Set off some virtual fireworks this new year's eve

There are plenty of ways to ring in the new year in this Nintendo Download update, including a quality WiiWare demo, a couple of NeoGeo titles for virtual console, a portable slot machine and the newest entry in the G.G Series. Will you spend your holiday cash on any of these titles?

Virtual Console

Fighter's History Dynamite (NeoGeo, 900pts) – Also known as Karnov's Revenge, this sequel to Fighter's History is largely a Street Fighter II knock-off. We weren't too impressed by it when it released in Europe earlier this month; find out why in our Fighter's History Dynamite review.

Magical Drop III (NeoGeo, 900pts) – This is the third instalment in this series of puzzle games that puts an interesting twist on the falling object formula and resembles Puzzle Bobble to a degree. We rather enjoyed its predecessor, as you can read in our Magical Drop II review, and you can check back soon for a review of this follow-up.

WiiWare

Around the World (Wizarbox, 500pts) – Players lamenting WiiWare's dearth of edutainment titles are in luck. This release aims to teach geography through mini-games and trivia centred around monuments, history, sports, art, literature and people. We'll let you know if this puts Wizarbox on the map later this week in our Around the World review.

chick chick BOOM (tons of bits, 800pts) – A deceptively simple-looking title that pits two teams of chicks against each other for no apparent reason, picking up items and utilising specialised timed attacks. You can read why we thought tons of bits's WiiWare debut is so explosively fun in our chick chick BOOM review.

WiiWare Demos

Max & the Magic Marker (Press Play) – We had a lot of fun with this creative platformer that challenges you to draw objects to reach inaccessible areas. Check out our Max & the Magic Marker review to see if you want to add this free demo to your WiiWare palette.

DSiWare

DodoGo! Challenge (Neko Entertainment, 500pts) – This Lemmings-reminiscent puzzler has you roll eggs safely from one end of the stage to the other and serves as a sequel to the previously released DodoGo! See why we think you should take a crack at this follow-up in our DodoGo! Challenge review.

Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots and Games (Big John Games, 500pts) – You can take casino fun on the go with this slot machine simulator. We weren't crazy about its earlier release on WiiWare as you can read in our Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots and Games review, and we'll let you know if this portable port hits the jackpot or serves only as a one-armed DSi Point bandit when we review it later this week.

G.G Series: Z•ONE (Genterprise, 200pts) – Not to be confused with GO Series: Dark Spirits, another Suzak-developed shmup recently released in Europe that we'll have a review for soon, this is the next in the G.G series of localised Japanese budget titles. Genterprise bills this as a technical side-scrolling shooter that has you invade an enemy fortress, and we'll let you know if we think that this is a blast or a dud when we review it later this week. In the meantime you can check out our G.G Series: Z•ONE first impressions or read our evaluations of the previous releases in the G.G series with our G.G Series: Ninja Karakuri Den review and G.G Series: Super Hero Ogre review.

Count Down to 2011 with New Game Downloads for Nintendo Systems
Confetti and noisemakers are essential to any New Year’s Eve bash, but don’t forget to stock up on new downloadable games that’ll keep the fun going as the clock hits midnight. The WiiWare™ service welcomes chick chick BOOM, an irreverent action game involving everything from UFOs to corncobs. Wii™ owners can also download a demo version of the award-winning game Max & the Magic Marker for zero Wii Points™. For fans of classic console action, two games from the NEOGEO era are available on the Virtual Console™ service: FIGHTER’S HISTORY DYNAMITE and MAGICAL DROP III. And for Nintendo DSi™ users, G.G Series Z•ONE and DodoGo! Challenge bring new shooting thrills and egg-saving puzzle action to the Nintendo DSiWare™ service. Pop the cork on these great games and ring in the New Year with a smile.

WiiWare

chick chick BOOM
Publisher: tons of bits
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E10+ (Everyone 10 and Older) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 800 Wii Points
Description: In chick chick BOOM, you throw pianos, pink elephants and sumo chicks or summon slimy giant jellyfish and real UFOs. Draw lines in the arena to defend against your opponent’s attacks. The skill lies in your use of ink, creativity and timing. Extra help is provided by a corncob and a piñata (yes, really!). Play on your own or with friends. To keep things interesting, there are various game modes and different arenas, each with its own special attack. Arenas include City, Ship and Haunted Wood. Five teams are playable immediately, and there are 10 more to unlock. Game modes include Duel Mode, Time Mode and Pro Mode. Your best scores will be saved for you to beat.

Around the World
Publisher: Wizarbox
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Whether you want to improve your own knowledge of geography or compete with friends and family in exciting mini-games, Around the World is for you! The game features a solo mode for building your knowledge and a multiplayer mode for playing against others. Topics include monuments, history, sports, art, literature and people. Players may be asked to choose the right answer from a list of options or point as closely as possible to a given place.

Max & the Magic Marker (demo version)
Publisher: Press Play
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 0 Wii Points; full version available for 1,000 Wii Points
Description: One day, Max receives a mysterious marker in the mail. The first thing he draws is a monster, but as soon as the pen leaves the paper, the monster comes to life and jumps into another drawing. The monster must be stopped, so Max draws himself onto the page and the chase begins. Max & the Magic Marker is an award-winning physics-based puzzle platformer. The game is suitable for all audiences yet still challenging for hard-core gamers. It plays like a classic platformer, but with a twist. You have a magic marker that enables you to draw freehand, and everything you draw becomes real. You must help Max overcome enemies, obstacles and puzzles along the way. Enjoy loads of puzzles with multiple solutions. Collect hidden orbs to unlock extras. Explore 15 awesome levels in three unique worlds.
Note: Some demo versions do not support all game features, and players cannot save their in-game progress in demo versions.

Virtual Console

FIGHTER’S HISTORY DYNAMITE
Original platform: NEOGEO
Publisher: D4 Enterprise
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Mild Blood, Violence
Price: 900 Wii Points
Description: FIGHTER’S HISTORY DYNAMITE is a fighting game that was first released in 1994. In this sequel to the well-loved FIGHTER’S HISTORY, the action takes place once again at a martial arts tournament called the Great Grapple. This time, 13 combatants have emerged to test their skills against the best of the best. Notable playing features include a wide range of secret attacks, a weak-spot system that assigns a vulnerable area to each fighter and the introduction of original bosses Clown and Karlov as playable characters. The bull from the bonus stage of the Data East classic Karate Champ will also make a special appearance if you’re able to clear certain secret conditions.

MAGICAL DROP III
Original platform: NEOGEO
Publisher: D4 Enterprise
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Mild Suggestive Themes
Price: 900 Wii Points
Description: This puzzle-action game was released by Data East in 1997. Control a clown to pull in and throw back balloons hurled from the top of the screen. If you line up three or more balloons of the same colour in a vertical row, they will burst. If you’re not quick enough, the balloons will squash the clown and the game is over. Once you’ve got the hang of bursting balloons, you’ll need to master combos and chains. The basic rules of the game haven’t changed since MAGICAL DROP II, but with 16 playable characters and a new Magical Journey mode, there is much to explore in MAGICAL DROP III.

Nintendo DSiWare

G.G Series Z•ONE
Publisher: Genterprise Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Fantasy Violence
Price: 200 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Breach enemy lines in this technical side-scrolling shooter. The enemy has bolstered its defences with a perilous fortress of blocks. Skilfully manoeuvre and make use of pods that fire in eight directions to vanquish foes as you advance toward the heart of enemy territory. Each level features a unique landscape and varying difficulty, forcing you to adapt. Learn the art of quick evasion as some levels scroll faster than others. Master advanced shooting techniques such as shooting in the opposite direction.

DodoGo! Challenge
Publisher: Neko Entertainment
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: DodoGo! Challenge, the sequel to DodoGo!, is a unique puzzle game that will put your intelligence to the test. You must save as many endangered eggs as possible in nearly 100 dangerous, trap-infested levels. Use the stylus to dig in the terrain, set fire to objects, cut ropes and plenty of other mechanisms. Will you find the solution to bring all the eggs safely to their nest? Your perseverance will be rewarded with unlockable bonus levels and trophies. Beat your own score and see how it ranks against the rest of the world.

Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots and Games
Publisher: Big John Games
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Simulated Gambling
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Players can bring the exciting slot machine experience anywhere they go. Choose from six adventure-themed, five-reel bonus slots, or try your luck with classic Cherries or Diamonds slots. Win big jackpots and earn access to VIP suites. Players can use winnings to purchase vibrant merchandise to customize their suites. As players progress, they can win multiple awards and achievements.