3DS eShop News
July2014
Pick up or put down?
Jewel games are kind of a big deal right now. When we aren’t crushing candy we’re swiping crystals and arranging colours into pleasing lines to calm that casual OCD which mobile gaming has begun to inspire. It’s easy to get lost in the swarm of them on 3DS alone, so Gamelion studio’s latest release
Review Me & My Pets 3D (3DS eShop)
Pet-thetic
First thing’s first: the pets in Me & My Pets 3D are not yours. You are running a pet hotel, so they belong to others. Second, things are not in 3D as much as a flat, albeit layered, pseudo-3D. Third, the pets do not resemble real pets as much as colourful rocks that have been given GIF animations. For a game that seems to scream...
Review Bases Loaded (3DS eShop / NES)
Can this old timer still make contact?
Back in the mid-to-late 80s, when the NES was the dominant force in video games, cyber sporting wasn’t exactly the complex affair that it is now. With modern controllers having about a dozen buttons and joysticks to manage, it’s common for every one of those to be utilized for numerous functions —...
Review Siesta Fiesta (3DS eShop)
A breakout hit
When you learn that a title on the 3DS eShop originally began as a concept for a smartphone game, there's an instinct to take a hesitant step back. On the other hand, Siesta Fiesta is proof that this route to the system can be a blessing — if iOS and Android games can be addictive and fun enough to keep millions of consumers amused,...
News Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures To Utilise Touch Screen and 3D Effect
Character swapping, stats and info on Wii U and 3DS second screens
Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures has been available on PC for a good while now, yet considering the relevance of Nintendo systems to the YouTube series — which now has a feature movie approaching release — some have been particularly keen to play it on Wii U and 3DS. A recent...
Matters of Import Opa-Opa Returns In Fantasy Zone II Double
The best port of a port of a remake of a Master System game ever?
Before we start talking about Fantasy Zone II Double, a little history lesson is in order: yay back in 1987 Sega released Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa on the Master System. This was an all-new home exclusive sequel to the previous year’s arcade hit
News Timespinner Looks Like an Awesome Pixel-Based 2D Metroidvania, and It's Coming to 3DS
Serious success on Kickstarter
There are various ingredients required to form a successful Kickstarter campaign, primarily having a good idea. Yet it also pays to show evidence that the game in question is not only real, but is full of potential. Timespinner from Lunar Ray Games hits that sweetspot. Its Kickstarter campaign started with PC / Mac /...
Nintendo Download 24th July (Europe)
A Sen'SeY, Master Reboot, Siesta Fiesta, Mega Man, discounts and more
It's Monday morning, which means it's time for the European Nintendo Download Update, and the latest line-up certainly starts off our week with a bang. There are three promising new titles on the Wii U eShop, an equally tempting and colourful release on the 3DS eShop, three Mega...
News Screenshots Disabled in Comic Workshop Miiverse Community
The users aren't happy
Comic Workshop arrived on the 3DS eShop this week and, as the name suggests, provides the opportunity to create and share your own comic creations, making extensive use of the touch screen and 3DS setup. We're in the process of our review but, on the surface at least, it appears to offer a neat tool-set for artistic gamers...
News Yacht Club Games Gives a Shovel Knight Localisation Update, With Pixel Graphics
Still only at the early stages, sadly
Shovel Knight, from Yacht Club Games, is one of the best titles to arrive on the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores this year — it's a platformer with plenty of loving nods to retro ideas and aesthetics, yet moves beyond mere nostalgia with terrific design and wonderful gameplay. We put it through its paces on both...
News Dig Your Claws Into The Cat Mario Show On Your 3DS Or Wii U
Child-friendly video now available for free via your Nintendo console
Nintendo of Europe has launched The Cat Mario Show, a new episodic video feature on the 3DS and Wii U eShops aimed at educating and entertaining younger players. The show originally aired in Japan under the title Nyan Nyan Neko Mario Time, and has been dubbed into English...
Nintendo Download 17th July (North America)
Strike Force Foxx, Mr. Driller 2, making comics and discounts
It's time for the weekly Nintendo Download Update, North America, and this week brings a relatively short list for consideration. The Game Boy Advance library on the Wii U Virtual Console grows again, while we have a mix of helicopter action and comic book production over on the 3DS...
News Steel Diver: Sub Wars Version 3.0 in Development for August Release
Friend battles, more multiplayer stages, no friendly fire
Steel Diver: Sub Wars was Nintendo's first free-to-play release on the 3DS eShop, offering a limited number of single player missions and online play at no cost; the Premium edition opens up more content, naturally, while additional subs are available separately. It's also a title that's...
News Yumi's Odd Odyssey Hooks In Permanent Price Drop In North America
Now just $19.99
Yumi's Odd Odyssey — released under its Japanese name Sayonara UmiharaKawase in Europe — remains one of the most charming titles on the 3DS eShop, a welcome continuation of a franchise seen on systems as diverse as the Super Famicom, DS and PSP, and the first to arrive on Western shores. Its unique combination of platforming and...
Video Returning To Rainbow Skies with Fantasy Zone II Double
Twice the fun or double the trouble?
After a brief break with the excellent 3D port of racing classic Outrun, M2 has turned its attention back to shooters with this release of Fantasy Zone II Double in Japan, a neat little compilation of the previously Playstation 2-exclusive System 16 remake of the Master System game Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of...
News eShop Funds Now Buyable or Giftable via PayPal in UK
No plastic? No problem!
Update: This payment option is also available via the German PayPal site; thanks to those that highlighted this in the comments section. Original article: Digital downloads just got more convenient for UK gamers now that PayPal has been added as a payment option for the Nintendo eShop. PayPal accounts can now be used to...
News Nintendo Goes Download-Only With The 2014 Club Nintendo Elite Rewards
Platinum choices include retail downloads
It's that time once again for the Elite Gifts on Club Nintendo in North America, in which the most loyal gamers in the region get to choose from various rewards after spending a lot of money in the preceding year. Typically these offerings include goodies such as poster sets, CD soundtracks and calendars,...
Review Bike Rider DX2: Galaxy (3DS eShop)
Giro della Galaxy
Last year’s Bike Rider DX was a pleasant surprise, bringing auto-scrolling precision platforming to the eShop in a charming, polished, pedal-powered package. Now, fresh from the first game’s world tour, our tireless cyclist returns to take to the stars in this space-themed sequel, Bike Rider DX2: Galaxy. Keeping the same great...
News AeternoBlade Update Brings Two DLC Options, Including "Super Sexy Bikini"
Yes, really...
Arternoblade is exciting in principle — an action platformer with Metroidvania elements — but is arguably a fairly mediocre experience. In some respects we're fortunate it made it out of Japan at all, nevertheless, as it required crowdfunding to make localisation happen. In any case, developer Corecell Technology hasn't given up...
News Cubit The Hardcore Platformer Robot Update to Add Online Rankings and New Game Mode
Hits Europe on 17th July, possibly within a month for North America
Cubit The Hardcore Platformer Robot has featured in today's European Nintendo Download Update, with a discount and free demo arriving in the region on 17th July. Developer CoderChild has now been in touch to confirm that this is actually part of a promotion accompanying a free...
Nintendo Download 17th July (Europe)
EarthBound reduced, shoot 'em up action, GBA Kirby and more
It's Monday morning, which means European gamers can see what treats await in this week's Nintendo Download Update. There are some interesting options, with some new games, another Game Boy Advance title and some particularly enticing discounts. Let's get to the details. Wii U eShop:...
News Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures Is Leaping To The Wii U And 3DS "Very Soon"
European release confirmed, too
If you're a fan of the Angry Video Game Nerd series then you'll be pleased to know that the interactive spin-off — Angry Video Game Nerd Adventures — is coming to both the Wii U and 3DS "very soon". Developer FreakZone Games revealed the news at SGC 2014 alongside publisher ScrewAttack and then shared the...
News Retro-Styled 2D Action Adventure, Midora, Hits Funding Target and Will Come to Wii U and 3DS
Influenced by Legend of Zelda and Secret of Mana
Fans of download games inspired by retro titles should perhaps pay attention to Midora, which has hit its funding target on Kickstarter and will, as a result, eventually arrive on the Wii U and 3DS. With under a day of funding to go the project has raised over $67,000 of its $60,000 target; despite...
News Cave Story 3D to Arrive on 3DS eShop in North America and Europe This Year
Yep, Europe has been specifically mentioned, too
How many copies of Cave Story does it take to fill up an SD card? Just one of each version released so far, probably. Some games are particularly memorable and brilliant, with Cave Story arguably a good example, so multiple releases are somewhat tolerated. On Nintendo systems alone Cave Story's been...
News Renegade Kid Open to Another Kickstarter Campaign, Suggests Demand for Moon Chronicles on Wii U
Not in a hurry, though
Renegade Kid is a popular developer and publisher on Nintendo download stores, enjoying particular success with Mutant Mudds on 3DS, also releasing the deluxe version — previously on Wii U — as a free update this week. Its titles often attract plenty of interest from the Nintendo Life community, for example, with the...
Review Hidden Expedition: Titanic (3DS eShop / 3DS)
An exposition on the commodification of human tragedy
On April 15, 1912, a passenger liner carrying no less than 2,000 travelers struck an iceberg and sank to the bottom of the North Atlantic Ocean. Not properly equipped with the necessary amount of lifeboats and other safety equipment, when the ship sank the vast majority of passengers did not...
Video This Retro-Styled Shovel Knight 'VHS' Guide is a Thing of Beauty
Entertaining and helpful
Shovel Knight isn't just a terrific game, but part of its appeal is its ability to prompt nostalgia for the 8-bit era. Its visuals are too sharp and detailed to actually be a game on the NES, yet it represents how we remember that era — with retro rose-tinted eyeballs, in other words. It's that combination of excellent...
Nintendo Download 10th July (North America)
ONE PIECE Red x2, Rabi Laby returns, horror on Wii U and more
It's that time again, North American gamers, for more treats in the Nintendo Download Update. After the madness of last week's bonanza, we settle back to a smaller number of choices this time around. There's a retail release on both Wii U and 3DS, the continuation of a thoroughly decent...
Review City Mysteries (3DS eShop)
Globecluttering
Famous world locations are not a bad backdrop for a hidden object game, although the irony of priorities here must be noted. Eiffel Tower? Whatever. We’ve got a bowling pin and a screw to find! City Mysteries takes item-finding to the proud metropolises of New York, Paris, Moscow, and London, stuffing each scene with enough...
News This Retro City Rampage Map Should Be Handy If You Get Lost
Well, it looks nice
Retro City Rampage remains one of the most chaotic titles available on Nintendo systems, with the DX version performing well on the 3DS eShop and Vblank Studios' Brian Provinciano recently providing a sales update on the WiiWare version. It's still short of hitting the required sales threshold on the Wii that wil
Parent Trap Rewriting The Family Gaming Script With Pokémon Art Academy
Family Gamer's Andy Robertson gets his crayons out
What most parents think when you say the words “video game” and what gaming families enjoy are two very different things. Far from the shooting and high impact action many mums and dads assume are the driving force behind the hobby, video games actually offer experiences as creative, imaginative...
First Impressions Breaking Out With Siesta Fiesta on 3DS
We also chat to Stuart Ryall as release details are pinned down
Siesta Fiesta is a title that we've been keen to play here at Nintendo Life, with the title earning a spot in the Spring Edition of our biggest 3DS games of 2014 feature. A title first profiled — seemingly out of nowhere — by the Nintendo of America booth at IndieCade, it promises a...
News Japanese 3DS Owners Can Enter Sega's Fantasy Zone Again Next Week
Another Sega 3D Classic inbound
We may not have been blessed with 3D Fantasy Zone here in the west yet, but lucky Japanese players will be able to get their hands on the sequel when it launches on the 3DS eShop next week. 3D Fantasy Zone II will be released on July 16th for 762 yen, including tax. The package includes the arcade version, the Master...
News Stand-Alone Kirby Fighters And DeDeDe's Drum Dash Headed To The Japanese 3DS eShop
Both feature new content, both out this month
Those of you wise enough to have purchased the rather excellent Kirby: Triple Deluxe will be aware that the mini-games included with the title — Kirby Fighters and DeDeDe's Drum Dash — are jolly good fun, and stand-out releases in their own right. It would appear that Nintendo agrees, because the...
Review AiRace Xeno (3DS eShop)
Kicking it into Xenogear
The fourth entry in Warsaw studio QubicGames' downloadable AiRace series, AiRace Xeno is a natural progression of last year's AiRace Speed on the 3DS eShop – race three different futuristic aircraft at face-melting speeds through nine tough obstacle-filled tracks and try to beat your high score. It's a stripped-down racing...
Review European Conqueror 3D (3DS eShop)
Go ahead, mention the war
European Conqueror 3D is a title that might inspire a bit of déjà vu in observant eShop gamers, coming less than a year after the release of CIRCLE’s slightly more ambitious-sounding World Conqueror 3D. Like its predecessor, this is a turn-based strategy game that takes cues from tabletop classics like Risk and Axis...
News The Club Nintendo Rewards Are Now Updated for July
Kid Icarus! Metal Torrent! Donkey Kong Jr.! Paper Mario!
It's that time once again, as Club Nintendo in North America updates its rewards with a fresh batch of downloads to consider; retro games are the focus in this month's efforts to separate you from your hard-earned coins. We have a 3D Classic on 3DS, a rather fun DSiWare game and two Virtual...
News Independent Retailers in the UK Will Be Able to Sell Nintendo Download Games
Retail and download-only eShop cards coming to smaller retailers
It's been said often enough that the eShop platforms will become even more important for Nintendo in the coming months and years, particularly as competition for shelf space and an increasingly download-happy public look for alternatives to physical media. Traditional retail still...
News Mighty No. 9 Has Another Crowdfunding Campaign, in Addition to Pre-Orders
"For this new funding campaign we are looking to add new content"
Mighty No. 9 caused a lot of buzz when announced in summer 2013, with its Kickstarter campaign proving to be one of the most successful to date. What began with a $900,000 goal rapidly stormed past that target to close on $3,845,170; with PayPal contributions added the total reached...
Nintendo Download 10th July (Europe)
Pop'n Twinbee, virtual Pokémon Trading Cards and various discounts
It's time to start off the week in the best possible way — the Nintendo Download Update. After what's seemed like a particularly busy few weeks this update slows us down a little, with a smaller selection on offer. We do have a terrific shooters and a Pokémon surprise to...
Feature The Biggest 3DS Games of 2014 - Summer Edition
Portable delights
We just recently published our updated biggest games coming to the Wii U list, so it's now time to move onto the 3DS. Our Spring edition for the 3DS included plenty of games that have since arrived in stores, and there's also been a significant new reveal following that feature that's hyped fans of pocket monsters. This time...
News If Your Free Mutant Mudds 3DS Update Causes Issues, Just Beat the First Ghost Level
Don't panic!
As you may be aware, your 3DS eShop copy of Mutant Mudds now has a free update waiting for installation — this adds the 20 Ghost levels previously included in Mutant Mudds Deluxe on the Wii U; in fact, the update even rebrands your game on the front screen to have that Deluxe title. This is particularly great news in PAL regio
News Nintendo Highlights Hundreds of Developers Working on Games for Wii U and 3DS
The Wii U eShop is strongest in the US
As you may be aware, Nintendo recently hosted The 74th Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, in which company management provides presentations to its shareholders and answers a number of questions — Satoru Iwata was unable to attend. The official transcript of that meeting has been published, which...
Nintendo Download 3rd July (North America)
Guacamelee! Armillo! GBA Mario Tennis! WiiWare?! Much more!
It's Nintendo Download Update time, North America, and this week is full of new downloads to try and part you from your funds. Some are highly anticipated on both Wii U and 3DS, while others are rather out of left-field. There's a lot to choose from, so let's stop stalling and get to the...
Review Squids Odyssey (3DS eShop)
Cephaloportable
It might be said that Squids has come full circle. Starting on mobile platforms, The Game Bakers’ brand extended its tentacles to a console experience with Squids Odyssey on the Wii U, which we’ve reviewed. The same game has now found a home on the 3DS, returning to its portable roots with a few small differences. Squids Odyssey...
News The Denpa Men Are Going Free-To-Play In Japan
A reaction to low sales in the west?
The next entry in the popular RPG series The Denpa Men will be a free-to-play title. Denpa Ningen no RPG Free! will launch in Japan on July 23rd, and will feature items which can only be obtained by spending real-world cash. Aside from the teaser trailer below and the rather spare website, we don't have any more...
News One Piece Unlimited World Red Is Getting Some Free DLC In Europe
"Red Stands Alone" quest will be entirely free to download
To mark the arrival of One Piece Unlimited World Red on Wii U and 3DS, Bandai Namco Games has announced that a free DLC quest will be made available. "Red Stands Alone" is the name of the quest itself, and will boast an increased challenge which will test skilled players. We're in the...
News Tomodachi Life Demo Hitting The North American 3DS eShop Today
Limit of 20 plays, no Panda suit
Have you picked up Tomodachi Life yet? Just in case you're still on the fence, Nintendo of America is releasing a free demo on the 3DS eShop today which will allow you to get a small taste of what the game is all about. It's pretty much the same deal as the Move-In / Welcome version of the game, but the demo will be...
Review Plain Video Poker (3DS eShop)
Plain dealer
Here’s a reviewing conundrum: how does one approach a game that is determinedly designed to be average? This is the case with Plain Video Poker, which does away with pretence by using an adjective in its title that’s been reserved more often for yogurt and M&M’s than anything within the hyperbolic games industry. What this...
First Impressions The Thieves And The 1000 Pokémon Steals Its Way Onto 3DS In Japan
But is it Robin Hood or Dick Turpin?
We've taken a look at The Thieves and the 1000 Pokémon before, but now the free eShop title has been released in Japan we can share some more info and screenshots of this delightfully bonkers little game. You start out by picking one of the three initial Pokémon from Pokémon X and Y, and then you basically...
June2014
News Cross-Buy is Now a Thing on Nintendo Platforms
Buy one version, get another free
Since the Wii U's NNID (Nintendo Network ID) was added to the 3DS in late 2013 we've been yearning for eShop games, not to mention Virtual Console games, to offer cross-buy so you can play on both the Wii U and 3DS at no extra cost. This is par for the course on PlayStation systems, with Another World being one...
Doesn't soar, but not quite a bore
SKYPEACE is a stage-based runner that finds you surfing it up in the in the sky, high above the clouds. As runners generally go, players will be aiming for a high score by collecting as many coins and significant pickups as they can, while avoiding incoming obstacles. Existing in a genre that overpopulates the...
Nintendo Download 3rd July (Europe)
Viva Mexico! Guacamelee! STCE is here along with lots more
Another Monday has arrived, dear gamers, and Nintendo of Europe is trying to cheer us up with its Download Update details. Let's get started! Wii U eShop: Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition (Drinkbox Studios, €13.99 / £11.99) - Guacamelee! STCE is a Metroidvania-style...
Review Toy Stunt Bike (3DS eShop)
Batteries included
The store aisle packaging that greets you when selecting Toy Stunt Bike from the 3DS menu is a telling sign of the game’s intended mood. This is a physics-based platformer alright, but the challenge is infused with those elements of joy, imagination, and mild cruelty everyone remembers from playing with their toys as a kid...
Review Cocoro Line Defender (3DS eShop)
Doing lines
If there's one thing French studio Moving Player knows how to do beautifully, it's presentation. Its new title Cocoro: Line Defender is inspired by Japanese watercolour-style art, with bright environments and striking dark outlines reminiscent of the 2006 classic Ōkami. Sporting a traditional flute-based soundtrack and characters with...
News Shovel Knight Soundtracks Released on Bandcamp
Name your price for some metal-slammin' tracks
In our recent post on the Shovel Knight release trailer, you may recall one of our questions in our state of frenzied yammering was "Where do we get this song?!" Delightfully, we have an answer: it's Track 17 on Strike the Earth! Shovel Knight Arranged, newly released alongside the
News Wage War On Your 3DS In Glory of Generals, Rolling Out 3rd July
World War II turn-based strategy coming to 3DS eShop
Shanghai-based CIRCLE Entertainment has been busy recreating the events of World War II in a turn-based strategy game Glory of Generals, which will hit the 3DS eShop on the 3rd of July in North America. The game boasts 64 campaigns between 1939 and 1945, including the Western front, Eastern...
News Here Are Some Charming Tappingo 2 Screens to Enjoy
New zoom feature shown off
Tappingo 2 is the second 3DS eShop title from Goodbye Galaxy Games, a rapid sequel to the rather charming original in this fledgling puzzle series. A blend of Picross with original ideas, we rather enjoyed the first game. The new entry will have over 100 puzzles and, as a response to a complaint of the original, a zoom...
Exclusive Free Mutant Mudds Deluxe 3DS Update Arrives on 3rd July
That’s in both North America and PAL territories
Late last year we were happy to share the news of a free Mutant Mudds Deluxe update on the way to 3DS, which will bring the portable version of the game into line with the Wii U title. That was particularly welcome news for gamers in Europe and Australia, as the expanded version didn’t see a...
Nintendo Download 26th June (North America)
Shovel Knight, Wii Sports, 5 DSiWare games (yes, really!) and much more
It's time again for your Nintendo download update, North America, and this one is a beauty. There's a double release of an eagerly anticipated action platformer, more Wii Sports shenanigans, discounts and plenty of choices across Wii U, 3DS and even DSiWare. Let's get to it...
Review Shovel Knight (3DS eShop)
This is the kind of shovelware we can dig
Shovel Knight is the adventure of Shovel Knight, a knight with a shovel. That simple — and gloriously absurd — premise has somehow resulted in some of the strongest hype the 3DS eShop has seen yet. The good news is that the final product absolutely lives up to the lofty expectations; the even better news...
News Moon Chronicles to Hit Europe in Q4 This Year, Including All Episodes in One
No episodic approach outside North America
Renegade Kid's Moon Chronicles: Episode 1 has been available in North America since mid-May, with episode two on the way relatively soon — this episodic remake of DS retail game Moon will ultimately arrive in four parts. Its arrival in Europe has been held back to date, however, with the developer telling...
Review Another World - 20th Anniversary Edition (3DS eShop)
Another World, Another System
Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition belongs in the download era, as the retail success story of the original truly laid the groundwork for narrative-driven, minimalistic and artistic games that are now becoming increasingly common away from high street shelves. When first released its cinematic flair was a...
Interview Bertil Hörberg Jumps Back Into the Saddle With Gunman Clive 2
"I felt I needed a bit more colour this time"
When it arrived with relatively little fanfare in December 2012, Gunman Clive appeared to be a cheap and cheerful Holiday title. Then we played it. What had seemed like a modest download game transpired to be a short slice of finely crafted fun with a charming aesthetic, which combined with a budget...
Video Shovel Knight Release Trailer Delivers Epicness in Spades
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
We'd like to think that video game journalism has progressed past the era when we mindlessly slathered over screenshots of games and reviewed things in terms of heads that looked like they were about to explode, but if anything is to make us don our old neon shirts and bring "Radical!" back into style, it's the...
News Ubisoft Runs Another eShop Discount Bonanza in North America
Because it can...
It seems that Ubisoft just can't help itself when it comes to eShop discount promotions. In what appears to be a bi-monthly occasion, it's slashed the prices of a substantial range of titles on both the Wii U and 3DS stores in order to drum up some more sales. There are plenty to get through, though no fresh discounts in Europe...
Nintendo Download 26th June (Europe)
Wii Sports Club, GBA Mario Tennis, StreetPass discounts and much more
Another Monday has arrived, dear gamers, and Nintendo of Europe is trying to cheer us up with its Download Update details. This week certainly has plenty of choice, with a broad variety of titles covering Wii U, 3DS and, yes, DSiWare. We have the completion of a HD sports set and...
Guide The Biggest Wii U and 3DS eShop Games Coming In 2014
With apologies, this time, to your digital wallet
The second half of 2014 is almost upon us, and we have a clearer idea of what games will arrive before those New Year bells take us into 2015. We already brought you a guide to the biggest Wii U and 3DS retail games coming in 2014, so naturally we'll now do the same for eShop games. Our goal with...
Review Color Zen Kids (3DS eShop)
Childlike innocence
If you read our review of Color Zen on 3DS earlier this month or Color Zen Kids on Wii U most recently, you're in for a familiar ride with the latter title on 3DS. The laid-back colour-matching puzzler with the sweeping electronic soundtrack is back, and this time your children can play it on the go. The objective of the...
News Comic Workshop Coming to 3DS eShop on 17th July in North America
Make yourself the next Stan Lee or Akira Toriyama
Collavier Corporation, a Japanese developer specializing in digital-only titles for Nintendo portables, is bringing its comic creation tool Comic Workshop to the 3DS eShop on 17th July in North America. The application will cost $7.99 and offer many helpful features for budding Bruce Timms —...
Nintendo Download 19th June (North America)
Pushmo goes HD, Another World, more Color Zen, 5(!) DSiWare games, more...
It's Nintendo Download Update time, North America, and this week there's a lengthy list of titles clawing at your eShop funds. Nintendo brings a colourful puzzle title to Wii U, we have a much-anticipated retro re-release on both systems, a crazy five DSiWare games — yep,...
News Food-Focused RPG Adventure Bar Story Is Munching Its Way To The 3DS
Smartphone hit crosses over to Nintendo's handheld
Adventure Bar Story is one of the most unique smartphone RPGs we've seen in quite some time, and developer RideOn Games has confirmed that it is bringing the game to the 3DS — in Japan, at least. The game places you in the shoes of a tavern owner who is resisting a hostile takeover from a rival...
News Creator Shu Takumi Testifies on Ace Attorney Writing Process
And how the popularity of a certain prosecutor shook things up
In honor of the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy being announced for the 3DS eShop later this year, Official Nintendo Magazine has published its full interview with series creator Shu Takumi on its website. The interview is a meaty read for Ace Attorney fans, offering plenty of...
Nintendo Download 19th June (Europe)
Pullblox World, Another World, a Monkey Pirate (World?) and much more
It's a day later than normal, but the Nintendo Download Update news for Europe is here, letting us know what we can look forward to on 19th June. There are quite a few new downloads across Wii U and 3DS, as it happens, along with a retro run-and-gun title, some discounts and...
Review Van Helsing sniper Zx100 (3DS eShop)
No, Hugh Jackman's not in this one
Barcelona-based developer EnjoyUp Games got our hopes up for this – after the surprising success of its atmospheric Abyss on the Wii U eShop last month, the trailer for EnjoyUp's new 3DS-exclusive Van Helsing Sniper Zx100 demonstrated a first-person gallery shooter set in a neon sci-fi dystopian future London;...
News Mutant Mudds 3DS 'Deluxe' Update Has Been Approved in Both North America and Europe
"Release date to be announced soon"
Back in December we revealed in a Nintendo Life exclusive that Mutant Mudds for the 3DS would be receiving a free ‘Deluxe’ upgrade, bringing the title in-line with Mutant Mudds Deluxe for Wii U by adding the latter’s 20 Ghost levels. Originally the free Deluxe add-on was expected to reach 3DS user
News Natsume Confirms Two Game Boy Color Titles Coming to 3DS Virtual Console
Harvest Moon rising
If you're the superstitious type, you might be cowering at the fact that today is both Friday the 13th and the rising of a full moon; a doubly "unlucky" coincidence. If you're a Harvest Moon or Lufia fan, however, today's news from Natsume brings much more benevolent tidings. Natsume has posted a roundup of their 3DS digital...
Review Super Dodge Ball (3DS eShop / NES)
Super Lag Ball
Many people are familiar with River City Ransom, the cult classic NES game, but what you might not know is that it's actually part of a series with many, many more titles. Of course, that can be hard to figure out when those that were localized all got completely unrelated names. Interestingly, while the series is mostly known in the...
Nintendo Download 12th June (North America)
Pac-Man's back, AiRacing, vampire slaying and a massive number of discounts
It's Nintendo Download time, bringing us more goodies to console us for the fact that E3 2014 is now in its last day. There are two Pac-Man titles to celebrate the mascot's appearance in Super Smash Bros., some options to celebrate the upcoming Soccer World Cup, a couple of...
News Shin Megami Tensei IV Confirmed For Q3 eShop Release In Europe
Atlus is self-publishing, no physical release planned
Atlus has confirmed that popular 3DS RPG Shin Megami Tensei IV is coming to Europe later this year. Unlike the Japanese and North American editions of the game, Shin Megami Tensei IV will not be getting a physical release in Europe — it will be exclusive to the 3DS eShop. "Shin Megami Tensei...
E3 2014 Nintendo Launches 30% Off Discount Bonanza on the Wii U and 3DS eShop Stores
Mario, Sonic, Zelda, LEGO and Yoshi games included
With E3 2014 now into the swing of things, Nintendo of America has launched an enticing 30% discount promotion on multiple major titles on both the Wii U and 3DS. The discounts have been applied to franchises that are prominent in Nintendo's show, with Mario, Sonic, Zelda, Yoshi and LEGO (courtesy...
Review 1001 Spikes (3DS eShop)
Exquisite torture
We'll get this out of the way right now: 1001 Spikes is hard. So hard, in fact, that it's deliberately unfair. Those of you turned off by that knowledge can save yourself a great deal of frustration by walking on by. Anyone up to the challenge, however, is in for one of the most satisfying platforming experiences in recent years...
Review Mega Man Xtreme 2 (3DS eShop / GBC)
An Xtreme Improvement
Mega Man Xtreme left us feeling a bit underwhelmed. While its intentions were certainly good, the execution was lacking and the experience felt like a far clunkier retread of levels we've already played before, rather than much of a game in its own right. However it's worth noting that the game was originally released for the...
E3 2014 Nintendo Reveals New eShop Games in Trailer Extravaganza
A first look at six titles, including Gunman Clive 2
Although the pre-E3 stage is today being taken up by rivals such as Microsoft, Sony, Ubisoft and EA, Nintendo has taken the opportunity to release a host of new trailers for titles on the way to both Wii U and 3DS. Some of these titles appear to be new reveals, too, expanding the list of...
Interview Image & Form on its SteamWorld Dig Adventure and Hopes for Wii U
"I believe 2014 is going to be a great year for the Wii U"
Just recently Image & Form confirmed that SteamWorld Dig is coming to the Wii U this Autumn / Fall, which is certainly terrific news for fans of the 3DS original. In some senses it's entirely logical, as the title has been upgraded for HD releases on PC and PS4, while also making its way...
News Gaijin Games Changes Name to Choice Provisions, Woah Dave! Due This Summer on 3DS
"We are but humble purveyors of video games"
Gaijin Games is a name familiar to keen Nintendo download gamers, as it's the studio behind the terrific BIT.TRIP series on WiiWare and Wii U eShop gem BIT.TRIP Presents: RUNNER 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien. The name may be iconic, but the company has decided to change its identity to the rather...
Nintendo Download 12th June (Europe)
Punch-Out!! gets Super, Inazuma has some GO, AiRace is back and much more
It's the day before Nintendo causes internet meltdown at E3 2014, yes, but that doesn't mean we don't have the normal business of the download update to consider. This week brings another 3DS retail release, some retro treats, discounts and new download titles on both Wii U...
Nirvana on the go
Last month we reviewed the Wii U version of Color Zen, a relaxing abstract puzzler in which you match geometric shapes with colours as a soothing electronica soundtrack plays in the background. This week the chilled-out title arrives on 3DS largely intact; it's essentially the same game, shrunk down to the small screen(s). It's the...
News Shovel Knight Launches in North America on Wii U and 3DS eShops on 26th June
Yacht Club Games also attending E3
Dust off your spade and get ready for action because Yacht Club Games has just announced that Shovel Knight will be released in North America on both the Wii U and 3DS eShops on the 26th of this month. If Shovel Knight hasn’t already piqued your interest, it’s an 8-Bit inspired adventure game that’s been...
News Natsume Confirms A-Train: City Simulator For 3DS and Alphadia Genesis for Wii U
Some story background for Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley also included
Natsume recently announced that Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley is coming to 3DS in 2014, and has today used its pre-E3 press release to confirm two more titles coming to Nintendo systems; both seem like candidates for the eShop, though that's not confirmed. First up we have...
News Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy Case Begins on 3DS eShop in Winter 2014
Screens, details and a trailer released
Japanese 3DS owners have had a chance to enjoy Ace Attorney 123: Wright Selection for over a month, a remastered compilation of the first three games in the popular Capcom series. In exciting news the company has now confirmed Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy for a release in the West, arriving exclusively...
Nintendo Download 5th June (North America)
Tomodachi comes to life, 1001 Spikes, Minish Cap and much more
It's that time, North America, for the latest Nintendo Download Update with the details of new goodies available this week. There's a high-profile retail title on 3DS along with an assortment of new download-only titles on both current systems; there's some welcome retro Zelda and more...
News AiRace Xeno Speeds Onto the 3DS eShop on 12th June
At a budget price along with some QubicGames discounts
Fans of flying very, very fast may be familiar with the AiRace series from Qubic Games, which most recently arrived on 3DS with AiRace Speed. That was a fun title that earned a solid 7/10 in our review, so we're pleased to see that a new entry in the franchise is dropping in next week's download...
News 1001 Spikes Creator Believes Trends Are Shifting Back Towards Tough, Challenging Games
"We are at a cusp of a new revolution"
1001 Spikes is available now on the Wii U and 3DS eShop stores in North America, and early noise around the platforming title is that it's pretty darn tough. Retro in looks and, it seems, retro in style, it's sure to endanger 3DS systems and GamePad controllers now that it's nestling on some systems. Though...
News Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition Confirmed for Wii U and 3DS
There's a new trailer to prove it
Not long ago we reported on a rating — which was quickly taken down — that appeared to show that Another World: 20th Anniversary Edition is coming to the Wii U and 3DS; as it's one of the most iconic games of the '90s, that was pleasing news for some of us with long memories. At the time publisher The Digital...
News Star Fox's Iconic Blue-Marine Is Descending To Steel Diver: Sub Wars
Be sure to grab the premium version before June 19th
As we all know, Steel Diver: Sub Wars has a strong bond with the Star Fox series — it was co-developed by Vitei, the company formed by ex-Argonaut and Nintendo employee Giles Goddard, who worked on the original Star Fox back in the early '90s. Sub Wars already features a nod to the famous space...
News Yumi's Odd Odyssey Receives Discount in North America
Reel in the savings before 15th June
If you've been nibbling at the fishing rod-flinging, platforming puzzle adventure that is Yumi's Odd Odyssey but have yet to bite, perhaps a $10 discount on the North American eShop will be enough to lure you in. Until 15th June, the 3DS entry in this cult favourite series will be available for $19.99. We gave...
Feature Kickstarter's Wii U and 3DS Campaigns - 2nd June
Tougher times for Wii U and 3DS funding targets
Last week's Kickstarter update brought the happy news of a rather decent-looking title getting funded for Wii U, while some new titles joined the roster. There are some long-shot targets though, and this week shows plenty of well-intentioned campaigns struggling for support. Is Kickstarter fatigue a...
News Footage and Details of The Keep on 3DS Are Uncovered
Cinemax provides a closer look at its ambitious dungeon-crawling title
Earlier this year we brought you news of The Keep, a title coming to the 3DS eShop from the prolific download developer Cinemax; it certainly seems to be one of the studio's most ambitious projects to date. The company promised more details would come ahead of its summer release...