After looking to NES classics like Metroid and Contra for inspiration, Thomas Happ is finally ready to bring his retro-flavored side-scroller, Axiom Verge, to the Wii U this week. As the first game in Nintendo’s “Nindies Summer Jam” promotion on the eShop, Axiom Verge’s Wii U debut will offer Off-TV Play, Leaderboards, and a Speedrun Mode.
Two other games unveiled by Nintendo during this morning’s Nintendo Direct presentation are also now available to download through the Nintendo eShop. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Link’s only full-length adventure developed exclusively for the Wii, is now available to download through the Wii U eShop. And over on the 3DS, players can chip away at a three-dimensional block puzzle in Picross 3D Round 2.
More information on all of these games (and a huge number of other new releases) can be found after the break.
Wii U eShop
Axiom Verge – In this retro-style action-platform-exploration game from Thomas Happ Games, use the Wii U GamePad controller as your map, a way to easily swap between weapons or for Off-TV Play. A failed scientist dies in an accident, only to awaken in a mysterious alien world. Where is he? How did he get here? And why do the fundamental laws of reality appear broken? Life. Afterlife. Real. Virtual. Dream. Nightmare. It’s a thin line. It’s Axiom Verge.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword – The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, originally released on the Wii console, boasts realistic sword combat, turning every encounter into a challenge of both brains and brawn. Soar, dive and battle as Link in an epic quest that lays the foundation for the events in the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
140 – 140 is a challenging minimalistic platformer with abstract colorful graphics. Rhythmic awareness is required to overcome obstacles controlled by an energetic, yet melancholic electronic soundtrack. Super tight puzzle design and a striking audiovisual presentation come together to form a challenging platforming experience!
Piano Teacher – Piano Teacher is a fun and interactive way to learn the piano. Designed to take you from a total beginner to a piano playing pro. Simply use the Touch Screen on the Wii U GamePad. You press the red key on the piano to easily learn 20 different popular songs. Each song lesson has been carefully crafted by world-renowned pianist and YouTube sensation Jen Msumba.
Word Logic by POWGI – Enjoy six brand new POWGI word puzzles with this bumper collection of games. This time, the games share a common theme of logic and deduction.
Alice in Wonderland – Experience a new visualization of Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (originally released in 1865). View the full unaltered story that has been discussed by scholars for generations. Discover unique and original characters in the amazing world of Wonderland. Wonderful thrills for your heart and mind await in this timeless tale.
Games for Toddlers – A set of video games designed specifically for toddlers. Each game is simple and uses the Wii U GamePad Touch Screen.
Panda Love – In Panda Love, run and jump through over 20 fun filled levels to help the Panda’s find love again. Many obstacles such as high jumps, spikes, disappearing platforms and more stand in the way of your journey. Use just the Wii U Gamepad to experience the game Off-TV.
The First Skunk Bundle – “Haunted Hotel” is a creepy first person exploration game. “Snake Classic” is a rendition of the traditional Snake game. “Catchy” is a fun 3D puzzle adventure game with levels that increase in difficulty the further you advance. “Bomb Blaster” is an exciting casual game where you strategically place bombs to knock over the bad guys. “Zombie Epic” is a bloody mature zombie survival game with both story and survival modes.
Tallowmere – How far through Lady Tallowmere’s dungeons can you delve? Each randomly-generated room gets bigger, harder, and more rewarding the further you go. Raise your shield and hunt for the key in each room – or die trying.
Super Hero Math – It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no, it’s Super Hero Math! Fly around the city collecting coins, dodging mines, destroying missiles, capturing aliens and answering math problems.
Skunky B’s Super Slots Saga #1 – Are you ready for a heart pounding slots adventure? An exciting new slots adventure with over 20 slots to unlock. Have a blast gambling your way through the levels to reveal even more slots!
Free Balling – A sandbox drawing game that allows you to create anything you can imagine. After you draw your track you can deploy multiple balls that fly around your screen.
3DS eShop
StreetPass Mii Plaza Games – A bustling parade of new games and features is headed to StreetPass Mii Plaza! Boost past the competition in “Slot-Car Rivals,” slay demons midair in “Ninja Launcher,” invest millions in “Market Crashers,” nourish an army in “Feed Mii,” and gather explorers to seek out treasures in “Mii Trek.” This meet ’n’ greet just turned up the heat!
Picross 3D Round 2 – The Picross series has a fresh new layer of paint – and strategy! Chip away at a three-dimensional block puzzle to reveal the object hidden within. Only this time, blocks can be painted with two colors of paint to mold detailed shapes. Enjoy more than 300 puzzles at the Café or even tap compatible amiibo figures to solve 10 more puzzles hiding secret Nintendo characters.
Word Logic by POWGI – Enjoy six brand new POWGI word puzzles with this bumper collection of games. This time, the games share a common theme of logic and deduction.
Adventure Labyrinth Story – Adventure Labyrinth Story is a rogue-like RPG that challenges the unknown dungeon. To bring back the legendary treasure, you need to enter the depth of the dungeon, find weapon and shield, use magic rod and potion to fight against monster and raise your level.
Ping Pong Trick Shot – Test your ball throwing skills across a variety of challenges as you attempt to throw a ball into a cup on the other othe side of the screen.
