By Dustin.
Tuesday, 13. November 2007, 04:45:09
sega, genesis, super, points
...
This is DotEd, reporting on location at DustyButton's secret rebel base. [/nerd] Just a regular Virtual Console update this week. But don't forget, last week we got Super Mario Bros. 3, probably to hype this week's release of Super Mario Galaxy in the US, along with a Mario Contest. Ok, just go download Super Mario Bros. 3 again. 
N + Volleyball NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points Step onto the court in one of the first volleyball games ever made. Select either the men's or women's competition, choose from one of eight available countries to represent, and prepare for some intensely fun game play. The straightforward controls include all the moves you'll need to effectively direct your six-person team. Take some time mastering them in the training mode, though, because you'll need all the practice you can get when competing against challenging computer opponents. If you feel like some multiplayer action, take on a friend in the two-player mode and see whose skills are more polished. Block, set and spike your way to victory.
N + AXELAY®
Super NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points
Mysterious aliens have invaded the Earth-like planet of Corliss, slowly draining the planet's resources. Take control of the prototype Axelay ship and use its wide range of advanced weaponry to battle enemy forces. Play through multiple stages of action —from other planets to space stations — all on your way to destroying the alien headquarters. You are Corliss' last line of defense, so be careful not to be too distracted by the excellent graphics (including great scrolling effects) and rocking music. Pilot the Axelay using Konami's famously tight play control and experience what many consider to be a classic of the shooter genre.
N + BLUE'S JOURNEY
NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 900 Wii Points
The planet of Raguy has been invaded by the Daruma tribe, changing it from a beautiful and peaceful place into one filled with pollution. Released in 1991, this horizontally scrolling action game tells the story of an insectarian named Blue and his quest to save the planet and keep its inhabitants from being turned into slaves. Use Blue's main weapon, a leaf, to flip enemies onto their heads and then throw them at other members of the Daruma tribe, defeating anyone in your way. Additional weapons, such as bombs and boomerangs, are also available, or you can collect flowers to purchase other special items like honey or swim fins. Blue also has the special ability to change his size at will — if he's too big to fit in a particular area, then shrink him. The bright, colorful graphics, combined with lots of hidden items to find, ensure an enjoyable experience with plenty of replay value. Help Blue muster all his strength and eliminate the Daruma tribe.
For a list of all games on the NAVC (with Retro Reviews) head here
The list of EUVC games can be found here
Japanese Virtual Console list kickyhere!
By .ed.
Tuesday, 16. October 2007, 03:54:03
turbo, graphx, 16, .ed
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Wow, the last couple of updates to the Virtual Console have been really strong. If not in content (it's still a matter of taste), you've got to at least recognize the potential. The US and Europe finally saw the addition of the NEOGEO platform, an update that Japan had long before us (along with a few other minor platforms) that opens the gates to more libraries of unbelievably well made classics. Many of which can be considered new titles to those who never had a sweet arcade (they seemed to fade fast in the 90's when home consoles locked in 3D graphics), a rich best friend or uncle (lets face it, almost NOBODY owned a NEOGEO, be we all "knew a kid who knew a kid"), or even a clue that these games existed at all (that's ok, I barely know you exist). 
So you'd think Nintendo would pace itself, and really let it sink in, throw a few more NES and Genesis rounds in the pipeline before ANNOUNCING ANOTHER SYSTEM. Ok, so it's technically more TurboGraphx-16, but the TurboDuo is kind of like TG16 in the same way Sega CD is still a Genesis, or how Sub-Zero is sorta like Scorpion (and Reptile, ERMAC, Smoke, Noob Saibot, etc.) There, that should satisfy those who would argue about it. No, really though, the point is, MORE software potential, on a rare platform, today. And their kicking it off with the system's original pack-in game which happens to be one of the most heralded Shooters ever.N + Ninja Gaiden II™: The Dark Sword of ChaosEditor note: When I had this game as an LK, I thought it was pronounced "Chowse"NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Violence, 500 Wii PointsIn Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos, a new villain, Ashtar, is revealed. Take on the role of Ryu Hayabusa and rescue Irene Lew, a former CIA agent, from Ashtar. Destroy the Sword of Chaos, a weapon of great power forged from the bone of a demon. Use techniques such as the Fire Wheel or the Windmill Throwing Star and attack while holding on to walls and ladders. Use the most innovative technique of all - the ability to create Shadow Clones, orange shadow versions of Ryu that will constantly follow him, repeating previous actions (moving or attacking) in a delayed cycle. Once again defeat henchmen, creatures and bosses with new fighting techniques and even more weapons as you progress through multiple stages on your way to destroying Ashtar, Jaquio and the Realm of Chaos.
N + Metal Marines®
Super NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points
Set in the near future, most of Earth's land has been disintegrated in the chaos of the Anti-matter War. This real-time strategy game portrays the Colonies' Allied Force - the Metal Marines - in their epic struggle against General Zorgeuf and the Imperial Federation, who are bent on world domination. Commanding the Metal Marines across a series of battles, the player must strategically allocate resources, ready supplies, manage funds and move troops in an effort to outwit and outmove the opponent. The real-time battle system rewards split-second decisions and adaptability in the struggle for military superiority. Unlike most turn-based strategy games, Metal Marines engrosses the player in a fast-paced and frantic battle in which both sides advance simultaneously. A constant eye must be kept on enemy movements to maintain a formidable defense and not miss the perfect chance to strike. Strategic foresight and quick judgment hold the key to victory.
N + Gate of Thunder
TurboGrafx16 (TurboDuo), 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points
The legendary sci-fi shooter is back! Gate of Thunder is a horizontal side-scrolling shooter that places you in control of special undercover agent Hawk, whose mission is to stop the deadly army of Obbellon fighters. Jump into the action as Hawk gets aboard his ship, the Hunting Dog, and heads out toward the enemy. Blast through stages while effectively using all three of the weapons at your disposal and receiving support from ally Wild Cat ships. Switch through equippable power-up options on the fly to change the direction of your attack. You'll have to blast in front of and behind you to survive all seven stages. Hard-core shooting-game fans looking for a challenge can select HARD or DEVIL mode to experience even more intense action!
For a list of all games on the NAVC (with Retro Reviews) head here
The list of EUVC games can be found here
Japanese Virtual Console list kickyhere!Toasty.
By .ed.
Tuesday, 9. October 2007, 01:30:02
genesis, update, console, virtual
...
Man, I thought the last update was crazy. This week takes the latest European Virtual Console update a few steps further by landing 3 popular NEOGEO fighting titles on North American shores. Three. NEO. GEO. Fighting. Three. It's a great day to be a retro arcade enthusiast, and a terrible day to be a hardware collector. What once would have cost you well over $1,000.00 can now be picked up for 900wp per title. I hope no one ever complains about the price of NEOGEO games on Virtual Console. I'm not saying they're the best value... it's just, some people sold babies for this stuff. ...I miss Timmy.[
http://opera.oslocity.org/caps/capslock.jpg]N + FATAL FURYNEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen - Violence, 900 Wii Points Released in 1991 and one of the longest-running series in the fighting-game genre, this title introduced players to Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard and Joe Higashi. Select one of the three and visit many locations as your chosen fighter engages in numerous street fights around the fictional city of South Town. If you're good enough, you'll eventually take on Billy Kane and then his boss, the notorious crime lord Geese Howard. Use each fighter's own finishing maneuver and battle in two different planes on the screen, one in the foreground and the other farther away in the background. The game also features a two-player mode that is well known for its unique setup, which allows fighters to both fight and help each other. Do you have what it takes to win the King of Fighters tournament?
N + WORLD HEROES
NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen - Animated Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points
A fighting game released in 1992 featuring eight characters, including Hanzo, Janne and Rasputin, modeled on historical figures from throughout the ages. The fighters compete against each other to become the world's toughest combatant, with players using a setup consisting of only three buttons (one each for punching, kicking and throwing). Adding to this unique system is the fact that the strength of your offensive blow depends on how long the button is pressed and held. Along with regular match styles, Death Match mode is also available and features mines, electrified ropes and other dangerous objects in the battle arena that can change conditions during the fight or damage players. Enjoy the wide range of combat forms as you take on history's best!
N + ART OF FIGHTING
NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen - Animated Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points
This fighting game, released in 1992, began the story of the Sakazaki family and Robert Garcia, further developed in two later sequels. Yuri Sakazaki has been abducted by Mr. Big to punish her father, Takuma, and her brother, Ryo. To rescue her, Ryo and Robert must take on numerous enemies around South Town, eventually reaching the mysterious Mr. Karate. The passion of the game's creators is evident in the unique game-play elements introduced. These include an energy gauge that is depleted every time a fighter uses a special maneuver, Desperation Attacks that are usable only when a fighter's health is low and camera zooming that adjusts on the fly as fighters move around the stage. All these features ensure that players use strategy and tactics, rather than simply mash buttons. Adding to the mix are little touches such as characters showing cuts when they are injured and voice-over samples during cut scenes. Can you perfect the art of fighting and save Yuri?
For a list of all games on the NAVC (with Retro Reviews) head here
The list of EUVC games can be found here
Japanese Virtual Console list kickyhere!
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