Well, this week's North American Nintendo Download Update is a bit of a beast. It's absolutely jam packed with games, especially on the Nintendo Switch; there's a mix of notable retail releases and some rather promising download titles. The 3DS and Wii U don't entirely miss out, either, so let's get to it.
Switch Retail Downloads
FIFA 18 (EA, $59.99USD) - A game that's attracted plenty of attention since its reveal; the Switch is getting a 'custom' version that lacks the story mode but does include a Switch-specific local multiplayer option and a full Ultimate Team mode on the go. We're aiming to get our shots on target to bring you a review soon. Available from 29th September.
One Piece Unlimited World Red - Deluxe Edition (Bandai Namco, $39.99USD) - A title that previously made its mark on 3DS and then Wii U, it arrives on the Switch with previous DLC included along with improved visuals and performance. We gave it a recommendation in our One Piece Unlimited World Red - Deluxe Edition review. Available from 29th September.
Switch eShop
Golf Story (Sidebar Games, $14.99USD) - A rather intriguing and stylish game that blends retro-style RPG gameplay with golf, with visuals and music that have certainly fired up some gamers' imaginations. It promises eight diverse environments and a sizeable cast of characters; we're on the course right now in order to bring you a review soon, but our chums at Eurogamer have recommended it already.
Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime (Asteroid Base, $14.99USD) - A hit on other systems, this is a colourful title in which up to four players frantically rush around a spaceship to control various weapons and systems in order to hold off enemy attacks. Perhaps best in co-op, you can also play solo with AI companions helping you out. Available from 3rd October.
Picross S (Jupiter Corporation, $7.99USD) - From the same developer / publisher that brought us numerous Picross titles under the 'e' name to 3DS, we have the first entry on Nintendo's latest hardware. With over 300 puzzles (including standard and Mega Picross stages), it also allows two players to tackle puzzles together if they wish. We'll try to form a picture in a review.
Deemo (Flyhigh Works, $29.99USD) - Deemo is a touch-based musical rhythm game and has made a strong reputation on mobile, with the publisher claiming in excess of 10 million downloads. As with VOEZ, however, this Switch release will ditch the free-to-start model and include a lot of content for one cost, with more songs (and physical control options) promised for a free update later this year. We'll get one of our resident musicians on the case with a review.
Conga Master Party! (Rising Star Games, $9.95USD) - Developed by Undercoders, this is a Snake-like game where you try to dance around various stages adding more people to your conga line. Naturally you have to dodge obstacles, and beyond single player modes there are multiple minigames for local multiplayer, two of which are Switch exclusives. With amiibo support also included this seems promising; our review will be with you soon.
Binaries (Ant Workshop, $12.99USD) - A challenging BAFTA-nominated platformer, this has over 100 demanding stages in which you guide two balls through tricky challenges. It aims to fill the experience with humour and a "funky adaptive music score"; it looks like it could be a good game for playing on the go, in particular.
BUTCHER (Crunching Koalas, $9.99USD) - Developed by Transhuman Design, this is a fast-paced and brutally violent 2D shooter with retro-styled visuals. As well as running and gunning the game also encourages you to use hooks, lava pits, saws and more to your advantage for creative kills. Crikey.
INVERSUS Deluxe (Hypersect, $14.99USD) - It has a simple aesthetic but aims to deliver compulsive, fast-paced gameplay, as you dash around arenas trying to blast away your foes. Rather well received on Steam (PC), for example, it's also getting some updated content for its eShop iteration including new maps and unlockables. We'll get on the case for a review.
Pankapu (Plug In Digital, $11.99USD) - A title that previously arrived on Steam in episodic form and seems to have been well received, it's a "narrative and episodic platform/action game that takes place in the dreams of Djaha'rell, a child once troubled by a tragic incident." It promises upgrades to skills and a story told "in the manner of a fable read to a child".
Brave Dungeon + Dark Witch Story:COMBAT (INSIDE SYSTEM, $8.99USD) - This is an intriguing double release; it includes a Switch version of the 3DS dungeon-crawling RPG Brave Dungeon. Dark Witch Story:COMBAT features a range of characters from the previous 3DS and Switch titles in the series and puts them into a turn-based card battling game. We'll see whether this double header is worth the investment.
Astro Bears Party (QubicGames, $4.99) - Playing as bears in outer space, you dash around planetoids trying to catch out your opponent in a quirky spin on TRON. It's all about taking out your opponents by making them collide with the lines you create, though there is a solo mode if that's more your speed.
Burning Fight (HAMSTER, $7.99USD) - The ACA series continues with what was SNK's answer to Final Fight, in which you take on the Yakuza in Osaka. Unfortunately we didn't think too much of it back in 2008 when it popped up on the Wii Virtual Console.
Tower of Babel (EnjoyUp Games, $9.99USD) - This looks somewhat quirky in footage, as a knight auto-runs up and down sort-of 3D towers, with your goal being to dodge obstacles and grab collectibles through jumping, ducking and adjusting your dash speed.
Sparkle 2 (10tons, $7.99USD) - Another new genre for the Switch eShop, with this being a 'marble shooter' seemingly in in the vein of games like Puzz Loop. It promises four different modes and 90+ levels in its story, which sounds like decent bang for your buck. We'll take aim and let you know what we think in a review.
Physical Contact: Picture Place (Collavier Corporation, $4.99USD) - Another in this series of relatively simplistic games that encourages local multiplayer. We're having a tricky time figuring out the concept from available information, and it's fair to say we were distinctly unimpressed with this one's predecessors on the eShop.
3DS Retail Downloads
Yo-kai Watch 2: Psychic Specters (Nintendo / Level-5, $39.99USD) - This is pitched as 'the ultimate version of Yo-kai Watch 2', adding in new creatures and content from the first two variations in this run. We have a review all ready to go, and we think EMBARGOED. Our review will be with you on release day. Available from 29th September.
Culdcept Revolt (NIS America, $39.99) - A series with a very sporadic history in the West, this blends fantasy, card battles and board game play for what could certainly be an interesting release. We have a review pretty much good to go but will test online play (and explore some much-discussed microtransactions) before issuing our full thoughts. Available from 3rd October.
Wii U eShop
Hive Jump (Graphite Lab, $14.99USD) - Originally funded on Kickstarter and once given prominence in official Nindie events, this four-player run 'n' gun blaster involves taking down hordes of aliens while avoiding traps and picking up gear. The developers previously confirmed that the Wii U GamePad will be put to good use in the game with a mini-map and vital information.
Super Ultra Star Shooter (Ultra Dolphin Revolution, $1.99USD) - From the same studio that brought us Shadow Archer, this is "an endless retro shoot’em up inspired by the classic arcade games of the time".
Wii U Virtual Console
Double Dungeons (Konami, $5.99USD) - The run of TG-16 games continues with this ambitious (for its time) attempt and 3D dungeon crawling. Unfortunately we were left distinctly unimpressed in our Wii Virtual Console Double Dungeons review.
As always Nintendo of America wants you to browse the eShop and check out the official sales and deals website for discount details.
It's also worth reminding you that Arcade Archives Mario Bros. (review here) and Sine Mora EX (review here) arrived earlier in the week, but they were included in last week's download update details.
There are a lot of options to consider this week - let us know what you'll be downloading in the poll and comments below.
Comments 96
No FOREplay here, I'll be jumping straight into Golf Story.
Just Golf Story for me this week. Waiting on FIFA reviews and time and money lol
Golf Story for me. Deemo is really tempting, but I still have to clear like... 80% of VOEZ and would rather finish that up before I spend another 30 bucks on a similar title.
One Piece will most definitely make it over to my Switch, but only after a serious discount.
Tons of games this week and I'm loving it!!!
so Stardew is confirmed not to be today?
One Piece is too pricey for a basic port I got for $5 on Vita many years ago. And Mario is way too much at $8 for such an old game. Which is fine, I have plenty to play
Just Burning Fight and the all mighty SNES classic this week
Definitely picking up the Mighty Gunvolt Burst DLC, assuming that comes out today.
Probably just Golf Story. Should hold me over until Stardew Valley.
When is Stardew Valley coming out?
Golf Story! Choosing Rocket League over FIFA. Sorry, EA.
@Zach777 Never. They canceled it. lol Just kidding. Seriously though I think NL made a topic about it.
Downloaded Golf Story and Picross S already. Might get Butcher.
Golf Story for me. So pumped for it. Gonna buy today and hold off until Saturday morning, with a coffee and croissant at my side and hit the links. Super jazzed. So happy.
@ThomasBW84 Do you know if you guys will be reviewing FIFA 18 Switch? ..I'm so 'on the fence' about it, I'm getting splinters!
EDIT: Oops! Never mind - "We're aiming to get our shots on target to bring you a review soon" ..can't wait!
I've been waiting for HIVE JUMP for a LOOOOOOOOONG time. I will probably plug in the Wii U just for that.
Got Picross S. Doesn't seem to support touch controls which is a bit weird coming from 3DS but I started playing with buttons before trying the touch screen anyways. Controls aren't quite as fast and precise as in Mario's Picross but it's good enough. Tweaked my controls a little by upping the speed by one.
EDIT: Also, the music reminds me of Ace Attorney.
Golf Story is a no-brainer, as is Hive Jump (as I'm a Kickstarter backer). Interested in Pankapu and Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, but I'll wait for reviews before taking the plunge.
Stardew Valley was only just approved by Nintendo a couple days ago, so it's release will be soon, but not as soon as today.
Lots of options this week! Getting Golf Story.
Picross S, maybe Fifa if it reviews well, Deemo if it can be played on the TV and Hive Jump whenever they actually send the backer codes.
I don’t usually put much stock in quantity, but ... look at the list of Switch releases, will ya? Golf Story is tempting... if I had the time right now.
Hive Jump I very much looked forward to and now it’s on the wrong console. :/ I might still “jump” on it as we have a few backlog games so it remains hooked up.
Golf Story it is. Can't wait to go on lunch break
Just Brave Dungeon for me. I may get Golf Story later.
Whoah the developers of Golf Story are Aussie!? That's cool! I wasn't gonna get it yet but just maybe...
Golf Story is a definite buy from what I read over at EG just now. I'd also like to recommend Lovers in a Dangerous Space Time. It's an excellent game, but I already own it on X1 and PS4, so I'm not sure I'm really going to triple-dip on it, although it's co-op based gameplay, seems to be made for the Switch. I think if it ever goes on a decent sale, I'll probably triple-dip indeed.
Much of the rest on Switch seems like Wii-esque shuffle ware to be quite honest, at least at first glance. Curious to see a review for Fifa 18 though. A full-fledged Fifa on a handheld would be pretty neat. I'm not the biggest fan, but on occasion, I do enjoy a match or two ^^
SO many releases this week and the SNES Mini comes out tomorrow. I should've just forwarded my pay check to Nintendo this month.
@Late Shame, the lack of touch controls is a dealbreaker for me.
Nothing for me. As next week is SuperStar Saga + Bowser's Minions, then Etrian Odyssey 5 (Oct 17), Super Mario Odyssey bundle and Assassin's Creed Origins (Oct 27). October will be a busy month for me and an expensive one.
Time to gut my wallet!
I think we better get used to weeks like this for Switch, not that it's a bad thing,far from it. With so many indie devs coming out saying their title sold best on Switch, they're all going to want in on it. The only problem I see, from an indie perspective anyway, is us gamers are going to be forced to separate the wheat from the chaff. So garbage developers like RCMADIAX might as well go crawl back into the dungeon from which they came.
Nothing for me this week. Waiting until next week so I can (hopefully) get my Nintendo Birthday email.
I thought that earth Atlantis sub game was this week??
@aaronsullivan @OorWullie "look at the list of Switch releases"
I have a feeling we're going to start hearing more stores about games not selling on Switch, and the eShop, if there are many more weeks like this. And once Mario, Skyrim, FIFA FE:W, WWE2k and XC2 hit there will be even less time, and money, for all of those games.
I'm sure some will do fine, Golf Story seems like it will be off to a good start, but it's a long list. And the Switch install base is still only 5m.
Still, it's a good problem for us gamers to have after the lean Wii U years, but some of those devs aren't going to be happy. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime was already a PS+ game a few months back.
Nothing for me today. SNES mini tomorrow. 😄
Just waiting on a review of golf story
I'll be downloading the SNES Classic.
One piece not physical in usa
@Brutchie-bear The Nintendo site isn't always right with all of its listings before the day, which is why we mostly stick to what we see on the eShop or is announced by devs.
Dunno why One Piece is listed as a retail release, I'm importing my copy from the UK, it definitely isn't one here.
God, I never want to meet the slimy 10% of people who, on a day 18 freaking games come out for a brand new system, decide that none of them are worth their curiosity. SERIOUSLY guys?!
I still don't see what's so special about Golf Story. It looks rather boring to me.
I loved what I saw in Fifa 18 for the Switch. I ordered a physical copy. I hope enough people get it so the online servers are active for long sessions.
Don't have a Switch, so nothing for me download wise. I am definitely picking up Coldecept Revolt for 3DS whenever I see a physical copy in the wild.
Brave Dungeon+Dark Witch Story:COMBAT and maybe Double Dungeons for me.
That BD+DWS:C (sheesh, dat acronym) caught me by surprise when I saw it on the Japanese eShop. It looked pretty deep. And it's 2 games for 1 price! I hope the card combat side is good.
I may get Deemo since I like rhythm games, but I'll do some research to see if I like a good amount of the music. Maybe wait for the review too just for the 2 cents.
FIFA and Psychic Specters for me. Though I will keep an eye on reviews for Golf Story and Inversus.
@aaronsullivan It looks like a pretty solid line up of games. A lot of different genres and playstyles accounted for and most of them sound like games that have been received well on other platforms.
I'll likely get Golf Story at some point in the near-ish future. It looks really good. Unfortunately I'm picking up Danganronpa V3 tomorrow so that's going to suck up all my gaming time.
Golf Story!
Picross! Golf Story and Culdcept have my attention too.
Fifa all the way. Cautiously optimistic. Hope it's great.
A maybe on Golf Story but if I buy it it'll be later. I have about 8 Switch games so far and have beaten none of them. Lots of catching up to do this winter. Will also be getting Odyssey and Fire Emblem in October.
I’m for sure getting Golf Story at some point. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime is also adorable and beautiful so I want it. Problem is I don’t l have anyone to play with and playing co-op with AI is lame.
@ThomasBW84
Okay good to know. thank you!
If you're looking for a hearty chuckle go to the eshop and read the description for Physical Contact: Picture Place. Some seriously busted grammar--😂
How many game-AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!!!!
Interested to see the YW review, but I feel like I already know where it's going after last year.
Regardless, definitely getting golf story. It's my duty as a Mario Golf GBA fan.
Lotta people saying "nothing for me this week". Yet, another big AAA 3rd party title drops in FIFA. Where's the support, Nintendo fans?
hive jump looks fun...wish it was for switch...
Already downloaded Deemo (looooooved Voez) and golf story, I'll pick a few more of these up next week when I'm not spending so much at once. Fifa physical is coming in.
Until the switch came along, I hadn't built a library of games (not counting steam) since the GBC. It's pretty nuts that I already have 12 physical games for the system and a ton more digital.
Golf Story and Picross S (didn't expect that so high in the polls!) for sure. I'll buy Pankapu if it reviews well/there's gameplay footage/let's play looks good. Butcher I was excited for initially but not it's looking really muddy to me visually, and that amateurish cover art doesn't instill confidence for me in the game. HOWEVER if you all love it I'd probably get it. "Lovers" looks great, but games that "need-ish" local co-op, I only need a couple of those.
@gatorboi352 You're either a sports fan, or you're not. You're either a One-Piece fan or you're not. Both those titles have big audiences, but they're specific ones. I bought Xenoverse last week (DB fan) but I'm not into One-Piece, so why would I buy it unless it gets reviews that transcend the property? Same with sports titles. If I don't have an interest in the sport, and the game doesn't get buzz-hot reviews that transcend the "fandom of the sport", why would I buy it? ANd with EA not sending out review copies before launch, I'm going to assume it's probably not that amazing, until I hear otherwsie.
Great week. We're picking up the retail version of FIFA 18 tomorrow. I'll probably get Picross eventually.
At least shovelware is a sign of success?
I would have got Picross S in a hearbeat, but it's not got touchscreen support. WHAT??????
https://www.destructoid.com/picross-s-will-not-have-touchscreen-controls-463648.phtml
Sorry, but that's one sale lost
Golf Story!
wut. hive jump for wii u? might have to support this rare breed of non-traitor developer.
I'm a bit amused that there's always nothing for somebody. This week has had the most game releases I can recall in a Nintendo Download.
Jesus tap-dancing Christ. I have been overwhelmed so far by the quality and number of Switch titles. I almost wish a Thursday would go by where I say "nothing for me this week."
In this case, the closest I can say is no "insta-buys" for me. I will wait for reviews for all. Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime looks great, as does Hive Jump (for Wii U no less!). Not sold yet on Golf Story, as Nintendo has already plumbed the golf-RPG idea and I have doubts that another company could do better on that front.
I often insta-buy the NeoGeo games, but not this time, as I'm not a fan of fighting games ... and before anyone says "but NeoGeo is 90% fighting games," I have already downloaded about 15-20 mostly great ACA NeoGeo games, none of which are fighters.
@Bones00 I guess those 10 % (at the moment) don't have a Switch!
nothing for me this week, but I did redeem my download codes for zen pinball and super acorns whatchamacallit. Used up my monthly gaming budget two weeks ago with Samus Returns and pokemon VC. I regret nothing. Two at minimum 9/10 games.
I'd definitely be getting Brave Dungeon+ if I had a Switch and probably FIFA too, is there a list of available teams in that game somewhere?
Nothing for me this week. Last week, I bought two games with Pokemon in the title, and I still haven't beat either of them.
Already 30 puzzles into Picross and have Golf Story downloaded ready for my flight tomorrow.... I haven't even booted up Steam World Dig 2 since I bought it last week! AHHHHH So many games to play!
Holy Cow!!! What a week! I feel like I went into the Playstation store!!! Burning Fight, golf story, and Butcher, Pankapu and Sparkle 2 for me!!
I'll be getting golf Story at some point, just not right now.
I feel ask though I want either NBA or FIFA can't decide which to pull the trigger for
Considering Golf Story, but aside from that I'm good for this week.
Wow, Fifa for me. Golf story looks ok, but just FIFA..
Wait, I need a review before I buy FIFA. It is EA, but I still want it.
Just getting golf story. Taking a break from xenoverse 2 and gonna play some golf story tonight while I wait overnight for snes mini
I have a Switch, but it is being saved as a family Christmas present. Man... I am going to have a huge backlog of games.
A lot of interesting games where I'm looking forward to the reviews of. Good luck guys.
Hive Jump still exists?!?!? About time they finally released it on the wiiu. Wish now they could port it to switch
@Brutchie-bear
same, but fifa seems very polished and benefits from not having a crappy story mode. EA deserve kudos for producing an ungimped, smooth performing sports game. FIFA retail wins by a err.... ball length
What a week! Next week's download list has some bigger name ones too: Axiom Verge, Oxenfree, Tumblestone, Tiny Barbarian DX, etc.
Lord what a week! Mario Bros, Golf Story, Conga Party, and maybe Brave Dungeon. Axiom Verge next week!
Golf Story for me. Can't wait to try it out, I need a successor to Mario Golf Advance Tour!
@SayGuh yeah I agree in a lot of ways about FIFA. But I feel 2k tried in a lot of ways with NBA too! Like including all modes. But a special version of FIFA seems great
FIFA 18 retail tomorrow.
Today I got Golf Story, Picross S and Pankapu. Great games!
Might get Binaries later.
@Brutchie-bear Earth Atlantis is next week. (As well as Axiom Verge, Volgar, Tumblestone, and a lot of other games.)
Definitely Golf Story for me, thinking about FIFA. I can't believe the quantity this week, though.
Speaking of over 20 games, SNES Mini should be keeping me occupied for the next few months.
@Brutchie-bear
another patch to incrementally de-jank nba2k and i will be on the court as the rockets
All the games are rushing to come out, it will be bad launching close to MO's release... people are shutting down their wallet, saving money for MO.
I had no idea that so many people on here like Picross. Neat.
PICROSSSS
No seriously I needed my picross fix on switch
Excellen Eshop update. Can't to see what the Holiday brings us. Hmmmm Thanksgiving dinner and Nintendo Switch gaming on a day off from work/school?
Can't beat it. Wow, I just got sidetracked. XD
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