Take on Final Fantasy III

As we revealed recently, SquareEnix is backing Virtual Console with a pair of classic RPGs, kicking off this week with the one and only Final Fantasy III, also known as Final Fantasy VI.

Virtual Console

Final Fantasy III (Super NES, 900pts) — This is an excellent chance for Wii owners in Europe to play Square's well-regarded RPG, which was never released on Super NES on the continent. We'll bring you a full review soon.

WiiWare

BINGO PARTY Deluxe (Ateam Inc., 500pts) — Ever fancied playing bingo on your Wii? Well now you can, with Ateam Inc's version of the famous number game allowing up to four bingo fanatics to play together. We'll yell out our review score shortly.

WiiWare Demos

Learning with the PooYoos: Episode 2 (Lexis Numerique) — A free trial of the second in Lexis Numerique's pre-school educational game, you can find out what the complete version is like by reading our Learning with the PooYoos Episode 2 review.

DSiWare

Castle Conqueror (CIRCLE Entertainment, 500pts) — A real-time strategy game for beginners, this is actually a pretty good effort from CIRCLE. Read our Castle Conqueror review for more information.

Arctic Escape (Teyon, 500pts) — This top-down puzzle game from Teyon borrows elements from games such as Chu Chu Rocket and Lemmings, and although the combination isn't quite as successful as its inspirations it's still a decent purchase, as our Arctic Escape review explains.

5-in-1 Mahjong (cerasus.media, 200pts) — One of the best representations of mahjong solitaire available on DSiWare, our 5-in-1 Mahjong review thought.

MASTER MAGIC, BATTLE MONSTERS AND LOSE YOURSELF IN A WORLD OF WONDERMENT
Check out the latest WiiWare, Nintendo DSiWare and Virtual Console games available for download this Friday!

Prepare to enter the mystical world of FINAL FANTASY® III available on Virtual Console this week. As part of the legendary series of games, FINAL FANTASY® III mixes all the successful elements of the franchise into one epic game. Immerse yourself in the rich story and battle ancient creatures with powerful magical weapons. Unearth the truth to save the world from falling into chaos as once again magic runs wild across the land.

On WiiWare this week, be sure to shout BINGO as loud as you can as BINGO PARTY Deluxe makes its way onto the Wii Shop Channel. Play with up to four friends at a time to enjoy a fun, action packed night of chance.

Meanwhile Castle Conqueror, on Nintendo DSiWare, is a simple to pick-up strategy simulator that will see you command your army in an attempt to outwit the enemy commander. 5 in 1 Mahjong will also put your brain to the test in a fresh take on a classic game. If you prefer something a little less mentally taxing, then try your hand at helping to guide some kidnapped penguins back to Antarctica in Arctic Escape – a puzzle game that may leave you in a flap.

Virtual Console – FINAL FANTASY® III (SQUARE ENIX, Super Nintendo, 900 Wii Points)

Originally released as FINAL FANTASY III on SNES in North America, this game is in fact FINAL FANTASY VI from the main series chronology. Continuing the long history of FINAL FANTASY games, FINAL FANTASY III allows you to enter the world of the Espers. Mythical magic beings, thought long extinct until the discovery of one buried deep in the ice sparks a series of magic attacks amongst citizens using MagiTek weapons.

Who or what is behind the rediscovery and redeployment of this legendary power? What chaotic plans exist that will wreck havoc on this orderly world?

WiiWare - BINGO PARTY Deluxe (Ateam Inc., 500 Wii Points)

The ultimate BINGO game collection! BINGO PARTY Deluxe includes classic BINGO games and an exciting new BINGO PARTY mode for more interactive fun.

In BINGO PARTY Deluxe, play with up to four players in 75-Ball BINGO, 90- Ball BINGO, or BINGO PARTY game modes. The more you play, the more BINGO points you collect. Keep collecting BINGO points to unlock many fun goodies in the game including new game modes, BINGO card patterns, and more.

All BINGO game modes can be played with computer players, with difficulty settings to adjust your skill level.

WiiWare Demo* – Learning with the PooYoos: Episode 2

Nintendo DSiWare – Castle Conqueror (CIRCLE Ent., 500 Nintendo DSi Points)

Castle Conqueror is a real-time strategy game, perfect for those who want to dabble in the genre for the first time. You play a commander who must resist the enemy empire and save the lives of the people he is sworn to protect.

There are five chapters in total to complete, with each containing 10 stages. The rules are easy to pick up and made for fun gaming. Play this game using the stylus on the Nintendo DSi Touch Screen. Select the player’s castle, and then send your army to storm the enemy’s castle in real time. Capture the castle and destroy your enemies to earn gold that you can use to upgrade your commander’s abilities and to buy items that will help you win more battles. Select commanders and different cards to upgrade your army or castle. If, at the end of a battle, you have managed to occupy the enemy's castle, you win!

Nintendo DSiWare – 5 in 1 Mahjong (cerasus.media, 200 Nintendo DSi Points)

Take a fresh look at one of the world’s oldest games in Classic Mahjong mode which will allow you to choose from one of 300 layouts in three difficulty levels as you test your mental prowess.

However, if you want something a little different, then why not try Countdown mode where you only have 20 minutes to complete the puzzle. Train your memory effectively with Remember mode, don’t hesitate in Shuffle or act quickly to find the right set of tiles in Match mode.

But don’t despair if you get flummoxed by this ancient game, handy hints will always be available, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Nintendo DSiWare – Arctic Escape (Teyon, 500 Nintendo DSi Points)
Take control of a group of penguins as they try to make their way back to Antarctica after being abducted by a cunning scientist. Lead your penguins safely through over 100 frosty levels by using commands such as walking, jumping or waiting to plot your way through. Without you they have no chance of survival so guide them to avoid broken ice areas, falling cages, wolves and other dangerous obstacles.