Virtual Console game mini-reviews

[Kupek]

Donkey Kong Country is a very good game, probably the first SNES game to really wow people graphically.

Calling attention to this because Seeker is funny.

[Julius Seeker]

Seek, don't tell me you buy all of these?

Did I say I was buying them? I have played them all though (minus the TG16 version of Adventure Island)

Donkey Kong Country is a very good game, probably the first SNES game to really wow people graphically.

Calling attention to this because Seeker is funny.

Are you high or do you just have a really weird sense of humour?

[Zeus]

Oh, so you're going on past experiences for these games rather than the current ROM translations?

[Julius Seeker]

I thought that was obvious considering I was speaking about the games in the past tense, and wrote about them about 5 hours before they were actually released onto the VC.

[Zeus]

I generally only keep track of the day they're released 'cause I read about it. I have no idea what the exact hour is. Too busy to keep detailed track of stuff like that.

Thus, this fact, although directly in my sights, eluded me. I apologize for my colossal oversight

[Julius Seeker]

I generally only keep track of the day they're released 'cause I read about it. I have no idea what the exact hour is. Too busy to keep detailed track of stuff like that.

Thus, this fact, although directly in my sights, eluded me. I apologize for my colossal oversight

You are forgiven.

[Kupek]

If finding your absurd statements funny means I have a wierd sense of humor, then guitly as charged. Plenty of first generation SNES games were able to "wow people graphically" since their means of comparison was largely the NES. SMW, LttP and CV4 come to mind. FF6 also beat DKC by about a month. I saw and played DKC almost a year before I played FF6, and I distinctly recall being impressed by FF6's graphics because it was better than anything I had seen on the SNES, including DKC.

[Flip]

Id have to say games like Star Fox and F-Zero also wowed people graphically, they might have been before DKC, too.

[Nev]

I generally only keep track of the day they're released 'cause I read about it. I have no idea what the exact hour is. Too busy to keep detailed track of stuff like that.

Thus, this fact, although directly in my sights, eluded me. I apologize for my colossal oversight

You are forgiven.

No, you're not.

Your soul has been judged, and you're condemned to an eternity of arguing with Seek about ridiculous nonsense!

[Julius Seeker]

Plenty of first generation SNES games were able to "wow people graphically" since their means of comparison was largely the NES.

The comparison was actually mostly Sega Genesis and Sega Mastersystem, since at the time, Sega was the market leader: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sega_Genesis#Competition
Did you somehow forget the intense Sega/Nintendo rivalry during the late 80's and early 90's?

FF6 also beat DKC by about a month. I saw and played DKC almost a year before I played FF6, and I distinctly recall being impressed by FF6's graphics because it was better than anything I had seen on the SNES, including DKC.

Quite simply, I don't believe you, this is why:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdzAqO1NBik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SClM03s2br8

DKC's (then revolutionary) smooth and vibrant pre-rendered 2.5D graphics easily blow FF6's out of the ocean. It's not even close. FF6 looked well using the old techniques, but DKC did something completely new.

[Kupek]

The Sega Genesis was the market leader for 16-bit consoles, but not the entire industry. The NES was - and as far as I know, still is - the best selling videogame console ever. More people owned an NES than a Genesis and a Master System. Hence my statement that people's means of comparison was largely the NES. It was certainly my means of comparison.

If you don't want to believe me that FF6 impressed me far more than DKC, then, uh, okay, I guess. But that's really tangential; plenty of games before DKC "wowed people graphically", and we've provided a good list. Star Fox was before DKC, to my surprise, and I recall reviews for CV4 saying, basically, it was worth playing just to see the graphical capabilities of system. (That the game is pure awesome is a nice bonus.)

[Julius Seeker]

Star Fox was more or less seen as a tech demo of what was to come in the future. The only thing it had going for it was that it was in 3D. The game was perhaps the most undetailed and dull coloured game on the SNES (by far out of the ones I own), so people could say "3D!" Though nothing else could be said about its graphics. DKC to this day is one of the best looking 2D games, but Star Fox is still among the worst looking 3D games.

[Zeus]

OK, here's my two cents worth on this line of replies.

Seek was right on the graphics of DKC. It was a wonder at that time and really was heads and shoulders above anything else on the 16-bit era due to the fact it was nice-looking, well-playing 3D rendered graphics. Really, the first game to do so with some speed. I mean, we had games like Out of This World on the consoles that were rendered, but it wasn't even on the same scale or speed as DKC. It really did rule for the time graphically. Here's a little support from IGN:

http://wii.ign.com/articles/766/766129p1.html

I do believe the NES was the best selling system (aside from the GB, which, in all its iterations, was far above anything else ever) until the end of the PSX era. 'Cause the PSX had far great reach into Europe than anything before it, it eventually took over the NES. NES I think may have been the best selling in NA 'til the PS2 but I could be wrong on that. If I recall the figures correctly, the NES had something on the order of 33 million units sold in NA whereas the PS2 hit something like 37 million (EDIT: this number, of course, is still climbing), but you can check Wiki for that. But, if you look at percentage of households, yeah, the NES still wins out.

It was in 1994 after DKC and Street Fighter 2 before the SNES finally took over the Genesis in North America. It did eventually win, but it wasn't 'til the last year or so (Saturn and PSX came out in 1995 and N64 in 1996). So DKC was compared to Genesis and SNES graphics of the previous 3-4 years (Genesis was released in 1990, SNES in 1991), not to NES. This is all in Game Over and I'm sure you can find it in the Wikipedia article on the SNES.

So yeah, there were lots of games that wowed graphically before DKC; we had new systems with much more power that were out for 3+ years, of course it's going to happen. But from a technical and visual point of view, DKC was really a jump at the time and the series really is ahead of everything else in terms of graphics in that generation.

[Julius Seeker]

OK, I actually did end up buying DKC, after watching the video, I had to get it. I do already own all three games on SNES, but (very very oddly enough unlike my N64) my SNES controllers are total trash due to excessive use over the past 7-8 years (which is about the last time I replaced them). Aside from controller problems, my SNES is also suffering from age, the on switch has worn down, and there are some other issues. So 8 bucks for DKC really saves a lot of hassle. Anyways, the main reason I bought the game is that a few of my friends really wanted to get it. I decided I would make the purchase considering I have actually not been the one to buy most of the multiplayer games for VC.

So me and a friend ended up playing the game for the past few hours... I must say, it is considerably more difficult than I remember it being. Unlike Mario World, we were unable to finish it in one sitting (we have a score of 50%, but I'm guessing we're probably around 70% through the main quest since I do think that the %'s includes special areas). Of all the DKC games, this is the one I have played the least amount of times, so I don't really have things memorized down. Dixie Kong is my favourite character in the series (part 2 and 3), so it is really strange feeling not having her to play. I played Donkey Kong for the co-operative mode.

Overall, if you are looking for a game which is very pretty (not just in quality, but in graphical style and environments as well), a game which will offer a great challenge (it is hard, but not Ninja Turtles 1 or Fantastic 4 type hard), with a quick pace, and depth of gameplay. A game that is very fun to play multiplayer on. Then this is a game to get. It's also a good deal, on Ebay the games in the DKC series are finishing off the bidding between 25 and 30 dollars (though I think I recall seeing a cartridge for as low as 14 or 15 at EB games, either way, still a deal), and the VC version will come with an electronic instruction booklet (won't rip =P) and the cartridge will never have to be blown out =P


I'll say right now that this game is very satisfying, this one and Super Castlevania feel like my most satisfying purchases. My recommendation right now if you already have Zelda: instead of getting a new Wii game right now, instead FIRST purchase 4,000 VC points (which will be cheaper) and get the following: Super Castlevania, Gunstar Heroes, Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and that will cost 3200 points and enough for another game like Street Fighter 2, Sonic the Hedgehog, Legend of Zelda 3, or something cheaper like Kirby's Adventure or Bonk. It all comes for a cheaper price than say, Rayman, Red Steel; and although those games are fun, I think that the VC titles I listed will probably end up being a better play value. This is, if you plan on buying a new game, just consider the VC. Oh yeah, buy them with a credit card as opposed to through a points card. In Canada, the price is $22 + 6% national sales tax which comes to a grand total of $23.32, which is a good 5-7 dollars cheaper than buying a points card. I$5-7 might not seem like much (maybe a little more when it is 10-14 dollars saved on 4K points), but that's a whole TG16 game worth in cash, that could be Bonk =P

Nice assessment Zeus, good to see at least someone else remembers the gigantic "wow" that people said when they saw DKC, the only other time I can remember really being wowed was by the N64 and Playstation titles that started coming out in 1996. Though, really everything up until then didn't do it for me, because everything had been just a little bit better than before up until SKC, which was a whole new level, it was like they jumped 5 years into the future.

[Kupek]

[shrug]

I played DKC with a friend when it came out, and I don't recall thinking they were the best graphics I had seen on the SNES. It was (and is) grainy and dark. It was a technical achievement, but not an aesthetic achievement. The fact that subsequent SNES games didn't continue using prerendered graphics indicates to me that others agreed.

[Julius Seeker]

[shrug]

I played DKC with a friend when it came out, and I don't recall thinking they were the best graphics I had seen on the SNES. It was (and is) grainy and dark. It was a technical achievement, but not an aesthetic achievement. The fact that subsequent SNES games didn't continue using prerendered graphics indicates to me that others agreed.

Now I am doubting you ever played Super NES =P

Donkey Kong Country used a much wider variety of colours than any console game before it. It was a 24-bit game running on a 16-bit system; it was much more colourful, much smoother, and much more vibrant than any game before it. Not to mention, it was also beautiful, even 13 years later most games are not as beautiful. It sounds to me that either you are lying or your friends TV really sucked.

As for this "fact" about subsequent games not using the technology or techniques that DKC did. That is complete nonsense. EVERY major company was trying to get their hands on these techniques, even Sega, they created a game called Vectorman which used the same graphical styles in order to combat the gigantic success of DKC. There were plenty of games that used the graphical techniques of DKC. It really strikes me as odd that you somehow missed that: particularly since there were two sequels for DKC released on SNES.

[Kupek]

I discounted sequels because they're just that, sequels. Vectorman was Sega jumping on the bandwagon. Killter Instinct used prerendered graphics, now that I think about it, but that was an arcade port. I think the boss Kraid in Super Metroid was prerendered, but nothing else was. Neither Yoshi's Island nor Chrono Trigger had prerendered graphics, and I consider those to be the best graphics on the SNES. Both came after DKC, but I don't see any influence of DKC.

Anyway, all of this is just a tangent. Your original statement is still absurd, since people were wowed by the first generation games.

[bovine]

Were the second and third DKCs any good? I totally owned and loved the first one.... but it's not worth owning on the VC. I've never played the sequels, are they worth it?

[Lox]

I never played the 3rd, but I owned the 2nd and it is very fun. There were some really fun and intense levels in there (like the bee one) that I really enjoyed.

[Julius Seeker]

I discounted sequels because they're just that, sequels. Vectorman was Sega jumping on the bandwagon.

You discount these multi-million selling titles because it is bad for your argument if you don't. These are subsequent games, highly successful, which obviously used the same techniques of DKC.

Killter Instinct used prerendered graphics, now that I think about it, but that was an arcade port.

And you just, yourself, contradicted your argument here anyways. Killer Instinct was directly based off of the techniques used in DKC.

I think the boss Kraid in Super Metroid was prerendered, but nothing else was. Neither Yoshi's Island nor Chrono Trigger had prerendered graphics, and I consider those to be the best graphics on the SNES..

The only reason Yoshi's Island didn't was because of jealousy from EAD towards RARE's development studio which had blown away anything EAD had done. Nintendo was pressuring the team to use the same style as DKC, but the team stubbornly declined and they developed the game ussing the FX2 chip. As for Square, Chrono Trigger was the last console game they developed which didn't use pre-rendered graphics: Mario RPG, Bahamut Lagoon, and Treasure Hunter G all used pre-rendered sprites on SNES.

Both came after DKC, but I don't see any influence of DKC.

Anyway, all of this is just a tangent. Your original statement is still absurd, since people were wowed by the first generation games.

You can't correctly judge something as absurd by appealing to your ignorance on the subject. The fact of the matter is that there weren't any games that even approached the hype level of DKC based just on graphics in the history of the SNES. Gaming websites back my statements, if you read almost anything substantial about the history of the 16-bit era, it is going to say the same thing as I have. Read the article Zeus just posted.

[Kupek]

Actually, I'll concede the point that subsequent games made use of the technology. I had forgotten about Mario RPG and the other Square titles. I still consider CT a much better looking game than DKC or Mario RPG, but that's beside the point. And I think the Nintendo development team responsible for Yoshi's Island made the right choice.

As for your original statement, you're arguing that DKC got more hype about it's graphics than the entirety of the SNES's first generation titles, which is silly.

[Julius Seeker]

As for your original statement, you're arguing that DKC got more hype about it's graphics than the entirety of the SNES's first generation titles, which is silly.

"Donkey Kong Country saved the Super.
It was the graphics. Like nothing gamers in 1994 had ever seen before, Donkey Kong Country's visuals were spectacular. Rendered 3D models, detailed character animations, lush backgrounds and a verdant jungle setting. If you were around and gaming in '94, you know – DKC blew everyone away, and it did it on a 16-bit system."
-IGN

What other game on SNES achieved close to this?

[Blotus]

Did anybody else who subscribed to Nintendo Power back in the day get the DKC VHS tape? I think mine's still kicking around somewhere. I was very impressed with it in '94.


But I never bothered with the sequels.

[bovine]

Did anybody else who subscribed to Nintendo Power back in the day get the DKC VHS tape? I think mine's still kicking around somewhere. I was very impressed with it in '94.

I TOTALLY GOT THAT TOO!

[Lox]

Holy crap! I remember getting that too. hahaha

[Julius Seeker]

Did anybody else who subscribed to Nintendo Power back in the day get the DKC VHS tape? I think mine's still kicking around somewhere. I was very impressed with it in '94.


But I never bothered with the sequels.

Dixie Kong ruled all ass in the sequels =P

[Chris]

Did anybody else who subscribed to Nintendo Power back in the day get the DKC VHS tape? I think mine's still kicking around somewhere. I was very impressed with it in '94.


But I never bothered with the sequels.

Dixie Kong ruled all ass in the sequels =P

dude....beastiality is just wrong even if they do wear clothes and have hair....it's just gross

[Julius Seeker]

dude....beastiality is just wrong even if they do wear clothes and have hair....it's just gross

Ummm yeah, I agree. Why do you have beastiality on your mind?



Anyways, it looks like Actraiser (by Enix) has been announced. Zelda Ocarina of Time as well (though I already own the game three times, once on N64 and twice on Gamecube with one copy including the superior Master Quest version, so I don't need it again). One game that I REALLY want Square Enix to release is the original version of Final Fantasy, I liked it a lot more than the remake; I felt the remake took away one of the most important elements of the original game, the difficulty.

[Julius Seeker]

Alright, Kirby's Adventure for the NES leaves me begging myself this question: "How did I miss this game before?" This game is easily the second best game in the series (Kirby Superstar is probably still going to be my favourite); it is also the game which seems to resemble my favourite game in the series (Superstar) the most of all. The gameplay is quite advanced for an NES game, probably technically the best 2D platforming gameplay on the system. Graphically it just might be the best game on the system, it is definately a step up from Mario 3, though I have to compare it to Castlevania III which is the game I considered #1 before =)

The music is really well done, Kirby music is usually simplistic sounds, so it works out fine on the 8-bit system. The animations are probably what surprises me the most, they are EXTREMELY well done. Kirby's Adventure is overall a great gameplay experience, and one that I would highly recommend, only 500 points. I downloaded this game when someone said "Get Kirby's Adventure," "Why?" "What do you mean why? This one is a lot better than the other Kirby games. Download it since you like 2D platformers." I can't disagree at this point (except in the case of Kirby Superstar which just takes 2D platforming to a level of greatness rarely achieved).

Comparison? The gameplay is more up to date than Mario World, it feels more like a 94-96 2D platformer.

Again, HOW could I have missed this one before?!

[Zeus]

Adventure came out really late in the NESs life, maybe 1992 or 1993. At that point, the SNES was out in full force and the NES was all but ignored.

I also agree on Super Star. That's a fun-ass game that a lot of people missed. I think that one also came out here after the N64 and wasn't exactly a wide release, so it's not the most common game. But the 8 games in it are pretty fun.

[Eric]

I really disliked the original Star Fox, the 3D felt so tacked on. >_>

I loved Star Fox 64 to death though. I played that game more then I played GoldenEye hehe.

[Julius Seeker]

I really disliked the original Star Fox, the 3D felt so tacked on. >_>

I loved Star Fox 64 to death though. I played that game more then I played GoldenEye hehe.

Yeah, I agree there, Star Fox 64 is hands down one of the most fun games I have ever played. I just REALLY hope Nintendo doesn't screw up the Wii version of Star Fox, because (aside from Star Fox 64) the series has been fairly average. The open ended thing on the DS was alright, but in the end it just seemed to become very repetetive.


On a side note, Ocarina of Time is out now along with some TG16 game and Bio Hazard Battle for Genesis. Ocarina of Time is one of those games that I will always like (probably the same deal with Majora's Mask). Ocarina of Time is ALWAYS recommended, arguably the best game ever made. How does Ocarina hold up? Well, it is the only game that IGN's stiff assed Nintendo based channel has given a 10 since Ocarina of Time 9 years ago =P (and yes, IGN's Nintendo channels review tougher than most sites, the new Sonic game is a good example of this).

[Julius Seeker]

Wohoo! Sword of Vermilion, this game got stolen from my locker in grade 6 =P I really hope it stands up well over time. This is the first RPG release for the VC. Hopefully we'll see more soon, like the Phantasy Star games =)

Super Ghouls N Ghosts, I think I remember Zeus raving a lot about this one.

From Nintendo.com

WII-KLY UPDATE: THREE NEW CLASSIC GAMES ANNOUNCED FOR WII SHOP CHANNEL

March 5, 2007

Today Nintendo adds three new classic games to the popular Wii™ video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Elevator Action (NES®, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): This is a multidirectional, scroll-type spy-action game that is a blast from the past. Control a spy and sneak alone into a building to steal the secret papers hidden there. Use a pistol, kicks, an elevator and even the lights to take out the building's guards. The gun-fighting action is full of thrills. Players will need speed and timing to get on the elevators, move between floors, steal the secret papers and escape from the basement parking lot.

Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts™ (Super NES®, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): The third game in the legendary Ghosts 'n Goblins series of video games, Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts follows Arthur in another quest to rescue the princess, his fair maiden and damsel in distress at large. Players take control of Arthur and defeat the creatures of the night to save the day once more. Discover what glory awaits those brave enough to take on the armies of Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts.

Sword of Vermilion™ (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Sword of Vermilion is about the role of Erik's son, who takes on a quest of revenge to defeat Tsarkon and free the world of Vermilion from evil. In the town of Excalabria, the people went about their business and tended to the fields. One day, vicious fighting broke out everywhere as the army of Cartahena, led by the wizard-king Tsarkon, swarmed all over the town. The townsmen were overwhelmed. The castle of King Erik V collapsed. Erik summoned his bravest, strongest and most faithful warrior, Blade, and gave him his infant son and an ancient family heirloom, the ring of wisdom. He ordered Blade to save himself and the child while the castle burned. Blade traveled to a small village named Wyclif, where he settled down and raised the child as his own son. Eighteen years later, the son of Erik begins his quest. Save the world of Vermilion and fulfill the prophecy of the Malaga fortune-tellers!

[Lox]

I remember Elevator Action. I used to play that when I was like 7 or 8. It was actually pretty fun, if I remember correctly.

[Zeus]

I beat Super Ghouls 'N Ghosts when I had my store and someone traded it in with a SNES. If you want a challenge, play it, it's insanely hard. Every step you take in that game is met with a swift kick in the nuts. And the fact that you can't save it (beating the GBA game doesn't count, it just makes you a pussy) AND you have to beat it twice in a row is just nuts.

As a challenge, do not leave the system on overnight so you don't have to start over the next day. I couldn't do that at my store either and it took us (Gray and I) 4 days to beat the damned game. Insanely hard but quite satisfying.

[bovine]

ummmmm..... Tecmo Bowl came out today.... word is that people liked that game, I haven't played it and am a little confused as to why no one has mentioned it.

[Julius Seeker]

Tecmo Bowl is some sort of NFL football thing. It hasn't seemed to be getting very good review scores (though I usually take review scores with a grain of salt, but I often use it as a basis for checking out a game's written review if the title of the game doesn't catch my eye).

Urban Champion is the lowest scored game on IGN, and I totally agree, it is the worst game I have ever played =P I bought the damn thing! I should have just bought the original Street Fighter 2 again, I wouldn't have liked it much either, but I would have played it a lot more =P

One thing I have noticed is that people (mostly youtube video reviewers) seem to knock games WAY down for challenge levels being too high. It is as though we are becoming Japan; Japan loves their easy games. I mean, come on! Japan complained that Mario Sunshine was too difficult!

On topic, hopefully something comes up this Monday, I found last Monday's VC line-up to be incredibly bland. Also, that game Double Dungeon pissed me off, I got excited for 1 or 2 seconds when I thought it said Double Dragon!!!! =P

[Flip]

Tecmo Bowl is good, but it was Super Tecmo Bowl that was the shit.

[Zeus]

At the time, the Tecmo bowl games were huge, particularly the arcade version. I can imagine they'd be outdated and crappy now, kinda like Baseball Stars

[Flip]

Waaaaa!?!? Baseball Stars is still kickass and one of the best Baseball sims ever. I played through a season even as recent as last year and loved it. It still isnt outdated in my book.

[Blotus]

I agree with Flip. That game was so ahead of its time that it's still very enjoyable now.

[Julius Seeker]

No Ninja Turtles this week.... Though Splatterhouse and Beyond Oasis are both now available. I remember both of these games being a lot of fun. Beyond Oasis is kind of similar to Zelda: Link to the Past with better graphics and stuff, but in my opinion was not as good as Illusion of Gaia or Terranigma. I'll get Beyond Oasis if I have nothing else to play and something better in the Adventure/RPG genre hasn't come along. If you are more a fan of Zelda Link to the Past, Beyond Oasis is probably a must have game.

[Torgo]

Bah, these kids today can have their Maddens with their fancy plays and accurate stats. Tecmo Bowl and Tecmo Super Bowl are the standard by which I judge all other Football games.

[Julius Seeker]

Boom, here it is! I've been waiting for this one for a couple of weeks.

Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV: Wall of Fire
SNES
1-8 players
800 Wii Points
Romance of the Three Kingdoms IV is a tactical simulation game in which the player takes the role of a ruler seeking to unite China in the era of the three kingdoms of Wei, Wu and Shu. The role of the ruler is to command a range of officers with differing characteristics - some cunning strategists, others brave warriors - and strengthen the military might of his or her kingdom. Foreign policy, involving forming alliances with certain kingdoms and hatching plans to weaken others, will play a major role in this process. Once players have developed a powerful enough military, it will be time to expand their borders through military conquest. Ultimate victory will only be achieved once all 43 cities in China lie within a player’s control.


Question, does anyone who uses the virtual console NOT have Gunstar Heroes?

[Julius Seeker]

Ninja Turtles and Dragon Curse were released today, but the major release was Star Fox 64:

From my perspective, this game is excellent, one of the best action titles ever released. Unfortunately the rest of the series falls quite short of this particular title. For an un-upgraded N64, this was perhaps the flashiest and most pretty 3D game for the system. If by some chance you have not played this title, it is an adventure through the lylat solar system with TONS of action. There are many different paths you can take leading up to two different final stages. Level design is excellent, not equalled (let alone bested) in the genre. It is one of those games that is quite easy to pick up, and very fun to pick up and jump right into; though to get the top rewards, the game can be described as extremely difficult (getting all of the gold medals is more a task for seasoned veterans of the game).

[Julius Seeker]

Wonderboy in Monster World is probably a game that everyone here will enjoy a lot. It is a vastly improved remake of an old 80's arcade game, complete with strong RPG elements. It was released on the Genesis between the releases of Sonic 1 and 2 and was one of my favourite games back then. In my opinion it is a game that easily stands up today. Think of it as being in the vein of Zelda: Adventure of Link though, of course, for the 16-bit era. If you are somehow familiar with the original arcade version, it is vastly improved over that in gameplay, graphics, sound, and any other factors I may be missing.

[Julius Seeker]

Wohoo, two titles definately worth the download in DKC and Streets of Rage 2 (which is the best game of the whole Streets of Rage and Final Fight era and genre). DKC2 is probably the best of the series with Dixie and Diddy Kong as the characters.


Donkey Kong Country 2™: Diddy's Kong Quest™ (SNES®, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): In the sequel to the immensely popular Donkey Kong Country™, Diddy Kong® gets the spotlight, along with his girlfriend, Dixie Kong™ - a great little monkey with a dangerous ponytail. The action starts on the wreck of King K. Rool's Gangplank Galleon that has apparently broken up on a reef offshore from the Kremlings' Island. Diddy and his friends will have to work together to rescue Donkey Kong®, exploring all the hidden areas of the Kremlings' island: a spooky haunted forest, treacherous swamps, a giant beehive oozing with sticky honey and lava-filled caves, just to name a few.

Streets of Rage™ 2 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): To celebrate their defeat of the Syndicate exactly one year before, Blaze, Adam and Axel met for drinks. The next morning, Axel received a frantic phone call from Eddie "Skate" Hunter, Adam's younger brother, whom he was living with on the edge of the city. Blaze and Axel found Adam and Skate's house wrecked, and a picture showing Adam chained up at the feet of Mr. X. The city then once again returned to its nightmarish state as criminals ran rampant. Unable to contact their old friend in artillery, Axel and Blaze team up with Skate and Max Thunder to free the city and rescue Adam from the Syndicate. It is up to you to take down Mr. X once and for all.

Blazing Lazers (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): Blazing Lazers is a vertical-scrolling shooter that was praised for surpassing the limitations of the hardware of its time. Players control the extraordinary firepower of their Gunhed Star Fighter to take on the Dark Squadron that has begun its invasion of Earth. Collect power-ups to increase your ship's battle strength so it can cut through enemies and defeat the bosses in all nine areas. Of course, as part of the "Soldier" series, the game contains a good combination of fast-paced speed with catchy, drum-propelled background music, coupled with the Field Thunder that can be used to destroy enemies in one fell swoop for the ultimate sense of satisfaction. With its fine-tuned difficulty levels, Blazing Lazers is a shooting game that anyone can enjoy.

[Zeus]

Blazing Lasers was excellent, particularly for its time. But I think with the resurgence of the shooter (real shooters, not FPSs) on the PSX/Saturn/DC, it really looked out of place and somewhat outdated, particularly after Radiant, G-Darius, Thunderforce V, R-Type Final, and Ikaruga came out.

[Julius Seeker]

All I can say is mother-fucking Actraiser =)

It was a title from the Terranigma team, this is probably my favourite or second favourite (Mario is arguable) title from the early Super Nintendo Days. I've played the title a bit, and it feels really nice to get back into it. I really do hope we see the next three major titles from the Quintet team (Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia, and Terranigma).


ActRaiser™ (SNES®, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): A masterpiece of game design originally released in the early days of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System®, ActRaiser's enduring popularity stems from its revolutionary combination of action- and simulation-based game play. The user plays the role of the Master, a dethroned deity whose once-idyllic world has fallen under the control of the Evil One. Stripped of godly power, the Master must somehow put an end to the Evil One's reign and rebuild his desolate realm. Game play alternates between two modes: Action and Simulation. In Action mode, the Master must battle against impossible odds to pacify six lands. Pacifying a land unlocks Simulation mode. In this mode, the Master must oversee the development and repopulation of the territory he has reclaimed. In doing so, he will gain followers who gradually restore his godly might, empowering him to take back the next land and, ultimately, defeat the Evil One.

[Lox]

I remember playing Actraiser. I just might be picking that baby up.