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Virtual Wares: Pirates suffer a Masterful Pitfall
It's Monday, which means that the Nintendo faithful get a slew of new downloadable content. DSiWare is the place to be this week, with two new titles available for download, one of which is the first third-party offering on the service. For the Wii, both WiiWare and the Virtual Console each have one item available for download this week.
Wiikly Wares: Super Punch-Out!!, Bonsai Barber
With the launch of the Nintendo DSi and its DSi Shop downloads coming next week, you might be seeing some changes to your usual Wiikly Wares posts. For now, let's just enjoy what little time we have left and think about the good times we've had. Virtual ConsoleSuper Punch-Out!! (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Little Mac is back in this SNES sequel to one of the most beloved NES titles of all time. As Little Mac, you'll need to bob, weave, and pummel your way through old foes and new opponents alike. Just watch out for Hoy Quarlow. Apparently, he's allowed to box with a big wooden stick.WiiWareBonsai Barber (Nintendo, 1 -4 players, 1,000 Wii Points): Nintendo's WiiWare game combines the intensity of landscaping with the personal responsibility of barbering, as you tend to the 12 demanding customers of your local town. Each day, 5 of these customers will arrive looking for that perfect style. Good luck with satisfying a strawberry boffin, a daredevil carrot, a cactus cowboy, and a suave banana with top-secret clearance (we think he's an undercover plantain).
Wiikly Wares: Bomberman '94, Detana Twin Bee & Pop 'Em Drop 'Em
It's Monday, which means it's time to check out what the Wii has available for download. As we already reported, 2 new Virtual Console imports will be arriving today, but there's also one WiiWare game joining them. Unless you like Hudson games, you probably won't be interested in 100% of this week's offerings:WiiWarePop 'Em Drop 'Em SameGame (Hudson, 1 - 4 players, 500 Wii Points): As with most puzzle games, the object is to clear pieces from a game grid. Match two or more pieces of the same color to eliminate them from the board and score points. The game features multiple modes of play and support for up to four players via local multiplayer.Virtual ConsoleBomberman '94 (Hudson, TurboGrafx16, 1 - 5 players, 700 Wii Points): Featuring 9 different members of the Bomberman family to play as, Bomberman '94 is business as usual for the gang as they drop bombs, blow up blocks, and even ride on 5 different types of Rooi, each with their own special abilities. Don't ask us why their eggs are inside blocks, though. We don't have all the answers.Detana Twin Bee (Hudson, TurboGrafx16, 1 - 2 players, 700 Wii Points): Hudson's vertical shooter stars Twinbee and Winbee, who must stop a force of alien invaders (obviously). The game has a single-player mode, as well as two-player co-op, and even though it's yet another shmup on the Virtual Console, we're still interested in this cute release that was once confined to Japan.%Gallery-42363%
Wiikly Wares: Bit.Trip: Beat and Summer Games II
Monday's aren't just for loathing, with the Wii receiving one new WiiWare and one new Virtual Console game today. So, while you may he miserable at the office or in the classroom, you have new gaming goodness awaiting you at home. Here's what's on offer:WiiWareBit.Trip: Beat (Aksys Games, 1-4 players, 600 Wii Points): Developed by Gaijin Games, this title is like a combination of Pong and the craziest rave party you've ever been to. Don't believe us? The proof is in the video pudding, friends!Virtual ConsoleSummer Games II (C64, 1-8 players, 500 Wii Points): Featuring 18 different competing countries and 8 different sports - cycling, equestrian, fencing, high jump, javelin, kayaking, rowing and triple jump - this C64 title brings all of the drama of the Olympics right into your living room. Or your bedroom. Depends on where you have your Wii set up, really.%Gallery-43105%
Wiikly Wares: Gradius Rebirth, Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars
With the release of a glorious, space-faring shooter this week, we're subtly reminded just how much the Wiiware service has in common with the limitless and largely unexplored realm of outer space. Though there are several bright spots, most of it's just a cold, empty void. And you shoot everything in it.WiiwareGradius ReBirth (Konami, 1 player, 1000 Wii Points): A retro and peculiarly capitalized side-scrolling shooter, Gradius ReBirth tasks you with dodging death and blasting all manner of deformed space monstrosities. Reminder: Bullets are bad for you!Virtual ConsoleAlex Kidd: The Lost Stars (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): This is the one where Alex Kidd is searching for the twelve zodiac signs. It's easily confused with the one where he's searching for Matthew Fox and Terry O'Quinn.
Wiikly Wares: Ogre Battle, Family & Friends Party
This week's downloadable titles on Wii are a mixed bag. We get what appears to be some shovel(Wii)ware, but a tried-and-true classic on the Virtual Console. Sure, it's a niche genre, but it's still 100% classic.Virtual ConsoleOgre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (SNES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): The classic strategy title finally comes to the Virtual Console. Personally, our own experience with the franchise has been mainly through the N64 sequel, so we're anxious to give this one a whirl. Look for it in our VC in Brief segment later today.WiiWareFamily & Friends Party (Gammick Entertainment, 1-8 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): Billed as "an interactive board game," this WiiWare title sounds a lot like Mario Party in its description and supports up to eight players.
Wiikly Wares: Evasive Space and Life Force
Today, we've got two new games. On the WiiWare side, there's Evasive Space, which is a shmup without all of the shooting. Then, on the Virtual Console, we've got ... a shmup. Man, they sure love flooding the Wii with shmups. If you want to try Evasive Space for free, remember we're giving it away for a few more hours. WiiWareEvasive Space (Yukes Company of America, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Players take on the role of Konki the Stellar Guardian, who is charged with recovering stolen Constellation Stones that make up the heavens. Dr. Dark Matter and his space thieves have nabbed them, and players must navigate 20 dangerous time- and collection-based missions to get them back. Check out some screens in our gallery below.Virtual ConsoleLife Force (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): An arcade shmup ported to the NES in 1988, players must navigate the inside of a giant alien that is infected by a strain of bacteria, shooting down enemies and grabbing power-ups when they can.There's also a weird sort of riddle that Nintendo included in the press release this week. Find it after the break. Gallery: Evasive Space
Wiikly Wares: LIT and MERCS
Just as anticipated, this week marks the release of WiiWare title LIT, as well as one new Virtual Console game in Wolf of the Battlefield: MERCS. Each title will be available for download after 12pm ET. Keep an eye on Joystiq Nintendo for our video wrap-up of MERCS later today, if you're into that sort of thing. And now, the details:WiIWareLIT (WayForward Technologies, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older-Violence, 800 Wii Points): Dark creatures have taken over Jake's high school, and it's up to you to guide him through each classroom in order to be reunited with his girlfriend Rachael. Existing light sources must be used smartly to create bridges of light for Jake to cross. One false step and Jake gets pulled into the darkness. Along the way he'll encounter twisted versions of his school's faculty, which must be battled in order to advance. LIT is a horror/puzzle game that requires the Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™ controllers. It contains 30 levels, five boss battles, replay modes and several unlockables, including multiple endings, Dark Mode timed challenges and an unlockable character.Virtual ConsoleWolf of the Battlefield: MERCS (SEGA GENESIS, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older-Mild Violence, 800 Wii Points): Following a rash of terrorism outbreaks and increasing opposition from guerilla fighters, the U.S. government has decided to hire a group of professional mercenaries to undergo secret missions, battling through enemy lines to go where no ordinary soldier would dare to go. Based on the popular arcade game, the SEGA GENESIS version of MERCS lets you play as a MERC and also adds an original mode, allowing players to choose from five different characters. Take no prisoners as you shoot, drive jeeps and tanks, and clash against huge bosses to accomplish your mission. Gallery: LIT
Wiikly Wares: LONPOS, Snowboard Riot, and Sonic Chaos
It's a full week on WiiWare and the Virtual Console for Wii owners. We've got two new WiiWare games, but, sadly, only one Virtual Console game. Looks like that streak Nintendo's been on for a while now will continue. Oh well, onto this week's releases:WiiWare LONPOS (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): A puzzle game not for the weak of heart, LONPOS tasks players with solving puzzles revolving around a rectangular area comprised of 55 spaces. Using 12 different pieces, the goal is to fill the entire playing field and not have any pieces left over. Snowboard Riot (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Hudson's snowboarding game takes advantage of the Wii Balance Board and is full of ... well, racing down mountains covered in snow. Virtual ConsoleSonic Chaos (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Players can go through the game as either Sonic or Tails in an attempt to stop Dr. Eggman, who has nabbed the Red Chaos Emerald and plans to use it to create nuclear weapons. No, we did not just make that up. Gallery: Snowboard Riot
Wiikly Wares: Family Glide Hockey, High Voltage Hot Rod Show and Musha
It's Monday again, and you know what that means: A new rogue's gallery is easing its way onto the Virtual Console/WiiWare. Let's take a look.WiiWare:High Voltage Hot Rod Show (High Voltage Software, Inc., 1-4 players, 1,000 Wii Points): It may not be saying much, but this is as close as we usually get to being excited about a WiiWare game. It's not a great title, but the video we put after the break of this stunted and stunty racer actually looks like fun. If you're gonna pick up one thing this week, we'd recommend this.Family Glide Hockey (Aksys Games, 1-4 players, 500 Wii Points): On the other hand, we were able to get through about 20 seconds of this video before we told Damien it was all for him and hung ourselves.Virtual Console:M.U.S.H.A. (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Seven levels of classic shmuppy madness. Oh, in case you were curious, it stands for Metallic Uniframe Super Hybrid Armor. ... It's OK, we needed a second to absorb it too.
Wiikly Wares: Castlevania III takes Jungle Speed on Planet Pachinko
Coming at 12pm ET to Wii:WiiWare:Jungle Speed (Playful Entertainment Inc., 1-8 players, 1,000 Wii Points): So, here we have a card game that comes with no cards and, at $10, costs twice as much as an actual card game. Sounds like a great deal for those of you who don't own tables.Planet Pachinko (Allied Kingdoms Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): We can't tell you how many times we've been playing pachinko in our favorite local haunt and thought, "Why can't I have this kind of fun on my Wii?" Our next thought is usually something like, "Why is our favorite local haunt in Tokyo? We're spending a fortune on airfare." [Update: This isn't a pachinko game. In fact, it looks absolutely insane.]Virtual Console:Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): A classic, but doesn't the premise sound like the fan fiction of a 12-year-old? "OK, so you're one of the Belmonts, right? You're ... umm, Trevor. But instead of just using your whip you can transform into a really hot girl that uses magic and ... uhhh, Dracula's son. Oh! And also a pirate. Listen, there's more, but I've gotta get to Pre-Algebra."
Wiikly Wares: Kirby Dream Land 3, Sandy Beach
WiiWareSandy Beach (Konami, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): First, the good news: Yes, you can build sand castles in this game, either at your leisure or facing off against swarms of crabs in the Defend Your Castle-esque Crab Battle mode. The bad news? Well, it wasn't the first Crab Battle that came to mind ...Virtual ConsoleKirby's Dream Land 3 (Super NES™, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): This title had the unfortunate luck of coming out within a week of the incredibly awesome Kirby Superstar -- great timing, Nintendo! Still, it's a fun game that happens to be just like its predecessors. We half expect the company to pull some poetic injustice and release Superstar on Virtual Console next week.%Gallery-31937%
Wiikly Wares: Maboshi's Arcade, Pool Revolution, StarTropics 2
WiiWare:Maboshi's Arcade (Nintendo, 1-3 players, 800 Wii Points): Most WiiWare offerings sound like rehashed cellphone games, so we're understandably excited about Maboshi's Arcade, if only because we can't make heads nor tails of it. Play three different types of puzzle games on the same screen, each built around different shapes, each completed once you've scored 100,000 points? Sounds just bizarre enough to be intriguing.Cue Sports – Pool Revolution (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, 500 Wii Points): Ahh, a pool game with 9 Ball, 8 Ball, Rotation, Snooker, and a trick shot puzzle mode? That's the WiiWare we know.Virtual Console:Zoda's Revenge: StarTropics II (NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Do you like StarTropics, but hate the lack of diagonal movement and cameos from Tetris creator Alexey Pazhitnov? Well then, you're not only an exceedingly odd person, you're also a lucky one, as StarTropics 2 is now available on the VC.
Wiikly Wares: Strong Bad 5, Big Kahuna Party, Enduro Racer
Before we get to the actual information, we have to take a moment to give Curtis his promised momentary fame for coming up with the name for this weekly feature. So without further ado: CURTIS! Now, with that behind us:Strong Bad Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough (Telltale Games, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points): In this final (for this season, at least) installment, Strong Bad does battle with Trogdor. Our money's on the dragon with a man's arm.Big Kahuna Party (Reflexive Entertainment Inc., 1-4 players, 700 Wii Points): "So, it's a match three game with a few bells and whistles, how much do we think we can get away with charging? Pearson?" "Umm, how about eight dollars?""Well, let's not go crazy."Enduro Racer (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): We like Enduro Racer, if for no other reason than the title espousing the value of endurance over speed. "Just hang in there," Enduro Racer says, "just hang in there and you'll eventually finish the race." That's the kind of tortoise-beats-hare logic we can get behind.
