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Virtual Console's classic JRPGs: What holds up?
This is a column by Jason Schreier dedicated to the analysis (and occasional mocking) of his favorite genre, the Japanese role-playing game. Whether it's because they're too antiquated or just too niche, he believes JRPGs don't get enough attention in the gaming industry today. It's time to change that. Last week, we dug into the PlayStation Network's library of old-school JRPGs, suffering through blocky graphics and annoying voice acting in a valiant effort to figure out what games are still worth playing in 2011. This week, we attack the Wii's Virtual Console. Granted, Nintendo hates American JRPG fans, as evidenced by the publisher's refusal to localize critically acclaimed games like Xenoblade, but its Wii Shop Channel has a surprisingly robust selection of classics, mostly thanks to the Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. We had it good during the 16-bit era. Real good. Like last time, I'll be spending 30-60 minutes with each JRPG -- certainly not enough time to properly review a game, but enough to get a feel for whether it holds up today, and how it compares to my memories of it. (I've played each game to completion at various points over the past two decades. Some of them multiple times.) Let's roll.
VC Monday Madness: Phantasy Star IV
Phantasy Star IV (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)Wii Fanboy says: download it! Not much going down this week, as we've only got one Virtual Console game available for download. Luckily, it's a good one, as the turn-based combat and everything on offer here in Phantasy Star IV is very enjoyable. If you're looking to kill some time this holiday season, then shell out the $8 and enjoy. Each week, we here at Wii Fanboy like to check out the latest Virtual Console releases in our VC Monday Madness feature, in the hopes that you can make the most sound decision possible regarding purchasing retro titles from the Wii Shop Channel. If you're looking for more retro goodness, check out Virtually Overlooked, which talks about games that should be on the Virtual Console.
Wiikly Wares: Phantasy Star IV faces Tiki Towers, Fun! Fun! Minigolf
For Christmas 2006, Nintendo gave us Super Mario Bros., Street Fighter II, Super Castlevania IV and an overpriced R-Type. Last holiday, we got Blades of Steel, Rolling Thunder 2 and Donkey Kong Country 3. This year's gifts from Nintendo are one decently sized retro outing and two stocking stuffers.WiiWare Tiki Towers (RealArcade, 1 -2 players, 500 Wii Points): Think World of Goo, but less sticky and with more bananas. Worth noting that the game is also available on the iPhone, without multiplayer but at only $0.99. Video of the game embedded after the break. Fun! Fun! Minigolf (Shin'en Multimedia, 1-4 players, 900 Wii Points): It's minigolf. We're not going to help you figure that one out. Virtual Console Phantasy Star IV (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): This marks the last in the series on Sega's console, before remakes hit the PlayStation 2 and the whole series went online. The only way for Virtual Console to go now is backwards, as we still haven't seen Phantasy Star I come out.
Retail and download releases for the week of Dec 22nd
Well, folks, with this being Christmas week and all, there aren't any new retail releases available. But, that doesn't mean we don't get some new gaming content. WiiWare and the Virtual Console are here to the rescue! So, without further delay, head past the break and check out what's new on Wii this week.
VC Friday: Mega Phriday
Unless you've got a PS2 or a PSP, there's really no excuse to miss out on downloading Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium, a game that is treated with justifiable reverence by fans of the franchise's early years. Mega Man 3 might not represent the peak of its respective series, but it's still worth a punt for 500 points. Especially as you don't have to look at this. Mega Man 3 -- NES -- 500 Wii Points Phantasy Star IV: The End of the Millennium -- Mega Drive -- 800 Wii Points You know the drill: embedded footage of both games is past the jump.%Gallery-32143%
