Wii Virtual Console News (Page 9)
Review Faxanadu (Virtual Console / NES)
Zelda II's spiritual successor
Not many people outside Japan are familiar with the Dragon Slayer series. Created by Nihon Falcom, the great minds behind Ys, the first game enjoyed a good deal of popularity and got many sequels, though unfortunately, almost all of them remained exclusive to Japan. The second Dragon Slayer game, Xanadu, actually...
News Japanese Virtual Console List - December 2010
Hudson and Capcom serve up some more games
Japan maintains a small lead on the rest of the world next month, by both catching up on two titles that were already released in Europe, and releasing three new games which everybody else will also likely see. There's nothing really surprising here this time! The games Japan will be getting next month are:...
Nintendo Download 26th November 2010 (Europe)
Bloody beaches, dying dodos and Faxanadu
As Advent draws near, it's truly the season of giving, with Nintendo joining in the festive spirit by giving Nintendo download fans 50% price cuts on two WiiWare titles finally making their way across from North America. Elsewhere, fans of NES side-scrolling RPGs are well catered for, and DSiWare gets the...
News Taito's Trademark Applications Suggest the Return of SNES Titles
Darius Twin, and two Lufia games if you must know
If Taito's latest filings at the United States Patents and Trademarks Office are anything to go by, we might well see a number of its Super NES titles on their way to the Wii Shop Channel. Darius Twin, Lufia & The Fortress of Doom, and Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals have all had trademarks...
Nintendo Download 22nd November 2010 (North America)
Demos, penguins, portable Tetris and VC
Getting in there early to beat the cold weather, here's this week's Nintendo Download complete with list of downloadable demos at long last. WiiWare: Snowpack Park (Nintendo, 800pts) – Befriend penguins in this left-field release from Nintendo. A cross between the pet and adventure genres, Snowpack Park sees...
Review Spin Master (Virtual Console / Neo Geo)
Not masterful, but still pretty good
With probably about half of the Neo Geo's library of games consisting of fighting games, it's always nice to see another platformer for the system released on VC. In Spin Master, you take control of either Johnny or Tom as you try to recover five pieces of a lost treasure map and rescue Johnny's girlfriend. It's...
Nintendo Download 12th November 2010 (Europe)
A little bit more for every service, plus a new demo
With five new games and a demo on offer this week, you'd think that it would be pretty good overall. Unfortunately, only the Virtual Console game and the demo make up most of this week's goodness - The other four are all games North America already got, and none of them were very good. WiiWare:...
Competition Winners Super Mario Bros. 25th Anniversary
Is it a-you?
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the release of Super Mario Bros. and the North American debut of the NES, we ran a competition to give away a free 500-point NES title for Virtual Console to each of twenty-five winners, the selection of the game being their choice. Almost a thousand users entered, so we'd like to congratulate the 25...
News Six Capcom Arcade Classics Launching on VC this Winter
Keeping the download service strong
As revealed at Comic-Con, New York this year, Capcom is planning on bringing some previously Japan-only Virtual Console titles to the West and, if all goes well, we will be tucking into some retro classics this Winter. Currently, there are six titles scheduled for release in North America and Europe, and from the...
Nintendo Download 1st November 2010 (North America)
Robot boxes, genetic manipulation, super-powered babies and men dunking balls
If your trick-or-treat bag didn't have a Nintendo Points Card by the end of the night, well, you might want to look into buying a couple packages of toilet paper and retracing your steps. Just sayin'. WiiWare: Robox (DreamBox Games, 1000 Points) — A gorgeous...
Review Super E.D.F. Earth Defense Force ( / Super Nintendo)
Emergency on planet earth
Back in the 16-bit wars, the SNES was unquestionably the comfortable winner when it came to RPGs. Sega's Mega Drive (or Genesis, depending on where in the world you're reading this) was completely and utterly outclassed in this area, despite the presence of brilliant titles such as Shining Force, LandStalker and Light...
News Japanese Virtual Console List - November 2010
Three more classics, and one not-so classic
Japan's doing its usual job of getting games just before everybody does: three of the games they're getting this month have already been officially announced for release elsewhere and will be coming in the next few months. The fourth game they're getting is more of a Japanese thing, and won't be too sorely...
Nintendo Download 29th October 2010 (Europe)
Fishing, lasers, chicks, sleep and more
God bless the Nintendo download for bringing us another bounty of bizarre treats. If there isn't anything that tickles your fancy this week, we'd be very surprised. WiiWare: Reel Fishing Challenge II (Natsume, 500pts) – The follow-up to – you guessed it – Reel Fishing Challenge, this is a virtual...
Review Street Hoop (Virtual Console / Neo Geo)
Slam dunk or flagrant foul?
While many of the other consoles of the time were receiving a good variety of basketball offerings, the Neo Geo system was relegated to just one. Data East's Street Hoop passed over the traditional basketball experience in favour of a more playground-esque 3-on-3 style, complete with backboard shaking dunks and a wealth...
Nintendo Download 22nd October 2010 (Europe)
Nice and early this week
Europe comes through with a bumper crop of downloadable delights for release this Friday. Shall we see what they are? WiiWare: My Starry Night (Hudson, 500pts) – Known as My Planetarium in North America, this is essentially My Aquarium for stargazers, with around 20,000 stars, planets, asteroids and more for your...
Nintendo Download 18th October 2010 (North America)
Happy holidays and mystic quests
The past two weeks have seen high profile downloadable releases in both shapely and spiny forms, so whilst this week lacks a true flagship title it does offer two new Nintendo-published titles and the scheduled Virtual Console download. WiiWare: ThruSpace (Nintendo, 800pts) – Formerly known as the far more...
News Capcom Reveals Virtual Console Arcade Support in the West
Finally some more arcade classics
It took a while, but Capcom has finally revealed that, yes, it is also planning to release a bunch of its arcade titles on the Virtual Console outside Japan. We already discovered some of the titles a while ago, but it's now added one more game to the list. Listed on a small poster in Capcom's booth at the Comic-Con...
Nintendo Download 8th October 2010 (Europe)
Three for DSiWare, one each on WiiWare and VC
In an unexpected turn of events, the press release for this week's European Nintendo Download turned up early, but who's complaining? Well, anyone hoping to grapple with Shantae: Risky's Revenge and Cave Story, but at least next week sees the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 4: Episode 1, so there's a...
News OFLC Rates Magical Drop II for Virtual Console
Neo Geo puzzler on the way
Neo Geo bubble-popping frenzy Magical Drop II has been available on Japanese Virtual Console for a while now, but it's just received a rating from Australian board the OFLC, indicating a PAL release is within sight. Of course, we're well accustomed to waiting months for rated games to make themselves available on the...
Nintendo Download 4th October 2010 (North America)
Shantae arrives!
No messing around this week, let's get straight to the good stuff. DSiWare: Shantae: Risky's Revenge (WayForward, 1200pts) – The genial genie finally returns in this highly anticipated release. The price point may seem steep, but WayForward assures us this one is packed with enough content to keep you going for ages. Our full...
Nintendo Download 5th & 6th October 2010 (Japan)
October begins with Virtual Console and DSiWare
WiiWare's alternating weeks continue, but at least there's the Virtual Console to keep Wii owners happy – even better when the releases include classic arcade games! The DSi has a trio of actual games for a change with nary a lifestyle download in sight. Virtual Console: Commando (800pts Arcade,...
News Nintendo Release Schedule Outs Mario Party 2, Super Bonk and More
Virtual Console still twitching
It's very rare to get any kind of heads-up for what's coming to Virtual Console, but this release schedule from Nintendo's Netherlands office contains a few surprising treats for the year ahead. N64 party game Mario Party 2 is set to launch in December, just in time for the party season, with Super Bonk for Super NES...
Review Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest (Virtual Console / Super Nintendo)
A simplified Final Fantasy experience
Back in 1992, role-playing games were still largely ignored outside of Japan, but Square tried to remedy this with the release of Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest. The game not only added a bit more action to the experience, it also greatly simplified the gameplay mechanics as well. While this certainly offered up a...
News Japanese Virtual Console list - October 2010
Three more for Japan next month
Japan is taking it a bit easy again next month with just three new releases. Two of them could have been predicted quite easily - Both were rated by the OFLC not too long ago and should thus also be heading to other regions. The last is yet another Japan-exclusive RPG which is very unlikely to see the light of day...
Nintendo Download 24th September (Europe)
More Final Fantasy, robotic boxes, and more
After two Virtual Console-less weeks, the service returns with a bang with another title from Square Enix. It might not be one of the most fondly remembered games they've made, but the more the merrier! It's accompanied by a few interesting WiiWare and DSiWare titles. WiiWare: Robox (1000pts, Dreambox...
News Even More Virtual Console Titles on the Way
Four more possible future retro releases
We only reported on a few potential Virtual Console games getting rated less than a week ago, but it's already time to report on even more of them. Since the last news post, the OFLC has rated two more classic titles which are very likely for Nintendo's beloved retro service, and in addition to that, we've...
Nintendo Download 20th September 2010 (North America)
Throwing and Caterpillars on WiiWare; Aero 2 on VC; Soccer, Go Series and Countdown on DSiWare
The world of Nintendo Downloads is often surprising, even for aficionados such as ourselves. Sometimes a long-awaited title appears; others come from out of the blue. Enjoy this week's line-up. WiiWare: Triple Throwing Sports (Code Monkeys, 500pts) – The...
Nintendo Download 21st & 22nd September 2010 (Japan)
VCA and DSiWare next week in Japan
Japan receives a mix of RPGs, shooters, mathematics training for youngsters and short quizzes about feudal Japanese history. Virtual Console: Romancing Saga 3 (800pts, Super Famicom - Square-Enix) – The third in a series of RPGs from one of the RPG masters. Exed Exes (800pts, Arcade - Capcom) – An early Capcom...
News Three More Virtual Console Titles Incoming
One NES classic and two new arcade games coming in the near future
If you've been keeping an eye on new game pages on our site, you might have already noticed, but over the last few days, three classic games have received age ratings, indicating that they will be making their way to the Virtual Console soon. Possibly the most important to most...
Nintendo Download 13 September 2010 (North America)
Find, conquer, scribble and flip this week
Got 500 WiiWare or DSiWare Points burning a hole in your digital wallet? Perhaps one of this week's Nintendo Download releases will help you put out that fire. WiiWare: Adventure on LOST ISLAND - Hidden Object Game (Ateam Inc., 500 Points) — Another find-fest brought to you by Ateam, the folks behind the...
Nintendo Download 14th & 15th September 2010 (Japan)
Another triple threat for Japan next week: BIT.TRIP, VCA and DSiWare
WiiWare: BIT.TRIP RUNNER: Rhythm Alien no Geki Sō (500 Points, Arc System Works) — A lot of Japanese Wii owners are going to be happy next week as BIT.TRIP RUNNER finally arrives in Japan. The fact that the price is the same 500 Points as the rest of the series kind of makes up...
Nintendo Download 6th September (North America)
Westerners on WiiWare; Samurai on VC; Exotic Farms, Mahjong and Acoustic Guitars on DSiWare
Today might be a national holiday in United States but that doesn't mean the Nintendo Download is taking a day off, with five releases including the return of Virtual Console in the form of Samurai Shodown III. WiiWare: Fenimore Fillmore: The Westerner...
Review Samurai Shodown III (Virtual Console / Neo Geo)
A new spin on the popular fighting series
It's no secret that the Samurai Shodown series played a huge role in vaulting SNK up to the big boy fighting game table. And as popular as the original release was, it was the sequel that would set the standard by which all future titles of the franchise would be judged. Samurai Shodown III would mark the...
Nintendo Download 7th & 8th September 2010 (Japan)
The gang's all here: WiiWare, Virtual Console and DSiWare next week in Japan
WiiWare: Surinuke Anatōsu (800pts - Nintendo) -- Though we've gotten the distinct impression that third parties have abandoned WiiWare in Japan, Nintendo certainly hasn't. Keys Factory is credited as the developer – a bit odd since all they seem to make are Wii and DSi...
Nintendo Download 3rd September (Europe)
Another retro fighter, and more
Thankfully, the wait for another Virtual Console title wasn't long - Surely you managed to get by with just one week of no new retro games? It's accompanied by the first of Gamebridge's GO Series, and five other games. WiiWare: Fishie Fishie (500pts, DK Games) – The only WiiWare title this week. Fairly similar to...
Nintendo Download 31st August & 1st September 2010 (Japan)
VC Tennis for the Wii and three new DSiWare titles next week in Japan
Virtual Console: Mario Tennis 64 (1000pts N64 - Nintendo) — The original 3D Nintendo tennis experience and, (in the opinion of many) the best, is the final Virtual Console title of the month. Read our Mario Tennis review to get the full story! DSiWare: Action Puzzle Rabi x Laby...
News Japanese Virtual Console list - September 2010
More well-known games we'll never see (and some we might)
Japan keeps up the pace with five more Virtual Console games this next month. Three of them are arcade titles which could all possibly get a release elsewhere, if the publishers can be bothered. The other two are Japan-exclusive Super Famicom RPGs, which are highly unlikely to be released...
News Buy Ufouria If You Want More Quirky Virtual Console Titles
So says Victor Ireland
After a long holiday, Virtual Console returned on Monday with Ufouria: The Saga. Legendary translator Victor Ireland has plans for more off-the-wall titles for Virtual Console, but first he needs to know they would sell, so he's appealling to VC lovers across North America. This is the one many of you have been asking for. If...
Nintendo Download August 23rd (North America)
Anticipated games arrive and the Virtual Console returns!
With Rytmik, And Yet It Moves and Ufouria: The Saga all in one day, this week's download fares better than previous outings. The debut of the G.G Series, a classic puzzle game and farming on the go round out this week's line-up. WiiWare: And Yet It Moves (1000pts, Broken Rules) – This...
Review Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory (Virtual Console / Neo Geo)
Fatal Fury Extra Special
With the release of Fatal Fury Special, Neo Geo fighting fans were treated to a rather significant upgrade from the previous release of Fatal Fury 2. Not content to rest on its laurels, SNK decided to give the standard series one last hurrah with this fourth and final instalment. And while long-time fans will appreciate the...
News Super Earth Defense Force Enlists to Defend Europe and Australia
Virtual Console rating uncovered
Can't get enough of blasting aliens on Virtual Console? Then prepare to give your trigger finger another workout as the Australian Classification Board (OFLC) has outed Super E.D.F. Earth Defense Force for Super Nintendo, heading to the PAL region for the first time ever. There's naturally no release information...
Nintendo Download 20th August (Europe)
More VC and a bunch of WiiWare and DSiWare
As we reported earlier this week, Europe gets yet another Virtual Console title to continue the streak. It's accompanied by another bunch of catch-up titles on WiiWare and DSiWare of which we've already reviewed all but one. WiiWare: Furry Legends (1000pts, Gamelion Studios) – A platformer that's been in...
News Brace for Impact as Fatal Fury 3 Smacks Up Europe this Week
More downloads revealed
We normally get an inkling of the upcoming Nintendo Download releases a few days earlier, but the latest update to the Nintendo Europe website reveals no fewer than five titles on the way this week. Chief amongst these is Neo Geo fighter Fatal Fury 3: Road to the Final Victory, another popular outing for Terry Bogard and pals...
News Harvest Moon 64 Will Not Sprout on Virtual Console
Bad news for farm fans
There have been countless Harvest Moon games over the years, but only one currently resides on Virtual Console: the original Harvest Moon for Super Nintendo. The 64-bit follow-up Harvest Moon 64 is an oft-requested addition, but according to Natsume's Vice President of Operations Graham Markay, you won't be digging it up in...
Nintendo Download 13th August (Europe)
Cowboys, card games, racing and more
As we already reported earlier this week, the Virtual Console is keeping up its streak of weeks with a new game a bit longer, with today's new retro release easily being the most interesting new title this week. All five of this week's games have already been released elsewhere, so you don't have to wait for any...
Nintendo Download 9th August 2010 (North America)
Aquariums and Massages for Wii; ABC123, Rhythm, Chess and Lost Artifacts for DSiWare; no VC game.
If you're a Wii owner looking for a relaxing experience, this week's download is enough to send you into nirvana, with massages and fish-staring ahoy. DSi owners receive some rather more cerebral offerings, with chess, puzzles, music and even a learning...
News Wild Guns Yee-Haws to Virtual Console on Friday
Two in a row!
European Virtual Console fans relax: you're not dreaming. After the excitement of Ufouria: The Saga, Aero the Acrobat and its sequel in the past month, there's another title on the way this Friday in the form of SNES steampunk Wild West shooter Wild Guns. Out in North America at the end of May, this is one game that deserves a download...
Review Aero the Acrobat 2 (Virtual Console / Super Nintendo)
Everything you could want out of a sequel
About the time mascot games began exploding on the Super Nintendo console, Sunsoft jumped on the bandwagon with the release of their original platformer Aero the Acrobat. While the game featured many of the classic platforming elements that were showing up in the games of the time period, it was criticized...
Nintendo Download 6th August (Europe)
Sand and chess on WiiWare; Aero 2 on VC; Links, chess and puzzles on DSiWare
To call this a catch-up week would be a slight understatement: several of these games have been out for months, with one game reaching European shores after over a year and a half. Enough history, let's get on with it. WiiWare: Sandy Beach (500pts, Konami) – This sandy...
Nintendo Download 2nd August 2010 (North America)
Chibi fighters, dogzzzz and slots
There's something for everyone in this week's Nintendo Download. Or is that nothing for everyone? Something for no one? Anything for nothing? Everything or Nothing? Wouldn't that be something. WiiWare: Fantasy Slots: Adventure Slots (Big John Games, 700 Points) — A whole mess of themed slot machines, including...
