Nintendo downloads: no more interesting than last week's

by: Tina - posted: 8/16/2010 12:08:00 PM

Let me just get this out of the way now: there is no Virtual Console download for you here. Check back next week (although don’t be surprised if a retro title does not appear on the Nintendo line-up then either).

What Nintendo does have to offer this week is another mesh of genres. First up are two titles that are available on the WiiWare. Space Trek (700 Wii points) sounds about as much as its title tells. You take on the role of Captain Jay, who has been left on an alien planet to battle the Knagar who live there. Using your space jet, you’ll be able to fight them off while picking up survivors along the way. A Monsteca Corral: Monsters vs. Robots (500 Wii points) also involves journeying through an unfamiliar planet. This time you will be strategy-battling a robotic army as the inhabitants of planet Monsteca: the Stompies.

On the list today for the DSiWare are four titles. Divergent Shift (800 DSi points) will function as your puzzle-fix of the day. By controlling two characters simultaneously on each screen of your handheld, you can use the Reflection and Shadow Mechanics to conquer obstacles and complete levels. For more puzzling games, you can check into one of the more established ones in 3D Mahjong (500 DSi points). If you’re feeling particularly patriotic, you can pick up Just SING! National Anthems (200 DSi points). Finally, more so for function rather than fun is myNotebook: Carbon (500 DSi points) that lets you jot down notes, scribble, doodle, and perform other pen-and-paper desires you may have.

Read on for more information about the individual games. 

WiiWare

Space Trek
Publisher: CALARIS
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Fantasy Violence
Price: 700 Wii Points™
Description: As Captain Jay, you take control of a space jet deployed on an alien world. The planet you’re on is inhabited by the Knagar, a race of big, green, self-important bullies. You must fight your way through, outsmart them and save the survivors. Fortunately, Jay can always throw a nice punch line when things get ugly. Fight floating drones, destroy Knagar ships, attack turrets and deal with gigantic worms before they swallow your ship or electrocute you. Access your handy map to avoid getting lost on one of six big levels. Pick up keycards, deactivate force fields, save survivors and collect power-ups. Rearm your ship to use one of six weapons, including the Quark Dispeller, Anti-Matter Thrower and Mega Rockets. Recharge your ship’s battery by flying over heat-bursting volcanoes. Then use the surplus to power your weapons or energy shield. Enjoy humorous dialogue that accompanies players throughout the game.

A Monsteca Corral: Monsters vs. Robots
Publisher: Onteca
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: The planet Monsteca is no longer the harmonious world it once was. It’s been overrun by a robotic army that’s determined to rule and conquer. Monsteca natives known as the Stompies have no choice but to run. Unable to defend themselves against such heavy machinery, the Stompies must rely on the strength of their herd to work together and defeat the meddling robots. Take control of the Stompies, cute and not-so-bright monsters who need help to avoid being captured by invading robots. It’s your duty to guide them successfully through each level. This fun, full-3D strategy game has a strong sense of flow, offering 20 levels to conquer and many hours of game play.

Nintendo DSiWare

Divergent Shift
Publisher: Konami Digital Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Violent References
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Divergent Shift is a puzzle platformer. You’ll run, jump and flip over obstacles, but you also may have to put on your thinking cap to figure out how to complete some of the levels. There are two primary mechanics in the game: the Reflection Mechanic and Shadow Mechanic. In both, you control two characters – one on each screen – at the same time. If you jump, both characters will jump; if you run, both characters will run. The only way to beat the game is to use the two screens together.

3D Mahjong
Publisher: cosmigo
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Relax your mind with the ancient game of tiles. 3D Mahjong features 50 layouts of the traditional tile-matching game in 3D, each with millions of different shuffles to play. The game’s style and interface has been designed for easy and intuitive operation with the stylus or control pad. The graphics can be customized with six fabulous tile sets and backgrounds. Sit back, relax and enjoy the endless challenge with this Mahjong game collection. Additional brain-sharpening challenges come in the form of extra mini-games: “Memory” and “Matching.”

myNotebook: Carbon
Publisher: Nnooo
Players: 1
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: myNotebook allows you to take notes wherever you are. Just pop open your Nintendo DSi™ system and jot down your thoughts. Make a list and cross it off, or even play your favorite pen-and-paper games (games not included). You can even personalize your notebook by drawing on the cover and changing the paper type with 24 unlockable squared and lined paper styles. Use the pen or pencil to make notes or doodles, and then erase the bits you don’t like. With five ink colors, you’ll always be able to make your notes and doodles look stylish. myNotebook also includes 128 pages to write on and the ability to export your pages to your Nintendo DSi Photo Album.

Just SING! National Anthems
Publisher: Engine Software
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: It is the greatest sporting event of 2010: the World Cup! All eyes are on South Africa, and all ears are on you in the karaoke game of the year. Enter the hallowed turf and display your talent by singing a selection of national anthems. There are five national anthems to choose from: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Japan and the United States. It’s karaoke fun at its best. All text is displayed, and the game features optimum voice recognition. Just sing into the built-in microphone of your Nintendo DSi system. Don your jersey and step out onto the pitch – to sing!