare — a new version of the latter is also on the way to the 3DS eShop — the developer has been quietly working on its ambitious DSiWare title, Spirit Hunters Inc, for quite...
Nintendo Download 4th October 2012 (North America)
Cave Story, art classes, cross words and NSMB2 DLC
You might want to pull up a chair for this one, because it's something of a monster. Are you sitting comfortably? Do you have a hot drink at the ready? Then let's begin... 3DS Retail Downloads: Crosswords Plus (Nintendo, $29.99) — Crosswords Plus offers more than 1,000 professionally designed...
Monday1st Oct 2012
Review Kart Krashers (DSiWare)
A party worth krashing?
Kart Krashers has a plan to shake up the kart racing genre: keep the karts, erase the race. Sure, it sounds rather pointless, but stick with us. The basic idea is to drive your kart around arena-like courses, shooting for a high score by collecting stars and rings and taking out baddies. The "Krashers" in the name implies a...
Thursday27th Sep 2012
News Come On! Dragons Stomping onto DSiWare Soon
A dance with dragons
CIRCLE Entertainment is combining oversized lizards with tower defence in its latest DSiWare title, Come On! Dragons. You'd better start building those defences now! Using several types of archery attacks and special skills, you've got to defend the kingdom against the fearsome beasts and the invaders that accompany them...
Nintendo Download 27th September 2012 (North America)
Denpa men, a Game Boy classic and some Real Bout Newcomers
After the confirmation of Europe's somewhat disappointing selection of Nintendo Download titles, you might be forgiven for expecting the North American update to be similarly lackluster. However, Nintendo has pulled out all the stops to deliver a varied selection of titles - the details of...
Tuesday25th Sep 2012
Nintendo Download 27th September 2012 (Europe)
Balloons, mad chickens and another English lesson with Freddy
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Nintendo of Europe wasn't able to issue the Euro Nintendo Download news yesterday. Better late than never, the update has arrived on our desk today, and as a result we've got a selection of downloadable treats for you to sample. 3DS eShop: Balloon Pop...
Saturday22nd Sep 2012
Through the Past, Darkly
Before Retro Pocket, Game & Watch fans were poorly served. If they wanted to enjoy those early Nintendo forays into gaming, they were out of luck. There was no way for gamers to get their hands on recreations of those originals, short of picking up the Game & Watch Collection, of course. Or its sequel. But apart...
Thursday20th Sep 2012
Nintendo Download 20th September 2012 (North America)
Surfing, retro pockets and the long-awaited La-Mulana!
Roll up, roll up, it's another generous helping of digitally-downloaded goodness from our North American Nintendo Download report! Feast your eyeballs on the following treats and start counting those virtual pennies - there's purchasing to be done. 3DS eShop: Rising Board 3D (odenis studio,...
Tuesday18th Sep 2012
Review Bookstore Dream (DSiWare)
Let us tell you about this game, fair reader
Bookstore Dream, to be clear, has about as much book-selling realism as the Call of Duty series has to real warfare. Ultimately though, it is just a game, and this one draws much of its inspiration from a series of smartphone resource management games from developer Kairosoft. We won't complain about...
News Castle Conquerors Heroes 2 Going Out With a Bang On DSiWare
Futuristic sequel is close to release after a year of development
CIRCLE Entertainment's Castle Conquerors has enjoyed quite a few outings on DSiWare. The original game has spawned a flood of sequels, and there's another on the way in the shape of Castle Conquerors Heroes 2. Following on from the brilliant Castle Conquerors Heroes - which we...
Monday17th Sep 2012
Nintendo Download 20th September 2012 (Europe)
The year's most eagerly-awaited WiiWare title finally sees the light of day
3DS eShop: Dot Runner: Complete Edition (Intense, £4.50) — This unique puzzle title adopts a dual viewpoint - you see the action from both a top-down perspective as well as a first person view. It's certainly different, but we weren't totally enamoured when we reviewed...
Thursday13th Sep 2012
Nintendo Download 13th September 2012 (North America)
Fractured action over two screens, shooting, retro ninjas and selling books
There may be a shiny new home console hogging the headlines today, but the world keeps spinning and another Nintendo Download update arrives. Wii misses out, unfortunately, but there's an interesting mix of handheld titles to choose from; let's get to it. 3DS eShop:...
Wednesday12th Sep 2012
Hunting, it’ll make you crazy
Have you ever thought to yourself, “what’s the least amount of fun I can possibly have while playing a DSiWare game”? Well, think no more, because now your wildest fantasies can be a reality when you play Crazy Hunter. With a plot that makes no sense and controls that are almost impossible to master, you’ll be...
Monday10th Sep 2012
Nintendo Download 13th September 2012 (Europe)
Zelda II, some bookworms and a metallic slug - it's all happening in this week's Euro Nintendo Download
3DS Virtual Console: Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (Nintendo, £4.50) — Arguably one of the most controversial games in the Zelda bloodline, this second NES outing combines side-scrolling action with top-down adventuring to create a heady mix...
Friday7th Sep 2012
News DSiWare RPG 18th Gate Opens For Business Soon
What happened to the previous 17?
DSiWare developer CIRCLE Entertainment has gotten in touch to confirm that its latest game is close to release. 18th Gate is an RPG adventure title which appears to use a hex-based movement system not entirely unlike those old table-top board games people over the age of 30 used to play before they discovered video...
News LCD Gaming is Resurrected in Retro Pocket on DSiWare
New downloadable title channels the spirit of Nintendo's Game & Watch range
Nintendo's Game & Watch series was the precursor to the Game Boy and introduced many fledgling players to the concept of portable entertainment. The simplistic yet addictive LCD games captivated a generation, and they're due for a comeback courtesy of UFO Interactive's...
Thursday6th Sep 2012
Nintendo Download 6th September 2012 (North America)
Balloon popping, puzzles from Nikoli, princely acrobatics and crazy hunting
It's time for another Nintendo Download update, and we reckon that no-one should be able to complain of a lack of variety. We have two new 3DS eShop titles, a stone-cold Super NES classic on Wii Virtual Console and a wacky sounding DSiWare title. Check out the details below...
News Kart Krashers Careers Into View on 27th September
Slot on North American starting grid confirmed
Big John Games has confirmed the North American release date for its forthcoming DSiWare racer Kart Krashers. The magical day is 27th September, with a price point of 500 DSi points. The company has also released a new trailer which features gameplay footage - you can check it out after the press...
Monday3rd Sep 2012
Nintendo Download 6th September 2012 (Europe)
Picture crosswords, crazy hunting and retro pugilistic action
Monday morning means an update on the downloadable delights that European Nintendo fans can expect this week. The long-awaited Picross E is likely to bring a smile to the faces of many, but there's content the DSi and Wii as well. 3DS eShop: Picross E (Jupiter, £4.50) — Nintendo's...
Thursday30th Aug 2012
Nintendo Download 30th August 2012 (North America)
A sense of speed, nasty viruses and some soon-to-be-endangered animals
If you're a fan of high speed action, cute birds or shooting innocent animals, then you're in luck - this week's North American Nintendo Download is sure to satisfy your desires. eShop: SpeedX 3D (Gamelion, $3.99) — After speeding into the European eShop a while back,...
Wednesday29th Aug 2012
News Escape The Virus: Shoot 'Em Up! Infecting NA DSiWare August 30th
Going viral
Escape The Virus: Shoot 'Em Up! has already made its European debut but publisher Teyon has today confirmed that North American players will be able to download the DSiWare shooter from 30th August. It will cost 200 DSi points. From the horse's mouth: Escape the Virus, an action puzzle series, is back with totally new game-play modes...
Monday27th Aug 2012
Nintendo Download 30th August 2012 (Europe)
Kirby, Japanese spot the difference and learning English
It's Monday, but we fear that you may be a little disappointed with the Nintendo Download news we bring, European gamers. On the positive side all platforms are covered, but whether any will tempt you into a download is another question entirely. 3DS Virtual Console: Kirby's Star Stacker...
Sunday26th Aug 2012
Fun but lacking depth
Abyss is almost an archetypically simple game. There are no modes, power-ups, online features or options, and every face button performs the same action. The premise is correspondingly uncomplicated: as the charmingly named deep-sea submarine “Nep2no”, you'll float through close-quartered underwater stages, avoiding the...
Friday24th Aug 2012
News Crazy Hunter is Announced for DSiWare and is Suitably Bonkers
It's a crocodile using goats to reach hens in the sky
EnjoyUp Games has given us plenty of fun and inexpensive downloads on DSiWare, and has clearly decided to try a concept so wacky that the actual idea is fun on its own. We present to you Crazy Hunter, and crazy seems to be the right word. In summary you play as Dundee the Mad Crocodile, who...
Thursday23rd Aug 2012
Review Crazy Chicken Pirates (DSiWare)
Not crazy enough to work
Recently two games were released via Nintendo’s handheld online services, Crazy Chicken Pirates and Crazy Chicken Pirates 3D, and, as you’ve probably guessed, they’re very similar to one another. By “very similar”, we actually mean that — with the exception of the additional 3D effect and higher resolution of the...
Nintendo Download 23rd August 2012 (North America)
Racing, metal slugging and the abyss
We've seen some pretty busy line-ups for the Nintendo Download update in recent times, but it's rather quiet this time around: will it be quality over quantity? Each platform gets one game, and the heady days of discounted downloads are forgotten. Still, let's get to it. eShop: VectorRacing (Arc System Works,...
Tuesday21st Aug 2012
News Bookstore Dream In Final Chapter of DSiWare Approval
eBook support not confirmed
Bookstore Dream for DSiWare was confirmed earlier this year by CIRCLE Entertainment, a simulation game where you get to run your own book store from scratch and develop it into a successful business. The good news for literary-minded gamers who also want to make some sim-cash is that the title has now been approved in...
Monday20th Aug 2012
Nintendo Download 23rd August 2012 (Europe)
DK Jr., mascot golf, puzzles and futuristic baseball
It's another week, and the memories of lazy gaming at the weekend are already drifting away. Still, we have the Nintendo download details for Europe to look over, and it's a rather motley mix of retro titles, puzzles and a super demo for everyone to try. Let's get on with it. 3DS Virtual Console:...
Review Escape The Virus: Shoot 'Em Up! (DSiWare)
Not hugely contagious
Escape the Virus: Shoot 'em Up! is a top-down twin stick arcade shooter without the twin sticks. As a tiny bit of friendly bacteria, you zoom about firing out rounds of red and blue pills at an endless onslaught of nasty-looking viruses, shooting in whichever direction you're moving. The viruses always eventually win, so the...
Friday17th Aug 2012
News Abyss Alights To The Surface On 23rd August
But will it cause a splash?
Today, EnjoyUp Games, makers of Gaia's Moon, has announced that Abyss will be swimming to the North American DSi Shop and the 3DS eShop on Thursday 23rd August. Abyss was announced back in June, and since then has been priced at 200 DSi Points and $1.99 in the 3DS eShop. The aim of Abyss is to command a deep sea robot...
Thursday16th Aug 2012
Nintendo Download 16th August 2012 (North America)
Mario, musical DLC and crazy chickens
Another week, another Nintendo Download update, though we do have to sadly inform you that this week's options are rather limited. A certain plumber makes his retail eShop debut at the weekend and in another discounted classic, but apart from that the options are rather slim and chicken-themed. Without further...
Monday13th Aug 2012
Nintendo Download 16th August 2012 (Europe)
Mario, ninjas and viruses
This week is a landmark one for the Nintendo Download update, with retail titles making their first appearance. 3DS and DSi owners are looked after with new download software, though it's another lonesome week for Wii. Retail Software: New Super Mario Bros. 2 (Nintendo, £39.99) — Mario's latest 2D adventure arrives,...
Friday10th Aug 2012
News Crazy Chicken: Pirates Flapping To NA eShop And DSiWare Next Week
Birds of a feather
Teyon has confirmed that point and shoot action title Crazy Chicken Pirates 3D will launch on the North American eShop next week — August 16th, to be exact. The game — which has sold 15 million copies on other formats — will also be available on DSiWare, minus whatever 3D effects the 3DS version possesses. Here's the...
News Abyss Trailer Emerges From The Depths
EnjoyUp's next DSiWare epic gets the video treatment
EnjoyUp Games has released a trailer for its forthcoming DSiWare title, Abyss. The game was announced back in June and involves exploring 3024 Earth for the elusive "Gaia" as the robot Nep2no. You can view the trailer below. It's all looking suitably atmospheric, with a unique art style. Expect...
Review The Lost Town - The Jungle (DSiWare)
Lost in translation
It’s rare for a sequel to a well received game to be released with little to nothing in terms of new content. Usually, a sequel calls for a fresh plot which ushers in new characters and gameplay elements to keep the familiar franchise fresh. Sometimes though, a sequel gets released that is essentially just a re-skinning of the...
Thursday9th Aug 2012
Nintendo Download 9th August 2012 (North America)
Much-reduced Mario, Real Bouts and going Commando
There's quite a heady mixture in this week's North American Nintendo Download report; not only do we have one of the best Mario games at a price so low it's criminal not to own it, but we also have a fine fighting game, a 3D tank simulation and a 2D run-and-gun blaster. Read on for more information!...
Monday6th Aug 2012
Nintendo Download 9th August 2012 (Europe)
High speed action, role-playing adventure and a dose of pool
It's that time again - time to update you on this week's downloadable goodies for all of your relevant Nintendo systems. eShop: SpeedX 3D (Gamelion Studios, £2.70/€3) — 10 million iOS and Android users can't be wrong - can they? Gamelion's fast-paced tunnel racer has proven to be...
Friday3rd Aug 2012
Interview Smileboom - Petit Computer
Doing a lot with BASIC
Petit Computer arrived on North American DSiWare in mid-July, and since that time a number of enthusiastic programmers have no doubt been getting accustomed to the BASIC coding language. The app has already had a positive impact in Japan, with an enthusiastic community that has been producing and sharing innovative games on...
Thursday2nd Aug 2012
Nintendo Download 2nd August 2012 (North America)
A lost town, solitaire and reduced Mario
This week's North American update has relatively slim pickings, with Wii missing out entirely. There's one title each for eShop and DSiWare, a reduced Mario classic and a couple of videos, so let's look at what we have. eShop: 3D Solitaire (Zen Studios, $2.99) — The title tells you almost everything you...
Monday30th Jul 2012
Nintendo Download 2nd August 2012 (Europe)
Kung fu, Toki Tori, edutainment and retro fighting
Once again we have news of this week's download delights in Europe, with something on offer for every system you own. Let's get started. 3DS Download Software: Jonny Kung Fu (UFO Interactive, £5.40/€6) — On paper this sounds full of promise, being an old-school side-scrolling action game with...
Saturday28th Jul 2012
Review Decathlon 2012 (DSiWare)
Torch it
Well, the London 2012 Olympic games are officially underway, and the eShop now has its equivalent of those ubiquitous bootlegged t-shirts in the form of Decathlon 2012, a digital souvenir that hopes to coast on the excitement of the Olympics without shelling out for the rights to refer to them by name. Already we're off to a great start,...
Thursday26th Jul 2012
Return to Wonderland
Remember the old adage “less is more"? Even if you don’t, Agetec certainly does, as is clearly reflected in Rabi Laby 2, its most recent DSiWare release. While it’s true that not much has changed from the first instalment, the original Rabi Laby was pretty good, so there’s not much to find fault with here. Much like its...
