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Wii Warm Up: All new (to you)
All this week, we're celebrating retro goodness here at Wii Fanboy -- call it an extension of Virtually Overlooked -- and we thought we'd start right here with a question that's perfect to ponder while you're having that morning coffee. With over 100 games now available on the Virtual Console, many of you have probably played something this time around that you never got around to before. As new experiences, how do these games hold up? Or are you unwilling to buy anything you didn't already love in a past life?So why is the ActRaiser box featured here? Because this blogger never played it back in the day, and after playing it now, pretty much considers the sixteen years without ActRaiser to be a mockery of life.
VC Friday: Shooting rubber balloons
At the very least, this is a great week for pricing on the Virtual Console -- all three of the games are near the lower end of the pricing scheme, and for gamers trying to collect 'em all (or at least, as many as they can!), that's usually good news. Don't think that limits the choices, however; this week, you can choose your poison -- puzzle, shooter, or ... uh ... Balloon Fight. It's fighting. With balloons. Which is, of course, awesome. Adventures of Lolo - NES - 500 Wii points Balloon Fight - NES - 500 Wii points Dead Moon - TurboGrafx - 600 Wii points
Australia to be Bonked
Australia never got an official release of the NEC Turbografx-16 system, so they never got the chance to ignore classics like Bonk's Adventure and Alien Crush like we did here in the States. Hudson, proving that they are good people, are going to start releasing Turbografx games on the Virtual Console in Australia, starting this July. They plan to release more than 60 games this year, which is 36 more than are currently available in the US. That indicates that not only will Australia be completely caught up with us, but that we'll all get a bunch more TG16 games this year!Does this mean that we'll get MSX games in the US? Please?
This week on the Japanese Virtual Console: Golden Kung Fu Adventures
Hey, a Japanese Virtual Console update we don't have to be jealous of! Usually, Japan gets all kinds of great stuff, and we get, at best, Japan's great stuff from a month ago. This week: nothing to fret about, really. Front Line (Famicom, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points) Adventures of Lolo (Famicom, 1 player, 500 Wii Points) Golden Axe II (Mega Drive, 1-2 players, 600 Wii Points) The Kung Fu (PC Engine, 1 player, 600 Wii Points) We like Golden Axe II, but we feel confident it'll be here soon. We already know we're getting The Kung Fu this month (as China Warrior). We've never played Front Line, but it looks very ... proto-NES. That leaves Lolo, which, as a HAL Laboratory title and an okay game, is no doubt the subject of a lot of frothing demand. It'll come out here eventually!
VC Monday Madness: Link leads the Panic on Funkotron
As we reported on Friday, today sees the release of the 100th game on Nintendo's Virtual Console service. Along with it, gamers will get the chance to download three additional titles for the NES, Sega Genesis and TurboGrafx16. These games are: Milon's Secret Castle (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points) Toejam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points) Dead Moon (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points) Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points) There you have it, this week's Virtual Console releases. Sadly, we won't be able to follow this post with our usual video wrap up as I'm having issues with my camera at the moment. So, keep an eye on Nintendo's Virtual Console page for some video when they get it up.
Three titles join Zelda II's Virtual Console celebration
After approximately 325 different and generally inappropriate permutations, we finally concluded that the above and dreadfully straightforward headline would be best suited to conveying the arrival of today's four new old Virtual Console games. "Zelda Moons Midori on Funkotron" was certainly a viable option, but it simply inspired the wrong sort of mental image. We actually want you to envision these four games arriving on the Wii's Virtual Console service at 9AM PST today: Milon's Secret Castle (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): Though it's not much of a secret castle if the title gives it away, it certainly is one that adheres to video game tradition. Expect to rescue a princess and several valuable items -- musical instruments in this case -- within its recesses. ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron (Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Video game tradition is given the boot here, with amusingly mismatched aliens, Toejam & Earl, saving their planet by ridding it of a human scourge. Dead Moon (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): Alright, now we're back to protecting the Earth from alien invasion. It's why we have side-scrolling shooters like this one. Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): Everyone's favorite pointy-eared protagonist returns to Hyrule in the Virtual Console's 100th release. Aid Link in his battle against the forces of evil, Zelda's newfound narcoleptic tendencies and an endless wave of best Zelda ever / worst Zelda ever controversy.
Wii Warm Up: 100 games
This week bears witness to the 100th game released on the Virtual Console. Doesn't it seem strange that we've already reached such a milestone? While not everything about the Virtual Console can be perfect for everyone, of course, we must say that we're pleased that they've held to such a regular schedule of releases. If there's nothing for you in any given week, you've only to wait for the next. So now that we've reached this milestone, how do you feel about the Virtual Console so far?
Virtual Console sales up in the period post-Ninja Spirit
Big Virtual Console sales numbers make us happy. Nintendo reported today that they've sold 4.7 million Virtual Console downloads worldwide. Game|Life's Chris Kohler did the math (as he did for the last release of VC sales data) and found that the 1.4 million games sold in May is more than twice the average sales for any month in the previous quarter. What got you guys buying last month? It was Dave's videos, wasn't it? Or was it the bounty of ninja games? Either way, we're delighted.
VC Friday: Rage of ToeJam
Look, we were required to make the ToeJam joke. It's a contractual obligation, and it's early on Friday morning. We can't be held responsible! In fact, that might even make a good game: IN A WORLD FILLED WITH TOEJAM GONE WILD, ONE MAN MUST STAND AGAINST THE TIDE. Yeah. That right there? That's why we write video game news and not actual video games. Here, we'll distract you from our failure with the bevy of (expensive) new Virtual Console releases available today in Europe: Kid Chameleon - Sega Mega Drive - 800 Wii points Streets of Rage II - Sega Mega Drive - 800 Wii points ToeJam & Earl in Panic on Funkotron - Sega Mega Drive - 800 Wii points World Sports Competition - TurboGrafx - 600 Wii points
13 minute Ninja Gaiden speedrun: We are all inadequate
Not all speedruns are worth covering on Wii Fanboy, but when the game is Ninja Gaiden, we think everybody should know about it. We were happy the one time we made a run of Ninja Gaiden, and that took like a week. But not only did Tommy Montgomery complete Ninja Gaiden, but he did so in a record-setting 13:49. That's it. We quit gaming. You guys can go watch the video after the break, then download Ninja Gaiden on the Virtual Console and try it yourselves.Check the link for videos of other Ninja Gaiden speedruns too. We're just going to sit for a minute, and reevaluate our lives.
ActRaiser, Kid Chameleon on the Virtual Console
Each week, Nintendo unveils enough Virtual Console goodness to keep us occupied for seven whole days. Three new classic games make an appearance today, spanning the genres from simulation to platformer to ... well, they're mostly platformers. But the inclusion of ActRaiser means you'll have at least one game worthy of your precious Wii Points. ActRaiser (SNES, 800 Wii Points) - The classis SNES game that combines side-scrolling platform elements with a Sim City-esque urban planning simulation. J.J. & Jeff (TG-16, 600 Wii Points) - A "comical action game" starring two detectives solving cases in a platformer-style adventure. Kid Chameleon (Genesis, 800 Wii Points) - Work your way through over 100 levels in this early Genesis platformer. Take on different forms such as Berzerker, Micromax, or a Skycutter, each with unique abilities.
June: best VC month ever for a small subset of Wii Fanboy bloggers
We need to write Virtually Overlooked columns about Turbografx-16 launch games more often, because we look really cool when those games show up on the Virtual Console. Last time it was Ninja Spirit; this Monday: J.J. & Jeff! We'll say it right now, before the actual Madness ensues: buy it if you like Adventure Island. We obviously love it. Sure, it's not the Japanese version, but it's functionally identical. We'd like to personally thank Hudson for pushing World Sports Competition back a month to give us J.J. & Jeff that much sooner. And after capping off May with a great game that only we like, Hudson is giving us more weird, wonderful TG16 stuff in June. We might be the only people who like China Warrior, but we really like China Warrior. It's a Kung Fu clone starring a Bruce Lee clone, and it has giant sprites. Also flying tea. It's weirdly enjoyable, and one of the games we've been waiting for since we first heard about Turbografx-16 games on the Virtual Console. Also coming in June: Dead Moon, Bloody Wolf, and, of course, World Sports Competition.But, as usual, Japan's getting the real treasure: Bonk 3, China Warrior, Neutopia 2, Silent Debuggers, and ... Devil's Crush. We wish we had the money to buy everyone a copy of Devil's Crush. Even if you don't think you'll like it, you need it.
VC Friday: Ready, aim, fire vegetable
Give us a second here -- we're going to gush for a moment over Super Mario Bros. 2, and burn with jealousy that we're not in Europe today. We would trade our weekend plans for a little face time with this classic, but it looks like we'll have to wait. Some nice choices available today on the Virtual Console -- let us know what sounds good to you!Today on the Virtual Console: Blazing Lazers -- TurboGrafx -- 600 Wii points Mach Rider -- NES -- 500 Wii points Super Mario Bros. 2 -- NES -- 500 Wii points
Paper Mario pencilled into the VC release schedule
The N64 version of Paper Mario is soon to hit the Virtual Console, according to a recent magazine article.If you've just finished Super Paper Mario and are after some more dimension-shifting hyper-realism , then this is the place to get it. The 2001 classic is more of an RPG than its younger sibling, with turn based combat, so bear that in mind if you're thinking of shelling out the Wii points. No news on release dates as yet -- we'll keep you posted.
Ryu Hayabusa apparently enjoys the Virtual Console
Our sleeveless-ninja-suit-wearing friend from Tecmo is already planning his return, according to new listings found on the ESRB's site. Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos was released in 1990 in the U.S., just one year after Tecmo presented the first game. It features the same kind of side-scrolling action as the original, with the addition of shadow-ninja clones like the ones found in Ninja Spirit. The box warns that the game is "hard to beat!!" and we can in fact confirm this. Also newly rated is Sega's Shining in the Darkness, the first game in the Shining series. Don't be discouraged by the fact that the series has been thoroughly ruined by countless mediocre spinoffs and sequels-- while Shining in the Darkness isn't as well-regarded as the Shining Force games, it can still be fun for people who are into hardcore dungeon crawling. [Via GoNintendo]
New Wii download service (not VC) coming, hints Impossible Mission dev
System 3 CEO Mark Cale, whose company is updating the Commodore 64 title Impossible Mission, has told PAL Gaming Network that a new service for downloading content on Nintendo Wii is forthcoming and that Nintendo should be making an announcement within the next two months."I wouldn't say Virtual Console, because they're not actually calling it the Virtual Console," he said, while suggesting that Nintendo's service will be similar to how Microsoft has set up Xbox Live. A separate Wii "Game Channel" for original content has been mentioned before by Hudson Entertainment director of marketing John Lee. Is Nintendo considering revamping its download service or simply augmenting what's there? We certainly wouldn't be opposed to a better way of organizing or VC titles. Nothing is official and such a download system, if true, might be nixed before public unveiling. Cale went on to say that Microsoft are "years ahead" of Sony and Nintendo regarding their ability to provide downloadable content and later added that he expects the Nintendo to "roll out their strategy" within the next two months. [Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
Wii Warm Up: But what about five dollars?
Do you ever get the urge to put, say, just outright buy an NES game on the Virtual Console without leaving extra money lying around on your Wii in the form of points? If so, too bad. Suffer.There's a lot to love about the Virtual Console (we've downloaded several of the reasons), but the system for adding points is not one of them. Does it bother you that you must add funds in set increments? Is it time for everyone to get away from these point systems and buying blocks and just let us perform direct dollar-for-dollar transactions? It's not like they're fooling us. Even if converting points-to-dollars required a complex mathematical formula, we'd be able to perform it lightning fast. After all, we're serious fans here. Or do you feel it's a non-issue? It's likely that we'll spend the points anyway. We did mention that we're serious fans, right?
Original DLC to have own service on Wii?
When it comes to original titles, don't look to the Virtual Console -- System 3's CEO Mark Cale recently let slip that Nintendo will be utilizing a different service for new downloadable games. When discussing the forthcoming release of Impossible Mission with PALGN, Cale said, "I wouldn't say Virtual Console, because they're not actually calling it the Virtual Console ...." In a way, this makes sense, but it opens the doors of speculation as to just what this other download service will be like. We would have assumed it would simply be another feature of the Shopping channel, but Cale indicated the service might resemble Xbox Live Arcade. If Cale is to be believed, we don't have long to wait when it comes to finding out just how things will be handled -- he expects Nintendo will start making announcements within the next two months.
Kid Chameleon, Zonk for Japanese Virtual Console this week
Warning sign of things to come: This week's Virtual Console update in Japan has got us buying up Wii Points and deleting the Everybody Votes Channel in anticipation. This Wednesday, Wii owners lucky enough to have access to the awesome Japanese Virtual Console will be able to download Hudson's Air Zonk, the future-Bonk cute 'em up for the Turbografx-16. Also from Hudson, Challenger for the Famicom, which we hadn't really heard of! And in a shocking turn of events, Japan is just now getting Bravoman. U.S.A.! U.S.A.! The last item on the list is Sega's Kid Chameleon for the Genesis, which, in addition to being a fun platformer with a lot of mask-based personas and abilities, is a great argument for the Virtual Console's save system.
Paper Mario to be folded into Virtual Console
It's a great time for people who can't get enough of beloved mascots that also happen to be two-dimensional. First we get Super Paper Mario last month, now a new issue of Nintendo Power -- which is really close friends with Nintendo -- is listing the N64's Paper Mario among its 'top picks' of upcoming Virtual Console games. We would have done that too if we had known it was coming! Cheaters.Beyond our frustration at not knowing all the secrets of Shigeru Wonka's factory, we're just happy to see some fresh N64 releases coming to the VC. This would be just the fifth title from 64 since the Wii was launched last November.
