Nintendo Download April 28th

Another week, another group of releases: this time including the full launch of Lost Reavers and the Virtual Console release of Wii classic, Xenoblade Chronicles.

This week’s Nintendo Download is a doozy.  Those of you who missed out on Gamestop’s exclusive Xenoblade Chronicles (widely considered to be the console’s best JRPG, and one of the best from that generation) and would prefer to enjoy the title on the big screen (rather than on their New 3DS XL) will be happy to hear the game is coming to the Wii U’s virtual console. While I prefer Xenoblade Chronicles X, the Wii U successor, the stronger narrative elements of the original will no doubt hold stronger pull for JRPG aficionados.

Who, let’s be honest, probably picked the game up in one form or another already.

Lost Reavers, which had an Open Beta recently, is launching its full version this week. The free-to-play co-op game for up to four players feels like a game right out of the PS2 era, for better or worse, and while it has its grievances, it seems fun enough for those looking for something to play with friends during the wait for, say, Monster Hunter Generations.

Also releasing this week is 2D survival platforming game, The Deer God, and SEGA 3D Classics Collection- which features nine classic SEGA games all remastered in 3D, as well as amiibo-focused Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge.

From Nintendo:
This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Mini Mario & Friends: amiibo Challenge – Make Minis march like never before in this free download. To get started, simply tap any amiibo figure on the Wii U GamePad controller or a New Nintendo 3DS system. Or, tap select amiibo figures to guide one of 11 Minis across more than 50 levels, using their in-game Minis and their unique abilities, like Yoshi who can eat enemies, to reach the exit. But watch out! Mine carts, ghostly Boos and other new obstacles lurk around every corner.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Disney Art Academy – Pre-Purchase – To help you start playing as soon as possible, if you pre-purchase the game in Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, it will pre-load the game to your system. That means you’ll be able to play after a small game update when it launches on May 13. Be one of the first to play! Game playable in 2D only.
  • SEGA 3D Classics Collection – A collection of nine classic SEGA games in one game … and in 3D! From the arcades straight to your Nintendo 3DS system, experience the classics that defined genres.
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Lost Reavers – Lost Reavers is a free-to-play, four-player co-op game that asks players to haul treasure safely back to extraction points while their friends protect them. Choose one of four distinct characters to play, and explore a variety of worlds ranging from Ancient Ruins and Medieval Castles to a Modern City. Click here to view a trailer for the game.
  • The Deer God – The Deer God is a game about survival, reincarnation and karma. Find power-ups, unlock ancient secrets and test your platforming skills in this unique side-scrolling pixelated adventure! Click here to view a trailer for the game.
• Wii Retail on Wii U
  • Xenoblade Chronicles – You’ve played him in the Super Smash Bros. games, so now experience Shulk in his very first adventure! Discover expansive environments and deep character customization options as you delve into an epic conflict between the Homs (humans) and Mechons (robots). Explore the game’s unique upgrade, battle and relationship-building systems as you fight to change the future with trusty allies and the ancient Monado blade.

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Gardenscapes (Nintendo 3DS), Jones on Fire (Wii U) and more games from JoinDots are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Journey of a Special Average Balloon and Outside of the Realm from Eli Brewer are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
  • The Letter is 50 percent off (reduced from $1.99 to $0.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
  • Explody Bomb and Hold Your Fire: A Game About Responsibility from Alkterios Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 19.
  • SDK Paint is 25 percent off (reduced from $3.99 to $2.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 11.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • To celebrate the developer’s 10^th anniversary, Swords & Soldiers 3D, Tappingo and more games from Circle Entertainment are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
  • Etrian Odyssey IV: Legends of the Titan, Etrian Mystery Dungeon and more games from ATLUS are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 9.
  • Real Heroes: Firefighter 3D is 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 5.
  • Zombie Panic in Wonderland DX is more than 30 percent off (reduced from $8 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on May 25.

• ASH (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)