New Game Releases: December 25th-31st, 2015
With 2014 making an unassuming exit, the last week of the calendar year brings a modest number of new releases. While the Wii U has attempted to match the output of competing consoles, this week the platform absolutely outshines all of its rivals, offering a number of notable titles from cherished 8-bit and 16-bit games like Duck Hunt and Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 to Shantae’s acclaimed action/platformer.
Wii U
Duck Hunt (eShop, $4.99)
Mario Party Advance (eShop, $6.99)
Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse (eShop, $19.99)
Spy Chameleon (eShop, $4.99)
Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (eShop, $7.99)
Toon Tanks (eShop, $1.99)
3DS
Puzzlebox Setup (eShop, $2.99)
PC
Nekopara Vol. 1 (Steam, $TBA)
Reverse Side (Steam, $TBA)
SilverQuest: Gaiden (Steam, $TBA)
Xsyon – Prelude (Steam, $TBA)
Robert’s Pick: As a collaboration between WayForward Technologies (Contra 4, Aliens Infestation) and Inti Creates (Mega Man Zero, Azure Striker Gunvolt), this week’s release of Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse is the all-too rare example of a textbook teamwork between developers on both sides of the Pacific. Already an adept exploration-driven platformer when it hit 3DS screens last October, the Wii U version allows player to have the pinpoint precision offered by the Pro Controller. Maybe this time, I’ll have a chance to make it to the credits.
Gonçalo’s Pick: This may seem like a slow week at first, but can anyone really complain when there’s yet another way to play Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse? Graphically speaking, Shantae looks straight out of a Sega Saturn and featuring tight gameplay, a catchy soundtrack and an endearing art style. We don’t see many good looking 2D games these days, which is why I can’t praise Shantae enough for taking the risks it took.
Happy Christmas to Tech-Gaming staff and readers!
What did everyone get?
I’m the proud owner of a 3DS XL and SSB! YES!
I got a rock. Oh wait, wrong holiday.
Haha. Nice one.
I got a PS4, MGS V: GZ, Thief, The Evil Within, and LBP3. One of the best Christmas’ ever thanks to an amazing GF.
I got Far Cry 4, Watch Dogs, and Wolfenstein: The New Order.
Santa wants me to shoot my way into 2015. I’m ok with that.
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness and Disgaea 4: A Promise Revisited.
A very Prinny Christmas. Robert should be proud.
And a NISA new year to you.
You might assume that Shantae keeping the loli art rolling, but she’s of age considering she’s probably over 2000 years old.
Duck Hunt without a light gun sounds awful.
Could be worse. Wrecking Crew without R.O.B.?
Nothing really interesting this week. No new games until 2015.
Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2
Wait, there was a sequel?
That’s just the GBA remake of Super Mario World.
best to get the original Super Mario World, IMO.
I kind of miss the Mario Party games but they belong on consoles not on game boys.
Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 is $8 for a GBA game? WTF?
Last week, worst week.
Oh Shantae, this week you will be mine.
I got a PS4 for Christmas. Yeah! Bring on the game deals.
The only game that’s slightly interesting is Shantae and the Pirate’s Curse.
I just got gift cards. I think I’ll pick up Shadows of Mordor today since I saw it for $29.99. I also want Dragon Age: Inquisition, but I’ll wait until it hits $40.