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VC Friday: Beatdowns in space
Four new games up this week on the VC, and despite the fact that three of them are from Sega's Mega Drive, Nintendo still manages a fair amount of diversity in this week's selection. By diversity, we mean that they don't all involve outer space or badassery ... well, okay, you got us. These games actually are about space and/or fighting, because what the Virtual Console really needed was more beatdowns. In space. Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle - Mega Drive - 800 Wii points Shockman - TurboGrafx - 600 Wii points Virtua Fighter 2 - 800 Wii points Wonder Boy in Monster World - 800 Wii points
Game Center CX is TV for retro game nerds
Fuji TV's Game Center CX has everything: exclusive developer interviews, looks at early versions of some of our favorite games, and, every episode, one man giving his very best to play a classic game to completion. The first season of the show focused more on the interviews and features; from season 2 on, the focus of the show became the gaming-- suffering along with host Shinya Arino as he tries to play old games from start to finish. The games range from the classic (Metroid, Prince of Persia, Actraiser) to the classic-to-us (Kato-chan & Ken-chan) to the painful (Takeshi no Chousenjou, which seems to have been designed as a cynical joke against gamers). Of course, the show is edited to fit into its format, so you aren't stuck watching all twelve hours or however long it takes.Crunk Games's Ray Barnholt is our hero for compiling this exhaustive episode guide. He has profiled the personalities and written detailed descriptions of each episode, including who is interviewed, what is discussed, and, most importantly, a play-by-play of the game sessions. Reading his descriptions is almost as good as watching the actual show. Speaking of the actual show, he's provided links to Japanese fanpages, at least one of which has Youtube links.We're generally glad that the Virtual Console is raising awareness of old games in general. Now we're glad that the VC enables whole new generations to do what Arino is doing, and experience game history first hand, one complete game at a time.Would you watch this kind of thing if it were on American TV? How about a similar show in English on the web? We wouldn't mind some personal narrative or gameplay videos on the Wii, to add value to the VC experience.
Funkotron Rage! Sega announces four new Virtual Console games
Sega has announced four new Genesis titles it will bringing to the Nintendo Wii Virtual Console. Historically, this means that all four titles will be available by the end of May. Side-scrolling beat-em-up Streets of Rage 2 and the funktastic Toe Jam & Earl 2: Panic on Funkotron are slated for release, as are Shining in the Darkness and Kid Chameleon. According to the press release, Genesis titles "start at 800 points" (US $8), though no game has yet surpassed that price point. The only two titles to break the standard price barriers are Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (600 points for the NES game) and R-Type (800 points for the TurboGrafx-16 game).[Via Gamasutra][Update: Corrected utterly nightmarish (but incorrect) Virtual Console price.]
Devilish coming to the US after basically FOREVER
Only two years after the Japanese release date, and sixteen years after the original Game Gear release, Devilish: Ball Bounder has an American publisher.Devilish is a Breakout-style game with complex level design, and, well, devilish trappings. UFO Interactive has it listed for a US release in "Summer 2007", though EBGames says the 17th of this month.It may not matter when the thing is coming out, because apparently it's far less than perfect. Being the rabid Arkanoid fans we are, we're still intrigued, although Devilish lacks touchscreen control and we always used the analog controller for Arkanoid.
DIY wireless Sega controller for Wii Virtual Console
It's literally been ages since we've held a piece of Sega hardware in our hands -- even our trusty old GameGear finally made the trip to gadget heaven -- but we'll never forger the first time we picked up a Genesis controller and were floored by the future of gaming. Its name? Altered Beast. Well as we all know, Sega ended up getting lost in the shuffle during the 20th century console wars, and all that's left today is a steady stream of new games and some classics that have found their way onto the Virtual Console. Isn't it appropriate, then, to get into the Sega spirit by playing these retro titles with genuine Sega controllers? Well you ain't gonna find them on shelves anymore, but if you've got an old gamepad lying around like Daniel Hearn did, its not all that difficult to roll your own wireless pad. All the parts you need -- save for the controller body itself -- can be found at the Sparkfuns and and RadioShacks of the world, and the linked guide gives you all the programming / construction resources you'll need. Big ups to the first reader who combines this project with the Mega Drive controller MP3 mod, creating a DAP whose functionality even the iPod can't touch.[Via Wii Fanboy]
Sega Genesis wireless controller hack brings back that lovin' feeling
Seeing games like Streets of Rage and Gunstar Heroes released on the Virtual Console has been a dream come true for Genesis enthusiasts, but there's something inauthentic about playing these titles with controllers forged by Sega's former adversary. It's like getting back together with an old lover, only to find that there's something missing.You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips.And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips.You're trying hard not to show it. But baby, baby I know it...Daniel Hearn refused to let his relationship with the Mega Drive slip away, hacking an old three-button pad to work with the Nintendo Wii wirelessly. Using similar NES/SNES controller mods as inspiration, he pieced this together with PIC microcontrollers, an iPod mini replacement battery, and other electronic junk. The detailed guide and wiring instructions that Daniel posted are far beyond our limited abilites, but if you don't mind applying a bit of Weird Science to win your love back, this definitely looks worth trying!
Alex Kidd, Wonder Boy, and 2D Virtua Fighter 2 slated for Virtual Console
Sega continues to throw its support toward Nintendo's Virtual Console by announcing three new titles that will likely be coming in the next few weeks: Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, Wonder Boy in Monster World and a 2-dimensional version of Virtua Fighter 2.Unfortunately, it is not the Virtua Fighter 2 that one might hope for. While the title was made originally for the arcade and Saturn, Sega is bringing the Genesis version to the Virtual Console. This far inferior version did not have an 3D engine and instead opted to approximate the renderings in 2D. It also excluded new characters Shun Di and Lion. Is this perhaps what spawned that Sega Saturn on Virtual Console rumor?It was around this time last month that Sega announced its releases for March, so expect to see these titles arrive within the coming weeks.
Excitebike, Splatterhouse, Beyond Oasis join Virtual Console line-up
Another Virtual Console Monday rears its ugly, beginning-of-the-week head, but the tiny sparkle of joy that is the Virtual Console offers some respite. Heading up the list of games this week is the NES classic Excitebike (500 Wii Points), the spiritual predecessor to Excite Truck. No motion-sensitive controls here, just daredevil racing and stunts in glorious 8-bit color. You can even design your own tracks!As promised, both Splatterhouse and Beyond Oasis are also available to download. Splatterhouse (600 Wii Points) is a side-scrolling brawler originally for the TurboGrafx16. This was the first game to ever receive a parental advisory disclaimer, though by today's standards it seems relatively meek. After the carnage is complete, the Sega Genesis action/adventure game Beyond Oasis (800 Wii Points) should cool your adrenal glands with a dose of lush 16-bit graphics.Vectorman is still on-target for a VC release this month, so expect it to head up next week's list.
In Defense of the Virtual Console's pricing
We've surveyed your irritation with the Virtual Console's rates and even had you calculate the exact amount of Wii points you've been swindled out of so far, but VGamp's Chris Sinclair argues that the game downloads aren't expensive at all. Chris listed eleven reasons to support his claim, even admitting that he would be willing to pay more for the retro titles. While he might come across as an inflexible apologist, some of his points make sense.According to Chris, you're getting a deal whenever you make a purchase on the Shopping Channel. For example, let's say that you put out the cash for Soldier Blade, a title that sometimes sells for $50+ on eBay. You're scoring a discount on a relatively rare game that's guaranteed to work decades from now, and you don't even have to pay for the TurboGrafx-16 console or the controllers to play it with. As an added bonus, many of these emulated games look better than they ever did before.Alright, so we're still not entirely convinced that Altered Beast is worth the 800 Wii points Sega is asking for, but we can see where Chris is going with this. What do you think? Does the pricing seem justified after considering his points, or do you still feel like you're being fleeced?
For the authentic Virtual Console experience: old Sears catalogs
Now for a reminder of what gaming looked like when the Virtual Console was a collection of actual consoles: these scans of old Sears Roebuck catalogs almost have us printing them out, circling the TurboDuo, and sending the page to our parents just in case they still need any Christmas shopping ideas for Christmas 1992.These catalogs looked cheesy to us back then too, but there's really a magic about them that is lost in game retail materials these days. Maybe it's just because the early 16-bit "system wars" were one of the most amazing periods in gaming history. Which side did you take in Genesis vs. Turbografx-16?[Via NeoGAF]
"Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis..."
With the opening bar of the third verse in his debut single "Juicy," Biggie prioritized a young male's desires, putting video games at the top of his (now fulfilled) wish list. The words resonated with youth everywhere; even with those who might not otherwise identify with the Brooklyn-bred 'Bad Boy.' Admit it, you've rapped along to the words..."Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis,When I was dead broke, man I couldn't picture this 50-inch screen, money green leather sofa..."KarmaLoop.com pays homage to these rhymes with a pricey ($29) concept tee.
Celebrate a rapper and the VC at the same time
Whether you're a fan of the rap music or not, chances are you've heard of Notorious B.I.G. Well, in the spirit of his song Juicy and its one random line "Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, when I was dead broke I couldn't picture this", this shirt has hit the internet for purchase. Personally, we'd buy it if we were paid in money (why did we sign a contract where our payment is pain?!), but figured those of you who love the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console service could also get a kick out of it.
The leaning tower of Sega
Thanks to Joystiq reader CrankSling for sending in this bit of retro goodness -- a Sega Genesis converted into a precarious teetering tower of plastic and silicon by a series of ill-advised add-ons. We can't imagine what would possess someone to actually construct this mostrosity except a deep desire to make a Genesis look like a vacuum cleaner. Anyone out there have a more ridiculously decked out system? Send in a picture and achieve internet immortality (for, like, 15 seconds).
Klegg Genesis GPS V-12 G01 / G02 navigation systems
While Klegg Electronics is typically known for its array of television sets and diminutive DAPs, these folks are now throwing down a new pair of GPS navigation systems in society's favorite color schemes. The Genesis V-12 G01 sports a trendy white / grey enclosure, 3.5-inch QVGA touchscreen LCD, a couple of LED indicators, rechargeable Li-ion battery, SD / MMC card slot, headphone jack, optional integrated microphone, audio / video playback, photo viewer, in-car mounting kit, and of course, the obligatory turn-by-turn guidance directed by a presumably robotic sounding dame. The G02 (pictured after the jump) features a black mesh motif, and interestingly enough, Klegg doesn't elaborate on why the ebony unit is superior to the G01, as both units tout the exact same specifications (sound familiar?), but the company does manage toss in a 1GB SD card with each unit. Although there's no hard details concerning price or availability, the G01 should reportedly end up running you somewhere close to $300 whenever these siblings land.Read - Klegg GPS V-12 G01Read - Klegg GPS V-12 G02[Via MobileWhack]
Dreamcast: the system that won't die [update 1]
Remember way back in January 2001 when Sega quit the hardware race and put their last system, the Dreamcast, out to pasture? Apparently no one told Japan, because now, six years later, they're still coming out with new games for the system over in the land of the rising sun. Sega Nerds has some details on three top-down shooters being released for the Dreamcast in the next few months: Last Hope, Trigger Heart Excelica and Karous. Casual importers should be particularly interested in the region-free Last Hope, which can be played on any Dreamcast without modification. Retro importers can pre-order all three games from Play-asia. Between these official releases for the Dreamcast, recent homebrew releases for the Genesis and Atari 2600 and the increasing prevalence of top-loading Famiclones, we may be entering a new era of support for classic consoles. As long as someone out there is willing to play, the market will find them. I know I'm personally clamoring for some new 3DO games. [Update: Fixed a link and the characterization as "top down" shooters. Thanks Brandon] [Thanks Keldon]
Console evolution in pictures
By Knuttz's count, it's taken 70 steps, including many retreads, to get from Odyssey to Wii. You can view each of these steps -- all 71 consoles -- in this scrolling gallery. (Note: handhelds have been omitted.)
Gunstar, Mean Bean, and 2 more invade VC Mondays
Nintendo has announced the four new titles coming to the Virtual Console today. As predicted, TurboGrafx-16's Alien Crush makes the list, although the also-mentioned Dungeon Explorer is currently MIA. The other three titles are Gunstar Heroes, Dr. Robotnik's Mean Bean Machine (both Genesis) and Ice Hockey (NES), which were all featured on the launch list for the US Virtual Console.Also on the launch list, but still absent, are Baseball, Tennis, Urban Champion (all NES), Space Harrier II and Toe Jam & Earl (both Genesis). As noted by Joystiq tipster Eric B., Sega lists Space Harrier II landing next Monday (December 18) and Toe Jam & Earl arriving Christmas Day. Assuming Dungeon Explorer makes the list by 2006 -- it, too, was on the list -- that's at least six more titles we can expect before the New Year. With any luck, we'll also see a few better titles purported by Nintendo -- that is, unless it interferes with Reggie's strategies.The four new VC titles today will be added at 12:00pm EST. Ice Hockey is 500 points, Alien Crush 600, and both Genesis titles are 800 points apiece.Keep up on: Virtual Console Mondays[Thanks, ElChibo and Shadow Hog]
Nintendo promises four VC games every Monday
After a bit of an inconsistent start, Nintendo has finally decided to standardize the release of classic game downloads on the Wii's Shop Channel. Starting this week, the company will make available four virtual console downloads every Monday at 9 a.m. Pacific time. The following titles will be available on Dec. 4: Donkey Kong Jr. (500 Wii points - NES*) Victory Run (600 points - TG-16) Columns (800 points - Genesis) Ristar (800 points - Genesis) While we're happy to see Nintendo add some regularity to the release of new content, we can't help but wonder why there have been so few SNES and N64 games announced for the virtual console thus far. Is Nintendo trying to hook new users with lower-priced, older games, or are they just reluctant to put out downloads that require a Gamecube pad or a somewhat-hard-to-find classic controller? Or neither. Or both. Or something else! Hooray for rhetorical questions!* - Mistakenly listed in the press release as SNES[Via Gaming Bits]
What Sega Genesis Collection is missing
The Sega Genesis Collection has been earning some good reviews from critics. Featuring 28 games at a bargain price, it's certainly a steal (especially compared to the insane prices of Sega's Virtual Console offerings). However, Modojo points out the titles that could've been part of this collection to make quite possibly the greatest game anthology ever. Here's but a sampling of their suggestions:
