Thursday is here once again, which means that Nintendo is offering a new batch of digital games and add-ons available for fans to download on various Nintendo platforms.
As noted by Nintendo, the offerings update weekly, making new games available on eShop for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS family of handhelds, the Nintendo DSi shop for the Nintendo DSi system and the Wii Shop Channel for the Wii console. The systems feature parental controls, allowing adults to manage the content their children can access.
Here is a list of new games, add-ons and discounted ones, according to a press release:
Nintendo eShop on Wii U:
"Star Fox Zero" – "An evil empire has risen and the Lylat system is in danger. As legendary space pilot Fox McCloud, blast through an onslaught of enemy forces to bring peace to the galaxy. In this white-knuckle space shooter, it’ll take more than luck to master the Arwing jet, the Gyrowing flight drone and the Landmaster tank. You have what it takes. Now prove it. 'Star Fox Zero' will be available on April 22. ('Star Fox Zero' and 'Star Fox Guard' can only be purchased separately in Nintendo eShop. By purchasing one game, you’ll receive an automatic discount upon the purchase of the other game, bringing the total cost for both digital games to $59.99.)"
"Star Fox Guard" – "Grippy Toad, the founder of Corneria Precious Metals Ltd., and Slippy Toad of the legendary team Star Fox need your help protecting their booming business. All you have to do is keep an eye on a dozen video screens as you mow down waves of attacking robots with your turret-mounted cameras. Star Fox Guard will be available on April 22. ('Star Fox Zero' and 'Star Fox Guard' can only be purchased separately in Nintendo eShop. By purchasing one game, you’ll receive an automatic discount upon the purchase of the other game, bringing the total cost for both digital games to $59.99.)"
Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS:
"Pocket Card Jockey" – Demo Version – "3, 2, 1 … GO! Stack cards like it’s a race to the finish! In this fast-paced mashup of solitaire and horse racing, you’ll jockey your way to victory by clearing cards to energize your horse. You can even level up your noble steed through strategic positioning on the track. Can you master solitaire and horseback racing at the same time? Try out the demo version of the 'Pocket Card Jockey' game before the full version of the game releases this May."
Virtual Console on Wii U:
"Mario Party DS" – "Bring the Nintendo DS party game to the Wii U console! Bowser has shrunk Mario and his friends, and now they’re ready to foil his latest scheme. Play as one of eight characters in four game modes, on five themed game boards and in more than 70 mini-games. Take turns moving around the board to reach first place, or get immersed in constant mini-game action."
Nintendo eShop sales:
"'Family Tennis SP' is 25 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $3.74) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 12."
"'Toon Tanks' is 20 percent off (reduced from $1.99 to $1.59) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 12."
Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS:
"'Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked' is more than 65 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $9.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 2."
"'Classic Games Overload: Card & Puzzle Edition' is 50 percent off (reduced from $29.99 to $14.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 9."
"'Carps & Dragons' is 50 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $2.49) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 31."
"'Soccer Up Online' is 25 percent off (reduced from $3.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 19."
New DLC:
"Fire Emblem Fates" – New DLC Map: "Witches’ Trial" – "Test your battle skills in the Fear Mountain stage from the 'Fire Emblem Gaiden' game. This new map is available to download in the 'Fire Emblem Fates' game for $1.99."
"Fire Emblem Fates" – Map Pack 1 – "As a reminder, anyone who owns either the 'Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright' or 'Fire Emblem Fates: Conquest' game can purchase Map Pack 1 at the Dragon’s Gate in Chapter 6 of the game for $17.99 to get access to get bonus content and 11 DLC maps. Map Pack 1 content is priced at more than $24 when purchased individually."
In addition, the 3DS has two new themes available on the theme shop. One is based off the female characters from "Fire Emblem Fates," while the other is based off the men.
The notable offering from Nintendo this week is "Star Fox Zero," which marks the return of the Star Fox team to a Nintendo home console. The game is more of a re-imagining of "Star Fox 64" rather than a completely new adventure, and it has the player visit many of the planets seen in "64," though with an all-new twist. For example, Corneria, which is often the first planet (not so in "Assault"), has a branching path that requires the player to use the all-new Walker vehicle to access. In addition, players will visit Corneria twice in the story.
Early reviews of the game were quite good, but things have changed now that more people have managed to get their hands on the game. Their critiques of the game focus almost entirely on the control scheme, with some saying that the game is enjoyable despite it, while others say the controls are so bad that the game is rendered almost unplayable.
In the end, its up to the player whether the game is good or bad, as reviews just marginally help in the process. Those attending PAX East this weekend will have the advantage of making this decision before making a full purchase, as "Star Fox Zero" will be one of the game demos that Nintendo has available on the show floor.
