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Free-to-play Pokemon Shuffle announced for Nintendo 3DS eShop
In an attempt to reignite Pokemon Puzzle League addictions around the world, Nintendo is releasing a new Pokemon puzzle game for the Nintendo 3DS. Pokemon Shuffle for Nintendo 3DS will be available to play for free by downloading it from the eShop when it releases in February. [Image: Nintendo]
3D After Burner 2 simulates multiple arcade cabinet styles
If your memories of Sega's classic arcade shoot-'em-up After Burner 2 are tied to one of the game's many unique cabinet styles, a new port for the Nintendo 3DS will hit you with an unexpected wave of nostalgia. The upcoming 3D After Burner 2 will simulate all of the game's arcade cabinet variations, porting studio M2 revealed as part of an ongoing interview series this week. "The game had a number of arcade cabinet variations, starting with the 'Double Cradle' (moved both forward/backward and left/right) and the 'Single Cradle' (moved left/right)," the article reads. "More variations were released later, including 'Sit-down' and 'Upright' variations." Footage demonstrating the "Double Cradle" variant is available here. 3D After Burner 2 will simulate any of these machines at the player's option, surrounding the gameplay screen with cabinet artwork and flickering lights that indicate incoming enemy attacks. Another option simulates cabinet movement, tilting the emulated gameplay screen at appropriate angles according to player flight paths. M2 previously simulated arcade cabinet aesthetics and motion in last year's 3DS ports of Space Harrier and Super Hang-On. 3D After Burner 2 will launch for the Nintendo 3DS eShop in North America this Thursday, January 15. [Image: Sega]
Xenogears, SaGa Frontier resurface in Theatrhythm Curtain Call DLC
Xenogears, SaGa Frontier, and other classic RPGs from Square Enix's back catalog make an appearance as part of this week's DLC lineup for the publisher's 3DS rhythm game Final Fantasy Theatrhythm: Curtain Call. New Battle Music Sequence tracks hitting the eShop today include Final Fantasy 7's "Opening: Bombing Mission," "Primal Judgment" from Final Fantasy 14, "Soaring" from Xenogears, and "Last Battle: T260G" from SaGa Frontier. Players can also download the Battle Music Sequence track "Sacrifice Part Three" plucked from the Japan-exclusive Secret of Mana follow-up Seiken Densetsu 3 starting today, along with the Field Music Sequence stage "In Search of the Sword of Mana," originally featured in the Game Boy action-RPG Final Fantasy Adventure. All DLC tracks are priced at 99 cents apiece. Square Enix notes that additional songs will hit the eShop on January 22. [Image: Square Enix)
New Nintendo eShop releases: Chariot, Mega Man Battle Network 2
Considering we're knee-deep in new year lull, there's enough to dig into in this week's eShop update. If you're after something new, you've got the couch-bound co-op of puzzle-platformer Chariot - check out our review on PS4. If you're after something older, you can't go far wrong with Mega Man Battle Network 2. The Game Boy Advance RPG joins the first MMBN on Wii U Virtual Console, and there are four more Battle Networks to go. It may be a new year, but we're keeping it old-school in our eShop posts. As always, the full list of new releases is below the break, while all the sales stuff is just a chariot's ride away.
3D After Burner 2 locked-on to hit 3DS eshop next week
Sega's next wave of 3D-enhanced Classics looks set to begin January 15 with After Burner 2, going by new eShop listings. Nintendo's storefronts in North America and Europe have the arcade air fighter down for that date, though Sega's yet to make any announcements. We've reached out to the publisher to confirm the ETA for some top-gunning action. According to its eShop description After Burner 2 includes 23 stages and comes with a selection of "real arcade cabinets," new difficulty settings, new graphical options, and the standard Classics addition of stereoscopic 3D. Also, if you beat all 23 stages you unlock an extra mode that features "even more gameplay enhancements."
Please notice the Crunchyroll app on Wii U, senpai
Thousands of hours of anime are now available on Wii U consoles via the Crunchyroll app on the eShop, Nintendo and Crunchyroll have announced. The app, which hosts shows like Naruto Shippuden, One Piece and Sword Art Online, features sample videos for free, but if you want total access, you'll need a Premium membership. Crunchyroll offers several different Premium memberships: one that provides unlimited selection of manga ($4.95/month), one providing unlimited selection of anime ($6.95/month), and an "all-access" version which combines anime and manga while adding drama shows to the mix ($11.95/month). [Image: Crunchyroll]
New Nintendo eShop releases: Mega Man Zero, Meme Run
Mega Man X's often-dead pal Zero joins Nintendo's Virtual Console service today with the launch of Mega Man Zero, a 2002 Game Boy Advance spinoff known for its exemplary platforming and punishing difficulty. Power up Zero with new upgrades and abilities as you keep the peace between humans and Reploids in the century following the events of the Mega Man X series. If you're in the mood for more Mega Man, Capcom is currently hosting a themed eShop sale, dropping the prices of many of the Blue Bomber's games for the NES, SNES, and Game Boy. SNES brawler Natsume Championship Wrestling also joins the Virtual Console catalog this week, accompanying Wii U eShop releases like EnjoyUp's minimalist arcade-style puzzler 99Moves, multiplayer eat-'em-up Plenty of Fishies, and Internet meme-infused infinite runner (yes, really) Meme Run. 3DS owners can expect to see a digital version of Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D this week, along with Asterix The Mansions of the Gods, Minecraft-like Cube Creator 3D, and Skipmore's action-RPG puzzler Fairune. If you have any French children hanging around, you'll also want to check out Mes Comptines, which might be the 3DS's first-ever French nursery rhyme compilation. Hit the break below, s'il vous plait, to see this week's full release lineup.
Mega Man channels Cut Man to deal with Virtual Console prices
Capcom kicked off a sale on games in its Mega Man series through the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops today. The sale coincides with the 27th anniversary of the iconic blue hero as well as the debut of another game on Nintendo's Virtual Console: Mega Man Zero. The Game Boy Advance classic is now available on the Wii U eShop for $7.99. The "Mega Manniversary" sale hacks 50 percent off the price of six Mega Man games until Monday, December 22 at 11:59 a.m. ET (8:59 a.m. PT). On sale are the Game Boy versions of Mega Man 2, Mega Man 3 and Mega Man 4 for 3DS, each down to $1.49. As for Wii U, players can download NES games Mega Man 5 and Mega Man 6 for $2.49 each as well as Mega Man 7 for $3.99. Of course, kids these days may have troubles with these difficult retro platformers. [Image: Capcom]
New Nintendo eShop releases: Bob Loblaw Law Blog Edition
When you take a moment to really think about it, isn't it odd that Arrested Development came up with the name "Bob Loblaw" before the wordplay-stuffed Phoenix Wright did? When you start replaying the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy this week, try to imagine Scott Baio at Phoenix Wright's desk, repeatedly closing a book from different angles - doesn't it just fit? Capcom's updated trilogy is this week's headline debutante on the eShop, even if Bob Loblaw is this week's headline. That said, it sure ain't the only new release. As ever, you'll find the full list of newbies below the break, and if you're after eShop sales then drop that law bomb here.
Bravely Default sequel lights up Japan in April 2015
Bravely Second is flying fairly to Japan on April 23, 2015, though there still isn't word on a Western release. The Bravely Default sequel was due on Japan's retail shelves this winter, but perhaps the publisher thought releasing it prematurely was unacceptable. So, while Japan has to wait a little longer, it can look forward to a shiny-looking collector's pack at launch. The package is on offer for 14,800 yen ($123), and its extras include the "200 years later" companion art book and novel, a "mini soundtrack" on CD, a notebook, a Pope Agnes mini-figure (yes, Pope Agnes), a strap detailed with new character Magnolia, and a code that adds unspecified in-game content.
Shovel Knight sells in spades, surpasses 300K units
Shovel Knight moved heaven and earth - mostly earth - to exceed 300,000 sales worldwide since launching back in June. Yacht Club's crowdfunded homage to 8-bit classics shifted 180,000 units in its first month, surpassing the dev's expectations. Shovel Knight's now close to double that figure following last month's belated launch on the European eShop. While six figures ain't to be sniffed at, it's not yet the seven Yacht Club was aiming for after its prolific launch and critical success. "Our new goal is the quest to 1 million sold," programmer David D'Angelo said in August, "to truly solidify Shovel Knight as a modern platinum classic! For all of you who had doubts that a Wii U game or a digital game on a Nintendo platform could sell, we hope these facts show that a good game on any system, marketed the right way, can sell."
New Nintendo eShop releases: Captain Toad - The First Adventure
This is your Captain speaking. There are other eShop games this week, like Virtual Console cats Lode Runner and Fire Emblem on Wii U, and Ultimate NES Remix on 3DS. For your own safety, I think it's high time you buckled up and got my game, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker. I'm behind the wheel and that means you can be sure of a smooth landing, ohhhh yeahhh. Before I clear you for take off, just a few last things. For extra comfort, check out the full list of eShop releases below the break and the full list of discounted games here. Finally, if you'd like to see our in-flight range of scarves, be sure to request the new Wii U demo of Sonic Boom. This is your Captain and resident fun guy signing off, ready for adventure.
Etrian Mystery Dungeon plots odyssey to Americas in 2015
The Etrian Odyssey and Mystery Dungeon crossover is confirmed for the Americas, with Atlus publishing in spring 2015. Titled Etrian Mystery Dungeon, the 3DS mesh of RPG questing and roguelike dungeons is due on retail shelves and the eShop with a $40 price tag. Along with today's announcement, Atlus revealed some details on what to expect from its latest marriage of series. Etrian Odyssey fans can level up heroes through familiar skill trees and "up to 10 classes" that include Landsknecht and Runemaster, before taking on dungeons in four-man parties. Meanwhile, Mystery Dungeon aficionados will be accustomed to the series' randomly generated, loot-stuffed dungeon crawl. As for the perspective, the roguelike wins out on that count; Etrian Mystery Dungeon goes with Spike Chunsoft's top-down, third-person perspective rather than Etrian Odyssey's traditional first-person view.
Hyrule Warriors takes Twili Midna for a twirl next week
Hyrule Warriors' next DLC delves into the Legend of Zelda's past and retrieves one of the series' most memorable companions as a playable character. Reprized in her True "Twili" form as seen at the end of Link's GameCube and Wii adventure, the Twilight Princess pack brings Midna and her wiles to the Wii U hack-and-slash on November 27. Zelda series producer Eiji Anouma explained on Miiverse why the Twilight Princess returns in Hyrule Warriors as Twili Midna rather than her more familiar form. "When I was developing Twilight Princess," Anouma wrote, "I thought it was such a waste to let a beautiful princess like her only appear in the ending. Now Koei Tecmo Games has made my wish to see more of her come true."
New Nintendo eShop releases: Mario Kart 8 DLC, Sonic Boom
Mario Kart 8's first major content pack is available now, and for $8 and 1GB of Wii U space you can fill your racing roster with the likes of Link, the Master Cycle, and a circuit based on F-Zero's Mute City. Or, to summarize for numerophiles, three characters, four karts and eight tracks. Don't forget, you can also get the DLC as part of the $12 package that bundles in a pre-order for the second pack, due in March 2015. The eShop's not just about Mario Kart 8 this week... 'cos Mario Kart: Super Circuit brings GBA racing to the Wii U Virtual Console. We josh, kartophobes, there's plenty of other stuff to download. There are the console and handheld editions of Sonic Boom, the Wii U port of pop-up beauty Tengami (check out our impressions of it on iOS), and the belated stateside arrival of Pokemon Trading Card Game on 3DS Virtual Console. Since it's November and another one of those content-packed weeks, our digestible list of new releases should prove handy. You'll find that below the break. and if you're after sales and permanent discounts, point your clicker here.
Super Smash Bros. pre-loads on Wii U next Tuesday
As announced in late October, digital pre-loading on Wii U will start with the home console version of Super Smash Bros. Nintendo recently elaborated on how the pre-loading service will work for the upcoming fighting game. Starting on Tuesday, November 18, Nintendo will send a download code to those that pre-ordered the game through its online store. Redeeming the code will allow players to download most of Super Smash Bros. to their Wii U systems right away. Starting at 12:00 a.m. ET on the day of its official launch, Friday, November 21, a small update will be available to download that unlocks the game. Alternatively, players will be able to complete the same process by purchasing Super Smash Bros. for Wii U from the system's eShop directly, or by obtaining a download code from another retailer. Pre-orders for Super Smash Bros. surpassed that of Mario Kart 8 according to Nintendo, which expects "the impact on hardware will be similarly dramatic" to that of Smash. [Image: Nintendo]
New Nintendo eShop releases: It's raining nintendogs + cats
Among all the big games Nintendo chucks at the Q4 window is the weekly eShop cluster grenade, ready to spread just about everything across your Wii U and 3DS. This week there's plenty of stuff to pick and mix, from platform-puzzler The Swapper where you can create clones of yourself and swap (ah!) between them, to the GBA Super Mario Advance remake of Super Mario Bros. 2 which also features a Mario Bros. remake. Or you could garden-gander at Shigeru Miyamoto's Pikmin Short Movies animations on 3DS and Wii U, and then try out the new Pikmin 3 demo. If you'd prefer something spikier and scarf-ier, there are Sonic Boom demos for both 3DS and Wii U ahead of next week's retail releases. Keeping the animal theme but travelling back in time, out of nowhere there are eShop versions of the three-year-old nintendogs + cats 3DS games, complete with a free theme when you buy one of them. A bit out of the blue, yes. On the other hand... d'awwww. It's one of those weeks where it might be easier to digest a full list of new releases, so it's handy you'll find one of those below the break. Bargain hunters, we refer you to Nintendo's press release for a list of this week's sales and permanent price reductions.
Duck Hunt tracking down Wii U Virtual Console
Following a trailer for the Wii U version of Super Smash Bros. that showed the infamous chuckling dog from Duck Hunt in action (seen above), today's Nintendo Direct livestream revealed that the classic lightgun game is also on the way to the Wii U Virtual Console. Given that it made its debut in 1984 on NES, Duck Hunt just celebrated its 30th anniversary. While Nintendo didn't reveal an exact date for its launch, the game will arrive "soon" on the eShop and will require a Wii Remote controller to play. [Image: Nintendo]
Ultimate NES Remix includes Famicom Remix, Speed Mario Bros. modes
Nintendo announced additional features it has planned for the upcoming Ultimate NES Remix for the Nintendo 3DS, including a super-speed take on Super Mario Bros. Ultimate NES Remix includes a new "Famicom Remix" mode that features challenges previously exclusive to the Japanese versions of NES Remix and NES Remix 2 for the Wii U. Speed Mario Bros. is also new to the collection, offering a complete version of the 8-bit classic Super Mario Bros. that plays at double its normal speed. Ultimate NES Remix hits retail and the 3DS eShop on December 5.
After Burner 2 leads Sega's second set of 3DS classics next year
Sega announced plans to re-release five games from its catalog on 3DS in 2015, the publisher announced today. The next set of "3D Classics" from Sega will reach North America and Europe next year, starting with After Burner 2 in early 2015. Sega plans to issue one game every month from that point on, each priced at $5.99 (£4.49 / €4.99) on Nintendo's 3DS eShop. Though it did not list the order in which the games will appear on the eShop, the other four games getting the 3D relaunch treatment are Fantasy Zone, Fantasy Zone 2, OutRun and Thunder Blade. The first set of 3D Classics launched in late November 2013 and included games like Sonic the Hedgehog, Altered Beast, Ecco the Dolphin and Shinobi 3. Games in the 3D Classic catalog such as Space Harrier feature additional game settings that allow players to optimize the difficulty, number of lives and other bonus functions, improving on the original games. [Image: Sega]
