Feature | Nintendo Wii U and 3DS eShop 2013 Buyer's Guide and Video
By Jorge Ba-oh 
27.11.2013
The Nintendo eShop is bustling with all sorts of downloadable games to play, from stunning full releases to the more, smaller experimental titles. The service, available on both the 3DS and Wii U, serves up games from renowned, critically acclaimed studios and newer, smaller independent teams looking to make their mark on the crowded industry.
These downloadable games may not be those 79p mobile titles, but are instead woven with plenty of depth, replayability and are highly recommended to add to any digital collection. The Cubed3 Team has picked out a selection of both Wii U and 3DS eShop titles to try out this holiday season and beyond.
Looking for Nintendo 3DS Games? Click here for our 3DS Buyer's Guide
Looking for Wii U titles? Click here for our Wii U Buyer's Guide
Steam World Dig (3DS)
Since Nintendo stopped making 2D Metroid games, and Konami has stopped making 2D Castlevania, there's been a bit of a gap in the market. Indies have filled it with lots of Kickstarter-driven projects, but nothing has really delivered yet for the genre… except for Steam World Dig. A robot-western "Metroid-vania"? We can't say no to that, and we're glad we didn't, because this game is good. Addictive side-scrolling action and deep, compelling gameplay make it a worthy title to have. Javier
[a class="bt-grey bt-grey-blue" href="/review/1294/1/steamworld-dig-nintendo-ds.html" title="Read review"]
Read ReviewDuckTales: Remastered (Wii U)
DuckTales: Remastered stays faithful to the NES original and its gameplay mechanics, with the exception of forced collectibles and prolonging levels with cut-scenes. Fans of the show will be pleased to know that Alan Young has reprised his role as Scrooge McDuck and he still does a fantastic job at it, despite being much older now. For fans of the classic that like the inclusion of full voice acting and don't mind exploring every inch of a level to gather items required to progress, definitely check this out. Liam
Picross e1, e2 (3DS)
Puzzles. Straight up puzzles. Really good puzzles. Fans of Picross, are highly recommended to get hold of Picross e1 and e2, with the games boasting over 150 puzzles and expanded gameplay engine, but keeping the premise simple. Tile based puzzles that are easy to understand, but grow increasingly complex and challenging as the games go on. It's accessible and a rewarding experience for all ages. Javier
Zen Pinball 2 and Star Wars Pinball (Wii U)
Too young to remember real pinball? Zen Pinball 2 and Star Wars Pinball are one of the most visceral "core" games out there. There's nothing like watching a liquid silver ball rolling across the board at hyper light speeds, hitting neon flashing bumpers, watching it ricochet at the last second keeping it out of the gutter. A high score jackpot 10,000,000,000 points - that's the good stuff. Zen Pinball 2 on Wii U is possibly the best video game pinball titles to date. Javier
Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition (Wii U)
Mighty Switch Force! Hyper Drive Edition is a superb action puzzle title with clever stages that both get the brain working overtime, yet also offer up a thrilling fast-paced platform experience that will keep even the toughest of gamers on the edge of their seats. The number of improvements and re-mastered stages make this well worth a look for those that even played the game before. The only real let-down is the lack of online leader-boards for boasting about fastest level completion times, and perhaps a two-player face-off mode. Adam
Mutant Mudds Deluxe (3DS / Wii U)
Mutant Mudds is a different kind of platformer. Where most platformers jump, Mutant Mudds floats with a jetpack. Well, the character sort of jumps and then floats, shooting a bubble gun at mud men. The game flips back and forth between environment layers in retro platforming bliss. It's a must-try title on both the 3DS and Wii U eShop. Javier
Nano Assault Neo (Wii U)
One of the earliest Wii U games Nano Assault Neo, still comes highly recommended. The visuals are impressive and the controls are tight. It's pitched as a fast-paced craft-shooter, where players need to destroy the deadly Nanostray virus before it seeps its way into the world and destroys humanity. It's a bit light on content, but a solid game nonetheless, and should scratch any shooting fans' itch. Javier
Pushmo (Pullblox) and Crashmo (Fallblox) (3DS)
One of Nintendo's new IPs, Pushmo and Crashmo, are wonderfully designed and potentially the best puzzle games since classics like Tetris or Bejeweled. In Pushmo players control a sumo wrestling cat to save trapped children in a park by pushing or pulling blocks. Its sequel, Crashmo, brings a similar block approach and the same adorable critter. Javier
VVVVVV (3DS)
No doubt about it, VVVVVV is a wonderful reminder that, in an age of super powerful consoles with HD and 3D graphics, old-school 2D games with simple concepts can still deliver some of the most addictive and downright fun entertainment. From the moment the Commodore 64-like load screen comes into view, to the point that last annoying trinket is finally grabbed, VVVVVV rewards players with so much enjoyment and satisfaction in a game that will challenge even the most skilled of gamers. Aaron
Art of Balance Touch (3DS)
Adding another string to the Nintendo 3DS' bow of worthwhile downloadable experiences, Art of Balance Touch! channels its forbearer and improves on it in every way, thanks to the nature of portable and new content. Fans of the WiiWare title might find this version a bit too familiar, but newcomers to Shin'en's puzzle series will have what is easily one of the best portable head scratchers at their fingertips. Shane
Gunman Clive (3DS)
A stunning masterpiece of a platform game, with so many different styles that are well loved from over the years, all tightly pieced together and expertly delivered by a developer with a clear strong talent in this genre. With a wonderful art style, amazing music, superb variety in the platform stakes, the only thing preventing this from a higher score is the longevity. However, at such a low price, it is impossible to not recommend Gunman Clive to all 3DS owners! Adam
Kokuga (3DS)
At first, Kokuga comes across as a little too retro for its own good, with bland visuals and settings, mixed with an awkward control system. However, once past the initial hurdle, what is uncovered is something truly intriguing and extremely engaging. Rather than the standard Bullet Hell style of more recent shooters, Kokuga superbly executes a more strategic approach to the genre, keeping gamers on the edge of their seats as they navigate each location to clear the path to the monstrous bosses. Adam
Toki Tori 2 (Wii U)
With the same level of cleverness as its predecessor, Toki Tori 2, or rather its inceptors at Two Tribes, smashed another hit on a Nintendo console. It's absolutely beautiful, sounds great, and gives great value for money. Toki Tori controls admirably, even if he's perhaps a bit too slow at times. The choice of presenting the game with only minimal menus and little introduction to the story, other than a black smoke coming out of the ground and chasing Toki Tori's chick friends away, isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's cute and original in its own way, but it can be understood how it could belittle some people's early impressions of the game. A puzzle-platform game well recommended to any fans of the genre! It may well be the best representative of the genre yet on the console. Rudy
NightSky (3DS)
Making a strong case for minimalism providing truly awe-inspiring results, NightSky takes a key concept to levels that even fully-fledged retail games have trouble reaching. No guns, no damsel in distress, no witty vocal main character, but easily one of the most memorable experiences anyone will ever have on a Nintendo 3DS. Shane
Bit.Trip presents Runner 2: Future Legend of Rhythm Alien (Wii U)
Runner 2 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor by offering more of the same kind of thing, but with more good ideas thrown into the mix for good measure. Some of the graphical elements, or the way they are animated rather, can be a bit distracting, but nothing major to the point of making the game unplayable. Charles Martinet's voice is also quite hilarious and does a lot to make the experience more goofy than any past Bit.Trip game. The price may seem a bit steep for this type of game, but Runner 2 is definitely worth every penny due to the high quality standard that went into creating this splendid experience. Rudy
Puddle (Wii U)
Neko Entertainment, perhaps better known so far for its numerous licensed games as well as its "Cocoto" line inspired by bigger guns, came up with what's perhaps its most original creation so far in Puddle, and a very fun little game indeed that, despite not being a gameplay revolution, fits nicely in the launch line-up of eShop titles on the Wii U and should catch the interest of fans of the genre. Rudy
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams (Wii U)
Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams is an original, fun and challenging platformer with game mechanics that won't be found in any other 2D platformer. It's nice to see Black Forest Games taking a franchise that was established as a Super Mario Bros. clone and turning it into something completely original. The only disappointing aspect about the game is that when played solely on the GamePad, no audio is heard from the controller's speakers. However, don't be put off by such a minor issue as this game is definitely worth checking out, especially for fans of challenging platformers - and a patch is being worked on to solve the matter anyway. Liam
Trine 2: Director's Cut (Wii U)
As far as the Wii U's eShop offerings go, there are very few games it could have started off with that are stronger than this one. Trine 2's tailor-made adventure will delight platform and puzzle fans alike, and the game becomes a surprisingly viable option for multiplayer bashes, too. Not the longest of games, but a beautiful ride while it lasts. Shane
HarmoKnight (3DS)
A thoroughly enjoyable experience from start to finish, HarmoKnight offers a simple concept to understand and enough challenge and variety to keep players involved. It's a charming, fun and well-presented experience that shows a lot of care and attention to the little details. There are some quirks in the design, particularly in the later sections, but the package as a whole is a rewarding and a worthy download for anyone's digital Nintendo 3DS collection. Jorge
What are your favourite Nintendo Wii U and 3DS eShop titles that you would recommend? Will you be adding any of these eShop games to your collection this holiday season?
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