Welcome back, as it’s time for another Nintendo Download! This week we have two featured titles to look at, and four new retro games in the NES and SNES apps to check out. There is also one major piece of new DLC news for us to cover.

For those who love anime, the Funimation app recently launched on Nintendo Switch on December 15th. You can stream for the first two weeks for free! With a subscription, you get ad-free anime, and up to five simultaneous streams on one account.

A demo is also now available for BRAVELY DEFAULT II on the Nintendo Switch eShop, which includes the first chapter of the game. Playing the demo also earns you 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points.

 

Featured Games

First up, we have Super Meat Boy Forever ($19.99). This game takes place a few short years after the events of the original Super Meat Boy. In the intervening years, Meat Boy and Bandage Girl have built a happy life, even welcoming a new baby into the world named Nugget. One day when the weather was nice, they decided to have a picnic, but that’s when crap hit the fan. Dr. Fetus crept up, and knocked out both Meat Boy and Bandage Girl before finally kidnapping Nugget! They soon regained consciousness and realized the situation, cracking their knuckles since they knew exactly who did it. It’s time to save Nugget and teach Dr. Fetus a lesson! You’ll have to watch the trailer on YouTube since it is age restricted, and so is only allowed to be viewed there.
Super Meat Boy Forever

 

We’ll round out the main portion of the featured games section this week with COLLECTION of SaGa FINAL FANTASY LEGEND ($19.99). This one was in the Upcoming Games section in last week’s Nintendo Download. It aims to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Saga series. This collection contains three games:

  • The Final Fantasy Legend
  • Final Fantasy Legend II
  • Final Fantasy Legend III

The first game in this trio was the first Gameboy RPG to see over 1 million units sold. Here is the announcement trailer:

 

DLC

If you’re a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fan, then you’re probably already aware that Sakurai’s presentation for the latest fighter was yesterday. However, they are doing something different this time. While Sephiroth is officially joining the roster on December 22nd, there is a special in-game challenge that can let you unlock him early! If you complete this boss battle challenge on any difficulty, you’ll unlock Sephiroth’s DLC pack, meaning you don’t have to wait until the 22nd. This includes his stage and the nine new music tracks according to the Smash Bros. press release. To learn all of the ins and outs of Sephiroth and his move set, watch the new presentation from series creator, Masahiro Sakurai:

 

 

Nintendo Switch Online

This time around, the new batch of retro games they added includes three new SNES games and one new NES game. They are launching today (December 18th). So it’s time for a Nintendo Download trip to the past.

First up, we have Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble. Dixie Kong finds herself stuck with babysitting duty, but her next adventure happens anyway! Players can control Dixie Kong and Kiddy Kong solo, with a friend, or against a friend. They’ll need to utilize their abilities to conquer the game’s 40+ levels.

Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble

 

The second SNES game in this new set is The Ignition Factor, which brings you intense firefighting gameplay. Step into the role of a firefighter, and battle huge infernos to save people. Venture into factories consumed by flames, keep your cool, and most importantly, rescue all of those trapped inside! Can you get everyone to safety?

The Ignition Factor

 

The new SNES games are rounded out by Super Valis IV, as a reddish moon summons evil. Lena is the only warrior who can wield the Valis sword, and so she must leap into battle against the encroaching onslaught of darkness and evil. You’ll need to guide her through the seven action platforming levels by jumping, dashing, and using items, but beware. The longer you take in a stage, the stronger the boss at the end of the level will be!

Super Valis IV

 

 

Update: It seems they actually added four SNES games this time. The fourth one just wasn’t included in the press release for some reason. It is a fighting game called Tough E Nuff.

Now its time to round out this section with the lone new NES game, Nightshade. Metro City finds itself infested with crime and corruption, thanks to Sutekh. The big crime bosses all answer to him. Mark Gray decides to avenge his fallen idol, so he takes on the guise of Nightshade (the last person standing between the city and total domination by Sutekh). The gameplay blends action with point-and-click gameplay.

Nightshade

 

 

Current Sales

The sales scene is a bit more active for this week’s Nintendo Download. The Game Awards Sale from last week just ended last night, but there are a few new pieces of sales news.

You can save up to 34% on the new music-mixing game from Harmonix, FUSER. How much you save depends on the edition you get and whether you go for any of the DLC. This sale goes until 8:59am PT on December 31st.

The second small sale is Grindstone, which is seeing a special launch discount, which runs until 8:59pm PT on December 29th.

The one big new sale this week, is the Bandai Namco Winter Meltdown Sale, which runs until 11:59pm PT on December 31st. Here you can net savings of as much as 84% on some of their games. Below are some major highlights, but you can click on the sales scene link at the top of this section to see the whole sale.

 

 

New eShop Titles

We have a handful of retro titles in this week’s Nintendo Download, plus a couple more in the Upcoming Games section below.

Arcade Archives MARKHAM Price:
$7.99		 Size:
39.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 10, 2020
This scrolling shooter was originally released in 1983 by Sunsoft. Your mission is to destroy antarctic bases and restore peace to the world. Use your beam gun and powerful missiles to get the job done! You’ll need a bit of practice to master aiming and proper use of each attack type, but then your enemies will be doomed!

Developer: HAMSTER

 Arcade Archives Markham
Defentron Price:
$9.99		 Size:
162.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 17, 2020
Here we have a 3D “Tower Defense” game with a visual style straight out of the 80s. Defentron is a retro-futurist computer system that aims to protect itself from viruses. These viruses are trying to take control of the system’s core! Use strategy to protect the core and become the best security system that ever existed!

Developer: Zerouno Games
Space Invaders Forever Price:
$29.99		 Size:
1.00 GB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 15, 2020
Unless you’re too young, you’ve likely heard of Space Invaders. This is essentially a remake of that retro classic, with much improved graphics full of vibrant colors. Can you blast your way through all 16 stages, or will the massive bosses crush you? You can also enjoy couch multiplayer with up to four players.

Developer: ININ Games
Touhou Luna Nights Price:
$17.99		 Size:
321.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 17, 2020
Remilia Scarlet is the head vampire of the Scarlet Devil Mansion. Without warning, she sends a maid named Sakuya Izayoi into a world very similar to Gensokyo. This world is full of strange places in a Metroidvania format. Exploration and action are the emphasis in this game.

Developer: Phoenixx

 

Actually, there is one more retro game today. This one is different, in that it is also definitely for a more mature audience due to its naughtiness.

Crawlco Block Knockers Price:
$7.19 | $8.99		 Size:
284.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 17, 2020
This action puzzler is rather naughty for a puzzle game! Inspired by the feel of “smokey ’90s Japanese arcades”, you’ll reveal hidden images of ladies behind each stage. Knock blocks into marked zones all while keeping an eye out for enemies, and of course smashing them into oblivion! The Switch version has extra content, including “uncensored” and “modesty” modes, “new character art, additional stages and added localization.”

Developer: eastasiasoft, CosmiKankei

 Crawlco Block Knockers

 

Touhou Luna Nights above had a touch of anime style to it, and this Nintendo Download has one more for those who like their anime. This one is a mix of suspense and escape game.

密室のサクリファイス／ABYSS OF THE SACRIFICE Price:
$39.99		 Size:
6.20 GB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 17, 2020
In the depths of an isolated, underground city, five girls meet. Soon they find themselves betraying and killing each other! What fate awaits them at the end of all of this? Well, that is for you to discover. The story is fully voiced in Japanese only. Can you get all of the endings in this suspensefull escape game?

Developer: D3 Publisher

 Abyss of the Sacrifice

 

Need more strategy, or RPG action? Well this one might scratch that itch:

Mercenaries Blaze: Dawn of the Twin Dragons Price:
$17.99 | $19.99		 Size:
491.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 17, 2020
This RPG is the fifth Mercenaries title to land on the Nintendo Switch. Dive into the long and challenging campaign, and grow as your team takes on strategic turn-based battles. You’ll encounter plenty of plot twists and tense moments with emotive storytelling, and optional missions along the way. There are many choices to be made, that will affect your future. Which equipment and skills should you prioritize, and what class should each character upgrade?

Developer: CIRCLE Entertainment

 Mercenaries Blaze: Dawn of the Twin Dragons

 

This next one is an action platformer that pits you in a desparate fight to make it home.

Unto The End Price:
$19.99 | $24.99		 Size:
2.40 GB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 17, 2020
You are alone, outnumbered, and simply outmatched! This challenging, hand-crafted combat-adventure sees a humble father caught in the hands of fate. A desparate journey stands between him and his family, with death waiting around every corner. He has a sword, a dagger, and his wits to help him survive, but is it enough? Can you survive your dire trek through unknown lands and return safely to your family?

Developer: Big Sugar

 

We also have a pair of simulation games this time around:

60 Seconds! Reatomized Price:
$9.99		 Size:
413.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 18, 2020
The post-apocalyptic dark comedy has returned, in a new remastered form! You’ll need to rescue your family and of course keep everyone alive in your fallout shelter. Scavenge for supplies and make difficult decisions. Will you survive?

Developer: Robot Gentleman
Body of Evidence Price:
$7.99 | $9.99		 Size:
2.30 GB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 17, 2020
Step into the shoes of a specialist in dead body disposal! It’s your job not just to get rid of the body, but to make sure there is no evidence left behind either! Think fast, use the right tools for the job, and don’t take too long. If even a single drop of blood is accidentally left at the crime scene, you’re in big trouble! This game is inspired by Quentin Tarantino movies.

Developer: Empyrean

 

The next pair of titles in this Nintendo Download are more on the puzzling side of things.

Dark Arcana: The Carnival Price:
$8.99 | $14.99		 Size:
482.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 18, 2020
It’s up to you to find the woman lost amid the horrors of a mysterious carnival! You’ll investigate both the world you know, and an alternate plane which exists behind the hall of mirrors! Discover a story of star-crossed lovers, and an ancient being called the “Evil One.” Can you stop him from escaping and invading our world?

Developer: Artifex Mundi

 Dark Arcana: The Carnival
Shady Part of Me Price:
$13.49 | $14.99		 Size:
2.70 GB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 10, 2020
This puzzle platformer sends you on the dream-like journey of a little girl and her shadow. Help her push through emotional struggles in the surreal, watercolor styled dreamscapes. Play with light & shadows and switch between 2D & 3D gameplay whenever you want. Solve puzzles to break the dream!

Developer: Douze-Dixieme

 

Finally, we round out this section of the Nintendo Download with a party game styled entry:

Among Us Price:
$5		 Size:
421.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 15, 2020
Play with 4 to 10 players as you try to prepare your spaceship for departure. There’s a huge catch though! You see, one or more random players in the group are actually nasty imposters hell bent on killing everyone! You can experience the mayhem in both local WiFi or online.

Developer: Innersloth

 

Upcoming Games

We have a set of five upcoming games to look at in this week’s Nintendo Download, so lets jump in.

Killer Chambers Price:
$9.99		 Size:
89.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 21, 2020
You are Brave Lord, who must get the King’s Crown and save the world. To do this, he must pass through the “Killer Chambers,” which are deadly rooms in the Royal Palace! You’ll have to avoid traps and defeat bosses. For example, one such challenge is a bullet hell in a narrow space. There are over 40 rooms, 3 levels of difficulty, and 500+ finely tuned trap patterns.

Developer: Village Bench
Smart Moves Price:
$5.99		 Size:
55.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 21, 2020
This game mixes puzzle and turn-based roguelike mechanics. Explore different worlds with increasing difficulty. Watch out for obstacles and sneaky foes as you search for great treasures. Each level is a sort of puzzle with its own solution. Learn how things interact and use that to your advantage.

Developer: TERNOX

 Smart Moves
Isolation Story Price:
$9.99		 Size:
1.30 GB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 22, 2020
Become a mindless citizen in a world ravaged by VIRUS-19. This LIFE-SIM style game sees you living through a one week quarantine. You’ll need to buy supplies and avoid people as you take care of your illness. You have the new GOV PHONE to help you out.

Developer: Elushis Music & Gaming
Landflix Odyssey Price:
$14.99		 Size:
988.00 MB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 22, 2020
This game tasks you with exploring the worlds of some your favorite television shows. You are Larry, a binge-watcher who somehow gets trapped inside his streaming service, after using some sort of special batteries! These five batteries somehow ended up inside the TV show worlds with him, and he needs them if he is to get back home! You’ll take on famous villains along the way.

Developer: Fantastico Studio
Override 2: Super Mech League Price:
$29.99		 Size:
1.70 GB		 Launch Date:
Dec. 22, 2020
This game is a huge mech brawler. Seven years have passed since the Xenotypes attempted to invade the earth and found themselves destroyed. The giant mechs that once defended the Earth, now fight in fierce battle leagues to entertain the planet. Step inside one and test your mettle. Can you climb the ranks and be the best?

Developer: Modus Studios Brazil

 

That finishes up another Nintendo Download. Take care and see you next time!

Michael Fontanini
Michael is a veteran gamer in his late 30s, who grew up around video games, with fond memories of the oldies like the NES, SNES, and N64 among others. He loves Nintendo, but also plays a lot of games on his PC. Michael also enjoys going for walks/bike rides, loves animals, and enjoys thunderstorms (and science in general). I love Nintendo but I also play a lot of game's on PC, many of which are on steam. My favorite Nintendo game's include Zelda, Metroid, and Smash Bros to name a few. On PC I love the Half-Life games, as well as most all of the Source Engine games just to name a few.

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