This week in the Nintendo eShop: Sasha slices up some monster limbs, Sonic makes another boom boom, and rumbles return to River City.

Activision is this week’s golden child in the sales department, offering steep discounts up to 66% off on titles like Skylanders SuperChargers, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and The Legend of Korra: A New Era Begins. Good ol’ Atlus also has your back this week, with Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker leading the charge at just $24.99 until October 3rd.

Finally, every Thursday in September Nintendo will be showcasing a new indie title in a series it calls Nindies Summer Jam. Best of all, each title will be given a 10% discount for those that purchase within the initial launch week! This week’s lucky star is Severed: a hauntingly beautiful, action-heavy dungeon crawler that has you slicing monster limbs using the power of your fingertips.

WII U DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE

Severed (DrinkBox Studios, 14.99 | $13.49 until 9/29) – Severed is a lovingly crafted cross between Metroidvania games and dungeon crawlers. Players assume control of Sasha, a one-armed warrior wielding a living sword, as she embarks on a journey through a nightmarish world in search of her family. Solving puzzles, discovering secrets and battling a host of grotesque monsters are all done using intuitive swipe-based touch controls: a deceptively simple mechanic full of incredible depth and creativity. Most mesmerizing is DrinkBox’s trademark use of clean visuals and blocky, vibrant colors which perfectly match the game’s ethereal setting. Ultimately, it’s a fantastic follow up to 2013’s Guacamelee! that absolutely deserves your attention.

While it isn’t receiving a simultaneous release, Severed is also one of few games on Nintendo platforms to feature cross-buy, putting an end to sleepless nights spent in purgatory deciding which version is right for you. We’ll be sure to let you know when the 3DS version does drop, but for now rest assured that purchasing on Wii U does net you a free download code for the 3DS version sometime in the future.

Wings of Magloryx (Arbelos Interactive, $14.99) – Wings of Magloryx is a 3D action game featuring one of the coolest names for a dragon I’ve ever heard. As Magloryx, you’ll fly through 25 adventure-filled stages destroying castles, rescuing peasants, collecting gold (obviously), and reclaiming five stolen relics (though why a fire breathing lizard would sympathize with the plight of the lower class – let alone humans at all – is anyone’s guess). Overall it’s a fairly decent concept that’s unfortunately been done better in more strategy focused games like Hoard. I at least find the game’s cel shaded art style to be endearing, if not a little rough around the edges. Considering this is Arbelos Interactive’s first foray in game making, I definitely appreciate the effort that went into its conception (which is a lot more than I can say about some other developers in today’s update).

Double Breakout (nuGAME, $7.00) – Filling this week’s quota for breakout clones in the eShop is Double Breakout: a two-player hybrid of both Pong and Breakout. Play against either a computer opponent or a friend through 20 levels while competing for the highest score. There’s honestly not much more I could say about the game than that. There are no power ups or bonus modes to speak of, and nothing about the its presentation stands out from similar games tackling the genre. It really is just nothing more than Pong with a few bricks in the way to try and spice things up.

Laser Blaster (Petite Games, $1.99) – Laser Blaster is essentially a very pretty version of Sabotage. In this rendition, players protect their home planet from waves of enemy lasers falling from the sky by firing missiles using the GamePad’s touchscreen. Typical of survival games, the goal is to endlessly earn the highest score possible before your base is inevitably destroyed. It’s not a bad way to spend $2 if you’re just looking for something to pass the time, though its lack of features, modes and multiplayer options feel like a missed opportunity to add something new and exciting to the genre.

TITANS TOWER (RCMADIAX, $1.49) – I know what you’re thinking: why is there no apostrophe in the word TITANS? Even more baffling, why does the game’s title sequence clearly use said apostrophe correctly, but nowhere else in the bowels of the internet? The world may never know. What we do know is to unfortunately expect a similar attention to detail and respect for quality with RCMADIAX’s latest in endless runner gameplay. That, and a consistent use of alliteration in all their titles (which I’m actually quite fond of, surprisingly).

WII U ADD-ON CONTENT

Lego Dimensions – New DLC Packs (Warner Bros., Various) – It’s hard to believe, but Lego Dimensions will be a year old next week. Instead of celebrating with what everyone assumed would be an inevitable sequel, support for the original simply continues with new story, level, team and fun packs from new and exciting franchises! Personally, Adventure Time comes as a welcome surprise that fuels my hopes for full featured sets outside the confines of Dimensions. Check out the full list below of toy sets and expansions coming this Tuesday, complete with Amazon pre-order links:

Ghostbusters Story Pack ($49.99 | available 9/27)
Adventure Time Level Pack ($29.99 | available 9/27)
Adventure Time Team Pack ($24.99 | available 9/27)
Mission: Impossible Level Pack ($29.99 | available 9/27)
Harry Potter Team Pack ($24.99 | available 9/27)
The A-Team Fun Pack ($11.99 | available 9/27)

WII U VIRTUAL CONSOLE

Donkey Kong Country Returns (Nintendo, $19.99) – After a nearly 15-year hiatus since his escapades on Super Nintendo (not counting GBA ports, of course), DK triumphantly returned to his 2D platforming roots on the Wii back in 2010. Best known for its 3D reinvention of the Metroid series, Retro Studios lovingly brought Country’s signature, weighty platforming and unique level design to a new era, while adding many smart touches that gave it a more modern look and feel. Skilful courses and challenging, inventive boss battles set DKCR apart from the Wii’s more platforming friendly competitors, and only Gods among men can say they’ve platinumed each time trial for every stage (well, sparkling gold if you want to get technical). As one of the best Wii games the system has to offer, it absolutely deserves a home in your digital collections.

WII U SPECIAL OFFERS AND DEALS

Skylanders SuperChargers Portal Owner’s Pack ($19.99 | 50% off) until 9/30
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 ($14.99 | 70% off) until 9/30
Wipeout Create & Crash ($9.99 | 75% off) until 9/30
Grumpy Reaper ($2.49 | 50% off) until 10/20
Word Party ($9.99 | 50% off) until 9/29
Dual Core ($6.99 | 30% off) until 10/2
STEEL RIVALS (5.00 | 28% off) until 10/12
Hold Your Fire: A Game About Responsibility ($0.99 | 50% off) until 10/3
The Quiet Collection ($2.99 | 40% off) until 9/26
3Souls ($2.90 | 25% off) until 9/29
Stone Shire ($4.99 | 37% off) until 9/29
Master Reboot ($4.99 | 66% off) until 10/13
Vector Assault ($3.99 | 20% off) until 9/30
Midnight ($1.59 | 20% off) until 10/6
360 Breakout ($5.00 | 28% off) until 9/28
Gravity Badgers ($0.99 | 80% off) until 10/6
Bird Mania Party ($0.99 | 50% off) until 9/29
Angry Bunnies: Colossal Carrot Crusade ($5.99 | 33% off) until 9/25
Color Zen ($2.99 | 25% off) until 9/25
Chubbins ($1.99 | 50% off) until 9/30
Soon Shine ($0.99 | 50% off) until 9/30
Run Run and Die ($1.99 | 50% off) until 10/6
Unepic ($4.99 | 50% off) until 10/6
STEEL LORDS ($7.50 | 50% off) until 9/28
Pixel Slime U ($2.00 | 33% off) until 9/28
Tap Tap Arcade ($1.25 | 37% off) until 9/28

Check Nintendo’s website for the full list of deals available.

3DS RETAIL

Sonic Boom: Fire & Ice (Sega, $39.99 | available 9/27) – Sonic’s back to once again thwart the nefarious plans of Dr. Eggman and an all new adversary D-Fekt. Based on the artistic stylings of the 2014 television series by the same name, this latest iteration in the franchise has Sonic and co. harnessing the power of fire and ice to blaze through obstacles and freeze enemies in their tracks. Judging by the lackluster reviews of previous games in the Boom series, I wouldn’t be too surprised if this ends up being equally generic, boring and unpolished. Thankfully, next year’s Sonic Mania looks to get the blue blur back in touch with his retro roots (fingers crossed for a NX release). Regardless, be sure to check out our full review in the coming days to find out whether Fire & Ice blazes strong or fizzles out. While you wait, boot up some 3D Sonic the Hedgehog 2 to help satiate that unquenchable need for speed.

River City: Tokyo Rumble (Natsume, $29.99 | available 9/27) – Flying somewhat under the radar this week is a localization of one of the newest additions to the Kunio-kun franchise. Despite the series’ extensive history in Japan spanning dozens of games, western audiences were only treated to a small handful, most notably back in the early days of the NES. Thus, fans of Renegade, River City Ransom and Super Dodge Ball might want to take note. In essence, Tokyo Rumble is a side-scrolling RPG brawler originally released back in 2013 that follows the story of a hot-blooded high school student named Kunio and his good friends. Natsume is even printing a limited run of physical copies at launch, so collectors might want to secure one early on before it’s too late. Bear in mind, Natsume has stated there will be no pre-orders made available, so keep an eye on Amazon on September 27th for fear of missing out.

Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse (WayForward, $29.99 | available 9/27) – Looking for a way to fill that Shantae-shaped void in your heart after learning about Half-Genie Hero’s two month delay? Put down that tub of ice cream and pick up a physical copy of Shantae’s previous adventure! While it’s already been available on the eShop for the past two years, Tuesday marks the first time Shantae can be found belly dancing in stores since her original Game Boy Color debut back in 2002. One of the better Metroidvania games out there, Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse brings a new twist to the basic exploration/platforming formula, replacing the titular heroine’s genie powers with pirate booty. It comes highly recommended by yours truly, even if you forego the physical edition for the much more affordable digital one.

3DS DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE

Noah’s Cradle (Circle Entertainment, $5.00) – Don’t be fooled by hasty Google searches: this is neither a religious edutainment title or baby’s crib fashioned into Noah’s Ark. Noah’s Cradle is an action flying combat game highly reminiscent of the Ace Combat series. From what I can tell, the game features six adrenaline-pumping levels accompanied by a heavy-handed plot that will undoubtedly be ignored beyond setting the game’s bleak backstory. Luckily, the core concept has immense potential, and gameplay looks to be fast-paced, exciting and frantic. Look no further for some Top Gun reenactments on the cheap.

3DS ADD-ON CONTENT

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice: Apollo Justice: Asinine Attorney (Capcom, $3.99) – Continuing the weekly proceedings of Ace Attorney 6 DLC is a new short story featuring Apollo Justice! Keep in mind that this DLC is not a full-fledged case, but does still feature actual gameplay (albeit to a much lighter extent). Fortunately, buyers also receive an exclusive matching Apollo Justice Pixel Art 3DS home theme to soften the blow of that price tag.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Quest: A GodSlayer Needs Demons (Atlus, $1.99 | available 9/27) – This Challenge Quest grants you access to the “Demon Market,” where you spend Macca to buy pre-trained demons. Must become an official Hunter before you can access it.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Quest: A GodSlayer Needs Apps (Atlus, $2.49 | available 9/27) – This is a Challenge Quest that helps you increase your App Points. Must become an official Hunter before you can access it. Recommended for players that have reached the Fairy Forest.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Quest: A GodSlayer Needs Macca (Atlus, $2.99 | available 9/27) – This is a Challenge Quest that helps you increase your Macca. Must become an official Hunter before you can access it.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Add-On: Ranking Program 2 (Atlus, Free | available 9/27) – This add-on determines the highest ranked Main Partners from people whom you made StreetPass exchanges with and powers those Partners up for you! Must become an official Hunter before you can access it.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Item: Chiro Mask (Atlus, $0.99 | available 9/27) – A mask that makes you look like Hallelujah’s partner, Chironnupu. Must become an official Hunter before you can access it.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Item: Avatar’s Hat (Atlus, $0.99 | available 9/27) – Dress just like Krishna with this snazzy fedora. Flute not included. Must become an official Hunter before you can access it.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Item: Tokyo’s Past Set (Atlus, Free | available 9/27) – Download the Cute Glasses, Secret Eye Power Seal, and Surgical Mask! Must become an official Hunter before you can access them.

3DS VIRTUAL CONSOLE

Final Fight 2 (Capcom, $7.99) – The Mad Gear Gang strikes back! Originally released on the SNES back in 1993, Final Fight 2 is a classic side-scrolling brawler that does little to deviate much from the original in terms of gameplay. Making up for the poorly concocted port of its coin-operated predecessor, this sequel was built from the ground up for Nintendo’s Super System, featuring three playable characters, the missing boss from Final Fight and the all-too important two player option. Of course, that last vital addition doesn’t apply here, as 3DS SNES VC games don’t include multiplayer support, making this tough to recommend over its Wii U counterpart. Barring that glaring omission, players looking for a decent beat ‘em up experience on the go need look no further.

Final Fight 3 (Capcom, $7.99) – Rounding out the trilogy is Final Fight 3, released late in the SNES’ lifespan back in 1995. Both Guy and Mike Haggar return, along with a duo of new faces, to take down Skull Cross: a new gang of vandals and terrorists rising from the ashes of the Mad Gear Gang’s defeat. Fight 3 is most notable for spicing up its gameplay by sprinkling some depth onto its more traditional set of beat ‘em up punches and kicks. Devastating dash attacks and Street Fighter-esque special moves prove fun additions that add much needed variety to combat. Also, those disappointed by the virtual console’s lack of multiplayer support might find solace in the game’s Automatic 2P mode, which provides players with a CPU controlled second player.

3DS HOME MENU THEMES

Sonic series: 25th Anniversary – Free
Sonic series: Boom Style – $1.99
Sonic series: Classic Style – $1.99
Sonic series: Sonic Style – $1.99
Sonic Bundle #2 – $4.99

3DS SPECIAL OFFERS AND DEALS

Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2: Record Breaker ($24.99 | 37% off) until 10/3
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 ($9.99 | 66% off) until 9/30
The Legend of Korra: A New Era Begins ($9.99 | 66% off) until 9/30
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Danger of the Ooze ($14.99 | 50% off) until 9/30
Wipeout Create & Crash ($9.99 | 66% off) until 9/30
Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX ($29.99 | 25% off) until 9/26
Code of Princess ($9.99 | 66% off) until 9/26
SEGA 3D Classics Collection ($19.99 | 33% off) until 9/26
Nano Assault EX ($7.49 | 25% off) until 10/6
Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D ($4.99 | 50% off) until 9/29
TOYS VS MONSTERS ($0.99 | 75% off) until 10/20
Dan McFox: Head Hunter ($1.99 | 33% off) until 9/29
Pet Hospital ($9.99 | 66% off) until 10/1
Dress to Play: Cute Witches! ($1.99 | 50% off) until 10/7
Dress to Play: Magic Bubbles! ($1.99 | 50% off) until 10/7
JOHNNY’S PAYDAY PANIC ($1.99 | 50% off) until 9/29
Classic Games Overload: Card & Puzzle Edition ($14.99 | 50% off) until 10/3
Alphadia ($4.99 | 50% off) until 9/29
Chronus Arc ($4.99 | 50% off) until 9/29
Cube Tactics ($2.49 | 50% off) until 9/29
WordsUp! Academy ($1.99 | 30% off) until 9/29
Rytmik Ultimate ($7.99 | 55% off) until 9/29
The Keep ($4.99 | 61% off) until 9/29
Zombie Incident ($1.49 | 25% off) until 9/29
Cubit the Hardcore Platformer Robot ($1.99 | 33% off) until 9/29
Fairune ($1.99 | 33% off) until 9/29
Castle Conqueror EX ($2.79 | 30% off) until 9/29
Angry Bunnies ($5.99 | 33% off) until 9/25
Color Zen ($2.99 | 25% off) until 9/25
4 Elements ($0.99 | 83% off) until 12/29
Azada ($0.99 | 83% off) until 12/29

Check Nintendo’s website for the full list of deals available.

What games will you be downloading this week? Be sure to let us know in the comments!

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