AtelierFan

It's like he said, the console market isn't done with, it's just going to start slowing down.
There are still music CD's, but how many people buy them in proportion to iTunes downloads?
On the other hand, I do miss the days of game systems that don't need constant firmware updates, and games that don't need patching to be playable.
I already miss the hay-day of physical media - and I don't think it will ever really go away - but when you look at the market I think you can see where it is going.

"you know, I'm looking around the show floor here. And let's say there are 2500 games being shown. 2400 of them all look exactly alike. You can't even tell which one you're looking at, you know? And it drives me crazy.

And then you go to IndieCade, and you go to Nintendo, and all of a sudden it's like, "Oooh, games can be different. Cool!" So I think from a creative standpoint, from a design standpoint, from an IP standpoint, from a graphics standpoint, I think Nintendo rocks."

A wonderful quote

Sorry if this has been said already ( a lot of comments, and I am in a hurry), but I'm surprised that Nintendo hasn't asked Sega (again) or Shin'en to do a F Zero.

@PK_Wonder
I've been told that flash memory has a lifespan as well. And, like the editor said, re-writing over and over again is what eventually 'wears out' the functionality of said memory BUT it would take years if not decades for it to be an issue.
Now that I think about it, I was told that about PSX memory cards from day one.

@pr0t0man

You and me both. While I'm at it, it may as well have Supergrafx capability. And the upscaling and save states of the Retron 5. And the CD player with Arcade Card.

On one hand I think it is really cool. On a somewhat related note, I'd like a Retron system with PC Engine/Turbografx card compatibility...

"As we all know, the Game Boy overcame its limitations to destroy the competition, but there's only so many times that Nintendo can play this particular card."

I don't know if I agree with this.

"Of course, Nintendo using smartphone-style chips won't allow it to avoid being outdated after a year or two"

I don't care if my handheld is on par with the latest home console. I also don't want a handheld that is 'out of date' in two years.
Concentrate on great games - no matter the platform or graphical trends of the day - and I'm there. Though... a second analogue stick sounds realistic.

I would have purchased it had I known it was going to get removed. It was on my 'to get' list. I already had cute-em up Detanna Twin Bee, so I wasn't in a big rush, but disappointed none the less.

Oh yeah... when I went to look at the VC yesterday, one of the headings above featured games said: "Popular this week in 2008" Sad.

I like the Genesis/Mega Drive version the best.

I'm near the end of the fourth tower, and I have to say Pandora's Tower is pulling me in the more I play. The towers/dungeons are getting more complex, and the chain-platforming-exploring is getting more involved.

Also, I am finding the combat just right - enough technique to use that you can keep combat fresh, but not so much that you get confused.

I think the graphics are fine. Yes, the textures are low res, but what this game lacks in technical grunt it makes up for in art direction.

Finally, I have never had the frame rate problems the editor mentioned. The only time I have seen slow down is when I use the zoom function while exploring. And this has never caused me gameplay issues.

Personally, from the 8-9 hours I've played so far, I'd give this an '8'. Recommended.

This seems like a good way to do trade-ins in the digital distribution era.

I don't think Nintendo is doomed. I really don't get the worry. To extrapolate, Sega needed to restructure after the Dreamcast because of existing financial problems: they didn't turn a profit on the 32X (or the Saturn, if memory serves). Meanwhile, Nintendo was making a profit off of the Gamecube/GBA/DS/Wii.
Sure, the WiiU needed better 3rd party support (in both directions) before the system launched, but - as myriad other articles have stated - this ONE hardware flop on Nintendo's part doesn't mean the company should abandon hardware, nor does it mean the company is financially doomed. It simply means that they need to re-stratagize. And no, I don't mean just pull another 'Blue-Ocean'.
And personally, I don't want to see the end of gaming only machines. If I wanted movies/multimedia/the kitchen sink WITH my gaming, I'd go to my computer.

@Holly
I was thinking the same thing. Nintendolife gave the orginal a score that I thought was pretty low, maybe more people feel that way than I realize (for the record, the orginal Metroid is in my top 5, maybe even top 3 games ever). My vote for Zelda was simply about saving 800 points vs. 500 in the VC.

@alex167

Yikes! What do you do then?

I think I'll get A Link to the Past. Just a thought: the orginal Zelda last month, and the SNES sequel this month; the orginal Metroid this month and Super Metroid next month, maybe?

@EarthboundBenjy

While I might arrange my list of CV games slightly differently, I do like the fact you have Castlevania: Rondo of Blood, Castlevania III, Castlevania Chronicles and Castlevania: The Adventure ReBirth so far up on your list.
Not to hate on fans, but I do feel that SCV IV isn't as great as I remember now that the graphics have lost their charm. The level design isn't that great, and the enemies are a rather genereic take on the series staples., IMO.
Still, the awesome sound track lends to the pleasing vibe this game gives off, and overall I'm glad I downloaded it on the Wii's VC.

I just found out this game is based on a Sega/Westone developed arcade brawler called Riot City. Now I can understand the similarities between Axel (Streets of Rage/Bare Knuckle) and Hawk.

@vicviper

First off, thank you for the reply. I think I'm not communicating what I mean, though. What I'm getting at is that SFII on the PC Engine is large capacity, just like R-Type. So if R-Type is $8 because of it's large capacity, then shouldn't SFII be $9 ($8 for the large capacity card, and $1 for import)? Either way, thanks for the conversation

@vicviper @antonvaltaz
Ah, thank you. But I wonder why the PC Engine version of STREET FIGHTER II: CHAMPION EDITION was only 700 points (in the States): It was also on a large capacity card.

@ACK

I just checked - they ARE back on the U.S. VC! Though... R-Type is 800 points, while the others are the standard TG-16 600.

I don't think Nintendo is doomed, by any stretch of the imagination. I do, however, feel that tablet gaming is going to be the future. And there will be one with Nintendo's logo on it.

@speedyboris

While I don't agree that this game 'put me off Castlevania', I do agree that RoB is the game I prefer. They are both good, but this isn't my fav. That sound track is comfort to my ears, though!

I'm new to the rewards thing. I have to say, I have been thinking of getting Pilot Wings.

@Sinister
IMO, Nintendo should (have) named the WiiU simply the Nintendo. And followed it with a marketing catch phrase like "bringing gaming back" or "it's always been about the games", offering a WiiU in NES colors to announce the return of Nintendo to their gaming roots to entice the so called 'core gamer' (which they did on the Wii, IMO, with games like Donkey Kong, the various Kirby games, New Super Mario Bros Wii, Sin and Punishment, etc.). Or something.

@Kirk
I have to agree. I haven't even played the originals, and just the though of the devs. being so lazy irks me so good I wouldn't buy this version. Thanks for shi**ing on WiiU owners, Sega
Want to 'see how we respond'? Upscale the Panzer Dragoon games (including Saga), and then sell them as a bundle. THAT would get peoples attention. Sheesh. And here I thought Sega's days of poor decisions were over. And this is coming from someone who has owned the SMS, Genesis, and Dreamcast. Ugh...

@TromboneGamer

It is never your fault if someone steals your stuff.