It’s going to be a busy busy time for Nintendo fans this weekend as the latest Nintendo Download includes a pair of hotly-anticipated new titles and a different pair of reborn classics.
Let’s start with the new, as Telltale brings their episodic magic to a Nintendo console for the first time in a long time with the release of Minecraft: Story Mode. The first episode, The Order of the Stone, is now available to download through the Wii U eShop and Wii U owners will finally get their chance to craft a new adventure with Jesse and his friends while also possibly saving the world. Also available this week is Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam, the latest Mario RPG from Nintendo. Paper Jam will merge “two classic gaming universes” when its added to the 3DS eShop tomorrow.
However, if you’re looking for a game that has received a seal of approval from the gaming public, you can always turn to this week’s Virtual Console re-releases. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 and Zack & Wiki: Quest For Barbaros’ Treasure are both available to download for the Wii U today, bringing an enhanced version of Mario’s greatest adventure (along with the hard-to-find e-Reader-exclusive levels) and a pirate tale from Capcom to the Wii U for the first time.
More information about all of these games (and a few other new releases) can be found after the break.
Wii U eShop
Minecraft: Story Mode – Episode 1: The Order of the Stone – This new episodic series was created by award-winning adventure game powerhouse Telltale Games, in partnership with Minecraft creators, Mojang. As Jesse, you’ll embark on a perilous adventure across the Overworld, through the Nether, to the End and beyond. While at EnderCon, in hopes of meeting Gabriel the Warrior, you and your friends discover that something is wrong… something dreadful. You will drive the story through the decisions you make: What you say to people (and how you say it) and what you choose to do in moments of thrilling action will make this YOUR story.
Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 – The Koopalings have been sent to wreak havoc in the Mushroom World. It’s up to Mario to recover the royal magic wands and restore the kings to their true forms. Access extra levels by selecting Level Card on the File Selection screen, or take a break from the journey and get in on some classic Mario Bros. action!
Zack & Wiki: Quest For Barbaros’ Treasure – In this swashbuckling Wii classic, explore seven vibrant and fantastic lands with Zack and Wiki, as they go on a quest to become the greatest pirates who ever lived. Use the Wii Remote controller to navigate, open objects, transform items or unlock new pathways as you solve puzzles and outwit a variety of enemies and bosses.
Brunswick Pro Bowling – Brunswick Pro Bowling allows you to experience all the thrills and excitement of being a professional bowler with a simple, intuitive scheme and real ball and pin physics. Play Career Mode to compete in tournaments and Rival Challenges where you’ll earn currency to purchase and upgrade Brunswick® equipment and apparel including shoes, shirts, wrist guards, and over 40 real bowling balls! Purchase Power-Up Balls to give yourself an advantage, including the Bomb Ball for an automatic strike and the Splitter used to pick up those impossible splits!
Skeasy – Skeasy is a simple, addictive, high score chaser… set in a winter wonderland. Slide down the White Mountains avoiding the trees as you rack up a high score… then share your score on Miiverse! Bundle up, its cold!
3DS eShop
Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam – Paper Mario is jumping off the page and into the quirky adventures of Mario & Luigi! Become a super team of Mario Bros. to take on quests, take down enemies, and untangle two classic gaming universes in this playful new entry in the Mario & Luigi RPG series. (Available January 22)
Pet Inn 3D – Become the manager of a hotel for cats and dogs and take care of your pets. Take your puppies out for a walk in the park, teach them to jump over a skipping-rope, pet them, and play frisbee with them. Brush your cats, teach them to hunt, train them for an obstacle course… and make them purr!
