Based on the arcade hit, a young man born in California sets out to tour famous sites and cities around the world. As he drives the highways surrounding these locations, the road is painted white as proof of his visit. Only once all sections of the road have been painted will he move on to the next location in his world tour. Not surprisingly, the local police will chase the driver and do their best to stop him from completing his goal. In addition, cats roam the highways and spikes lie in wait for unsuspecting drivers. To combat these dangers, the driver's customized car can jump, fire cans of oil and collect balloons to warp to a new stage. It's the ultimate road trip.
(Metal Slug, NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen - Blood, Violence, 900 Wii Points):
Released in 1996 by SNK, Metal Slug is a side-scrolling military-action game. Players control Marco and Tarma, both members of the special-ops force Team Peregrine Falcon (commonly known as Team PF), and battle their way through stage after stage of intense action. The goal is to try to overthrow General Morden and win back the stolen weapon, the Metal Slug. Players must blast through waves of enemies and machines (while also jumping over any obstacles in the way) to advance through the stages. It's not as hopeless as it might sound, though—weapons such as heavy machine guns, shotguns, rocket launchers and flamethrowers, as well as the Metal Slug itself (which appears frequently in the game), will make the battle easier. Take on General Morden with a friend to lighten your load and ramp up the excitement even more.
The updated list of EUVC games can be found here, along with the NAVC games here, and the Japan VC games here.
As you can see N+ has undergone another visual transformation! I bring to you the classic Duck Hunt game in a more realistic styling! This isn't to celebrate the launch of anything besides the month of May (which by the way half the world is celebrating already, so NO when I posted this it was NOT too early).
Allergies are here and so are the ducks that swim in the parks and mountains we are allergic to! huzzah! if shooting the lake doesn't solve your allergy problems, try shooting the ducks?
If you like this header check out the N+ Design Gallery for a full wallpaper sized image!
N+ does not endorse shooting any ducks besides tin ones at carnivals
Double Dragon™ (NES®, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Up - Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points):
Double Dragon begins with Billy Lee's girlfriend, Marian, being kidnapped by a group called the Black Warriors. They demand to know the secrets of Billy's martial-arts style in exchange for his girlfriend. However, Billy won't stand for these underhanded tactics and decides to rescue her himself. Help him fight through city streets, buildings, jungles, temples and various other locations in a quest to find his girl. He'll gain experience by using different fighting techniques to obtain more hearts, which will unlock more powerful techniques to use against his enemies. Keep an eye out for crates, boulders, whips, bats, knives and even dynamite along the way, as Billy can also use them to annihilate opponents. Armed with his mysterious and powerful martial arts, help Billy pummel his way through an array of goons, gang members and other Black Warrior scum to free Marian from their clutches.
Sea's in London, so I get to do the post today. \o/
NEW+ OPERATION WOLF - NES (500 Points)
In this NES action game, a port of the hit arcade original, you play a crack Special Forces soldier tasked with parachuting into the South American jungle on a dangerous mission to rescue hostages. Playing from a first-person perspective, you control a gunsight and use your machine gun and grenades to take out enemies. Each of the six missions has a unique objective, with your performance in each mission affecting the ending. But it's not enough to simply scatter the screen with bullets - you've got to make sure you get as many hostages out of there alive as you can! The game features different ending sequences (and cash bonuses for your troops!) depending on how many hostages you manage to save. Will the President of the United States be happy with your performance? Put your finger on the trigger and find out!
NEW+ Super R-Type - SNES (800 Points)
A galactic battle begins! The BYDO Empire of mutant extra-terrestrials is back - with evil intent and awesome power. Now the evil Empire is poised to launch a new attack on Earth. Only the revolutionary R-9 stands between these monsters and doom. Are they invincible? You'll need lightning reflexes, intuitive moves and a big dose of cosmic luck to hold your own! "R" you ready? The mutants "R" ready for you!
The updated list of EUVC games can be found here, along with the NAVC games here, and the Japan VC games here.
I've found an wonderful video made by Warchamp7, a member of SmashBrawlRankings.com, that shows the evolution of Mario through his various platformers, leading right up to Smash Bros. Brawl. Accompanied with Matchbox Twenty's How Far We've Come, this video is incredibly excellent. It is also coupled with a post by SBR member Supra which is a great fan's take on how Mario has evolved over the years.
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!
The National Institute of Aerospace and Nortel LearniT have teamed up with Nintendo America to help teach science. It's a bit bizarre, but apparently they think Pokeymans will be a great teaching aid. Check out the website with the great name of "MASTER THE SCIENCE!" (is that a command?) for more details.
I can only guess that Nintendo is releasing what they call in their official press release the "Greatest Game of All Time" this week in preparation for next week's release of Super Mario Galaxy. But, what are they going to release next week?
N + Super Mario Bros. 3 NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points Remember when no one had ever heard of a Tanooki Suit or knew that Bowser™ had a clan of Koopalings? The game that made these things common knowledge is also considered by many to be one of the best ever made. Bowser and the Koopalings are causing chaos yet again, but this time they're going beyond the Mushroom Kingdom into the seven worlds that neighbor it. Now Mario and Luigi™ must battle new enemies, returning favorites and a new Koopaling in each unique and distinctive world on their way to ultimately taking on Bowser himself. Luckily for the brothers, they have more power-ups available than ever before. Fly above the action using the Super Leaf, swim faster by donning the Frog Suit or defeat enemies using the Hammer Bros. Suit. Use the brand-new overworld map to take the chance to play a minigame in hopes of gaining extra lives or to find a Toad's House where you can pick up additional items. All this (and more) combines into one of gaming's most well-known and beloved titles—are you ready to experience gaming bliss?
N + Alien Soldier™ Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older –Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points As Epsilon-Eagle, you are an alien soldier who has been genetically engineered to produce maximum intelligence and strength. You were once a member of the criminal organization Scarlet, but when you decided to break from the group, you were forced into a showdown with Scarlet's new leader Xi-Tiger, who kills a hostage in his attempt to destroy you. Now it's up to you to take revenge against the bad guys in this side-scrolling action game! Choose from six different weapons and battle the bosses of Scarlet until you reach the final confrontation with the ultimate secret weapon!
N + Power Golf TurboGrafx16, 1-3 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points Power Golf sports a perfect combination of simple-yet-realistic controls and beautiful graphics. Swing away on 18 lush holes in one of three different game modes: the single-player STROKE PLAY mode and the multiplayer MATCH PLAY and COMPETITION modes. Enter tournaments as one of three different characters—beginner, intermediate and advanced. Wind strength and the slope of the green add extra challenges to each hole. Compete against other players in the standard NORMAL MATCH or ante up one of your clubs in the unique CLUB MATCH. Up to three players can play in COMPETITION mode, and a handicap feature is included to help novice players pull off breathtaking shots just like their advanced rivals.
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!
I'm a huge fan of Halloween. More than that, I'm a fan of dressing up, having fun, and giving gifts. Nintendo was hip enough to give us a festive themed NAVC update this week, but why stop there? Why not check out some of these other gory, spooky, sugar-infused Virtual Console goodies to dress up your Wii menu for your Halloween parties this year: N+ Halloween Virtual Console Treats
NES Castlevania Castlevania® II Simon's Quest Milon's Secret Castle® Zelda II™ - The Adventure of Link®
Turbo Graphx 16 Devil's Crush Dungeon Explorer SPLATTERHOUSE
Genesis Altered Beast Wonder Boy™ in Monster World
Super Nintendo Super Castlevania IV Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts
Have a better list? What would you say is a must have for Halloween? Here's the list if you need help.
Ghosts and Magicians and Vampires - Oh my! It's pretty obvious what Nintendo of America was pulling here today. With Halloween creeping up this wednesday, they've scared up a few VC games to set the mood on your Wii Channel menus. Don't forget! We're still taking submissions for the N+ Costume CoN+est. We're giving away 6 Brand New games, too! Checks it!
N + Castlevania® II Simon's Quest NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points In this one-player adventure, you'll take on the role of Simon Belmont once again and duel to the death with Count Dracula. Grab your legendary whip, Vampire Killer, and roam freely through Transylvania on a quest to find the count's missing body parts-these are the key to breaking an evil curse. This quest won't be easy, though, for you must battle hideous fiends who stalk the land. In addition to the intense action and tight control the Castlevania series is known for, this sequel also introduced several unique game-play elements into the fold. Build experience the longer you play, buy weapons and items from merchants, or talk with villagers to get clues (some of which are false). Watch as day turns to night and then back again. Take a deep breath, steady your nerves, and help Simon end his curse and defeat the count once and for all.
N + SAMURAI-GHOST™ TurboGrafx16, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older - Animated Blood and Violence, 600 Wii Points This action platformer features a samurai ghost from the depths of the underworld. In a past war, Kagekiyo managed to defeat the shogun Yoritomo and his clan. However, their evil spirits were not completely destroyed, and now, in the world known as Dark Side, they seek the time of their rebirth. In order to shatter those ambitions, Kagekiyo must make his way across seven zones and head for "The Heart of the Darkside" where Yoritomo lies in wait. Use spirit weapons to power up your sword, or other items, such as candles to recover health, and defeat the endless hordes of enemies. Each zone is not only protected by a boss but also includes demons as well as real samurai from 12th-century Japan. Get ready for some intense one-on-one combat action.
N + MAGICIAN LORD NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen - Blood and Fantasy Violence, 900 Wii Points Released in 1990 and regarded as one of the NEOGEO's earliest signature games, this side-scrolling platformer mixes action with the mystical world of fantasy. A magician named Elta, last descendant of the famed Magician Lord, takes on an epic adventure to save the world from the evil Gul-Agieze. Elta must battle through eight stages, collecting the eight tomes of power that are key to defeating Gul-Agieze and his evil plans. By obtaining orbs in one of three colors (elements) that appear during the game, Elta's offensive powers and jumping abilities can be strengthened. The effect varies considerably depending on the combination of elements, though, and Elta can transform into six different forms: Waterman, Dragon Warrior, Shinobi, Samurai, Raijin or Poseidon. Can you help Elta to become the new Magician Lord?
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!
This week's Virtual Console update for the Americas has a little bit of everything. Some ninjas, some space, and a healthy dose of fantasy. Some unreleased, some off the wall, and one we can all relate to, even if only through humor. Solid. N + Lunar Pool® NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points Lunar Pool takes the historical game of billiards and reinvents it with a unique and futuristic flair. The rules are simple: All you need to do is use your cue stick to hit the white cue ball, causing it to hit the other numbered balls and make them go into the pockets. You can enjoy nearly unlimited game play with 30 tables, two different ball arrangements, and the ability to change the degree of friction on the table. You can play against a computer or another human player, so try challenging someone once you've got the hang of the game.
N + Ninja JaJaMaru-kun® NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points Take on the role of a ninja called JaJaMaru and rescue the captured Princess Sakura from the evil Namazu Dayuu in this action-packed game, previously unreleased outside of Japan. JaJaMaru must use his throwing stars to defeat the monsters lurking in each of Dayuu's many hideouts. JaJaMaru has to be careful though, as each monster has its own unique weapon and method of attacking. The only way for him to advance is to break the floor bricks above him and move up and down between the levels of each round, defeating monsters as he goes. To help him, broken bricks sometimes reveal items that JaJaMaru can use to his advantage, possibly leading to the ultimate power-up: a ride on Gamapakun, the giant frog. Throw in some bonus stages and you've got a game with a style all its own.
N + Golden Axe™ III Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points The once-peaceful kingdom so familiar to fans of the original Golden Axe is under threat once again. The Prince of Darkness has stolen the invaluable Golden Axe, taken over the kingdom and rendered its warriors harmless with an evil curse. One warrior breaks free from the curse and must defeat the prince and regain the Golden Axe to save the kingdom. In this one- or two-player action game, play as a giant, a panther or a sword-wielding human and fight your way to victory once again.
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!
22 years ago today Super Mario Bros. was released for the Famicom in Japan.
It made a huge impact on home entertainment when it was released, and is now considered the classic of the medium. Super Mario Bros. featured bright, expansive worlds that changed the way video games were created. Although often wrongly credited as the first scrolling platform game (there are at least a half dozen earlier), it is the first console original in this genre to feature smooth-scrolling levels, which made it a landmark in home video-gaming.
Super Mario Bros. is the best selling video game of all time, and was largely responsible for the initial success of the Nintendo Entertainment System, as well as ending the two year slump of video game sales in the United States after the video game crash of 1983. It has inspired countless imitators and was one of Shigeru Miyamoto's most influential early successes. The game starred the Italian plumber Mario and his brother Luigi. Mario went on to become Nintendo's most well known mascot. The theme music, by Koji Kondo, is recognized worldwide, even by those who have not played the game.
The game was succeeded by a direct sequel in Japan (later retitled Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels outside Japan), and by Super Mario Bros. 2, a slight revision of Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic with playable Mario characters, elsewhere in the world. There is also another sequel called Super Mario Bros. Special released around the same time as the original sequel, but it was released only in Japan by Hudson Soft, so it was relatively obscure. Other release dates for Super Mario Bros. NES
Finally, after weeks of waiting!. Metroid! It looks like they were waitingto release these for what we now know will be the Month of Metroid.I was right...Cough! N + Metroid® NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points The first installment of the immensely successful Metroid series introduces us to the hideous title creatures and the slick, cybernetic bounty hunter Samus Aran. As Samus, your mission is to penetrate the space pirates' home planet, Zebes, and keep them from destroying the galaxy with the dangerous life forms known as Metroids. Metroid has all the high-tech weaponry, creepy tunnels and crawly alien creatures that anyone could ask for. With its deep and complex game play, excellent music and a rare sense of setting, it establishes a frightening ambience that will haunt and entertain you for a very long time.
N + Shining in the Darkness™ Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points Dark Sol has vowed to reign over the enchanted Kingdom of Thornwood, and only you can stop him. Find the powerful Arms of Light and battle the deadly beasts that keep your people desperate and starving in this epic journey for peace. Roaming the dark Labyrinth, you'll seek out enemies and collect weapons, all of which will help you pass the test of the Ancients and become a shining knight. Get into the adventure with a stunning 3-D perspective, amazing cinematic views and fast-paced scrolling. You'll move from battle to battle, solving puzzles and discovering secret items in this engrossing struggle between good and evil.
N + Cratermaze™ TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points Cratermaze is a comical action game set in a parallel world. While on a trip through time, you and your friends are confronted by Kublai, henchman to the evil Zenzombie. He traps your friends at separate points in the space-time continuum. Now you must fight your way through 60 rounds of mazes to save your friends. Dinosaurs, ninjas, robots and other enemies lurk within the mazes, spanning from primitive times to the future. Escape the enemies by digging holes to trap them in and then filling the holes to finish them off. Collect all the chests within the time limit to get the key and exit to the next round. With special items such as shovels and spring platforms, Cratermaze takes its game play to new heights, making for an unforgettable gaming experience.
For a list of all games on the NAVC (now with added Retro Review goodness) head here. The list of EUVC games can be found here and check out the Japanese Virtual Console list kickyhere!
N + Wave Race® 64 - Sporting some NEW advertisements in-game for Wii and Nintendo DS lite! More customizations on the way? Advertising revenue? So interesting! Nintendo® 64, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points Take to the waves on your own personal watercraft and experience some of the best water effects in video game history. Choose one of four characters, each with his/her own unique abilities and style, and master the game's excellent controls. Make your way through nine courses, each with its own challenges. If the ramps, mines and hairpin turns aren't enough, you'll also have to deal with varying weather conditions that can make the water choppy or cover the course with fog. And if you ever feel like taking a break from racing, then try out Stunt Mode to polish your skills by pulling off handstands, rolls and more. Get good enough and you might even be able to ride a dolphin-just don't get seasick.
N + ADVENTURES OF LOLO™ NES®, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points This was the first game in the Eggerland puzzle series to be released in North America. After the love of his life, Lala, is kidnapped by the Great Devil and taken to a haunted castle, our hero Lolo sets out to rescue her. The journey is perilous because the Great Devil's fortress is guarded by a massive army. But Lolo has a few tricks up his sleeve, including a Magic Shot that turns enemies into eggs and an Emerald Framer that shields him from attacks. Combining clever environmental puzzles with tricky enemies and an engaging style, ADVENTURES OF LOLO is a true classic.
N + GALAGA™ '90 TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points This is an updated version of the classic arcade shooter Galaga. Set in the vast reaches of space, you will fight your way through all 29 rounds to reach the enemies' stronghold on Planet Galaga. Game levels consist of a few rounds with changing enemies and backgrounds. To top it off, the nostalgic "Galactic Dancing" lives on to mark the end of each level. With the new addition of dimensions, you can choose your attack route. Collect capsules and open dimension warps at branch sections to take on even tougher enemies. GALAGA '90's inclusion of the triple fighter, scrolling backgrounds, boss Galaga and even new system effects make it nothing less than a masterpiece.
Seriously... Europe got it two weeks ago. Where is Metroid!? I guess they're saving it for closer to the US release of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.
For a list of all games on the NAVC (now with added Retro Review goodness) head here. The list of EUVC games can be found here and check out the Japanese Virtual Console list kickyhere!
I+ is a group for those that are interested, developing and curious about discussing independent media such as games, music, movies, literature, and everything else in between.
(13%)
