Rexy

@classicmike: Nintendo of America can do as they please. I have understood the argument concerning Nintendo's most loyal customers, but seriously - given that Sega/Hudson/SNK consoles are also among the lineup, not to mention the occasional import, I think they're aiming not strictly towards the faithful Nintendo supporters but also to pretty much every retro gamer that has owned a cartridge-based home console in the past.

Also, you made it sound as if the world receiving Metal Slug was a bad thing. o_O

So? Antarctic Adventure predates Super Mario Kart by 9 years, so no one can say an older game is a poor man's variant on a newer one. I do however agree on that it didn't age very well, though I'm sure that given the pushing of Pentarou among later Konami titles it's seen as one of those more defining moments for the MSX at least.

Antarctic Adventure is a start, yes. But I said a batch, not a singular title.

Dude, they already stated that they do feel bad about our VC releases, don't be so defensive

Thank you Max. As stated, the variety for the VC in America is really slim and it doesn't help that the audience there are being nitpicky over what they want. I too am among those that want the situation to improve concerning the number and so forth.

Concerning that PS3 list though, the only one that intrigued me from it is Little Big Planet. Likewise, Resistance 2 and Wipeout HD - in spite of looking most likely to be awesome for their respective genres - are among the many cluttering types of racing simulations and first person shooters that are dominating the PS3, and as much amusement as I had with some of the Buzz PS2 games at parties throughout much of 2006, it can't really be called a game for an actual gamer to pick up and play - that's like saying Singstar is some kind of triple-A title or something. If there's very poor variety, then I'm still not game as far as the PS3 is concerned.

Well, most of my rash posting IS indeed based on the fact that this is my first Nintendo home console (though I have all the handhelds minus that dreaded Virtual Boy), so I have understanding on what people can be like when sticking with companies for a long time. The attitude there was very similar to my links with Sony - promising first console and game range, the PS2 was similarly worthy with the DVD and PS1 game playback, yet the PSP currently doesn't have any stellar games on it and the PS3 is currenlty way too screwed up to look into it at the moment (similarly with very few interesting games).

A similar thing can be said about Microsoft - the XBox360 was rushed, and even though it's stated that the Red Ring of Death problem will be resolved, it doesn't alter the fact that there still aren't that many interesting games for those that want to play stuff other than first person shooters, not to mention that it suffers similar backwards compatability problems with the PS3.

Considering that my prior console to the Wii - the PS2 - was starting to deprive of anything good to purchase through the whole of 2007, I wanted to make a move to a new console that would offer something rewarding. So far the Wii seemed to do that, as well as starting to get my extended family into gaming.

Even though Nintendo could be facing a moderate decline as you are stating, I'm actually convinced that they won't end up getting any worse than what Sony and Microsoft are doing right now. And as long as there's still stuff to keep me interested and keep up the customer service work over the years, then that's fine by me. I know what you're saying with the slower releases and lack of storage solution though, and even though space isn't an issue for me at the moment, I hope that something like that can come to light in the coming months.

P[eople say SK isn't good for VC, but all their games are good and we mostly have... fluff.

Yes, but let's not forget that they're getting VC games that we generally have already. The day when we should really be envious over the Korean gamers should be the day when they get a batch of great gamesthat we don't have yet. For now, they're off to a good start.

Well, that's the confirmation on what version of Mario 2 the Koreans are getting. I wonder how long it'll take before they get what we call The Lost Levels...?

That's the thing with Gems Collection - it has the more obscure Sonic games... plus the Vectorman series for some reason. ^^; But either way, it would be years before Sonic CD becomes a download - on the next Nintendo console and its follow-up to the VC, complete with a hard drive about 20 times as big and Internet download speeds coming through the roof.

Still, one can dream, can't they?

@Smoke39: I did express my feelings on how you are getting fewer and fewer games (or if I didn't, that's my memory gone down the drain) and like I said, I'm with you on that one. It's like going into a restaurant and finding out that all you can order is fish and chips - awkward as Hell, I tell you. I really hope NoA end up looking into it and give what the Americans truly want most importantly - diversity.

I wonder if people like to forget Pokemon Puzzle League on purpose...

Due to the footage displayed on the appropriate page, I put it all down to the licensing over the fact that in terms of gameplay, it is superior in comparison to Tetris Attack. Yet, there's something about the Pokemon franchise that tends to receive a lot of awkward stigma around here (possibly the heavy emphasis on the anime and store merchandise).

I know you're all angry because of the VC release scenario. And to be honest, you are right in saying that the Neo Geo library is currently lacking somewhat (except maybe Metal Slug). But I'm usually one to say never give up, and pretty much hope that something could turn up to some extent.

And I'm not at all saying you're all "spoilt brats" just by asking for the greatness that is Earthbound and the mediocrity (my opinion) of SMRPG. It's just that I've got it fixed in my head from the past few updates now that that's all you ever want. People shouldn't have their hopes up all the time, because if they do, feelings would crash down like barrels of thunder and that would actually be a painful sight. Assuming that the ratings are still there (or just about), they'll be there - just give them time.

I know what you want, but I did hear that the PR team changed since Wiiware came into play. That's what made me jump into that kind of conclusion.

Yet, I feel the understanding behind it. If I lived in America I'd be pretty angry about the situation, but it's not like me to moan about what games I WANT to play week after week. To continuously scream and shout for a game that one loved to play when younger means that one can be ridiculously picky over what they want to play, which in turn results in a very dissatisfied/impatient customer.

I don't know what America is like, but impatience and haste never gets rewarded out here - if you blatently show open agitation about a certain scenario, the merchant completely ignores you and seeks for a more "pleasant" customer. I'm seeing a similar scenario here, when those continuously screaming for first/second party Nintendo games aren't getting them because they've practically annoyed NoA's PR to death. If they don't want to release any of the highly anticipated titles for another year or two yet, then let them do as they desire instead of expecting them to arrive every single week of the year.

If it was the Famicom version getting an import, I still wouldn't mind. Both games share similar premises (even though the Famicom release didn't have as much obsurdities as its SNES successor and was similarly deprived of certain major components like Porky and the Mr Saturn) and link well to one another, so I won't get angry if we somehow end up with Mother 1 first.

I'm getting sick of all the crap Nintendo is releasing on the Virtual Console lately, why must this continue? I expect better games that are worth playing, like Yoshi's Island and SMRPG.

And I'm getting sick of all the American whingers who just want familiarity over anything, why must this continue? There's no wonder why you aren't getting anything, because as far as I'm concerned, some of you have annoyed the PR team to death about certain games you want and you might not even get them with the way this is going.

Sorry, but this is how things are. Like the releases or not, either you grow some skin concerning the state of affairs, or completely ditch the VC in favor of other means like what the American PR team seems to be doing.

Agreed, plus I'm assuming that the amount of data stored on a Sega CD disc would make them far too big to transfer across the VC. Sonic Gems would be our only choice.

This reminds me of Rampage, except that the presentation is drastically different. Now I know that I'm usually one for trying things that are new, but even after looking at how it's played, I'm still not too convinced. I'm with the peers across the pond on this one.

I'm not saying they were better - just saying that they were at least consistent enough to still be recognised today, that's all.

Not technically a videogame character per se, but Drake Mallard came to mind for me - alias Darkwing Duck
But why are we going in the random direction of "drakes" all of a sudden anyway?

I put it down to heavier populations for one thing, but even so, people tend to see each nation in a completely different light.

Similarly to you, I like to experience new things in gaming every now and again, and that kind of feel seems to echo quite a bit around the European gaming community (the kind that even had the willpower to welcome Sega and Commodore into the gaming market) - hence, this is why we tend to feel more passive with VC releases and more willing to judge them.

Americans, on the other hand, could see us to be gamers willing to throw money left, right and centre - even if the average Nintendo 64 game has the same price value as a 12-inch club sandwich meal deal from Subway. The consensus seems to be that they seem to be more cautious, hence the feel for them to rather remain close to what they've already played and - for the worst - the unbearable instinct of wanting to insult any third party game that comes their way. That kind of attitude is what the Europeans would see as - as you stated - casual gaming.

It's just that it's suddenly started to annoy me week after week, when even there's an awesome title that isn't necessarily a first or second party Nintendo title, people could see it as "the worst VC week ever". I'm just hoping that this kind of argument would cease soon, when people realise that there are people that are actually willing to make a move on those titles, whether they're good or bad, first/second or third party, or whatever.

Can I also add Castlevania to the argument as well? It's another great example of a game which only transitions to 3D flat out sucked, and its sidescrollers - even if they're all on handhelds now - are still being welcomed today. Now will you tell me there's no room for 2D in today's market?

@Virus: That's fine to hear that you don't appreciate Alex Kidd. The fact remains that you've had a go at least, and that's more than what anyone in your side of the pond would do.

Looking at my VC library at the moment, only half of which were games that I have played before whether it be the original console or through emulation. I was similarly hesitant with the likes of Shining Force, Mystical Ninja and even Mega Man 2 among others, so what I ended up doing was watching people play the games on Youtube or a similar video site, checked out other users' opinions through the detailed reviews at GameFAQs, and even have a chat with a fellow gamer who's been active longer than me. It's no different than looking for a new Wii game.

Other peoples' methods may vary, but if you do your research right, then you might find yourself into a game that you so wished you played as a kid instead of those questionable movie/cartoon tie-ins and generic sports/board game titles your mother bought for you.

@Bensei: I understand your point, but weren't most platformers back in the day all about holding right, jumping over obstacles and getting to the goal at the end? Plus, Sonic 3 (and to some extent Sonic & Knuckles) started to eradicate that feel altogether, and I'm sure that something with that kind of level design can be a decent choice to consider for a potential Wiiware Sonic title.

Mike, you're overexaggerating again. Like I said, we Europeans (and Australians) are not going to cry because we know what's going to happen. We have chosen to accept the routine, so please don't make it sound like we don't know what's going to happen.

@Phantom93: Good logic, I never thought about a Sonic Wiiware game. From what I read concerning the publication for Mega Man 9, the Wiiware seems perfect for introducing modern "retro stuff" to the library, and a good Sonic sidescroller should go down really well here

If anything, the presentation is one of the few redeeming qualities about the 3D titles, so I'm with you concerning the music. Otherwise, I can barely get used to the idea of zooming really fast in a full 3D environment - more prone to mistakes than in a standard 2D title, where you could at least see what's ahead of you.

I do see what you mean - just for the record, I was in for the Wii because it was the only next-gen console that even had anything remotely interesting for me as a gamer (and I've been with PlayStations in the past few years). I'm not at all saying that there is nothing wrong with first party Nintendo games, far from it - just somehow getting the idea of them being the only games that people want.

@Danieru Lynx: Yes, but I haven't really been too particularly fond of the 3D Sonics, generally because they don't seem to hold enough polish in three dimensions in comparison to the sidescrolling counterparts. I'm actually reluctant to look into the Adventure titles for that reason

@brooks: That's the problem, and that's almost the same reason why the Turbographx and Neo-Geo titles similarly get the same kind of treatment out there. It's something that I've been witnessing here stealthily over the past few months or so, and can be seen as degradingly upsetting.

@firebrand: You're a rare breed - how surprising
I have perfect understanding that you guys want more games, hence my first post in the entire thread referring to the urky pattern. But this is going to be the weird cycle - as stated earlier on, there's been a general belief that if the game is not a first/second party Nintendo game, then it ultimately gets disregarded by the American gaming audience. And now it seems as if that kind of thing is getting into NoA's heads and they seem to want to offer the other titles in lower quantities and up the Wiiware ante for some reason. Can't anyone be greatful enough that they've got stuff to play on at least?

I haven't played it either, but I'm just assuming that the problems themselves are actually multiple times worse than they were in, say, Sonic Heroes for example.

Anything that's got a Nintendo branding by its name. Hence, why we took Alex Kidd in a lot better than you did.

We won't cry now because we now know what's going to happen. And we're going to accept that, unlike most people around the gaming world.

And concerning Majora's Mask, apparently that had some emulation issues on the Zelda Collector's Edition from what I've read through past conversations - that's why there's more pressure for that to be put on the VC if there's a way to get Expansion Pak emulation through.

I believe this would be the Master System version potentially coming to the VC - what's the chance of a poor XBox360/PS3 game porting over to the Wii anyway, as well as handhelds appearing on the VC?

Whichever happens, I'm so in for this one. I'm actually a little peeved that it's not on either of the Sonic Collections on the GC, so this could be worth it if it ever comes over

@Objection_Blaster: I agree with you there as well, purely for the fact that I would snap up Earthbound in a heartbeat as soon as it arrives and couldn't care less for SMRPG. If that actually DOES happen, then that makes it another stimulating reason to move to America.

@Mike:

"A lot of these games that we call crap, that you refer to as a 'good game', weren't very popular back on their original releases. And why weren't they very popular? Because the majority of people considered them to be CRAP. "

A lot of that quote actually was retarded. I know they were angry at that, but they're rejecting the fact that people only got into games because they were popular, and that has always been the case. I'm assuming he's one of many that didn't get Earthbound either - a great example of a great game that didn't get popular enough on release, and yet is one of the most requested games for the VC right about now.

So, to the guy who wants to share frustrations against peoples' more positive opinions about the so-called "underdogs", we have rights to opinions, and being told not to appreciate the underpriviledged isn't a wise move now, isn't it?

oh dear.... doesn't look good for us brits.

You got that right. Sure, we could look at the Australian releases (since they usually get the same stuff as us minus the C64 titles) but even so there's nothing that's interested me as a gamer there (though things could change if I do my homework on a select few when they release).

I appreciate the feature though, so this can be good to take a good peak at what can potentially arrive to the VC in the coming weeks.

As much as I appreciate Fatal Fury and the fact that the Neo Geo library is finally starting to become more diverse, I have to side with the fact that the Americans aren't getting as much as other territories when it comes to the VC now. Either Nintendo is running out of stuff to freely distribute over the VC, or there's a questionable PR team making these kinds of decisions.

Correction - we get 5 or 6 games each fortnight, which amounts to 2-3 VC games each week. We aren't being spoilt - you're just overexaggerating the issue; we are all being treated the same.

@Paper Yoshi: I should have stated that that was the general consensus concerning American gaming, not everyone involved in it. Don't worry, it was just an assumption from seeing how they make their investments around here o_O
(And yes, I second Demon212's statement concerning gas prices around here too!)

@Cally: Well, it is known that corporations like Square, Rare, Hudson and the like seem supportive of the VC to some degree, yet I was more thinking of the case of some games struggling to receive the green light from the licence holder (Axelay in Europe, anyone?), not to mention some corporations (e.g. Psygnosis) completely vanishing since the console days, or rather becoming a part of a rival team (like I said with Psygnosis now being Sony's Liverpool branch). It's those kind of complexities that get us thinking about the whole situation.

I don't understand the hate-ons for Mario Kart either - I just go with the flow concerning the lot, acknowleding that it without a doubt is the best Mario multiplayer franchise out there. I never would have thought there'd be a huge following for the SNES release in comparison to the N64 one, but then again it DID start the trend after all

the C64 had NOTHING that could compare to the awesome sauce that is the SMRPG.

Personally, I disagree. I already stated that SMRPG was nothing more than a beginner's RPG, which in affect seems pale in comparison to trying out some of the cream of the crop of the C64. But I don't want to go through THAT talk again.

I do understand that you guys in America deem to be spoilt though, but do remember that America isn't the ONLY English speaking country in the world. The way you percepted the standard American's taste in gaming is making me think that you guys are a lot more casual and laid back than the rest of the English speaking world, those traits usually raising eyebrows elsewhere.

Either way, I didn't know that Cybernoid came out on the NES so thanks for the heads up.

As easy as Shining Force 1 was, I've taken a lot of interest in the second title and I hope to see it come through to the Western VC in the forseeable future. Shame there's nothing planned for the N64 though

Uh Rexy, it is NOT okay to site from Wikipedia, for the exact reason you just said - because you can't trust it.

Yes, but I clearly stated that stuff on a Wikipedia article itself that had in turn been cited for can at least be seen as feasible information. Most articles have a "references" section for a reason.

Rexy, you're not the only one who "told you so." Pretty much everyone here concluded that this would be the pattern over the last couple of weeks.

That wasn't aimed at the new routine, Jogurt - more like the mass of people who believed a Wikipedia edit on a potential release for SMRPG last night. I see what you mean though concerning people understanding the new routine quicker than me

Relax; I edited the post anyway, so we're all happy

If that's the case, then Wikipedia lies. Lies! LIES!

See, that's why you should never trust Wikipedia. Anyone can edit it and make false info. It's ok to cite information from it, but as long as said info was cited somewhere else as well, that's feasible; just that vandals like to spoil the fun for everyone. ¬.¬

Were there any moaners continuously bickering about the state of SMRPG's release? Yes. For Cybernoid? No. Why? Because apparently those that remember the Commodore 64 are more patient and mild mannered.
Plus, didn't I even bring up the disadvantages of releasing it alongside Brawl in a prior news thread?

[edit: eh, should have figured that this site was family friendly ^^;]

I noticed the trend since Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (which didn't have an online option btw). Maybe certain Wii games had a lock on to prevent unlockable data being transferred between machines or something (in which would suck in the event that the owner's Wii would disintegrate).

..."I told you so."

Still, given that we face this scenario, I'm sure we'll be facing alternating VC and Wiiware weeks from here on out. It's a weird business strategy, I'm sure, but it could be feasible in the long run.

I'm familiar enough with Super Fantasy Zone at least; I'll look into a game or two but I'm not sure if it'll be worth investing on anything just yet due to Brawl finally coming tomorrow

Yeah, it doesn't matter who gets it first - as long as we finally end up in a calm state of mind together at least two weeks after the revelation. You guys can indeed be passionate about all things Mario, but I wasn't expecting the meter to go THIS far ^^;

No hard feelings. I just wanted to watch out for stalkers