Nintendo's portable virtual console is going to the source.
(Credit: Wikipedia)Nintendo's DSiWare service, like its WiiWare platform, are temptations and teases for the lovers of the independent and obscure. Because no boxes or cartridges/discs need be sold, the ability for much-loved indie titles to be finally unleashed or re-released seems to be too good to be true.
Making good on part of that promise, Nintendo has had a busy week announcing both downloadable versions of their retro Game & Watch series, as well as their cult-classic music/art title, Electroplankton.
For the uninitiated, Game & Watch was Nintendo's first electronic gaming platform, dating to the very early 80s. These black-and-white LCD standalone handhelds were what I grew up on, and they were lovingly re-created in a series of compilations on the Game Boy Advance (and in a Club Nintendo limited-edition DS cartridge). Nine of these games will be available for $2 each, a steal when you consider that's the same price as a Mario-themed calculator. Breaking them down to individual titles is also a smart move because it allows the fans to build their own collection instead of having it forced down their throats.
Electroplankton was a Japan-first project created by visual artist Toshio Iwai which synthesized music and motion into a collection of quirky aquatic visual toys. The 10-creature set will be broken down into three installments selling for $2 a piece, which is fantastic for deal-seekers--for a grand total of $12 you can own what previously cost over $20.
First of all, these better hit the U.S. shores. Second of all, we hope that this encourages Nintendo to explore other DSiWare avenues, including releasing the Japan-only bit Generations retro games that inspired the Art Style titles currently on DSiWare and WiiWare. And while we're at it, how about a proper DSi Virtual Console with GBA games galore?
This should be what downloadable games are all about--large catalogs of rare treasures, priced affordably. That, of course, depends on the whims of developers and publishers. Years after the Virtual Console debuted, many fans are still waiting for Mother 3.
What do you want on your DSi? Let us know (and maybe let Nintendo know, too) in the comments.
(Via Offworld)
Sometimes a video is so fascinating, so hypnotic, so awe-inspiringly strange, that it just doesn't leave your head. It stays for days and days, over a whole weekend, while the mind reels at the possibilities. Namco-Bandai's Muscle March is just such a brain injection of oddity.
Japan is a lucky country. It gets titles like Muscle March for WiiWare, while we get to watch YouTube videos instead.
Witness the rainbow-colored bikini briefs and posing polar bears...almost like Punch-Out!!, if Punch-Out!! involved slamming your shirtless body through walls while on psychedelics. The style is reminiscent of the best parts of Katamari Damacy, while not being as completely incomprehensible as Noby Noby Boy.
This conversion of an arcade game (we'll say it again: Japan is a lucky country) hits WiiWare on May 26. We eagerly await a U.S. release. If the Wii had more games like this, perhaps it'd be considered a bit more of a "hardcore" platform. Ahem.
(Via CNET Asia)
This week the Virtual Console celebrates its 300th downloadable game as a classic Zelda game finally makes its debut.
- DSiWare
- Art Style: PiCTOBiTS (Gameloft, 500 DSi Points): This color matching block game is ready for download on the DSi Shop. Enjoy various levels of puzzle-solving fun and the occasional visit from a classic NES character.
- WiiWare
- Crystal Defenders R2 (Square Enix, 800 Points): Ward off the encroaching enemy fleet by deploying Fencers and Black Mages. Battle through various maps of combat and strategy.
- Silver Star Chess (Agetec, Inc., 500 Points): Finally you can ditch that cumbersome chess board and rely on your Wii for some fun. Silver Star Chess offers one or two-player game modes.
- Virtual Console
- The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (2000, Nintendo 64, 1000 Wii points): In Majora's Mask, Link must once again save the world by making his way through dungeons, traps, and huge bosses. Best of all, you won't need the N64 expansion pack to play this one!
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
This week brings us a standalone downloadable soccer game for the DSi, some family pirate fun on WiiWare, and a classic arcade space shooter to the Virtual Console.
- DSiWare
- Real Soccer 2009 (Gameloft, 800 DSi Points): Finally, the DSi Shop gets an independently developed third-party downloadable game! Real Soccer 2009 provides great soccer action with 198 teams to choose from. Use the DSi's camera to create your own soccer ball.
- WiiWare
- Family Pirate Party (Aksys Games, 500 DSi Points): The Pirate family is back again, pillaging the seas for gold and other treasures. Play with up to four friends in this electronic board game.
- Virtual Console
- Galaxy Force II (1991, Sega Genesis, 800 Wii points): Make your way through five planets of 3D shooter action in this arcade-inspired title. Destroy the alien enemies and ward off an invasion as you restore peace to the universe.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
Tower Toppler
This week brings us plenty of Animal Crossing accessories for your DSi as well as a Commodore 64 classic.
- DSiWare
- Animal Crossing Calculator (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): This download isn't necessarily a game, it's actually just a calculator with Animal Crossing-themed buttons. Use conversions and other features everywhere you bring your DSi.
- Animal Crossing Clock (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): Another download that isn't actually a real game, Animal Crossing Clock is just that. It's a clock--with Animal Crossing characters plastered all over it. You can view an analog or digital display as well as set an alarm.
- WiiWare
- Penguins & Friends--Hey! That's My Fish! (Gammick Entertainment, 800 Wii points): In this strategy game, you need to catch as much fish as you can in order to feed your penguin friends. Up to four players can brace the cold water together.
- Virtual Console
- Tower Toppler (1987, Commodore 64, 500 Wii points): Ascend a tower built at the ocean floor, dodging obstacles and enemies along the way. Make your way through eight towers and destroy the impending evil threat.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
(Credit:
IGN.com)
- DSiWare
- Clubhouse Games Express: Card Classics (Nintendo, 500 DSi Points): Enjoy five card games right on your DSi. Choose from Blackjack and Five Card Draw, or try out games we've never heard of like Last Card, Last Card Plus, and President.
- Paper Airplane Chase (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): A minigame found in the WarioWare franchise, Paper Airplane Chase has you guiding a paper airplane through a never-ending maze of tight turns and close calls.
- WiiWare
- Cocoto Platform Jumper (Neko Entertainment, 700 Wii points): Cocoto is a remake from a game available two generations ago. You and your friends must overtake the evil Zaron in this classic platforming action title.
- Virtual Console
- Nobunaga's Ambition (1992, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points): Nobunaga's Ambition is a turn-based strategy game where you must restore peace choosing between force and diplomacy. Arrange for some peace talks or send in some ninja assassins, it's up to you.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
(Credit:
nintendolife.com)
- DSiWare
- Dr. Mario Express (Nintendo, 500 DSi Points): The classic color-matching puzzle game makes its way to the Nintendo portable in Dr. Mario Express. Play alone or against the computer in the race to fight off viruses.
- Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): Continuing the series of magic tricks for your DSi, Deep Psyche will ask you a number of questions in order to reveal a startling truth.
- WiiWare
- Crystal Defenders R1 (SQUARE ENIX, 800 Wii points): See how many encroaching monsters you can hold off by deploying soldiers and Black Mages. Test your skills over various levels with different layouts and difficulty settings.
- Virtual Console
- Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (1990, Sega Genesis, 900 Wii points): Monster Lair is a Japanese import that never saw the light of day in North America until now. Use your sword to defend Xenobia with a friend or endure the battle alone.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
- DSiWare
- Mixed Messages (Activision, 500 DSi Points): Mixed Messages is a party game all about communication. Play along with up to 21 different users in the game of "telephone" for your DSi.
- Master of Illusion Express: Shuffle Games (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): The Master of Illusion series continues with Shuffle Games. This mini game will allow you to predict what your audience is thinking!
- WiiWare
- Party Fun Pirate (TOMY Corporation, 500 Wii points): Exchange turns sliding as many swords into a barrel as you can. Based on the Pop-up Pirate Toy, the game allows for up to four players. Pirate Fun Party also lets you use your own Mii character in-game!
- Virtual Console
- Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure (1994, Sega Genesis, 800 Wii points): The follow up to the Atari classic, Pitfall: The Mayan Adventure will have you swinging and jumping your way through the jungle all while attempting to rescue your kidnapped father.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
Equilibrio
- DSiWare
- Nintendo DSi Browser (Nintendo, FREE): The first free app in the DSi Shop, the Opera-powered DSi Browser will let you surf the Web on your DSi.
- Bird & Beans (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): This mini game lets you control Pyro, a bird with an elastic tongue. Use it to grab falling beans and earn more points the quicker you catch them!
- Master of Illusion Express: Funny Face (Nintendo, 200 DSi Points): This game lets you use your DSi as a prop in a card game.
- Art Style: AQUIA (Nintendo, 500 DSi Points): AQUIA is a fast-paced underwater puzzle game where you match colored blocks vertically and horizontally.
- WarioWare: Snapped! (Nintendo, 500 DSi Points): Snapped! is a collection of mini games that uses the DSi's onboard camera.
- Brain Age Express: Math (Nintendo, 800 DSi Points): This is just the math version of a Brain Age game and wraps up this week's DSiWare offerings.
- WiiWare
- Equilibrio (DK-GAMES, 500 Wii points): This balance game has you sending a marble through various worlds as you tilt your way to the exit. There are 64 levels to play and you can even use a balance board to control the game!
- Virtual Console
- Uncharted Waters: New Horizons (1994, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points): Play as one of six famous explorers, navigating the oceans of the early 16th century.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
- WiiWare
- Bonsai Barber (Nintendo, 1,000 Wii points): The first barber game we can recall, Bonsai Barber has you designing hair cuts for a variety of different customers. Use countless salon tools at your disposal to keep the clients happy.
- Virtual Console
- Super Punch-Out!! (1994, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points): The sequel to the NES classic, Super Punch-Out!! has you reentering the ring to battle familiar foes such as Bear Hugger, Bald Bull, and Super Macho Man.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off at our discussion board!
