DSiWare News
News Wow, CIRCLE Entertainment Really Likes DSiWare
Six titles revealed
Chinese publisher CIRCLE Entertainment is one of DSiWare's biggest supporters, releasing 11 games in the past 18 months. That run of form is set to continue over the coming months as it's announced a further six titles on their way to DSiWare. The line-up features: Pirates Assault — a "tower defence game with a...
Nintendo Download 16th February 2012 (Europe)
Metal Gear demo and Mario Land 3
A decent array of titles across the formats this week, although no, there's still no VVVVVV or Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword. What is available is listed below for your viewing pleasure. 3DS Virtual Console: Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (Game Boy, Nintendo, £3.60/€4) — Completing the Super Mario Land
Nintendo Download 9th February 2012 (North America)
Megamixes, burgers and Maru's Mission
A relatively quiet download this week, with just three titles on offer, one of which came from absolutely nowhere. 3DS Virtual Console: Maru's Mission (Game Boy, Hamster Corporation, $2.99) — Here's a title you don't hear of very often. A side-scrolling action platformer — what else? — Maru's Mission puts...
Review GO Series: Undead Storm (DSiWare)
Frighteningly good
To date, the GO Series has been a bit of a mixed bag, ranging from the disappointingly average GO Series: Pinball Attack! to the brilliant dungeon-crawling puzzler PicDun. As such, it's understandable that one might be sceptical of the latest title in the series, GO Series: Undead Storm. We're pleased to report, though, that...
Nintendo Download 9th February 2012 (Europe)
Demos, burgers and VC returns
This week Europe's got one of the best-looking download slates in a long time — though no, there's no VVVVVV or Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword — with strong titles left, right and centre. Let's get to it. Wii Virtual Console: The King of Fighters '97 (Neo Geo, D4 Enterprise, 900pts) — The legendary fighting...
Review Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 3 (DSiWare)
It all adds up
Another week, another dose of edutainment. Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 3 arrives on DSiWare, allowing another generation of eager young pupils to indulge in some mathematics on their favourite handheld. This title is, in form, identical to Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 2, which is no surprise as they were...
Nintendo Download 2nd February 2012 (North America)
eShop comes into bloom
Today sees the release of a much-anticipated 3DS samurai game, a DSiWare zombie shooter and the next instalment in a globe-trotting maths series. What could be better? 3DS Download Software: Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword (Nintendo, $6.99) — It's like Punch-Out!!, only with swords instead of boxing gloves. It's a solid...
News Mario Party 2 Joins the Club Nintendo Rewards Gang
It'll cry if it wants to
North America, your Club Nintendo rewards have been updated today, with two download games available to buy with your hard-earned coins. Art Academy: First Semester (3DS, DSiWare) — 150 Coins Mario Party 2 (N64, Wii Virtual Console) — 150 Coins These rewards are available until 29th February. Remember if you want to get...
Nintendo Download 2nd February 2012 (Europe)
Buy Kid Icarus
If you didn't register two 3DS games to get your free download code for Pit's remastered adventure, you can save yourself a heck of a lot of money by picking it up this week for €6. Here's the European download for this week. 3DS Download Software: 3D Classics: Kid Icarus (Nintendo, €6/£5.40) — Pit's very first outing gets a...
Review Lola's Alphabet Train (DSiWare)
On the right track
Lola's Alphabet Train is both a learning tool and a game, but it's quite clearly more the former than the latter. This isn't a bad thing at all, but it's important to know that when setting your expectations. Lola is a chirpy panda bear who, aboard her titular train, presents children with a series of spelling and vocabulary based...
Is the Prince of Persia the chart king?
The biggest 3DS release on 19th January was Ubisoft's first-ever foray into the world of Virtual Console, but how did the Game Boy Color game fare? denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: Prince of Persia barely scrapes into...
Nintendo Download 26th January 2012 (North America)
Mutant Mudds invade
Renegade Kid's much-anticipated platformer comes to the 3DS eShop alongside some quality DSiWare releases. Let's jump in and see what's available today. 3DS Download Software: Mutant Mudds (Renegade Kid, $8.99) — This cutesy 2D platformer is a bit of a belter, netting a 9/10 in our Mutant Mudds review. Don't be put off by the...
Charts 26th January 2012 (North America)
Lock'd in
Let's see how the eShop releases for 19th January 2012 did in this week's 3DS charts. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: Kirby's still top but Pushmo drops a place under significant medical pressure from Dr. Mario. Is that ethical? 1. Kirby's Dream...
Nintendo Download 26th January 2012 (Europe)
Balloons and caterpillars
It's time to look ahead to Thursday and see what games lucky European residents can download, with Wii, 3DS Virtual Console and DSiWare all represented this week. 3DS Virtual Console: Balloon Kid (Game Boy, Nintendo, £2.70/€3) — A sequel to Balloon Fight, this hasn't aged particularly well, sadly: our Balloon Kid...
Review Anne's Doll Studio: Gothic Collection (DSiWare)
Doll-orous
Anne's Doll Studio: Gothic Collection is your chance to slap drab Gothic accessories on two dead eyed dolls that look like charmless rejects from the movie Corpse Bride. That sentence is a complete and accurate summation of this title, and it's probably the only thing you'll need to read in order to decide if you want it. Anne's Doll...
Review 40-in-1 Explosive Megamix (DSiWare)
More is less
You’re given a bag of sweets. On the outside they’re a bit misshapen or broken up, but at least they’re brightly coloured, there’s a big variety of flavours and there are plenty of them, right? The first one doesn’t taste quite right. Neither does the second one. Nor the third. Half the bag has to be thrown in the bin when all...
News Flipper 2 Rushes North America on 26th January
Come on now, move along
Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish just got its release date for North America: 26th January. The one-button action game will set you back 500 Points. We interviewed Goodbye Galaxy Games about Flipper 2 recently. It's already available in Europe, so read our Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish review for our verdict
Charts 19th January 2012 (North America)
Order, order
How did the new releases on 12th January 2012 fare? Let's find out with your charts for the week denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: To everybody's surprise, the Club Nintendo rewards rise up the charts. Can they hold off the competition until the...
Nintendo Download 19th January 2012 (North America)
The first 3DS demo lands
While there's some good games available to buy this week, we're pretty sure the most downloaded software this week will be the free Resident Evil Revelations demo, available from 9am PST/12pm EST today. 3DS Demo: Resident Evil Revelations (Capcom, free) — The first trial game comes to the eShop with this playable sample of...
Gotta get down on Thursday
The 12th January Nintendo Download brought two new DSiWare games to the eShop: let's see how they performed. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: Doodle Fit joins the top ten and Zen Pinball 3D jumps a few places, perhaps due to an...
Full of fun or made of cheese?
While many portable games praised for their accessibility and simple controls are often times associated with mobile game platforms, DSiWare is not without its own quality pick-up-and play titles. Games like Reflect Missile, Pop Plus: Solo and the Art Style series offer satisfyingly simple gameplay perfect for short...
News Is GO Series: Undead Storm DSiWare's Left 4 Dead?
Shotguns at the ready
The GO Series has been quiet on DSiWare for a few months but it's about to return with action shooter GO Series: Undead Storm, a four-player co-operative shooter that shares a small similarity or two with Valve's legendary zombie face-off. Developed by Japanese team G-Style, it's a top-down affair with support for four players...
Nintendo Download 19th January 2012 (Europe)
Wii Virtual Console is back!
It seems like forever since we last got a Virtual Console game on Wii, but the service is back from the dead with a new Super Nintendo title from Ubisoft. Not only that, there's a Game Boy Color game too. Let's get to it. Wii Virtual Console: Prince of Persia (Super NES, Ubisoft, 800pts) — The rather good Super...
Review 101 Pinball World (DSiWare)
Deaf, dumb and blind
101 Pinball World is, quite frankly, confounding on every level. Teyon's latest misguided attempt to cram large numbers of poorly-designed levels into half-baked games has resulted in a broken, hideous, aurally offensive, shambling monstrosity of a game. And that's being polite. Releasing in North America alongside the...
Charts 12th January 2012 (North America)
Feel the chart beat
eShop charts have a permanent home here on Thursday now — that's when the new games arrive so it makes the most sense to see how last week's batch have done. Here's your lists for the week. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: A lot of change...
Nintendo Download 12th January 2012 (North America)
Reach a state of Zen
After a few weeks' wait from its European release, the 3DS eShop in North America gets a piece of portable pinball, with DSi owners getting some balls and bumper action too. Elsewhere there's a little music and some more maths. Nintendo 3DS Download Software: Zen Pinball 3D (Zen Studios, $6.99) — An excellent pinball title in...
Now at home on Thursday
When are new games added to the 3DS eShop? Thursday. When does it make most sense to update the charts? Thursday. That's a long way of saying "look for 3DS eShop charts every Thursday", starting today. Let's see how last week's new releases fared in the UK chart. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a...
Review Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 2 (DSiWare)
A logical progression
The Successfully Learning series is becoming one of the most prolific on DSiWare, with Successfully Learning Mathematics: Year 2 now the ninth title on the service. Versions of this mathematical matter have previously been released on WiiWare, but Freddy the Vampire’s campaign to teach all young Nintendo gamers through...
News Majora's Mask and Dr. Mario Join Club Nintendo Rewards
Coins at the ready
North America's Club Nintendo site lets you buy downloadable games with your hard-earned coins. After the success of 3D Classics: Xevious and Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again, there are four new games available to buy between now and 31st January. Here's what's available: 150 Coins: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Review 3 Heroes - Crystal Soul (DSiWare)
Crystal meh
CIRCLE Entertainment has a whopping 11 releases on DSiWare, with 3 Heroes — Crystal Soul the latest arrival. And while the medieval theme the developer is obviously fond of is still prevalent throughout the experience, this time around it's more of a puzzler than the usual strategy title. At the start of your adventure, you'll find...
Holey-er than thou
Quick Fill Q is the story of a pink ball rolling across featureless terrain at a glacial pace. Every so often he — this ball is a living creature, for some reason — will come across a hole that looks suspiciously like several Tetris pieces were removed from the ground, and it's up to you to fill it. That's the game, in its...
Nintendo Download 12th January 2012 (Europe)
Three for the choosing
Nothing unique for 3DS owners this week as 3DSWare and Virtual Console take holidays, but WiiWare and DSiWare have the centre stage. WiiWare: Bobby Carrot Forever (FDG Entertainment, 800pts) — In development for years and years, little rabbit Bobby finally left the warren in July last year and brought a pretty good game with...
Review Slingo Supreme (DSiWare)
Will it eat your baby?
Some games just don’t translate well to the video game format, among them bingo and slots, unless you can bet real money on them. They’re both completely up to chance, and that’s generally not enough to drive a gamer. It’s strange, then, that combining the two works so well. Slingo Supreme does a decent job of bringing...
Nintendo Download 5th January 2012 (North America)
Meet your (samurai) destiny
For the fourth time in five weeks, the 3DS gets new Download Software. Elsewhere there's a spot of DSiWare and a WiiWare game back from the dead. Nintendo 3DS Download Software: Samurai Sword Destiny (UFO Interactive, $5.99) — A side-scrolling slasher with a Japanese bent, your heroine Akane must defeat all in her path...
Review Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish (DSiWare)
Flippin’ out
The DSiWare service continues to serve as a home for independent developers with innovative ideas, and Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish is another example of that creative spirit. A sequel in name only to Flipper, this latest creation from Goodbye Galaxy Games is full of surprises. The main link to the first game can be found in the...
Charts 3rd January 2012 (North America)
The results are in
It's Tuesday and that means it's North American 3DS eShop time. Read on to find out what's been most popular across the country in recent times. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: In a surprising turn, excellent puzzler Pushmo has overtaken...
Nintendo Download 5th January 2012 (Europe)
Hit the Pits
If you've registered two qualifying games in Club Nintendo, you can download a free game this week; if not, you'll have to choose from one of the other titles on offer in the first digital drop of the New Year. 3DS Download Software: 3D Classics: Kid Icarus (Nintendo, free to qualifying users) — You can only get 3D Classics: Kid...
Near perfect fit
We all know that there is an over-abundance of puzzle games available on the DSiWare service. We also know that there are quite a few DSi and WiiWare games that were originally released as apps on the various mobile services. Miraculously, Doodle Fit is one of those rare games that comes from both of these categories, yet still...
Review Chronicles of Vampires: Origins (DSiWare)
Not so original
If we made a list of things that we've seen just a little too much of in recent years, vampires and hidden object games would sit somewhere near the top. If that weren't enough to temper our excitement over Chronicles of Vampires: Origins, it happens to have one of the clumsiest titles we've read in recent memory (maybe because The...
Happy New Year edition
It's the first chart of 2012 and a watermark for the coming year. One day we'll look back at this chart and laugh — were we ever so young? — but for now let's see what we all bought at the end of 2011. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular Last Week — All...
Interviews Goodbye Galaxy Games - Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish
Developer talks goldfish and games
With Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish out now in Europe, we got in touch with the game's developer Hugo Smits to find out a little bit more about the game and his plans for the future. Nintendo Life: Flipper 2 is quite a departure from the visual and gameplay style of the original Flipper. Why the decision to do...
Game of the Year Nintendo Life Staff Awards 2011
What won our votes this year?
With the launch of 3DS in March, the Wii U's unveiling at E3 and a Christmas period that included new Zelda, Mario and Mario Kart games, we rather think 2011 was a pretty good year all in all. But what were the very best stand-out games of the year? What moments will we think of when we reminisce about 2011? The...
Nintendo Download 29th December 2011 (North America)
VVVVVVery exciting
The last batch of downloads for 2011 brings with it some more goodies, including a gravity-flipping eShop game and a certain game starring a guy with a bionic arm. 3DS Download Software: VVVVVV (Nicalis, $7.99) — The well-known indie platformer has made its way to the eShop. It seems to be identical to the PC release, including...
Review Commando: Steel Disaster (DSiWare)
Steely gamers only
In the early 1990s, when the very idea of 3D polygons was beyond most imaginations, 2D run-and-gun shooters were popular amongst dedicated and skilled gamers. Titles such as Contra on NES, Gunstar Heroes on Mega Drive and Metal Slug on the Neo Geo meant that most console owners experienced, and often loved, the genre. Commando:...
Charts 28th December 2011 (North America)
2011's top sellers
We already know that Link's Awakening DX is the best-selling 3DS VC game of 2011, but here's the round-up of what's hot and what's not in the eShop world. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: 3D Classics: Xevious and Mario vs. Donkey Kong...
Review WordJong Arcade (DSiWare)
Will it put a spell on you?
A DSiWare shopper with yet another mahjong solitaire game is like a mule with a spinning wheel – no one knows why he got it, and darned if he knows how to use it. But WordJong Arcade stands out from the pack as it gives the game a Boggle twist; instead of removing matching pairs of tiles, you'll form words as you clear...
Charts 27th December 2011 (UK)
Check out the Christmas sellers
It's the last time to take a look at 2011's 3DS eShop charts, so savour the numbers below; they may very well hold the secret to the future. At the very least, they explain how well games sell relative to each other. Let's just get on with it, shall we? denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry...
Nintendo Download 29th December 2011 (Europe)
Bionic Commando!
Just because the Christmas celebrations are winding down doesn't mean we can't feel all festive and excited about the final Nintendo Download of 2011. What choice delights does Nintendo Europe have lined up for excited eShoppers this week? Read on, dear reader, and find out. 3DS Virtual Console: Bionic Commando (Game Boy, Capcom,...
News Flip Out Over 101 Pinball World in January
DSiWare turns the tables
Teyon's habit of cramming 101 things into one DSiWare game continues unchecked, with the next title from the Polish developer, 101 Pinball World, due on 12th January 2012. The DSiWare bumper basher will set you back 500 Points and includes 101 tables spread over four themed worlds: Wizard World, Alien Spaceship, Halloween...
Nintendo Download 22nd December 2011 (North America)
Swapnote is here!
It's the Christmas edition of the Nintendo Download, as we deck the halls with digital delights and wonder if we've been good enough boys and girls to get what we've asked Santa for. 3DS Download Software: Swapnote (Nintendo, free) — It wasn't on the website or press release but open your eShop and you'll find Swapnote waiting...
News Take a Bite of Chronicles of Vampires: Origins This Week
Blood? Simple
Teyon's been quiet on DSiWare for a while but that's about to change this week, as Chronicles of Vampires: Origins will reach North America on Thursday. The vampire-related hidden object puzzle will cost 500 Points and looks a lot — in fact, exactly — like the trailer below. Other games due to reach North America in this week's...
Nintendo Download 22nd December 2011 (Europe)
Droppin' blocks and mailin' letters
It's a bumper download for Europe this week — though no, there's no Wii Virtual Console present. Here's what Nintendo's digital departments has to offer this Christmas week. Nintendo 3DS Download Software: Nintendo Letter Box (Nintendo, free) — The 3DS finally gets its messaging application with Nintendo...
Charts 20th December 2011 (North America)
What's filling digital stockings this week?
With just a few days until Christmas here's what 3DS eShop users have been purchasing in the past seven days. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: Buoyed by its appearance as a Club Nintendo reward, 3D Classics: Xevious shoots up to second, just behind Intelligent Systems' adorable puzzler. The Club...
News 3 Heroes - Crystal Soul is CIRCLE's First Game of 2012
The company that loves heroes
Chinese studio CIRCLE Entertainment loves the word "heroes" as much as it loves the word "castle" — hence Castle Conqueror — Heroes then — with a new DSiWare game keeping the tradition alive. 3 Heroes – Crystal Soul is due out in North America on 5th January 2012, and looks like a mix of...
Maybe it’s a fruit cake
Nintendo’s handheld consoles face the ever-growing prominence of smartphones, particularly in terms of the games on these devices. Cake Ninja is undoubtedly influenced by a thoroughly popular game on Android and iOS that involves slicing fruit: this ninja, however, has lost his way. The gameplay within this title...
Charts 19th December 2011 (UK)
What's Christmas number one?
Hard to believe we stand at the beginning of Christmas week, yet here we are, eagerly unwrapping UK's 3DS eShop charts to find out what's the star on top of the download Christmas tree. More mixed metaphors in the charts below. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a non-mover. Popular...
Review Elite Forces: Unit 77 (DSiWare)
Definitely forcing it
On paper, Elite Forces: Unit 77 sounds great. A number of high-profile and wealthy individuals have gone missing all over the world, and it's correctly assumed that this is just the first step in a global terrorist plot. Desperate, the world turns to a renegade troop of no-nonsense butt-kickers: Unit 77. Unit 77 consists of...
Review Christmas Wonderland (DSiWare)
Cruel, cruel Santa…
Christmas is here, with endlessly looping festive songs on the radio, frazzled and angry shoppers seeking toys that are always out of stock, and themed downloads appearing on DSiWare. Christmas Wonderland has arrived: is it a land full of magic and goodwill, or a cheap resort with dogs dressed as reindeer? Christmas Wonderland...
Review Word Searcher 4 (DSiWare)
It’s more word searches… again
You know the old adage “less is more?” Well, it’s pretty obvious that Digital Leisure takes this saying to heart with its Word Searcher series. Word Searcher 4 marks the fourth game in the series of word search puzzle games, and it’s not much of an advancement from the last one, or the one before that, or...
News Rytmik: Hip Hop King Beats Up North America in January
Release date down
Music makers in North America can get to grips with Rytmik Retrobits next week, but if you want something a bit more contemporary then we have good news: Hip Hop King: Rytmik Edition is out on 12th January 2012 for 800 Nintendo Points. That's not all Cinemax has on the way in the next 12 months: it's also bringing 90's Pool,...
Nintendo Download 15th December 2011 (Europe)
Better late than never edition
No press release from Nintendo of Europe this week but here's what's available to buy on the download services this week. 3DS eShop: Eurosport application (free) — This new video application is part of a new partnership between Nintendo and Eurosport. Featuring clips from the WATTS series it's set to get new content...
Nintendo Download 15th December 2011 (North America)
Blaster Master and more
It's a rather average week for the Nintendo Download this week, except for one title, which is the often overlooked Game Boy Color sequel to Blaster Master. No new 3DS Download Software this time, though you're probably still too busy playing Pushmo to care much. 3DS Virtual Console: Blaster Master: Enemy Below (Sunsoft,...
News Antipole Flips Into Europe on 29th December
Not 5th January
Among the many Nintendo release date announcements yesterday was the announcement that DSiWare puzzle platformer Antipole is to reach Europe on 5th January, but developer Saturnine Games has dropped us a line to correct that date. Antipole will be released on 29th December, fully localised into French, Italian, German and Spanish as...
Review House, M.D. - Episode 5: Under the Big Top (DSiWare)
Not-so-grand finale
If you’ve been keeping score at home, then you should know by now that playing the House, M.D. games is about as fun as being hospitalised. Fortunately, the suffering can finally end now that the fifth and final installment in the series has arrived. If you’ve played any of the previous games and enjoyed them, then stop...
News There Are Still Some Games On the Way to DSiWare in 2012
Emerging Victorious
Nintendo Europe's DS release list for 2012 doesn't contain much in the way of retail — apart from the announcement that Inazuma Eleven 2 is on the way to Europe — with the rest of the schedule populated by DSiWare games. One of the new titles announced is Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut, which has just come out as a...
Charts 12th December 2011 (North America)
Shopping all over the world
After our UK 3DS eShop Charts it's time to see what people on the other side of the Atlantic have been picking up. As this is the first time we've run these charts we haven't got the details of previous positions, but we'll pick that up in future weeks. Popular Last Week — All Downloads: A strong showing for Pushmo in...
News Abylight Wants to Recruit You For Elite Forces: Unit 77
Heading to DSiWare, maggots!
Abylight's Elite Forces: Unit 77 is bringing a touch of strategy to DSiWare this week in North America and Europe. A downloadable port of the 2009 DS retail release, Abylight has taken the opportunity to introduce new features: there's now local multiplayer for up to four players, a more accessible difficulty curve and...
Charts 12th December 2011 (UK)
Did Pullblox reach the top?
It's Monday morning and time to take a quick look at everything that's selling well in the Nintendo 3DS eShop across the UK. With plenty of new releases last week it'll be interesting to see how the new titles fared against established titles. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a...
Review Castle Conqueror - Against (DSiWare)
Another day in paradise
Another Castle Conqueror game? If CIRCLE Entertainment keeps this up, this just might turn into a monthly tradition. It's worth reading our previous reviews of Castle Conqueror and Castle Conqueror — Revolution as the gameplay here is largely the same as its real-time predecessors. The basic concept remains untouched:...
News Flipper 2 Gets European Release Date
And a brand new gameplay trailer to boot
Goodbye Galaxy Games has announced that its upcoming DSiWare game Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish is set to be released in Europe on December 29th at a cost of 500 Nintendo Points. You can check out our Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish preview if you're still on the fence and the game's brand new trailer is below...
News Cake Ninja is Fruit Ninja But With Cakes Instead
Ninja
Never let it be said that originality is dead. Cypronia is about to unleash Cake Ninja on an unsuspecting DSiWare service next week. The game tells the story of a ninja sent to destroy all the cake so his wife can't eat it. We're not making this up. As you can see in the video below it's more than a little similar to Fruit Ninja. Cake Ninja is...
First Impressions Flipper 2: Flush the Goldfish
Don't forget to flush!
Flipper was an engaging and imaginative DSiWare release: not only did it feature one of the more unique visual styles seen on the service, it had simple and addictive gameplay too. Rather than merely take that idea and run with it for the follow-up, developer Hugo Smits decided to mix things up and create a completely...
News Bleep Bloop, Rytmik: Retrobits is Out on 22nd December
In North America, that is
Chip music studio Rytmik Retrobits is set to reach North America in two weeks, Cinemax tells us. Out on 22nd December for 800 Nintendo Points, the latest entry in the Rytmik series uses 16-bit-styled samples to let you create your own tunes that evoke memories of gaming days of yore. We rather liked it, as you'll glean from...
Nintendo Download 8th December 2011 (North America)
Pushmo!
There's some good stuff on the Nintendo Download today, so make sure you read our Guide to the Nintendo 3DS System Update to get your machine up to speed before checking out the latest downloads. 3DS Download Software: Pushmo (Nintendo, $6.99) — Known as Pullblox in Europe where it is also released today, this is a quirky little puzzler...
News DSiWare Goes Commando in Steel Disaster on 22nd December
Ten-hut!
Cinemax is best known for its Rytmik games but it's got something entirely different lined up for Europe in the next few weeks. Commando: Steel Disaster is an old-fashioned run-and-gun shooter that saw a retail release in North America several years ago, but Cinemax and developer Mana Software are taking another shot at it with a DSiWare...
Nintendo Download 8th December 2011 (Europe)
Pull those blox!
The big release this week is the new puzzler from Intelligent Systems, but we should also highlight this week sees only the second Game Boy Color game to hit the 3DS Virtual Console after The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX in June. Let's see what's on the platter this week. Nintendo 3DS Download Software: Pullblox (Nintendo,...
Serving up eShop eCharts
It's Monday morning again and that only means one thing in these parts: eShop charts. Accidental poetry aside, here's the list of everything that's selling well in the world of 3DS digital downloads, as collated and published by Nintendo itself. denotes last week's position. indicates game is a new entry. indicates a...
Bloobin' boring
For those who aren't aware, Double Bloob was actually announced over four years ago as a DS retail title. After disappearing for a few of those years, the game has now resurfaced on DSiWare. It'd be easy to assume that those four years of development time were used to make sure that the game was polished and enjoyable. That...
Review Play & Learn Chinese (DSiWare)
Might leave you hungry for more a few hours later
DSiWare isn’t just for games, you know. Comprising a small, inconspicuous corner of the market, a handful of language applications serve to assist those who can’t quite afford a pocket translator or a class at the civic centre. So far we’ve seen entries in German, French and Spanish, and now...
Review Battle of the Elements (DSiWare)
Elementary, dear Watson
Lists. Who needs 'em? Whether it's a shopping list or a year-end "Best Of" list, you just know when you're writing it that you'll end up forgetting something important. When the year ends, Battle of the Elements probably won't be on our Best Of list. If you're the kind of person that makes lists of games to buy,...
Nintendo Download 1st December 2011 (North America)
First of the month and no returns
After today there are just four more Nintendo Downloads left in 2011, so let's see what Nintendo has in store to kick off this final month of the year. 3DS Virtual Console: Adventure Island (Game Boy, Hudson, $3.99) — Master Higgins makes it across the pond four weeks after his European appearance. Read our...
Review Just Sing! Christmas Vol. 3 (DSiWare)
Ho! Ho! Oh…
The festive season is almost upon us, so that means presents, sparkly lights, too much food to eat and another entry in the Just Sing! series. Just Sing! Christmas Vol. 3 has arrived, the third festive entry in DTP Entertainment’s karaoke franchise. As this particular set of games is now in its third year we can look forward to some...
Nintendo Download 1st December 2011 (Europe)
A bumper crop
There's plenty to choose from this week, with WiiWare, 3DS download software, DSiWare and 3DS Virtual Console all represented, though there's no sign of resurrection on Wii's Virtual Console. Here's what's available this coming Thursday. 3DS Download Software: Zen Pinball 3D (Zen Studios, €5/£4.50) — The first downloadable pinball...
Review Come On! Heroes (DSiWare)
Arrowsmith
Hot on the heels of the similarly named Castle Conqueror - Heroes comes CIRCLE Entertainment's Come On! Heroes. It's similar in title only, however, as the gameplay and presentation hearken most closely back to the first Castle Conqueror game. This isn't a bad thing but, unfortunately, a lack of variety really lets this release down...
Charts 28th November 2011 (UK)
What's hot and what's not
Last week Nintendo of Europe added charts to the 3DS eShop, letting you see what's selling well among fellow digital download fans. You'll find below this week's charts for what's been popular in the UK for the last seven days, as well as what's leading the field in all-time sales. denotes last week's position for Top 10...
Nintendo Download 24th November 2011 (North America)
Samus is back!
The headline story this week: intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran returns to Nintendo 3DS, battling Metroids — but definitely not Space Pirates — in a portable adventure that paves the way for Super Metroid. In other news, DSiWare continues to swell with puzzle games and there's definitely something fishy going on in WiiWare...
Nintendo Download 24th November 2011 (Europe)
Samus returns
Four titles on the download front this week, with a bit of a mish-mash of styles: shooting, singing, escaping and bounty hunting. Of course there's only one title we're really interested in, so let's just dive in and introduce you to this week's contestants. 3DS Virtual Console: Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy, Nintendo,...
Review Escape Trick: Convenience Store (DSiWare)
Convenience snore
We've already seen two Escape Trick releases on DSiWare, each taking place in a unique environment ranging from a musty prison to a oriental-themed castle. And while the games feature a point-and-click gameplay system that would seem to fit the DS touch screen quite perfectly, the execution in both titles has been severely lacking...
Review The Aquarium of Luck (DSiWare)
Not so lucky
One genre that has seen plenty of releases on the DS family of consoles is that of pet simulation: all the fun of owning an animal without the expense, smells and responsibility. Next in line via DSiWare is The Aquarium of Luck, bringing the job of fish ownership to two screens. The title itself is strange, and we’d advise young...
Nintendo Download 17th November 2011 (North America)
The pink one's back
A little something for everyone this week — apart from you, Virtual Console fans — with titles on DSi, WiiWare and 3DS to download. The headline act is undoubtedly the timely appearance of the pink puffball on 3DS, but let's see what else is competing for your money. 3DS Download Software: 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure...
Full of hot air?
There are few things more terrifying than sentient balloons. Just close your eyes and picture them: living, moving latex orbs, floating down a path in your direction. Such is the basic premise of Bloons TD, which takes the charming, monkey-populated world of puzzler Bloons and moulds it to a tower defence formula. And, like its...
Nintendo Download 17th November 2011 (Europe)
Kirby's back
A trio of new downloads this week, with one long overdue game on WiiWare sitting alongside a much anticipated 3D Classic on 3DS. Let's see what's competing for your money this week. 3DS Download Software: 3D Classics: Kirby's Adventure (Nintendo, €6/£5.40) — Kirby's legendary NES adventure gets the 3D Classics makeover, adding a...
Review Castle Conqueror - Heroes (DSiWare)
We can beat them, for ever and ever
About a year ago, Circle Entertainment released Castle Conqueror, a quirky and simple RTS that was also very addictive and fun. If we had any real complaints about it, it was that the charming simplicity somewhat prevented it from achieving any substantial depth. It was an excellent experience, but it felt as...
Review House, M.D. - Episode 4: Crashed (DSiWare)
Crash and burn
Dr. Gregory House is back this month with yet another instalment of House M.D. If you’ve played the previous games in the series, then you know exactly what to expect from this one. If you haven’t had the opportunity to experience any of these games, then feel free to continue reading. You’re in for a real treat. Like the...
Review Rytmik Retrobits (DSiWare)
Bits of class
The original Rytmik sounded better than any DSiWare music studio deserved to, but follow-up Rytmik: Rock Edition fell a little short in offering a big stadium rock sound through Nintendo's little handheld. Keen to keep offering melody creation tools on DSiWare while embracing its limitations, Cinemax has now put together Rytmik:...
Nintendo Download 10th November 2011 (North America)
Your digital delectable delights are in
The headline act of this week's Nintendo Download comes from Nintendo itself, with a spot of 3DS downloadable software from the Big N. There's also some healthy stuff on WiiWare and a spot of puzzle and strategy on DSiWare. Let's meet the contestants, shall we? 3DS Download Software: Freakyforms: Your...
Podcast NLFM Episode 22: Mascots and Mixes
New digs for old friends
Our chip and game music podcast rears its lovely head this month with a collection of Nintendo mascot sounds new and old, from that new Kirby game to Sonic the Hedgehog and Super Metroid remixes. Jun Ishikawa, Hirokazu Ando — Cookie Country (Kirby’s Return to Dreamland)The Greatest Bits — Fear Factory (Donkey K
Nintendo Download 10th November 2011 (Europe)
Freaks, fish and hustlers
A trio of titles on the download formats this week, with 3DS owners best catered for; Wii owners, nothing for you this week, sadly. 3DS eShop: Freakyforms: Your Creations, Alive! (Nintendo, £5.40/€6) — Previously known as Picture Lives!, you create a bizarre life form and bring it to life to explore the world around...
News Battle of the Elements is Actually a Cute DSiWare Puzzle Game
Surprised?
Battle of the Elements is a new puzzler from EnjoyUp Games and Barcelona studio Undercoders, and it looks a lot like this. You hold the DSi book-style and must line up elements so they disappear. It all looks fairly standard stuff, but it could be worth a play. We'll find out when it's released in the coming months. Can you save the...
Nintendo Download 3rd November 2011 (North America)
Kicking off November in style
There's a distinctly domestic theme to this week's Nintendo Download in North America, with a house, some garden gnomes and a spot of lawn mowing all featuring in one way or another. Let's get on our aprons and see what's available to take home this week. WiiWare: Gnomz (QubicGames, 1000pts) — A single-screen...
