This week in the Nintendo eShop: Western audiences get some long overdue puff-puff action from the Dragon Quest series, Shin Megami Tensei puts a dark spin on the phrase “gotta catch ‘em all,” and Wario shows off his smooth moves.

Sega’s giving some love in the sales department for the next week, with Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX and Sega 3D Classics Collection slashed to $29.99 (25% off) and $19.99 (33% off), respectively. The Atlus faithful can also nab Code of Princess for a staggering 66% discount – not too shabby for a pretty decent beat-em with light RPG elements.

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 who purchase within the initial launch week! This week’s lucky star is Noitu Love: Devolution: a quirky, 2D action platformer that has you beating up robots with the power of your fingertips.

WII U DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE

Noitu Love: Devolution (MP2 Games, $9.99 | $8.99 until 9/22) – Originally released way back in 2008 on PC, Noitu Love is a fast-paced retro arcade game that I’m surprised I’ve never heard of until now. Its run ’n gun action is experienced almost solely through intuitive use of the touch screen, making sure the action and pacing remain chaotically frantic at all times. With huge and inventive bosses, ratings for each of its seven levels, multiple difficulties and a trio of different gameplay modes, there’s plenty of content to keep players coming back for more. I will surely be adding this rad game to my growing collecting of fantastic indie titles and highly recommend you do the same.

Grand Prix Rock ‘N Racing (EnjoyUp Games, $7.99) – Rock ‘N Racing clearly draws a lot of inspiration from the fantastic SNES classic Rock ‘n Roll Racing, though without its gritty attitude, vehicular combat or licensed soundtrack. In lieu of a Virtual Console release that will most likely never happen, EnjoyUp Games’ rendition will have to suffice. Fortunately, it looks fairly polished, and its large variety of tracks and customization options are sure to give fans of top down racers with realistic driving physics plenty to love.

Brick Breaker (Sanuk Games, $4.99) – Normally I’d be rolling my eyes at the thought of yet another Breakout clone bustling through the eShop – especially one with as blunt a name as Brick Breaker. Though much like those poor stationary blocks, Sanuk Games smashed my expectations to pieces. The game’s painted neon aesthetic, clever level design and varied gameplay mechanics instantly have me intrigued – and that’s just from watching a simple trailer! Fans of the genre might want to give this one a shot.

Aenigma Os (Akies Games, $6.99) – I’m not personally the biggest fan of match-3 puzzle games, but Aenigma Os has me intrigued for one simple reason: success is driven by skill, rather than luck. It’s hard to tell the validity of this bold claim by the developers on a few gameplay videos, but if proven true has the potential to be something quite unique. I can’t say it’s the most visually stunning game I’ve ever seen, though its hundreds of levels and various gameplay modes are sure to make up for the bland, simplistic art style.

Gear Gauntlet (Crystalline Green Ltd., $9.99) – A test of skill, reflexes and patience, Gear Gauntlet is basically Super Meat Boy on steroids. In this rage-inducing 2D action arcade game, players guide a gear through a series of trap-filled, side-scrolling obstacle courses (or gauntlets, if you will). It’s a simple design lacking in story that’s addictively fun for those seeking a hearty challenge, though might have limited appeal to a wider audience. Just be sure to keep an extra $50 on hand for the inevitable Pro Controller replacement and you’ll be just fine.

SHOOTY SPACE (RCMADIAX, $2.99) – Shooty Space is a gritty on-rail shooter where players get behind the camera of a down-on-his-luck photographer attempting to expose the shady under-goings of one of the world’s largest underground drug trafficking empires. Using the GamePad as the camera, players “shoot” their way through seven adrenaline fueled stages including dimly lit alleyways, crack houses and drug dens: all in an attempt to snap incriminating photos of drug deals in progress to help build a solid case that puts dangerous drug lords behind bars. Sounds pretty cool, right? Unfortunately, this is RCMADIAX we’re talking about, so Shooty Space is actually nothing more than a poor man’s Space Invaders. It’s biggest offense? It never bothers to ratchet up the difficulty the longer you manage to survive: a staple gameplay element found in quite literally every endless runner/survival type game in existence. Let’s face it, RCMADIAX is to video games what Chris Farley’s character in Tommy Boy is to sales: an incompetent boob that can’t help but destroy the very thing he holds most dear.

WII U VIRTUAL CONSOLE

WarioWare: Smooth Moves (Nintendo, $19.99) – Fans of deviant moustaches and garlic breath gather ‘round (but not too close): Wario is re-releasing his smoothest collection of microgames to date on Wii U Virtual consoles! Smooth Moves is the fifth game in the WarioWare series, originally released back in 2006 for the Wii. Like its predecessors, gameplay is built around a collection of wacky microgames lasting roughly five seconds each, requiring the player to hold the Wii Remote in various positions. Despite being a tad on the short side, Smooth Moves absolutely excels as a fun and frantic party game that unites players of all ages and skill levels – most notably due to its slick presentation and intuitive use of motion controls. Just make sure to strap those Wii Remotes securely to your more, how can I put this delicately, “inebriated” house guests.

WII U SPECIAL OFFERS AND DEALS

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

3DS RETAIL

Dragon Quest VII: Fragments of the Forgotten Past (Square Enix, $39.99 | available 9/16) – At long last, Dragon Quest VII is finally upon us! In this seventh installment in the legendary RPG series, players travel to the past to save the present in a timeless quest to restore forgotten lands and battle an unknown evil. A love letter to die hard DQ fans, the game is completely rebuilt from the ground up for Nintendo 3DS systems, featuring updated visuals and localization that makes the entire experience feel fresh from its PlayStation counterpart. Be sure to clear your calendars for the next few months, as this 150+ hour adventure is sure to keep you occupied well through the holiday season.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse (Atlus, $49.99 | available 9/20) – Shin Megami Tensei is basically the older, more mature brother of the Pokémon series. Instead of collecting cute, cuddly creatures for battle in friendly bouts between friends, players make pacts with bloodthirsty demons and deities while trying to survive a post-apocalyptic world. Set in the same universe as SMTIV, Apocalypse follows the journey of a deceased demon hunter resurrected by an insidious god in exchange for his unwavering loyalty. Its engaging battle system, involved narrative and rewarding demon fusing system all culminate into one of the most satisfying games in the series. Be sure to check out our full review, where our very own Ricky Berg found it to be a great example of how to revisit a game world while making something that can stand on its own and enhance what was already there in equal measure.

3DS DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE

Noitu Love: Devolution (MP2 Games, $9.99 | $8.99 until 9/22) – This is the same exact game being released on Wii U this week, only portable! Unfortunately there’s no cross-buy for this one, so you’ll have to choose your platform of preference. At least the 10% discount for the next week applies to both versions to make that pill a little less hard to swallow.

Polara (Circle Entertainment, $5.00) – The bastard child of Ikaruga and Bit.Trip Runner, Polara offers a unique twist on the auto-scrolling runner genre. Essentially, players shift between two colors (red and blue) to pass through various obstacles unharmed. This isn’t for the feint of heart though, as twitch reflexes and pattern memorization are key to overcoming its 50 level campaign. For those up to the task, the game’s Tron-like aesthetic, catchy soundtrack and challenging gameplay are sure to keep you captivated well through your morning commutes – rare praise for a mobile port in an oversaturated market.

Collide-a-Ball (Starsign, $1.99) – Collide-a-Ball is a puzzle game where players attempt to set up a course to make two balls collide at the same place and time. It’s sort of a unique cross between mini golf and playing with children’s block building sets, which is something I can’t say I’ve ever seen before. Featuring three game modes and 60 stages, there’s a fairly complete package here considering the low price of admission. Puzzle fans looking to scratch that itch on the cheap might want to give this one a roll (hehe).

Splat the Difference (Lightwood Games, $5.00) – This is probably one of the weakest offerings in the eShop in a long time – and that’s including today’s latest from RCMADIAX. From the makers of the overly simplistic Guess Who knock-off Dan McFox: Head Hunter, comes another uninspired take on “spot the difference” games. As expected, players are tasked with finding the differences between two similar looking stock photos. What makes it unique from the same bare bones experience you’d get from its coin operated counterpart typically found at your local watering hole is the paint effect that splatters upon tapping the touch screen… and that’s about it. Fortunately, it does feature download play, so you can rope some other poor saps into all the fun without having to plunk down $5 a piece.

3DS DEMO

Yo-Kai Watch 2 (Nintendo, Free) – The strangely charming troublemakers, Yo-kai, are set to come back for an all-new adventure in just two weeks time! For those anticipating its impending release on September 30th, a new special demo is available starting today. Use your Yo-Kai Watch to investigate mysterious behavior taking place in Harrisville. The demo also includes a sample of the new Yo-Kai Watch Blasters mode.

3DS ADD-ON CONTENT

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice: Phoenix Wright: Asinine Attorney (Capcom, $3.99) – Continuing the weekly proceedings of Ace Attorney 6 DLC is a new short story featuring the titular lawyer himself! 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 Phoenix Wright Pixel Art 3DS home theme to soften the blow of that price tag.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Item: Asahi/Nozomi Set (Atlus, $0.99 | available 9/20) – Now you, too, can look like Asahi and Nozomi, thanks to these helmets! You must become an official Hunter before you can access them.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Item: Green Pompadour (Atlus, $0.99 | available 9/20) – Now you, too, can be as smug as Navarre! You must become an official Hunter before you can access it.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Movie: Fall of Tokyo Promo Video (Atlus, Free | available 9/20) – A look into the events that set SMTIV: A in motion. You must become an official Hunter before you can access it.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Item: Earring Set (Atlus, $0.49 | Free until 9/22 | available 9/20) – The “Peace Earring” and “Anarchy Earring” are redeemed from the eShop. You must become an official Hunter before you can access them.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Quest: A GodSlayer Needs Levels (Atlus, $2.99 | available 9/20) – This Challenge Quest provides a means to level up quickly by gaining EXP-increasing items for your party. You must become an official Hunter before you can access it. Recommended for players who have reached the Fairy Forest.

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse – Bonus Add-On: Ranking Program 1 (Atlus, Free | available 9/20) – This add-on uses the highest-ranked demons from DDS Cards acquired via StreetPass to power up the same demons in your stock. You must become an official Hunter before you can access it.

3DS HOME MENU THEMES

Shin Megami Tensei IV: Apocalypse Theme – Free

3DS SPECIAL OFFERS AND DEALS

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
The Legend of Legacy ($24.99 | 37% off) until 9/19
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
3D MahJongg ($3.99 | 20% off) until 9/22
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
Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! ($2.24 | 25% off) until 9/22
AiRace Speed ($2.39 | 31% off) until 9/22
2 Fast 4 Gnomz ($2.99 | 40% off) until 9/22
The Legend of Dark Witch ($2.79 | 30% off) until 9/22
Tappingo ($1.99 | 33% off) until 9/22
Carps & Dragons ($2.49 | 50% off) until 9/16
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!

Written by Matthew Weidner

When it comes to playing and writing about video games, Matthew aspires to be the very best, like no one ever was. Writing for Nintendo Wire and the thought of one day finally achieving a perfect, no death Super Meat Boy run fills him with determination.

eShop Update: Week of 9/15/16 (North America)

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