This week’s Nintendo Download is a sizeable one and begins with a demo of Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate for both the Wii U as well as the 3DS. There is also a demo of Trine 2 for the new home console and Yoshi hits the eShop for the 3DS handheld, while reminding us that Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan is coming on February 26, 2013, a free demo can be had.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, that launched for Japan towards the end of 2011, doesn’t even have a fixed release date yet for either console, but a free demo is available. Capcom gives players the chance to duel it out with monsters that have ‘larger-than-life’ personalities. Gamers can create their own weapons and armor based on their playing styles and embark on over 200 quests. Two AI companions also make it along for the single-player ride, while Wii U gamers and 3DS owners will be able to connect with up to three friends for extended action.
Those on Nintendo’s latest home console get another demo in the form of Trine 2: Director’s Cut, which came out last year and was available for $15.99 until January 7, 2013. Those keeping away because of an intimidating price tag or for whatever reason can now get a taste of the title’s side-scrolling puzzle and platform gameplay elements that Frozenbyte has managed to cram in. Magical lands await, with physics-based perils and wicked goblins.
Next up is F-Zero for the Wii U which was originally introduced in 1990 and featured then futuristic racing. It’s 2013 now and the game is available for just $0.30. If that’s not incentive enough to get it, the title’s hover cars, each with unique modifications and riding elements, plus its 15 courses littered with pitfalls should be. Even by today’s standards, lightning fast reactions will be needed to conquer its challenging tracks.
Yet another free demo is that of Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, which we last heard of in December 2012. This one for the 3DS also affords a few freedoms such as vehicles that can transform mid-race, and land, sea and air routes. Over 25 tracks have been featured in a game in which more than 20 All-Stars make an appearance. Weaponry just adds to the mayhem-slash-fun.
Then there’s Yoshi, first seen in 1992. It comes to the eShop for the 3DS and can be downloaded for $4.99. Mario’s dinosaur friend is trapped in an egg and the Italian plumber must catch falling Goombas, Bloopers, and Boo Buddies on trays and match them up to help him hatch. Switching over to more modern scenes is Picdun 2: Witch’s Curse, a 3D dungeon RPG also for $4.99. Players must choose a female partner to accompany them in their adventures consisting of 60 stages and a variety of puzzles.
Lastly we have Viking Invasion 2, an interesting-looking cartoon-style tower defense title for one player. It can be purchased for $7.99 and features 12 maps with 30 different enemies. There are 8 types of towers and over 90 upgrades in total. The premise is simple: Olaf the Viking must stop bearded warriors (with a questionable sense of humor) from pillaging as they please.
So that rounds up this week’s demo-filled Nintendo Download. As always, check back here next week for more releases.