Gamers often say that Nintendo recycles their properties too often, yet when presented with something different and new the reception isn’t always a warm one. Case point – Code Name: S.T.E.A.M.
Intelligent Systems could have easily knocked up a new Advance Wars, but instead chose to craft an original experience – a steampunk era strategy game starring Abraham Lincoln. As soon as being announced gamers proclaimed that the comic book-style art direction was ugly, and since then levels of anticipation have only worsened with each and every new trailer.
The turn-based adventure hits the 3DS eShop this Friday, in addition to making a retail appearance. The digital version is set to cost £34.99, while the physical release is nearer the £30 mark from online retailers. The eShop release does include a free theme, but still, you’d be better off heading down to your local supermaket or buying it from Amazon.
American gamers received Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. a couple of months ago and as such reviews are bountiful. Unfortunately for anybody still in two minds, they were pretty mixed – US Gamer, GamesRadar and The Telegraph each gave it 4/5 while GameSpot’s 4/10 and Digital Spy’s 2/5 sit at the lower end of the score spectrum.
Polygon meanwhile originally gave it 3.5/10 before increasing their score to 6/10 after the game’s first update rolled out. This allowed enemy phase animations to be fast-forwarded, improving the overall pace somewhat and making retries of the tougher missions less of a chore.
We suggest giving the demo ago before opening your wallet. This too has received the aforementioned update, handily.
The 3DS also sees the release of SEGA’s 3D Thunder Blade (£4.49) this week, complete with Circle Pad Pro/C-Stick support, remixed music and more. As for Virtual Console releases, Capcom are back once again with more Mega Man – Mega Man Zero 4 and Mega Man Battle Network 2 both hit Wii U VC, priced at £6.29 each.
After making an appearance on Xbox One last Friday, psychedelic top-down shooter Ultratron makes its way to Wii U. We struggle to find a single review, but don’t let that put you off – Steam user reviews are mostly glowing. It’s £6.50 until 28th May, increasing to £7.99 thereafter.
2D platform puzzler Nihilumbra has a similar temporary price cut – £5.49 until 28th May, and £6.99 thereafter. Again, when it launched on Steam user reviews were very positive. It sounds like it has a lot going for it, including a co-op mode and the natty ability to manipulate environments with paint.
Sticking with price drops and such, the Wii U is in line for some decent discounts. The following all receive a drop this Thursday: Giana Sisters: Twisted Dreams (£5.99), Ducktales: Remastered (£5.39), Dungeons & Dragons: Chronicles of Mystara (£4.79), Resident Evil Revelations (£11.99), Guac’ a Mole (£2.39) and Wooden Sen’SeY (£2.39).
The 3DS meanwhile sees the following cuts from Capcom: Resident Evil Revelations (£8.24), Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (£3.59) and Super Street Fighter IV 3D (£7.19).
Rising Star are cutting their back catalogue in price too, including BIT.TRIP SAGA (£4.49), Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi (£11.99), Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns (£8.99), Hometown Story (£14.99) and Virtue’s Last Reward (£7.99).
Now seems as good as time as any to stock up on 3DS software for this summer’s holiday.