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VC in Brief: Fantasy Zone II (Sega Master System)
Fantasy Zone II: The Tears of Opa-Opa (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)We say: Shmup and Sega fanboys will gobble this up This week, we've got classic shmup Fantasy Zone II on the Virtual Console. And, just like the first game, it's a whole bunch of colorful fun. Featuring infectious music, pleasant locales, and plenty of coins to collect, it's a solid choice for someone looking for a shmup that isn't Gradius. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: SimEarth (TG16)
SimEarth: The Living Planet (TG16 CD-ROM, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)We say: Best played on PC This week's release is an oldie, but a goodie: SimEarth: The Living Planet for the TurboGrafx-16. It's been a long time since I played this game, and it's still as fun as I remember it. It's much better on the PC (way better controls), but, if this is your only way to play the game, I'd suggest you check it out. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Space Harrier (Arcade)
Space Harrier (Arcade, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)We say: Way superior to the Sega Genesis port; fun on-rails shmupVirtual Console-savvy readers likely remember this video for Space Harrier. Well, that's the bunk Sega Master System version (fun as it may be), and this week, the real deal arcade version arrives. It's superior in just about every way to the Sega Master System version already on the service (including price, sadly). So, if you're going to drop that $8 you earned from mowing lawns and shaving pets on Space Harrier, make sure it's the superior arcade version here. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Ghengis Khan II (SNES)
Ghengis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf (SNES, 1 - 2 players, 800 Wii Points)We say: Strategy nuts will enjoy, but most should passThis week, the Virtual Console receives a strategic update in Ghengis Khan II: Clan of the Gray Wolf for the SNES. Oh, and hey, we're totally back with VC in Brief, after taking a short hiatus for E3. Are you glad we're back? We are! So, without further ado, let's get to it! Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (N64)
This week, the Virtual Console finally gets Majora's Mask for the N64. Some people think Ocarina of Time is better, and some people don't. And some people probably never played either, which is something that should be addressed with one's person therapist or physician.%Gallery-63597% Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Galaxy Force II (Sega Genesis)
Galaxy Force II (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)We say: Unique shmup that genre fans will enjoyYes, we know, it's tough to be excited about Virtual Console offerings when every other week's goodies are shmups. Galaxy Force II, however, is a pretty unique one and well worth your time (and, perhaps, your money). See what we're talking about in the video above, and be sure to catch up with past installments through our VC in Brief tag.%Gallery-63165% Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Tower Toppler (C64)
Tower Toppler (Commodore 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points)We say: Tough, but unique; puzzle and platforming fans will likely enjoy itThis week, we have one new Virtual Console title to play with: Tower Toppler on the C64. It's an inventive title, and very unique when compared to the usual goodies found on the service, but it's also pretty tough. Progressing past the first tower alone was something I couldn't accomplish, so if you sign up, keep that in mind before you go trying to shatter my world record. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Nobunaga's Ambition (SNES)
Nobunaga's Ambition (Super NES, 1-8 players, 800 Wii Points)We say: Only for the diehard strategy fans This week, we've got one new game to play on the Virtual Console and, depending on the type of gamer you are, it's either going to be a real snoozer or an incredibly deep experience. If you love some strategy, then consider yourself in the latter group. If you're more of the type of person that shoots from the hip, then consider this game an overdose of Ambien. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Wonder Boy III (Sega Genesis)
Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points)We say: 800 different versions of this on Virtual Console, so pick one This week is like a punch to the face if you're a fan of the Virtual Console. Wonder Boy is back ... for the millionth time and, oh, look, I get to play it again! Yay! Sarcasm. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure (Sega Genesis)
Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)We say: Platforming fans will enjoy it!This week, the Virtual Console has one title on offer: Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure. Perhaps it's nostalgia, or perhaps it's a void of proper platforming in my life, but I found myself hypnotized by this title. If you enjoy 2D platforming, then I'd suggest you hop on this train with me and ride it until the rails come off. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (SNES)
Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)We say: Patient gamers should check it out!New Horizons is a game that will appeal to strategy fans and pretty much nobody else. Even though it has a fairly unique and fun combat system, the hurdle of getting into significant combat and actually progressing the game is hard to climb, given the game's clumsy out-of-combat controls and complicated menu system. It's still fun, but be prepared to spend plenty of time doing a lot of mundane tasks before you actually can get into the tasty bits of gameplay. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Super Punch-Out!! (SNES)
Super Punch-Out!! (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)We say: download it!Super Punch-Out!! is one of the great classics to grace the SNES. There's really no excuse one can provide for not having this (outside of not owning a Wii, being dead, or hating everything that is good and decent), so scrounge up eight bucks and enjoy. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Bomberman '94 (TG16) and Detana Twin Bee (TG16)
Well, this is a surprise: A week with two Virtual Console releases. And all from Hudson? We guess Nintendo liked that fruitcake from last year's Virtual Console participant party. As usual, feel free to watch this week's releases in motion above or, if you're more for images of the motionless variety, head past the break. Or ... do both. Go ahead, go mad with power.
VC in Brief: Summer Games II (C64)
Summer Games II (C64, 1-8 players, 500 Wii Points)We say: do not downloadSummer Games II features 8 different sports that are just horrible to play. The controls and gameplay just leave a lot to be desired, and the game has not held up well. It's just plain bad, and my time with it will be easily forgotten. Avoid this one, folks. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars (SMS)
Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)We say: do not downloadAlex Kidd: The Lost Stars hides a very basic and redundant gameplay formula beneath its outer coat of bright pixels and wonderfully imaginative enemies. It's a game that hasn't held up too well over time, and will likely serve as nothing more than a reminder of one's childhood for a few minutes. Skip this one. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Ogre Battle (SNES)
Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (SNES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points)We say: download it!Ogre Battle is both extremely strategic and incredibly deep. It has a lot to offer fans of the genre (including endless gameplay that never ends) and, really, this is the best (and cheapest) way to get your hands on the game. We know, because we checked. On Wikipedia. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Pit Stop II, The Last Ninja, and International Karate
Another Monday means another edition of VC in Brief, which is kind of like a guy talking over some retro games. Actually, that's exactly what this is! Man, when it comes to describing things, we take the cake. And then we eat that cake. And then we have a sugar crash.Head past the break for more detail on these games, or simply watch the video above. Enjoy!
VC in Brief: Life Force (NES)
Life Force (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii PointsWe say: download it! This week, we've only one Virtual Console game again, and it's another shmup. Thankfully, it's also a Gradius (reminder: Gradius is awesome) clone, which makes it all okay. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Wolf of the Battlefield: MERCS
Wolf of the Battlefield: MERCS (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)We say: download it! MERCS is a pretty badass game. It has all of the key elements needed for an action game circa the early '90s: a buff hero; explosions; and wave after wave of expendable enemy soldiers. My entire time with the title has been a treat, so if you're a fan of shmups or action games in general, you should check this out. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
VC in Brief: Sonic Chaos
Sonic Chaos (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points)We say: do not downloadWe're back doing videos for you, under a new site and a new name. But all of this new stuff won't get in the way of the tried-and-true flavor that has permeated these videos in the past, we assure you. This week, we've got Sonic Chaos available for download on the Virtual Console, so hit up the video above and see if it's worth your time (and money!).It feels good to be back. Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks.
