Thanks to advances in Nintendo downloadable content distribution, 3DS like Mario Kart 7 can now be patched to eliminate exploits. Awww man, I love exploits.
But apparently Nintendon't, so the "Wuhu Loop," "Maka Wuhu," and "Bowser Castle 1" maps have now been patched, and those patches are required for online play. Welcome to the future.
Of course the Nintendo Download isn't just about patching broken games. It's also about tossing old Game Boy titles like Kirby's Block Ball into the 3DS eShop, or giving 3DS owners a free taste of Rayman Origins. Or delivering the finest in vampire hidden object adventures to the DSi, all the while completely ignoring the Wii, at least this week.
It's all so exciting I had to skip a day to catch my breath.
Games
Kirby's Block Ball
Platform: 3DS
Price: $2.99
Kirby takes center stage in this frenzied, block-clearing free-for-all. Use the paddles on all four sides of the screen to bounce Kirby around and destroy the blocks and enemies. By destroying the blocks, you clear stages and obtain special power-ups that will aid you in your quest. Establish the high score on each stage to open up the final level and face Kirby's nemesis, King Dedede. With multiple abilities, screens, and stages, this game is sure to put your skills to the test.
Chronicles of Vampires: The Awakening
Platform: DSi / 3DS
Price: 500 DSi Points / $4.99
Previously in Chronicles of Vampires Linda Hyde discovered a supernatural conspiracy threatening the world. Because of her unique gift, only she alone can prevent the awakening of primal evil. She must halt the sequence of events that together will unleash demonic destruction upon all mankind!
Guide Linda as she moves between the worlds of people and vampires as you explore chilling locations, uncover hidden objects, and solve mind bending puzzles. Defeat the conspiracy of wicked creatures and rescue humanity by uncovering the shocking truth in the final episode of Chronicles of Vampires!
Demos
Rayman Origins
Platform: 3DS
Rayman Origins is a comic adventure set in a lush world with over 60 levels teeming with unexpected secrets and outlandish enemies. Michel Ancel, celebrated creator of Rayman, Beyond Good & Evil and the Raving Rabbids returns to his roots to bring us Rayman Origins: a side-scrolling, platforming adventure! Play Rayman Origins and discover or rediscover the magical universe and legendary gameplay that captured the hearts of millions of fans... When the Glade of Dreams is overrun by "nefurrious" Darktoons, the Fairy Council hastily invokes Rayman to save the day. It is up to him and his pal Globox to restore peace to the Glade or watch as their beloved home vanishes like a bad dream...
Videos
Men in Black III Trailer
Secrets reveal themselves as Agent J travels back in time to MIB's early years in the 1960s to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind.
Patches
Mario Kart 7
Platform: 3DS
In the Online Multiplayer mode, the tracks "Wuhu Loop," "Maka Wuhu," and "Bowser Castle 1" will have shortcut exploits permanently eliminated from their maps.