Are your ready for a controversial Nintendo Download? The latest and arguably greatest are here again for the week of 8/18/16, and we’ll start off with the most prickly game release from Nintendo in a long time. Besides that, we have plenty of new sales, releases and other goodies for the 3DS and Wii U eShop. Let’s get started.

Metroid Prime | Federation Force Nintendo Download

Yes, today marks the official release of the highly contested and downright hated Metroid Prime: Federation Force. I wish I could look at this in a positive light, but frankly, after the way Nintendo ignored the latest anniversary of the classic series, it’s hard to be kind when they cap it off with the Metroid game nobody wanted. That said, I shouldn’t judge a game without having played it, so I’ll be paying a lot of attention to the reviews and impressions that come out for Metroid Prime: Federation Force. Luckily, that’s not the only release this week. Also new to the Wii U eShop is the fantastic indie title Poncho, which we previously reviewed on Steam. It’s a gorgeous pixelated puzzle game with a lot of heart, robots and an interesting narrative. I highly recommend it. Also, if you can’t get your fill of Pokémon, there is another Virtual Console release for Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs.

Poncho | Nintendo Download

On the sales front, there is a lot of stuff this week, but as always, I’ll just focus on the best stuff. For the Wii U, the only noteworthy sale is Oddworld: New ‘n’ Tasty, for those who love the absurd in their puzzle platformers. For the 3DS eShop there are a bunch of great games on sale, starting with two from publisher Nicalis. First up is 1001 Spikes, the hard as nails, ruthless pixelated platformer. The other of note is the classic Cave Story. Both are on sale until August 29th of this month, so you should definitely pick them up if you don’t already have them. If that wasn’t enough, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked and Soul Hackers are on sale, as is the quirky and relatively obscure Zombie Panic in Wonderland DX. Be sure to check these out while you can!

Zombie Panic | Featured

There is also a special event happening called the Nintendo 3DS Summer Gaming List Sweepstakes. By answering some select questions here, you could win up to 8 digital games for yourself. The games are from the following list – Kirby: Planet Robobot, Mario Kart 7, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, Disney Art Academy, The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds, New Super Mario Bros. 2 and either Pokémon Omega Ruby or Pokémon Alpha Sapphire. Some pretty great stuff, actually.

Cave Story FEATURED

There are also some new Themes this week, including two from Monster Hunter Generations, as well as some random new releases, such as Armikrog, which we’ll have a review of later this month. Overall a mixed week, but definitely with some worthy sales for the bargain hunter. Stay tuned to oprainfall for the next Nintendo Download!

Josh Speer
Josh is a passionate gamer, finding time to clock in around 30-40 hours of gaming a week. He discovered Operation Rainfall while avidly following the localization of the Big 3 Wii RPGs. He enjoys SHMUPS, Platformers, RPGs, Roguelikes and the occasional Fighter. He’s also an unashamedly giant Mega Man fan, having played the series since he was eight. As Head Editor and Review Manager, he spends far too much time editing reviews and random articles. In his limited spare time he devours indies whole and anticipates the release of quirky, unpredictable and innovative games.