Nintendo Download Update Some of the good, some of the bad

The downloadable service is experiencing quite a large update this week, with all the services receiving some releases

It’s quite a mixed bag this week. Some games you’ll want to at least take a perusing interest in, while others you should definitely avoid. Read on to find out our verdict.

WiiWare

Flowerworks: Follie’s Adventure (Nocturnal Entertainment, 500 points) – A content-packed adventure game featuring both single and co-operative play. The game centres around the titular heroine Follie, who has found herself stranded on a strange planet when attempting to transport the mystical Flowerworks seeds to her aunt. By exploring the planet players are able to locate the scattered Flowerworks seeds and use their power to transform and change the planet. Additionally, various creatures will interact with Follie during her quest. Some of these will help her progress, whilst others such as the naughty garden gnomes, will attempt to hinder her. Overall Flowerworks: Follie’s Adventure offers a 20 hour adventure, with plenty of dynamic modes and co-operative play. For a game that was released for 1000 points in the US, you can’t do wrong by at least checking it out for half that price.

Bloodbeach (Coresoft, 500 points) – Bloodbeach is a tactical game, where the only objective is to survive. Pitted against the entire Imperial Japanese Navy, players must command a grand armada of their own. However the Japanese will fight with some horrifically destructive power in their mission to destroy the Solomon Islands. Unfortunately, the truth behind all this bravado is a huge disappointment. The game features highly outdated graphics, terrible sound effects and overall a poor gaming experience. We don’t recommend this one; even to the most die hard strategy fans.

WiiWare Demo

Robx (Dreambox Games, 0 points) – Robox is a unique platformer that has found its way to the WiiWare service. Assuming the role of a space probe, players find themselves stranded on an unknown planet. Collecting various items, such as bridge-creating crystals is key to exploration. In addition players will interact with aliens, both friendly and hostile as they explore the planet. Essentially an estranged lovechild of famous Nintendo franchises, Mario, Metroid and Kirby, Robox is certainly worth checking out – after all it’s a demo, it’s free!

DSiWare

Need for Speed Nitro-X (EA Games, 800 points) – Need for Speed Nitro-X isn’t a pretty game by an stretch of the imagination, but it is a good package, featuring 18 different vehicles to take for a spin. In addition the game offers a multiplayer option, allowing for four players to duke it out on the track. Utilising the DSi’s built in camera; players can plaster their own photos around the various environments. However, the game is said to feature ‘touch-driven’ controls, which seems counter-intuitive for a racing game. The game is worth a look, but only if you’re fan of the Need for Speed franchise.

DodoGo! Challenge (Neko Entertainment, 500 points) – In DodoGo! Challenge, players aim to lead all the remaining Dodo eggs to safety. The game features over 100 levels, and intuitive touch-based controls. Any fan of puzzle games, or similar Lemmings-styled games, check this one out.

Music on: Electric Guitar (Abylight, 200 points) – Music on: Electric Guitar is yet another of the famous (or infamous, depending on your opinion) music/rhythm games that have taken the world by storm. This particular entrant to the genre differs from behemoth Guitar Hero, as it has a 950+ chord catalogue and three distinct pedal effects: distortion, delay and flanger. Those with an interest in the genre may want to check this one out.

Virtual Console

Faxanadu (NES, 500 points) – Faxanadu is a 1986 RPG classic, which places the player in the shoes of an adventurer who has just returned home. Upon his arrival he discovers that the water supply has completely dried up, and as a consequence the World Tree, protector of the village, is dying. So as a natural consequence the hero decides to climb the World Tree, slaying beasties to find out just what’s causing all these problems. Featuring a multitude of magic, weapons and many other standard RPG conventions, Faxanadu is a recommendation for any fans of the genre.