Below are ten arcade classics that we would love to see on the Virtual Console Arcade. Keep in mind that these games are listed in no particular order. Now we know that there are a ton of great games we left out, but we only had ten spots to fill, after all. We also tried to avoid tossing in too many obvious choices in order to keep the list a bit more interesting. Now on to the list.
Popeye is one of those oft-forgotten Nintendo classic arcade titles that generally gets lost among all of the Donkey Kong and Mario Bros. games. The game takes the premise of the Popeye cartoon series in which Popeye is trying to rescue his true love Olive Oil from the clutches of the evil Bluto. As Popeye, you have to run around catching all of the kisses that Olive Oil is blowing at you. Of course you'll have to avoid Bluto until you can eat your can of spinach and knock the bully out once and for all. While not quite on par with the Donkey Kong games, Popeye is still one of the more playable arcade titles of the era.
Donkey Kong is where it all began for our favorite plumber, although at the time he was still moonlighting as a carpenter. Donkey Kong has kidnapped Mario's girlfriend and carried her to the top of an unfinished building. Mario must climb his way up the building as Donkey Kong tosses a barrage of items at Mario in an attempt to stop him. Donkey Kong was not only one of the most popular games of its time period, it was also one of the most playable. While we've already seen the NES version of the game released on the Virtual Console, it's missing the famous "Pie Factory" level that fans of the game love so much. The Virtual Console Arcade would be the perfect opportunity for Nintendo to finally release the best version of the game complete with this normally missing level.
Shinobi might not have enjoyed the success it deserved during its early run in arcades, but that doesn't make it any less great. It's also the game that introduced the gaming world to Joe Musashi and the unique multi-layered playing area the game featured. The classic platforming action combined with the ninja-style game play made for one amazing arcade experience and one that definitely deserves another chance to shine via the Virtual Console arcade.
When Strider first burst onto the arcade scene, there was really nothing else quite like it. Everything about the game was flashy and over-the-top. From the outstanding visuals to the advanced play control system, it was impossible to play Strider without being completely blown away. From the multi-directional scrolling to the unique grappling action, there were plenty of unique features that made the game such a beloved action/platformer. While the Mega Drive version of the game was impressive, there's still nothing quite like the actual arcade version of the game.
As great as the original Donkey Kong was, its sequel is every bit as good. Donkey Kong Jr. turned the tables and this time around Mario became the antagonist. In an effort to exact revenge on Donkey Kong for kidnapping his girlfriend, Mario turns around and kidnaps the big ape himself and now it's up to Donkey Kong Jr. to rescue his papa from the clutches of Mario. You'll have to climb your way through 4 amazing levels, once again crawling with dangers. Unlike the NES Donkey Kong release on the Virtual Console that was missing a level from the arcade release, the NES version of Donkey Kong Jr. features all of the arcade levels. That being said, it would still be nice to have the actual arcade version of the game available on the Virtual Console.
Karnov is one of those classic arcade titles that somehow got swept under the rug for the most part when it was first released in arcades. Not only did it not fare well in arcades, but even the few ports the game saw didn't exactly light up the sales charts. The actual game play system is a bit simplistic, even for its time period, but you can't help but love the level designs and unique power-up and item system the game uses. And who doesn't love a fire-breathing Russian? The game featured a fairly high level of difficulty, so it's certainly not for the faint of heart, but if you can appreciate a great classic side-scroller, you'll definitely love Karnov.
Arabian is another game that many people don't even know exists. When Atari put this game into arcades, even the company spokespeople didn't have many kind words to say about the game, supposedly even going so far as to not hand out the flyers for the game at the electronics show the year the game made its debut. But anyone that's played the game will tell you that it plays a lot better than it looks. In Arabian, you get to take on the role of an Arabian Knight and you'll have to climb and kick your way through the game's many levels gathering up the lettered jugs in each level in an attempt to spell out "Arabian." The storybook theme and the unique game play makes Arabian a uniquely charming classic arcade game that truly deserves a second chance on the Virtual Console Arcade.
Not many arcade games from the era got as much hype as Atari's Marble Madness did. It was designed by a young kid named Mark Cerny and featured very advanced physics for a game of its time period. The game became quite popular, mainly due to the huge amount of marketing muscle behind it, but it didn't hurt that it was wildly addictive to play, not to mention almost impossible to master. While the trackball control the game makes use of would be difficult to replicate using any of the available Wii controllers, the analog stick would seem like an adequate substitute. Either way it would be nice to see the actual arcade version of this amazing game be made available for Wii owners to enjoy.
Tutankham took the King Tut theme and wrapped it up into an interesting tunnel-crawler. While the game's basic game play design was nothing terribly revolutionary, the way your character was controlled was quite interesting. You could move around the tombs in all 4 directions, but you could only fire to the left or right, leaving the up and down directions vulnerable to enemy attacks. This required careful planning and maneuvering if you wanted to successfully complete each level. Your goal was to loot as many treasures as you could find and then locate the key and locked door to proceed on to the next tomb. The gradual climb in difficulty made the game quite challenging in later levels, but addictive nonetheless.
Many gamers back in the day wrote Mr. Do off as nothing more than a dumbed-down Dig Dug clone, when in actuality it was a much more playable game overall. You took on the role of Mr. Do the clown and your task was to harvest the many rows of cherries strung throughout each level. Of course you had the trademark bad guys chasing you around the entire time, not to mention a host of other hazards to avoid. The game featured wildly colorful visuals and enough variety in each level to keep you wanting to advance further into the game. The simple, yet addictive play control of the game made it nearly impossible to stop playing and despite a huge number of ports to various consoles and computer over the years, there's still nothing quite like the arcade original.
Okay, you've seen our list, now we want to know what classic arcade games you'd like to see show up on the Wii Virtual Console Arcade.
Comments 153
Hmm, you re sticking to the 2D classics I see.
No lightgun games you guys want to see?
@ Angelic Larpas King:
Yeah, let's see Lethal Enforcers and Point Blank!!
Shinobi, good choice!
Crystal Castles!!! I was addicted to that game back in the day.
No Circus Charlie?! I loved that little game. I would love to see newer arcade titles getting on there too. It's a shame though that due to licensing issues we may never see the likes of TMNT etc.
As soon I saw the title for Mr Do I ended up picturing a game where you play as a guy peforming these do-dos everywhere.
Shows I got a twisted imaganation I got.
Anyway great list & I be looking forward for what's in store for the Virtual Console Arcade.
Mr. Do is a blast, but Paperboy needs to be included on this list. It's an arcade essential.
I think you forgot to mention Edward Randy in that list.
I used to play Tutankham on the Atari 2600. I owned it...could get everything w/o dying. Probably not that hard to do, but still. I played it a lot.
Qbert! Qbert! Qbert! Qbert!
looks around
Wait a minute! Qbert's for the PS3!
pauses for a moment. Shrugs shoulders
Qbert! Qbert! Qbert! Qbert! @#!?@
Just thinking about all the CPS1 games gives me the chills!
I may be restating my list, but...
PUZZLE BOBBLE/BUST-A-MOVE!! <-obviously high priority
Ms. Puck-Man
Any Mario arcade (especially the Puck-Man racer one and that Mario Party)
Any Sonic Arcade (especially SegaSonic and maybe Sonic Championship)
Time Pilot. Yie Ar Kung Fu. Ring King. Ikari Warriors. Gyruss.
@MarkyVigoroth
SegaSonic...
Too good to be true ;_;
What about SHUMPS and Beat 'Em Ups. I want lots of shooting games and Capcom Final Fight style games.
No Time Pilots?
I remember being hooked on the Willow arcade at my local video shop. No chance we'd get that though. It was Capcom wasn't it? I'd forgotten about that game. I just looked it up on youtube. Hearing the music again almost brought a tear to my eye...
Yep it was Capcom, great game. I'd love to see Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, Captain Commando an Final Fight. I wonder if games from SEGA AM2 like Daytona USA, Virtua Fighter etc would be possibilities.
There are so many great arcade games that any list seems like it might as well be random. Nice to see Karnov on the list. I used to play a lot of that one. Man, I miss the arcades of the early/mid 80s.
I would like to see Out Run from SEGA, Mr. Do, and also SEGASONIC the Hedgehog.
Outrun, Space Harrier, Segasonic, Willow, Aterburner, Radiant Silvergun...
Actually there are only simple VCA games on the list for now, but I hope they'll add game swith higher resolution later, like Spin Masters or House of The Dead or, if the the storage wouldn't be a problem, Mario Kart Arcade GP1+3 or F-Zero AX
I'll just post a link to the Forum's Arcade Wish topic.
http://www.vc-forums.com/arcade-wishlist-t11322.html
The problem I see happening with the VC Arcade is that the only games that will come to it will be the ones already released on compilation discs in order to cut down on the costs of emulating. It also seems unlikely that a game like Popeye would make it due to it being a licensed game. (despite my complaints, I'd still like to see Marble Madness, light gun games and the Simpsons Arcade game come to the VCA)
Popeye,Donkey Kong,Donkey Kong Junior,Moon Patrol,Defender,Every Street Fighter,etc..
@Tides of Chaos, 24
What about Solvalou? I don't think that game was ever ported to a compilation. Same with Emeraldia, Cosmo Gang the Puzzle, Cosmo Gang the Video, Burning Force, Assualt, Cyber Sled, Rolling Thunder, Dragon Buster, Finest hour, Star Blade, etc. I don't think any of these games have been put in a compilation & they're coming to the VCA.
What about Cruis 'n World, Exotica, and the Rush series? They are awesome arcade games.
The Simpsons Arcade Game!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
Okay, I know the licensing issues will prevent either from being a realistic possibility...but man oh man, the Nintendo points I'd shell out for those...
Man, y'all just don't know how excited I am for the Arcade to finally come to the VC. It was, by far, my most request thing for the VC. Now that it's here, I will be putting so much money into it it'll be just completely ridiculous. Here is my top 10 list (and I'm certain all of these games have a great chance of coming out):
1. Tekken 3 (one of my top 5 favorite games of all time. File size is very small for the arcade game)
2. Tekken Tag Tournament
3. Tekken 2
4. Virtua Fighter 3
5. Street Fighter Alpha 3
6. Darkstalkers
7. Guerilla Wars
8. Fighting Vipers
9. San Francisco Rush
10. Soul Edge
@Chicken - TMNT is already on XBLA, so there's a good chance it will come on VC Arcade one of these days. Shame it probably wouldn't have online play like the 360 version!
Good list. I agree with Adroitone with the Tekken games (I love Tekken 3 too!), and with Bensei for House of the Dead and Mario Kart GP. But how in heck could you not put on The Simpsons game? That's awesome.
(Light gun games are actually obvious, because of the Wii remote.)
Incidentally, does anyone know how the release schedule works for arcade games? Are they just going to be factored into the VC releases from now on? I only ask because of how they turned up out of the blue on a non-release day here in Europe.
Oh and imo TMNT is a terrible game.
@ marktheshark
Dragon Buster, Assault, and Rolling were ported in compilations before.
Dragon Buster was in Namco Museum Vol. 2. Assault was in Namco Museum Vol. 4. Rolling Thunder was in Namco Museum 50th Anniversary.
okay, what about:
10: Moon Patrol
9. Gyruss
8. Star Wars
7. Guantlet (Online would be great)
6. Rampart (Online would be great)
5. Defender
4. Zaxxon
3. Pole Position
2. Hogans Alley
1. Joust
@tatemon555
I don't know if you were talking about my list or the list in the article, but for me, my excuse for not putting in TMNT is I never played it lol.
Tekken 3 is the greatest fighting game ever made in my opinion. Great cast of characters, bone crunching moves that you really feel (unlike most other fighters) the greatest OST in any fighting game people (King's sky arena music is by far my favorite), and an outstanding fighting system. God I love that series.
My suggestions (not including sequels, for brevity's sake):
Asteroids
Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja
Dig Dug (NES version already released)
Donkey Kong (NES version already released)
Double Dragon (NES version already released)
Elevator Action (NES version already released)
Frogger
Mega Man: The Power Battle
Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters
Michael Jackson's Moonwalker
Mortal Kombat
NBA Jam
Paperboy
Pac-Man (NES version already released)
Pong
Q*bert
Rampage
Renegade (NES version already released)
The Simpsons
Smash TV
Space Invaders (SNES version already released)
Super Dodge Ball (NES version already released)
Super Dodge Ball (the almost unrelated Neo-Geo game)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Toobin'
Zero Wing (although, fans might prefer the Mega Drive port, just for the hilarious opening)
In addition to some of the one's already mentioned, here's my list in no particular order:
Speaking of the 19xx series, I have always been surprised that those games never resulted in a firestorm of controversy over in Japan. I mean, the purpose of the game is to defeat Japan! Always seemed a bit odd to me. (Though they are great games. )
You know what would absolutely suck?
If Nintendo announced that quarters for these arcade games would cost actual money.
I'd like to see Rampage, After Burner, Paper Boy , The Simpsons and my favorite arcade game PIG OUT!!! I would waste all of my allowance playing Pig Out every saturday as a kid at my local arcade.
I would love to see 1942, Dig Dug, and Radiant Silvergun.
I've tried 1942 on the Capcom Classics Collection 1 disc, and it was awesome. Plus the sound effects were fun to listen to.
Dig Dug has better colors (and a background, lol) in the arcade version.
And I've heard lots of good things about Radiant.
Great list! Good to see some love for Popeye and Arabian! Strider is also an obvious gimme. I'd throw Q*Bert on my list, too.
2. Cheezy 29 Mar 2009, 13:11 GMT
Yeah, let's see Lethal Enforcers and Point Blank!!
Yeah, Point Blank with Zapper support! o.Ô
I want to see Super Pang and Bust
aMove.Can't believe nobody mentioned the Arcade versions of the Ninja Gaiden games. I saw my two brothers play it on Ninja Gaiden Black for the Xbox. And if I remember right, the levels and gameplay are very different from the console versions.
Hey, I want all I like:
Ms Pac-Man
Pac-Man
Marble Madness
Gauntlet
Gauntlet II
Bubble Bobble
Mr Do
Q-Bert
Donkey Kong
Burgertime
Big Run
Rampage
Frogger
Elevator Action
Boulder Dash
Teddy Blue Boy
and list game..
I like this arcade on wii vc.
I would like to see 1942 or any other arcade game in the 194x series (1943: Battle for Midway, anyone?)
This is my list of Arcade games I want on the vc.
Lady Bug
P.O.W. Prisoners Of War
Magical Drop
Snow Brothers
Tog
Mr. Do!
Mr. Do's Castle
Bezerk
Frenzy
Frisky Tom
Moon Cresta
Punch-Out!!
Shadow Dancer
Double Dragon 2
Vanguard
Star Castle
Fire Shark
Time Soldiers
Choplifter
Congo Bongo
Tetris
Bloody Wolf
Vapor Trail
HellFire
Truxton
Twin Cobra
Kung-Fu Master
Super Zaaxon
Bio-Hazard Battle
Raiden DX
Raiden Fighters
Strikers 1945 II
Thunder & Lightning
Toki
Boulder Dash
Tapper (the original version)
Gorf (all screens)
Scramble Spirits
Space Fury
Mr. Do FTW, you guys!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Gauntlet, 1942 and Wiz would be my picks.
@ 7th lutz
P.O.W. good choice!
I thought I was the only one looking for Marble Madness! If this is released, it will definitely be an instant download for me.
Gauntlet would also be a great release, but I can't think of anything else that I'd really want atm.
@7th Lutz: You want Boulder Dash twice?
I would like to see the arcade version of Mario Kart with online play.
TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS TIME CRISIS
Anyone remember Qix?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qix
EDIT: I just found that it was Super Qix I used to play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=entXa58aG9U
This game would rock on VC! Also, I'd be in shock if anyone else has ever played Michael Jackson's Moonwalker on the arcade. If I remember correctly it was a really fun game!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Jackson's_Moonwalker
Was wondering when you guys would do a feature like this.
Sonic Arcades WOULD be awesome! I was going on about it since VCA was announced (e.g., Sonic the Fighters/Championship - I'd get it for sure, or even more obscure games such as the WakuWaku Sonic Patrol Car). This is exactly why I can't wait to hear how SEGA plans to support the VCA. Arguably, Samba de Amigo is an arcade game too. lol.
There's so much potential with this. I've said this before but I'll say it again: Mario Kart Arcade GP!
How about the more recent arcade titles? I'd love to download some of the Sega racing games and light gun shooters I used to play.
These are MUST! Not because of their meaning to game industry. They are must because they are so good games even today. They are the best in what they do.
I agree with Gauntlet and Asteroids. Also other "vector" games would rock too.
I'd also want to see Moon Cresta, I used to play that a lot on the arcades and on the Spectrum. Incidentally, I only remember the Karnov game from the Spectrum days, it wasn't bad...
The Arcade version of Golden Axe would also be great...
And the light gun games, actually using the wii remote to shoot would also be excellent, I wonder how difficult it'd be to actually modify them...
If it works as an outlet to give the rest of the world the original Rhythm Heaven, I'll take it!
I doubt we'll be seeing any of the more recent arcade stuff. I'd expect Nintendo to stick with the same types of games they released this first go round.
And I tried to not list many games that have already been released on Xbox Live Arcade. As I said, I wanted to keep this list a bit interesting instead of just throwing up the obvious games that most people would automatically list.
Here are a few more of my favorites I'd personally like to see on the Virtual Console Arcade.
R-Type Leo
Commando
Vanguard
Rygar
Journey
Kid Niki
Space Duel
Food Fight
Eyes
Mario Bros.
Mr. Do's Castle
Mr. Do's Wild Ride
Make Trax
Ladybug
Cosmic Avenger
Pengo
Wacko
Sinistar
Slalom
Kung Fu Master
@Dazza:
"TMNT is already on XBLA, so there's a good chance it will come on VC Arcade one of these days."
Oooh I didn't know that. Fingers definitely crossed, then!
And add the arcade version of Mario Kart to my list, ditto the original Punch Out. For any one of those to show up, I think I'd turn backflips.
hi everyone..im new to this site...but i think some of the games they should release on the virtual arcade are,,,arcade versions of.....
sunset riders
double dragon
ikari warriors
indiana jones and the temple of doom
pigskin football
popeye
space ace
aliens
...those are just some of the games hopefully that will make it on to the virtual arcade...
While I'd love to see the arcade verison of Mario Kart on the Wii, I don't see any way the console can emulate that. Now they could always port the game to the system, but I don't see that happening either since some folks at Nintendo never was very impressed with it in the first place.
I understand that DK and DK Jr. are better in their arcade forms, but to make the top 10 when they are already available in other forms when there are countless other arcade titles to choose from? Seems odd to me, but I wouldn't mind seeing them come out myself.
Oh, and thanks for reminding me Marble Madness was originally for arcade. I'd only played it on NES ever, and it is one of my absolute favorite games. When I realized Rare would probably not release it for VC, my heart was broken.
Anyway, my top 10:
1) Marble Madness
2) Pole Position
3) Ms. Pac-Man
4) Crystal Castles
5) Q*Bert
6) Raiden (any or all of them)
7) TMNT
8) Turtles in Time
9) The Simpsons
10) Radiant Silvergun
I really only expect 1-5 to come out, if any, but a boy can dream.
" the famous "Pie Factory" level that fans of the game love so much"
Really? Nearly every comment I read on the console ports of Donkey Kong go along the lines of "yeah, they didn't include the pie factory, but it was the worst level anyway".
Yeah, you see some clamoring for it, but it's more "we want all the levels" than "we want THAT one level".
Oh, and Popeye is awesome. I picked up the Colecovision port at the Midwest Game Classic, and it's a great port. Very fun. Doubt we'll see it, though - if the licence wasn't a problem, we'd have had the NES port on the VC long ago.
I'm curious about the arcade Donkey Kong. How many levels does it have? The NES version gets boring after going through all three levels.
One thing that's going to limit the Virtual Console Arcade is the lack of an arcade-like joystick. Sure the classic controller and Gamecube controller have analog sticks, but it's not the same.
@Chicken Brutus - I completely agree with you about TMNT and The Simpsons.
I also want to see Tekken games, the Time Crisis games, and the Star Wars Trilogy arcade game.
By the way, for those of you who want Sonic the Fighters/Championship, you can already play it on Sonic Gems Collection for GameCube.
Tekken would be cool. I'd love at least one 3D fighter. If they bring Tekken to the VCA, I'm getting it along with Street Fighter II. I have the Sega Genesis Collection, but Virtua Fighter 2D is rather stupid.
I think the Pie Factory level is easily the most playable level in Donkey Kong starting with your third trip there. It becomes absolutely insane. And I've heard far more people want the level than not want it. Plus I had to put Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Jr. on the list. They're my two favorite video games of all time.
There are a few games I like to see as a VC Arcade release -
1. Battletoads
2. Robocop vs. Terminator
3. Berzerk
4. Darius
5. Star Wars Arcade
Not sure if they are all arcade or console games.
Corbie, you have such a boner for strider... I'd make fun of it if I wasn't the same.
Games I would like to see
*Double Dragon
*Strider
*Final Fight
*Ninja Gaiden
*Golden Axe
*Tekken Tag Tournament (I swear playstation/sony must have their mitts all over this franchise - I don't like our chances)
*TMNT
*The Simpsons
*1942 or some quality shooter love (was radian silvergun an arcade release like someone mentioned?? that could be promising)
*Star Wars (the original vector style)
Thats all I can think of for the moment. Double Dragon and Strider are a must nintendo, and then probably TMNT.
Honourable mention would be Robocop. I seem to remember a lot of quarters going into that game.
Mario Bros.
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Jr.
Q*Bert
Popeye
Pac-Man
Ms. Pac-Man
Galaga
Dig Dug
The Simpsons Game
TMNT
Gauntlet 1, 2 Legends and Dark Legacy
Time Crisis 3
I just had so much fun playing Strider in arcades and on my Genesis console. I know it hasn't aged as well as some other action titles of the time period, but I can still drag it out and pop it in the Genesis and love every second of it.
How about Area 51. I love that game!
x-men arcade.
I want Strider so badly.
Shinobi would be cool, but I got it for my 360.
how about the arkanoid arcade game....loads of fun...
How could I forget Burger time. Its a classic
My top 5 would probably be.... Mr. Do, Burger Time, Paperboy, Donkey Kong & Ms. Pac-Man
@Corbie - I can't blame Nintendo. The arcade Mario Kart was pretty, but otherwise fairly generic. Also, it's usually configured to be super-easy, so it ends up being more of a kiddie title for the arcades.
I heard that FZero AX in the arcades was better, but I've never seen a machine.
@Adamant - You flew all the way to the US just for the MGC?!? I knew the show was getting popular, but I never thought anyone would fly internationally for it! I hope you had a good time, and that our country was hospitable to you during your visit?
Did you get to see the production mockup of the portable FB2? It would be incredible if one of those ever came out. Not to mention the portable Genesis announced at the show!
What I would like to see:
NARC
Total Carnage
Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
L.A. Machineguns: Rage of the Machines
Hydro Thunder (If the N64 version isn't released 1st)
Rampage: World Tour (N64 version might come instead)
CarnEvil
Gauntlet: Dark Legacy
San Francisco Rush Trilogy
Virtua Cop Trilogy
Sega Sonic the Hedgehog
I know I can get most of these games on the Midway Arcade Treasures compilations, but the emulation issues kinda annoy me.
These maybe a bit to early but what about those Arcade Mario Kart Games?
@thewiirocks: "You flew all the way to the US just for the MGC?!?"
Haha, no, I'm staying in North Dakota for college at the time. Though it was a 13 hour train ride, so I'm obviously still rather screwed up
And sorry, no, I didn't see any of those things.
Did participate in the Sonic tournament, though, and was ranked #1 after the first day, but wasn't able to go there the second... are the results available somewhere? I obviously didn't win, but I'd like to see how far off I was.
I was surprised on launch not to see something obvious like Pac-Man (or Ms), Rally-X, Dig Dug, Pole Position1 or 2, Xevious, or even Galaga(though Gaplus is close enough there.) Mappy is fantastic for sure so that was nice to see. I'm considering that one, but had Pac-Man (or his wife) or either of the Pole Positions or Xevious showed up I'd have paid up on the spot as I love having those to casually prod away at on a whim.
@Adamant - That's still a lot of traveling. I'm glad to know you didn't have to go quite so far, though.
It's too bad you missed the presentations on those items. Thankfully, there's some good info on the 'net. Info on the FB2 Portable can be found here and some great photos of the Axe guitar here. (I'm in those photos, but I'll leave you to figure out which one. )
I don't see any tourney info over on midwestgamingclassic.com, so try asking around AtariAge. Someone over there should be able to point you to the official results.
This would take up a lot of space but what about Dragon's Lair? I already own the DVD versions but it would be nice to play them skip-free.
Tekken 3 would be great, too. I have fond memories of playing the VR version where you actually had to punch and kick and stuff. Man, that was awesome... it's a shame I can't find them anymore.
I would like to see some or all Darius games on the virtual console along with Vanguard, Double Dragon, and the most obscure that RARE developed and published by Electronic Arts-BattleToads for the arcade game. 3 players with blood and gore, and it's the final of the battletoads series.
@timp29
Concerning Tekken, you are right, or at least you were right. After Tekken 5 released, the contract between Sony and Namco came to an end, so now Tekkens are now allowed to be released on other consoles (Tekken 6 BR coming to the 360).
@Corbie
Yeah, I don't think games released during last gen would be avalible on the VCA. However, everything prior to last gen is fair game. The file sizes for arcade games released during that time aren't all that big (you would be surprised just how small Soul Calibur and Tekken Tag Tournament is, among other games like Street Fighter 3 and Marvel vs Capcom). I'm certain emulating the games wouldn't be an issue either. Namco already showed they are releasing games that came out in the 90s with Cyber Sled, I'm sure they are going to go all the way up to the System 12 arcade board with their releases.
@SmaMan - Unfortunately, I don't think Dragon's Lair is at all feasible. The game was stored on a LaserDisc, containing a significant amount of FMV. If the data was converted to digital format and compressed in a modern format (e.g. H.264) it might be feasible. But otherwise you're looking at more data than the Wii has internal storage.
I was pushing it with my Killer Instinct request, but that one has no other releases. For Dragon's Lair, you might want to consider one of the many re-releases over the years. For example, there are versions for PC, XBox, DVD, and BluRay. So there are more than enough ways to play the game already. Many of which are true to the arcade.
no love for frogger?
I love Frogger and would definitely download it. I didn't play it much at the arcade, though, because I had the Atari 2600 version at home...
@thewiirocks
Yeah, like I said I own the DVD version. Man I wanna go play that again now. I got it in a box set with Dragon's Lair I/II and Space Ace. The thing is there's this small (not too annoying) 1.5 second gap in between each movement you make and I'd like to try a version of it without that. Guess one of those one's you mentioned is the way to go... but I know they managed to fit it into Ultracade. (the video's a little compressed I noticed)
I'm still not sold on the VC Arcade. It's almost like Nintendo just has another reason to release games that are already out and throw many spin off Street Fighters at us... I'm sorry to say, I'm not impressed with the VC Arcade but the SD Card update was a surprise and well received.
I wonder if we'll be seeing Arcade versions of Mortal Kombat...
MS. PAC MAN!
Pretty fun list, but no Revenge of Death Adder? Arabian looks really cool, as does Tutankham (I'll have to play them later), and I loved Popeye on the NES. The superior arcade Donkey Kong hasn't exactly been rereleased often, but Shinobi is on Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection.
Strider doth kick ass, but I own that on CCC2. I preferred the NES Karnov which we still don't have, Marble Madness kicks major ass, but the controls suck on the arcade version without a trackball (try Midway Arcade Classics or MAME) which was remedied in the home versions (but if we get a trackball, SegaSonic better come too!).
Obviously, Mr. Do! is a requirement.
Now, it's time to surprise you all. Believe it or not, one arcade game I want the most is one that is almost universally hated. A game from Konami from one of their most popular series that few have played and fewer have beaten. A game with a legitimately badass soundtrack, unfair difficulty, and if you ask me, looked pretty darn good despite being rough around the edges and was pretty fun to play.
That game is none other than Haunted Castle, the infamous Castlevania arcade game.
It receives a lot of hate, but it's not so bad when you don't take it out of context and consider that it came before Castlevania II and after Vampire Killer and Castlevania.
I'm surprised corbie didn't make mention of ghouls and ghosts or ghosts and goblins. Thats a game that certainly deserves a release as well.
@Adritone: Thanks for the info re tekken! Thats made my day. I played tekken 3 to death on playstation, but I would download tekken tag in an instant.
What does everyone think about how the pricing of arcade games will be worked out? Would you be willing to pay 1500 for something like tekken tag tournament?
I only left the Ghosts & Goblins games off because I would have gotten the "those games are already available on so many Capcom compilations" responses from everyone. I know better!
But you're right, both Ghosts games deserve a release on the Virtual Console Arcade.
i dont know about myself but i dont really know about 80s games but its very unlikely that we wont have Daytona usa 2 or Sonic Championship but i might download these 80s games for my dad because he played some of space invaders and pacman
I'd like to see some of the early 3D Arcade games, like Daytona USA and Virtua Fighter personally. I think they can be done without TOO many hassles. Daytona maybe stretching it a little though.
With regard to Rampage, you get really quality emulations of the original and Rampage World Tour on the Rampage Total Destruction disc (TD has some control issues, but it's pretty decent). You should be able to pick that up dirt cheap.
My list:
1. Defender (all time favourite; the rest are in no particular order).
2. Pepper II (I love the Exidy stuff, Mouse Trap and Venture also please!)
3. Snow Bros.
4. Tutankham (Konami, so should be possible)
5. Rompers (Namco, also shouldn't be a problem even if it only gets released in Japan)
6. Baraduke, aka Alien Sector (Namco again)
7. Super Space Invaders '91
8. Wizard of Wor
9. Crazy Climber
10. Pang!
I'm suprised nobody has gone "OMG liscenced" about Popeye yet. The interesting fact is the Popeye character entered public domain at the start of this year in many places though it isn't clear if Nintendo could actually publish it without having to pay any royalties. This is a quite interesting read of the subject of Popeye entering pulblic domain:
http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2009/01/12/publicdomain2.html
As for arcade games I'd like to see. If we're including stupidly recent titles, I'd have to go with Rhythm Tengoku. While it is basically the same as the GBA version which I own (and is readily available from a good importer) the arcade version does have a 2 player mode and a tempo-up mode. You can see some videos of both here:
http://rhythm-tengoku.sega.jp/
For me, half the crappy arcade conversions (e.g. Splatterhouse) should have the original versions available... no excuse for not having games I've been able to play on MAME for 10 years already!
I'd most like to see Aliens, Shadow Dancer, the Double Dragon series, OutRun, Afterburner, the R-Type series, Flying Shark, Prehistoric Isle, Pang, Klax, Chase HQ, Plotting and a bunch of others I'm probably forgetting now...
I would like to see dance dance revolution played with two wii balance boards
I want Black Tiger...I loved that game.
i want i-robot and quartet.
Huh, Arabian was an arcade game?
I only heard of the Famicom version, Super Arabian.
And I just thought it was a learning game because of the letter-collecting (like Popeye no Eigo Asobi).
WWF Wrestlefest!!!
I'm not sure about the licensing, but I'm 100% sure I'll buy this game if it gets released.
DK Junior for sure. I can't play the VC NES version on my new TV. Stupid 50hz...
Bring out Donkey Kong, RadarScope (never had the chance to play this one, it's Nintendo's first arcade game), Strider, Mortal Kombat (the first two), Ninja Gaiden, Rygar, Super Gems Fighter, TMNT Arcade, TMNT Turtle in Time, Battletoads Arcade, Shinobi, Space Harrier, After Burner, Gradius, Bust-A-Move Arcade, Radiant Silvergun, R-Type Leo, Super Street Fighter II: Turbo, Ikari Warriors 1-3, Progear, 1984, Psycho Soldier, Street Fighter Alpha 2 & 3, Virtua Fighter 2, and Willows.
I agree w/ QuarterRoy00 - Black Tiger!!
Am I the only one who cant see the photos?
Lets see. I wont add on any SF game since I have most of them on collections. so, my ten in no particular order:
Strider
Vampire Savior
Virtua Cop 2
Virtua Fighter 2
Afterburner
OutRun (though idk if this is a good idea seeing as how XBLA (and HOPEFULLY PSN) have a remake of this coming down the pipeline)
Shadow Dancer (different from the console version).
Golden Axe: The Revenge of Death Adder (it might have been return)
Turtles in Time
beatmania (I know, this wont come, but hey I can dream...)
Just a question to the staff, have you guys tried to wrangle an interview with anybody at Nintendo? At least with anybody that can give us an insight to not what Arcade titles will get released, but at least what kind of titles we'll see? (see anything after the 8-Bit era).
I'd be interested to hear something from them, but it seems they're the only ones who've eluded you guys. Which is bad for them considering this is the best VC site on the net.
What! No Dig-Dug? That was the arcade game that made me bankrupt
My picks:
10. Arkanoid (tried to run this one on MAME, but couldn't get it to work)
9. Raiden
8. Bomb Jack
7. Chack n' Pop
6. Moon Patrol
5. Robotron 2084
4. Ikari Warriors
3. Burger Time (I used to play this game all the time on my phone. I loved it!)
2. Donkey Kong
1. The Simpsons (Probably not gonna happen though due to licensing. )
Some others I want to see: Satan's Hollow, Shinobi, Turtles in Time (again, not likely cuz of licensing), Marble Madness, Motos, Super Pac-Man, Golden Axe, Altered Beast, Congo Bongo, Joust, Defender, various light gun games, Popeye, Tokyo Wars, Cruisn' Exotica, Frogger, Gyruss, and maybe some others. There's countless great arcade games out there!
@Chunky droid: Thats a good question.
What kind of games are eligible for release on VC and what is the pricing system going to be?
Of course I, Robot (first 3D polygon game!) and Robotron 2084 have to be in there as well.
Pong
Space Invaders
Galaga
Pacman
Pacland
Donkey Kong
Mario Bros
(and some more games I remember playing as a child)
Kangaroo
Congo
Joust
@103 I loved crazy climber...I played the heck out of that game
@120 Oh man kangaroo was awesome, it had a popeye kind of feel to it tho.
Oh and elevator action please...lol
I think the original shinobi game is the best by far, why cant we habe it on arcade download. i know its unlockable on xbox36 and PS3 collection. What about robocop - the 1st game i completed with just 1 credit or even better Double Dragon!!!
Lunar Lander -- who's with me?
the simpsons arcade game
Marble Madness without a trackball is like Time Crisis without a lightgun - ie, pointless.
Mr Do's Castle please. And Pac-Land. Oh, and Flicky.
I really want to see the arcade versions of Pac-Man, Mrs. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr. and Moon Patrol. It'd be cool to see the Simpsons and Turtles games but those are unlikely because of licensing obviously.
Edit: I almost forgot, I want to see Haunted Castle, the arcade Castlevania game!
Haunted Castle is one of the releases I'm dreading most. It's the least well-known Castlevania game for a reason!
Karnov! I'd forgotten about that one. The NES port was okay but the arcade was way better. I'd just love to see any of the games from the 80's or early 90's who's arcade versions differed significantly from their console ports:
1. Bionic Commando
2. Ninja Gaiden
3. Double Dragon
4. Ikari I & II
5. Final Fight
6. Bubble Bobble
7. Smash TV
8. Rygar
9. Kid Niki
10. Asteroids
It would be cool to see some early 90's style beat-em-ups like Turtles In Time, The Simpsons, and X-Men, but above all else, we need some MS. PAC MAN
It's simple, I want every shmups there is
It's simple, I want every shmups there is
What he said!
Oh and goodbye VC-Reviews. I'm gonna miss you old friend. I rode into VC-Reviews on my Air Zonk avatar, and I'm riding out on it as well.
Marble Madness could work using the tilt function of the wiimote; purists will dislike it, but I think it would actually make it easier to control the marble.
Other than this I think all the trackball/rotary knob games could work with the pointer nicely. I just played Cutie Q on Namco Museum Remix yesterday and I feel a lot more in control using the wiimote pointer than playing a game like Arkanoid in the arcade with the knob.
@ Drake
Haunted Castle was uncensored unlike the other Caslevania games in the late 1980's throughout the 1990's from Nintendo of America's early censorship control, but they did allow Christan icons.
@ Sean Aaron: LUNAR LANDER! I agree completely. Mostly for nostalgia, to be sure, but it certainly is a true classic, and would take about 1 block of memory.
Others I would enjoy spending time on, if not a pocket's worth of quarters:
Defender
Dig-Dug
Pole Positions 2, then 1
Mortal Kombat
Star Wars
Gyruss
Xevious
Zaxxon (I can't believe no one else mentioned it...)
Q*Bert
Pac- and Mrs. Pac-Man
Spy Hunter (Again, no one?)
This is by no means a complete list, just some of the ones I wouldn't think twice about getting. I'm not sure of the likekihood of any of these games making the leap to VCA, but like someone else mentioned: there's always hope, right?
-V
Without knowing the power of the emulator, I have no friggin clue because most of the games I'm interested in were made in the 90s, like Super Street Fighter II Turbo (thus ending the debate of which one is best, but probably best if it never comes) or the X men. Still, there are a lot of good choices here and there...
I would like to see Virtual Console Arcade releases of the Pac-Man series and Pole Position II.
lol. Karnov. I used to love playing the NES version back in the day. Oh, and fun fact: Karnov makes a cameo as the first boss in Bad Dudes.
@Lugia2 - Each VC title is a self contained emualtor + ROM. So there's no concern over what "the emualtor" can do, because there is no single emulator. It's more a question of, "can it be emulated and emulated well"? The answer for most arcade games is, "Yes".
bring on virtua cop
are they putting 3D games on arcade
Well so many I want I think I would like to seem some of the classics of gaming. Plus newer titles and some lightgun games.
Point black anyone? That would rock. I love point black used to play the PSOne version with my sister all the time
I want to see a guilty pleasure like Ripper Ribbitt show up on the arcade. That would make things interesting.
I've put my full wish list on my blog; the Midway holdings are the lion's share; I doubt a fraction of these games will end up on the VCA, but I can always dream:
http://www.seanswiiworld.co.uk/2009/03/my-virtual-console-arcade-wish-list.html
When the Paperboy arcade version is released on Xbox Arcade...I doubt it will be released here...
I've been chomping at the bit to post on this all week, and now I finally have some time to do so.
First off, well chosen 10 for the article, 8 of which I can a nough argue against. Shinobi, DK Jr, DK, Popeye, and Marble Madness being cornerstone classics of arcade gaming, and Karnov being one of those arcade platformers I just loved and never knew quite why......maybe you just can't help but love a chubby little fire breathing carnie in bright red pants?!
For my top 10, many have been mentioned, but none the less:
Double Dragon - (THE great multiplayer game for its time, and just plain great action in a pseudo 3-D environment)
TMNT - (THE great multiplayer game for its time, going one up on DD with 4 players and gorgeous graphical goodness in the name Ninja Turtles)
Moon Patrol - (not exactly graphically amazing, yet perhaps the most fun simplistic game concept executed perfectly)
Shinobi - (this and Rolling Thunder made for some great arcade action)
Elevator Action - (simple addictive quarter munching greatness)
Karnov - (think Ghosts and Goblins, but with belching)
Star Wars - (the wire frame classic)
Willow - (the graphics were so beautiful, and a tight little addictive platformer as well)
Choplifter - (Perhaps there next to Moon Patrol as perhaps the two greatest simple arcade action concepts ever)
TRON - (great variety, great franchise, great challenge)
And the names that could not make my Top 10, yet MUST be named:
Punch Out - (GREEN??)
Dragon's Lair - (Timing)
Kangaroo - (a personal favorite, even the graphically poor Atari version was fun)
Sunset Riders - (aspects of Contra, Double Dragon, and Rolling Thunder rolled together, with a more interactive environment)
Golden Axe - (really tight combo of magic power up, melee fighting, and spinning-animal riding)
DK, DK jr, DK III - (The classic one , the funner classic one, the one I liked inspite of its oversimplicity)
Crystal Castles - (Addictive and beautiful looking game)
Strider - (the one that got away, never played it in the arcade, just on the NES.....would love to have it on my VC)
Pole Position (would need a steering wheel….. and that immortal phrase: ”Prepare to Qualify” )
Paperboy (would needs handle bars for the full value)
Road Blasters (played this every time I came across it, always fun with some kickin music)
Rygar (prefer NES, but arcade worth having)
Frogger (simple friggin froggin concept was utter genius)
Burgertime (more about the amusing visuals, but a fun little time waster)
Renegade (at the time it was right up there behind DD for pseudo 3D martial arts brawling fun)
Arabian (played more of it on the C64, but the arcade was even prettier)
Bad Dudes (Almost forgot about this one......a nice straightforward melee game with some power-ups to play with)
Any or all of these will do Big N.
How about Mario Kart Arcade?
I just want to get my Kombat on!
@ Sean.
Ok, maybe tilt control for Marble Madness would work nicely. However, NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING in the history of gaming has made a decent substitute for paddle controls. D-pad, buttons, joystick, analog stick, analog nub, touch controls, wiimote pointing, computer mouse, trackball, eraser mouse, touchpad mouse, need I go on?
I've drawn pictures of a device you could put the wiimote into to make twisting it feel like using a paddle control. Not sure how well it would work, it'd probably be better to make an actual peripheral than a wiimote adapter.
You may be content with using the left and right arrows on a keyboard in flash arkanoid, but let me tell you that if you were versing me in Warlords using wiimote pointing, you would probably get schooled by my paddle skills.
The lack of availability for paddle controls on today's system is on par with the trend of badly made d-pads and controllers that lack six good face buttons.
I agree with the first 6 games but not so much the last 4! Id like to see the original mario bros. as well and the ninja gaiden arcade game would be sweet,thunderblade and the original arcade punchout would be really cool! i know the others are on the vc and what not and the new game is on the way but they are all in a sense different and cool in their own way.
I agree with # 145 to a tee!
Man i wanna see 2-D fhighters like the Street fhighter Alpha 2
or even Street fhighter 3.
Tron, Strider, Street Fighter, Simpsons, Smash TV, Moonwalker. I prefer arcade Moonwalker to Genesis, and we NEED The Simpsons!
First of all... Good list! I totally agree on most of them, especially Karnov...here's the rest of my list:
Final Blow
Bad Dudes vs. Dragon-ninja
Punch Out
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
P.O.W.
3 Count Bout
Street Hoop
Robocop
Superman
Wrestlefest
Double Dragon (I, II and III)
Pit Fighter
Mortal Kombat
N.A.R.C.
NBA Jam
Virtua FIghter
Its kind of sad to admit , but by this point I don't think we are gonna a whole lot of anything for this service, Konami pretty much turned there back on the virtual console (my opinion) but xbla and psn had just gotten x-men (arcade) this past summer and nintendo was once again left in the dust, also if you guys have not heard, the simpson arcade game is coming to the xbla soon and who wants to bet we wont see the light of day on it. I also am complaining at nintendo for pushing the service as good as it can be, The vitural console arcade will turn 3 years old and all I've seen on the service is bunch of mediocure titles that where in a dark corner, that nobody cares for. Please prove me wrong Nintendo
Gosh, so many more to name here. Licensing issues aside, I would've put
1. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
2. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Turtles in Time
3. RoboCop
4. Vs. Super Mario Bros.
5. Mortal Kombat I and II
6. P.O.W.
7. Operation Wolf
8. Final Fight
9. Double Dragon
10. Kung Fu Master
11. Mario Bros.
12. Donkey Kong II (ok, not made by Nintendo, but they need to take notice)
I wish I can name them all at the top of my head.
Please Add Pinball And Redempiton games in VCA?
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