lockelocke

While the gameplay isn't particularly different from most turn-based RPG's, this game just has personality to it that draws you in. Great story, great characters. One of my favorite RPG's, and the best in the series.

I love this game. The first time I transformed into the dragon as a kid, I nearly wet myself. Seriously, isn't that every nerdy kids secret aspiration? Maybe not, but I played the crap out of this game as a kid. Granted, if you never had this one back then, it probably seems unbearable.

I just popped my N64 cart in and...wow, this really seemed a lot cooler 10 years ago. And faster. I'll save 10 bucks, and just keep the memories.

@Tannman42
They made a sequel for the SNES, but removed the simulation half of the game.
Also, the lead programmer of WiiWare's FF:MLAAK has mentioned that he'd be into making a new Actraiser game. Link below.
http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=18607

Do you ride dinosaurs in this version, or is that in a sequel?? Whichever it is, that's the version Hudson needs to hook up.

I can't believe I never played this back in the day. I bought it after beating the recent NG titles. Classic to say the least, with the music and the cut scenes, this game just has an epic vibe. But I am so stuck on world 6.

Not that it's identical, but I think WoG already gives me the fix this game is offering. Looks alright, tho; cool art. For VC Christmas, I want Life Force, but I doubt it will happen...

@slangman
Nice, thanks, man. What about Gradius 2? That one is 900 points; I know part of it has to do with it being an import, but, again, why 900 instead of 700? Similar thing?

Probably a dumb question, but why is this 800 points, versus 600?

Turns, bro

@Diebythesword
I'm with you, bro.
@The Fox
Some games have 2 fans.
@touffeboy
Dude, Metal Slug 2!
@Nintendo
PLEASE BRING THE C64 TO MY COUNTRY TIS OF THEE

@Clayfrd
As Corbie said, Ikaruga is super tough, but I wouldn't let that dissuade you from checking it out. The incredible "polarity switch"/combo system that drives the game is so fun, that you'll find yourself replaying the first level over and over, trying to nail the perfect run. Or at least I did, I didn't even SEE level 2 til like 6 months into owning the game.

@Corbie, or whoever really
Speaking of better WiiWare puzzlers to choose from, does anyone have any feedback of which is the "best" (I do hate that word) ArtStyle game? Personally I like more manic puzzlers like Tetris Attack.(Still waiting, Ninty!)

Of course Pokemon Ranch is #1 in Japan.

@ Beau Skunk
I'm with you, the SMS definitely needs some VC love, so I was happy to see this game appear, but, alas, your scathing review has turned me off. Nonetheless, this seems like a great game to make available for the Sonic freaks of the world; I know if this was some obscure Zelda title, no matter how supposedly terrible it was, I would have bought it up in a second. More SMS titles, Ninty!

Having recently played some other entries in the Gradius series, I've been thinking about (and waiting for!) Life Force, and I gotta say, this is hands down the best shooter I played as a five year old NES junkie.

Having been hooked on Lifeforce as a kid, I was instantly won over by this game. If you love the Gradius thing, you'll enjoy it, no doubt.

Slowdown aside, this game is classic to a stupid degree. For me, the slowdown doesn't even factor into my enjoyment of the game, my recommendation is, if you like the Slug, and you're not gonna buy the collection, then spend money on this game now,

Just bought both SSF2 and SF2 Turbo last night. Turbo was the version I had as as kid, I had never played SSF2, but wanted to check out the new fighters and moves. SSF2 is definitely slower, but I didn't really mind it, what bugged me were the variations in voice acting (super gay announcer) and animations (Blanka's spin move is rendered totally lame). All in all, an awesome game, and I love the new moves (fire hadukan!), but if you're going to buy one version, get Street Fighter 2 Turbo.

@wiirocks
Hellfire is a great shooter. Very much like Gley Lancer, but the emphasis on switching weapons made the pacing more deliberate. That's a super hard game, one of those break your own controller types.

I think this stands up to Soldier Blade easy, and I highly recommend it, if you're a fan of the genre. The controls/game concept take a little getting used to, so I wouldn't recommend it as a first entry into the genre, but a kick ass game nonetheless. Now, all I need is Thunderforce 4, easily my favorite MD shooter.

Better than Faceball, but not by a lot.

@megatron
I feel you on the controls, it's my only issue with the game. It takes way too long to set up a tank for that reason. Actually, let me retract that, and submit my other major beef: Why can't I unlock fish based on my actions and efforts in the game? The game is rewarding me for checking on my fish and feeding them daily as much as it is rewarding someone who neglects his fish and checks on them like once every couple weeks. That doesn't seem right, kind of takes the incentive out of the game; I can just turn it on once and a while and, viola, I'll have new fish. But on the real, that doesn't stop me from checking on My Aquarium at least every few days.

*Spoilers??*
Oh, PS: Has anyone unlocked the Seahorse?

Dude, I used to own kids at Bomberman 64 back in the day, but I can't play this worth a damn. I can't even get one lousy kill in on an easy SIM! PLEASE, anyone, TIPS!!? Strategies...etc?

@Corbie
I couldn't agree more. The leaps and bounds made from the SNES original to the N64 sequel are too ridiculous to meaure. HOWEVER, if you LOVE Starfox (particularly this game) I highly recommend checking out the never-released Star Fox 2. Star Fox 2 started a lot of (what I though were) the signatures of Star Fox 64, such as battling the Star Wolf team or the "world map." It also has a cool RTS feel, which is just way too complicated to explain in a comment, you need to check it out. Anywho, all in all, a very close second to Star Fox 64.

I'm done being angry. I honestly though we'd never get to see titles like Metal Slug 2 for VC. I mean I had HIGH hopes before the Wii launched, but after the first few months I was HIGHLY dissapointed at the rate at which games were dropping, and also at the choice of games we were getting. Back then, it seemed like all we would ever get were the classic Mario, Street Fighter, Sonic type franchises. Now, after finally getting to play some classic TG-16 shooters, and having access to super rare/expensive SNK titles, how can you really complain. Recently, with titles like Secret of Mana, etc I think the service has started walking the road to redemption.

No Way! I never thought I'd see this on the VC, but this is by far one of my favorite NES games. Completely twisted and bizarre. This is can be super hard to figure out, but that's the fun of it, that NOTHING is spelled out for you.

Well, that makes a lot more sense than some of the wild theories that were flying around when Capcom first announced that the new Bionic Commando wouldn't be hitting the Wii. The wii just can't hack it, it all makes sense.

Life Force is the only gift worth giving

Awesome interview, I'm glad to hear that the idea of retro style remakes is making waves in the industry. I'd way rather play an old school Adventure Island, but thats just me.

Well, its definitely faster, but is it just me or does this not solve the storage issue whatsoever?? My intelligence is officially insulted; does Ninty think they can just throw any software update at us INVOLVING an SD card and we'll be like, oh problem solved! This is a bit of a red herring, I mean, thanks for the update, but what about the storage issue?

World of Goo, anyone?

Nice avatar Wiiloveit
but, WHERE is Space Invaders? Sad face, for sure.

AMERICAN RELEASE PLEASE!

YOU GUYS ARE TRIPPING!
Space Harrier, to me, is the MUST HAVE title the Master System has to offer. You can sleep on it, but you're only hurting yourself. I still have my original MS version, but for sheer convenience, I will definitely be throwing cash down.

Wow, the top 5 is finally beyond decent

Way to rub it in, guys

Yeah, there's a great free version of this maze-sim for iphone

Holy Ish! What a classic. Not sure if I'll actually pick this one up, but hopefully this means we're one step closer to getting Earthworm Jim 2!

Just downloaded this bad boy today, and it is down right amazing. The gameplay is engaging right off the bat, and the artwork does a spot on job of creating a "world of goo" Controls are perfect, yadda yadda blah blah. I mean, if you need convincing just look at the barrage of reviews praising the game. 10/10 for sure, already beat the first two levels/worlds
SPEND MONEY NOW!

I had a suspicion this would be the first 10, I'll have to fork over the skrilla

I think I'll start with endless, have 300 points sitting there anyways

Dude, I'm so there. Consider my money spent.

Nice, that means we're one step closer to getting Earthworm Jim 2. Bring it on, Ninty.

Eh, kind of half-assed. Its STILL ridiculous that if I download like 4 or 5 WiiWare titles, I have NO ROOM on my Wii. If Nintendo wants to continue the WiiWare service they need a SERIOUS storage solution.

Nice! The more retro-styled games the better. I'd really like to see this build to the point that Nintendo starts dropping new retro installments to their big franchises. Zelda, anyone?

Word, My Aquarium is quality. I'm hooked.
Anyone unlock the seahorse?

Dope! This game is the ultimate gift for die-hard Mega Man fans, and these little upgrades are not hurting.

@Link79
Yes! Lifeforce gives the smackdown to all NES shooters

I don't care if it's the TG import of the NES version that WAS released in the US under the name "Kiwi Craze," but I NEEEEEEED the New Zealand Story. Easily one of the best 8-bit era platformers.

@RetroWare
I'm pretty sure that during the lazer part of the Quick Man level, there is a large energy replenisher, but its pretty risky to grab. If you can't manage it, I would recommend starting that part without freezing time, and then use Flash Man's power like halfway through, when you feel like the lazers are catching up to you.

That's all off memory, I haven't played the game in years, but I'm almost positive that energy capsule is there.