What's this? Four new-ish downloadable games across the various Nintendo platforms, and not one that I can poke fun at? This has to be some sort of record. Then again, it's hard to screw up when you've got Metal Slug and Rayman on your side.
Metal Slug 3 for WiiWare and the original Rayman in the 3DS eShop aren't the only strong draws in this week's Nintendo Download, merely the anchors for two untested titles that bear closer examination.
EnjoyUp's 99Seconds for the 3DS and DSi is a follow-up to 99Bullets, the shooter that gave you 99 bullets to complete a level, and that was it. Now the commodity is time as the player navigates through retro-styled arcade levels. It looks charming and intense. I can dig it.
And then there's Kakuro by Nikoli, promising intelligent number puzzles. I am a complete sucker for number puzzles. Give me a handful of digits and some blank squares and I'll be good for the rest of the day.
So yeah, there's not one game here I wouldn't gladly play. I'm so excited I might need to take a nap.
Games
Metal Slug 3
Platform: Wii
Price: 900 Wii Points
Metal Slug 3 is the fourth installment in the Metal Slug series, following Metal Slug, Metal Slug 2 and Metal Slug X. Marco and Tarma are back to blast their way through another action-packed adventure, picking up various weapons along the way. The Slugs are also back and more colorful than ever, with Slugmariners, Drill Slugs and Elephant Slugs joining the original Metal Slugs and Slugnoids. As with previous titles, there are hidden items to be found and POWs to be rescued, while a branching map lets players take a different route to the end with each play-through.
Kakuro by Nikoli
Platform: eShop
Price: $4.99
With the Nikoli puzzle series, you can enjoy high-quality "Kakuro" puzzles, created by Nikoli, who gave the world-famous puzzle its name. The Nintendo 3DS allows for the realization of simple and easy to play operability. "Kakuro by Nikoli" contains 50 Kakuro puzzles. In "Kakuro", you break down the totaled numbers given as hints to fill in the spaces. Well. We say "break down the numbers", but in Nikoli's Kakuro very little calculations are actually required, with concentration and the power of deduction being the most necessary attributes. To ensure your long-term enjoyment, we're prepared both a "Stage Clear" mode and a "Random" mode. In "Stage Clear" mode, you progress by clearing puzzles one by one, and in "Random" mode puzzles are generated at random. Please enjoy this high-quality "Kakuro" game.
99Seconds
Platform: DSi / 3DS
Price: 200 DSi Points / $1.99
The saga continues after 99Bullets. Now your problem isn't the number of bullets, rather the amount of time. 99Seconds, a fun, retro-style video game, where you can modify time to avoid all kinds of dangers. After finishing off Black Eye, V-99 entered a mysterious zone called Bit 8, without knowing why V-99 could modify time, slow it down and even stop it. But everything became complicated with the appearance of the BLACK VECTORS: mysterious beings that aim to destroy any intruder who reaches Bit 8.
Rayman
Platform: 3DS
Price: $4.99
The original Rayman, a critically -acclaimed platforming adventure, is now available on Nintendo 3DS™ Known for its groundbreaking animation and music, Rayman is a game that stands the test of time. One fateful day in the Glade of Dreams, the evil Mr. Dark threatens the world and traps the Electoons. It is up to Rayman to free them and defeat the evil forces. Explore six unique worlds and play through more than 70 levels of platforming madness. Face menacing enemies and epic boss battles. The game is fun for all but difficult to defeat.
Demos
Order Up
Platform: 3DS
Experience the dizzying life of a top-notch Chef and restaurateur as you prepare all manner of exotic food on your way to building your own restaurant empire from the ground up! Explore an island paradise to discover and play in fun and unique locations. Along the way you will face picky patrons, snobby food critics, one grouchy health inspector and more.