Thursday has come around 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 that their children can access.
Here is a list of new games, add-ons and discounted ones, according to a press release:
Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS:
"Disney Art Academy" – "In the 'Disney Art Academy' game, discover your inner artist to capture the stunning visuals of more than 80 Disney and Pixar characters. With advice and lessons inspired by Disney art and Pixar animations, learn to use a bundle of different drawing tools to create Elsa and Olaf from Disney Frozen emotions from Disney/Pixar Inside Out, Mickey Mouse and more classic characters. You can even share your creations with your friends by posting directly to Miiverse or social media!"
Nintendo eShop on Wii U:
"Super Meat Boy" – "'Super Meat Boy' is a tough-as-nails platformer set in haunted hospitals, salt factories and even hell itself in a quest to save your girlfriend from an evil fetus in a jar. And if 300+ single-player levels weren’t enough, the game also throws in epic boss fights, tons of unlockable secrets, warp zones and hidden characters from other popular indie games. Click here to view a trailer for the game."
Virtual Console on Wii U:
"The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass" – "Many months after the events of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Link must return to the open seas and solve the mystery of the Ghost Ship. Explore neighboring islands for useful items, such as the Phantom Hourglass, and solve innovative puzzles by using intuitive touch-screen controls."
New DLC:
"Minecraft: Wii U Edition" – "Super Mario Mash-Up Pack" – "After downloading this free update, players who own the Minecraft: Wii U Edition digital game, which launched last December, will have immediate access to new skins, a Super Mario-themed pre-made world and a set of Super Mario-themed music and item textures. All this new content is inspired by games in the iconic Super Mario series, such as Super Mario World, Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine."
"Fire Emblem Fates" – New DLC Map – "II: Realms Collide" – "The youths of Nohr must assist a wild dragon. Part 2 of Heirs of Fate is now available for $1.99."
"Fire Emblem Fates" – Map Pack 2 DLC – "Across dimensions, other versions of the Hoshidan and Nohrian children are under attack. Born and raised in the Deeprealms, these fledgling warriors must now rise up to save themselves and their parents as they unravel the mystery of their adversaries. In this six-map series, units leveled up in the main game cannot lend support. Devise a strategy using a fresh team and reap the rewards, but only if all of your units survive. You can receive all six maps as they are released by purchasing Map Pack 2 for only $7.99."
Nintendo eShop sales:
Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS:
"'99 Moves' (Wii U), 'Soccer Up 3D' (Nintendo 3DS) and more from EnjoyUp Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on June 2."
"'3D Game Collection' (Nintendo 3DS), 'Island Flight Simulator' (Wii U) and more games from JoinDots are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 19."
"'Word Search' by POWGI (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) is 25 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $5.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 19."
Nintendo eShop on Wii U
"'Tap Tap Arcade,' 'Blok Drop U' and more games from RCMADIAX are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on June 30."
"'Midnight' is 50 percent off (reduced from $1.99 to 99 cents) until 8:59 a.m. PT on June 2."
"'Jewel Quest' is 20 percent off (reduced from $4.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on June 1."
Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
"'Toys vs. Monsters,' 'Fantasy Pirates' and more from EnjoyUp Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on June 5."
"'My Pets' is 60 percent off (reduced from $24.99 to $9.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on June 5."
"'2 Fast 4 Gnomz,' 'AiRace Speed' and more from Qubic Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on June 2."
"'Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies' and 'Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy' are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 18."
In addition, the 3DS has three new Pokémon-inspired themes available on the Theme Shop.
The notable offering this week is "The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass." Originally released in 2007 on the DS, it serves as the direct sequel to "The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker" that was released on the GameCube in 2002.
Those unfamiliar with the game will be glad to know that the gameplay is largely the same as "The Wind Waker," where its generally separated into two parts: sailing between islands and exploring the islands and their dungeons on foot. As an added bonus, thanks to layout of the DS, players can actually draw a path on the map displayed on the touch screen, and the ship will follow the plotted course. Presumably, the Wii U version will replicate this feature (and other touch screen controls) with the GamePad controller.
What sets this game apart from others is the introduction of a large dungeon that players will have Link visit multiple times throughout the story. Known as the Temple of the Ocean King, Link must traverse the temple's depths in order to obtain sea charts that allow him to travel to other parts of the ocean. Unfortunately, it's not as easy as simply going inside and obtaining the maps. The dungeon is cursed and drains Link's life, until he obtains the Phantom Hourglass, which protects for a limited period of time. Furthermore, there are Phantoms, enemies unique to that dungeon, that are invincible for the most part, requiring players to use stealth to get past them.
The reception for the game was universally high, with many praising the game's success in incorporating the unique features of the Nintendo DS but criticizing it for its "casual" gameplay.
Check out a trailer for the game below:
