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Sonic the Hedgehog-inspired Freedom Planet joins Wii U eShop

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This week’s Wii U eShop update marks the console debut of Freedom Planet, an indie-developed tribute to 16-bit era platformers and Sega’s Sonic the Hedgehog series.

Released digitally for PCs in 2014, Freedom Planet combines the high-speed platforming of the classic Sonic games with open-ended level design suited for a cast of characters with widely varied traversal abilities.

Related: Double Dragon, River City Ransom IP now under new ownership

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Also on the Wii U this week is River City Ransom, an NES brawler developed by Double Dragon series creator Technos. River City Ransom expands on traditional brawling mechanics with an RPG-like structure, allowing characters to power up their stats throughout by purchasing items and equipment.

River City Ransom also boasts a two-player co-op mode that lets players team up with friends to take down the gangs that occupy the streets of River City. The game has earned a cult following in the years after its release, and is widely cited as one of the best beat-’em-ups of the 8-bit era.

Toto Temple Deluxe also arrives on the Wii U this week, offering team-based multiplayer action with “king of the hill”-styled mechanics. Up to four players compete in local multiplayer battles that center around an egg-laying, explosive goat that can instantly take out the competition.

Other Wii U eShop games premiering this week include The Rivers of Alice: Extended Version, Gemology, VoxelMaker, and Pumped BMX. 3DS owners, meanwhile, can expect to see Kemco’s retro-styled RPG Chronus Arc.

This week additionally marks the launch of a Nintendo-sponsored contest that challenges players to put their drawing skills to the test via Miiverse. Artists can compete by submitting a work of Animal Crossing-themed fan art, and winning entries will receive a free digital copy of the recently released Happy Home Designer.

Nintendo closes out this week’s digital lineup with a new batch of Super Smash Bros. DLC for the Wii U and 3DS, adding new character costumes and playable stages, including a level inspired by Super Mario Maker.

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Danny Cowan
Danny Cowan
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