Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Earthbound this year on VC in NA and EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/earthbound-virtual-console-north-america-europe-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/earthbound-virtual-console-north-america-europe-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/earthbound-virtual-console-north-america-europe-release/#comments Earthbound this year on VC in NA and EUEarthbound (also known as Mother 2) will be available on the Wii U Virtual Console by year's end in North America and Europe.

"We will announce the actual release date at a later time," said Nintnedo President Satoru Iwata during today's Nintendo Direct.

JoystiqEarthbound this year on VC in NA and EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Earthboundmothermother-2nintendonintendo-direct-aprilvcvirtual-consolewii-uWed, 17 Apr 2013 10:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott's Portalarium secures $7 million funding for iOS social RPG]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/richard-garriotts-portalarium-secures-7-million-funding-for-io/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/richard-garriotts-portalarium-secures-7-million-funding-for-io/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/richard-garriotts-portalarium-secures-7-million-funding-for-io/#comments Richard Garriott's Portalarium secures funding for iOS social RPGRichard "Lord British" Garriott is in the middle of a new gaming venture called Portalarium (it's working on a social game for Facebook and iOS called Ultimate Collection: Garage Sale), and he's just been able to convince a round of venture capitalists to support his projects, to the tune of roughly $7 million.

The money will also be used to build a social RPG tentatively titled "New Britannia," which may have ties to the Ultima tradition, as well as new school features like asychronous gameplay and social profiles.

Portalarium was announced to be one of the launch companies in Zynga's upcoming partner program, so Garriott and crew are definitely laying the foundations to launch some large and well-supported titles. Ultimate Collection is supposed to be available to play sometime later on this year.

JoystiqRichard Garriott's Portalarium secures $7 million funding for iOS social RPG originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 04:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidasynchronousfundingiosipadiphonemillionmobilepcrichard-garriottrpgsocialvcventure-capitalWed, 11 Jul 2012 04:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 'readying the system' to transfer WiiWare, VC and Wii saves to Wii U]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/nintendo-readying-the-system-to-transfer-wiiware-vc-and-wii-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/nintendo-readying-the-system-to-transfer-wiiware-vc-and-wii-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/05/nintendo-readying-the-system-to-transfer-wiiware-vc-and-wii-s/#comments During a developer roundtable discussion at E3 today, Nintendo said that it's currently working to figure out how Wii owners will be able to transfer their content to the Wii U. The fact that this is even a possibility is pretty amazing to us.

"We are readying the system, yes, to transfer saves and everything you've bought," designer Katsuya Eguchi. So it looks like the idea of transferring WiiWare, Virtual Console and save data content from the Wii to the Wii U is not the crazy pipe dream we once thought.

[Note: Image taken from today's Nintendo liveblog.]

JoystiqNintendo 'readying the system' to transfer WiiWare, VC and Wii saves to Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 22:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2012nintendosave-datasaved-gamesvcvirtual-consolewiiwii-uwiiwareTue, 05 Jun 2012 22:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Game companies raise record $1.05B in 2010, up 58 percent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/report-game-companies-raise-record-1-05b-in-2010-up-58-percen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/report-game-companies-raise-record-1-05b-in-2010-up-58-percen/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/24/report-game-companies-raise-record-1-05b-in-2010-up-58-percen/#comments VentureBeat estimates game funding by venture capital broke $1.05 billion this year, a 58 percent increase from last. It's also a significant growth from the previously recorded high of $936.8 million in 2008. The video game industry - which is now spread across boxed, digitally distributed, mobile and social (i.e. Facebook) products - has obviously given VC firms plenty of places to gamble, er, strategically invest millions of dollars.

Big winners this year (at least, those that revealed investments) were Zynga (Farmville) with $150 million from SoftBank (with, possibly, significantly more from Google). Also, ZeniMax Media (Fallout, Elder Scrolls, id Software), also received $150 million. There were also major investments in Gazillion, OnLive and Playdom. Head on over to VentureBeat to see the millions of dollars going to game companies you'll likely never hear of... ever.

JoystiqReport: Game companies raise record $1.05B in 2010, up 58 percent originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Dec 2010 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gazilliongazillion-entertainmentmobileOnLivepcPlaydomvcventure-capitalzenimax-mediazyngaFri, 24 Dec 2010 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendoware Weekly: Sparkle Snapshots, Fighting Street, Carnival King & more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/nintendoware-weekly-sparkle-snapshots-fighting-street/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/nintendoware-weekly-sparkle-snapshots-fighting-street/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/nintendoware-weekly-sparkle-snapshots-fighting-street/#commentsNintendo actually released a respectable number of downloadable games this week: 8 games across Virtual Console, WiiWare and DSiWare. You may have even heard of some of them!

As far as we can tell, the highlights of the week are a DSiWare photo decoration app and the embarrassing parent of the Street Fighter series. Hit the post break and find out if any of the many offerings are what you were looking to drain your Nintendo Points on.

Continue reading Nintendoware Weekly: Sparkle Snapshots, Fighting Street, Carnival King & more

JoystiqNintendoware Weekly: Sparkle Snapshots, Fighting Street, Carnival King & more originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aha-i-got-it-escape-gamebattle-of-giants-dragonscarnival-kingDSdsiwarefamily-card-gamesfighting-streetNintendonintendoware-weeklyr-typesega-master-systemsmssparkle-snapshotsstreet-fightertg-16turbografx-16vcviking-invasionvirtual-consoleWiiwiiwareMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:44:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Virtual Console Arcade launches with 4 games, available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-virtual-console-arcade-launches-with-4-games-available-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-virtual-console-arcade-launches-with-4-games-available-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-virtual-console-arcade-launches-with-4-games-available-no/#comments Iwata has announced yet another platform expansion for Wii's Virtual Console. Virtual Console Arcade will offer classic -- meaning old -- arcade titles not available on other systems. Four launch games are available for download right now (directly to an SD card, if you prefer -- haven't you heard?), with two additional titles possibly available later day. Here's the starting lineup:
  • Gaplus (Namco Bandai): 600 Wii Points -- available now
  • Mappy (Namco Bandai): 500 Wii Points -- available now
  • The Tower Of Druaga (Namco Bandai): 500 Wii Points -- available now
  • Starforce (Tecmo): 500 Wii Points -- available now
  • Space Harrier (Sega) -- coming soon
  • Solvalou (Namco Bandai) -- coming soon

JoystiqGDC09: Virtual Console Arcade launches with 4 games, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaplusgdc-2009mappynamco-bandaiNintendosegasolvalouspace-harrierstarforcetecmotower-of-druagavcvirtual-consolevirtual-console-arcadeWiiWed, 25 Mar 2009 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: VC 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/wii-warm-up-vc-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/wii-warm-up-vc-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/03/wii-warm-up-vc-2008/#commentsFiled under:


There's been a lot of Virtual Console releases this year (been keeping up?), and we were wondering which were among your favorites? We've received Secret of Mana, Super Mario RPG, and River City Ransom, to name a few. So, which sit at the top of your list for this year? Sure, we were hoping we'd have another to consider, but let's not dwell on that.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: VC 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008earthboundriver-city-ransomsecret-of-manasuper-mario-rpgvcvirtual-consoleWed, 03 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Castlevania III rated by Aussie OFLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/castlevania-iii-rated-by-aussie-oflc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/castlevania-iii-rated-by-aussie-oflc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/14/castlevania-iii-rated-by-aussie-oflc/#commentsFiled under:


The Australian OFLC ratings board has given Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse a G rating, which means the title should be on its way to a Virtual Console near you relatively soonish. The circle will finally be complete, as Castlevania, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, and Super Castlevania IV from the SNES era, are already on the download service.

So, those old enough to remember, who was your favorite playable character in the game: Trevor, Sypha Belnades, Grant DaNasty or Alucard?
[Via Wii Fanboy, GoNintendo]

Gallery: Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse

JoystiqCastlevania III rated by Aussie OFLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>castlevaniacastlevania-3castlevania-iiikonamioflcvcWiiSun, 14 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthworm Jim, Clayfighter coming to Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/earthworm-jim-clayfighter-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/earthworm-jim-clayfighter-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/earthworm-jim-clayfighter-coming-to-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Four classic Interplay Sega Genesis games are en route to the Wii's Virtual Console. Dave Perry's classic platformers Earthworm Jim and Earthworm Jim 2 will both be gracing the download service, along with the campy claymation action of Clayfighter, and the gross-out humor of Boogerman.

According to the press release, all four titles will be the Sega Genesis versions of the games, despite having appeared on both Genesis and SNES. No word yet on when these titles we be released (but we're guessing it'll be on a Monday).

JoystiqEarthworm Jim, Clayfighter coming to Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clayfighterearthworm-jiminterplayshinyvcvirtual-consolevirtualconsoleWiiMon, 21 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wonder Boy, Fantasy Zone coming to North American VC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/wonder-boy-fantasy-zone-coming-to-north-american-vc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/wonder-boy-fantasy-zone-coming-to-north-american-vc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/wonder-boy-fantasy-zone-coming-to-north-american-vc/#commentsFiled under: ,

The wait will soon be over for us norms to find out what all the eight-tenths kids who owned Sega Master Systems were up to in the late 80s. Sega announced today that two games for the system are on their way to the Virtual Console: Wonder Boy and Fantasy Zone. They'll be arriving "soon" for 400 points a piece.

After those drop, we'll still be on the lookout for other SMS favorite like Alex Kidd and ... hmm. Wait, we'll think of something. Well, there's ... no, no, that was terrible. OK, we give. Are there any you guys and gals want?

JoystiqWonder Boy, Fantasy Zone coming to North American VC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>master-systemsegavcvirtual-consolevirtualconsoleWiiTue, 25 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spelunker and Super R-Type added to Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/spelunker-and-super-r-type-added-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/spelunker-and-super-r-type-added-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/17/spelunker-and-super-r-type-added-to-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've got another pair on the Virtual Console (will we never return to the three-game glory days of yore?) and they don't seem to have too much in common. Let's just skip to the talking about them, what do you say?
  • Spelunker (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): In Spelunker, you play an adventurer who travels to the world's most junk-littered caves to do a little clean up to try to impress a girl he likes who's also a Greenpeace member. Meanwhile, bats (which love cave junk, because of how much easier it makes echolocation) try to kill you. ... Or something like that.
  • Super R-Type (Super NES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): If you don't want to put your fist through a wall, you'd probably best avoiding Super R-Type, known for its high difficulty and lack of check points. But maybe you want to put your fist through a wall. Maybe you have a dilapidated wall that needs removing, or are considering adding some new fist-shaped windows. If so, Super R-Type is there for you.

JoystiqSpelunker and Super R-Type added to Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>spelunkersuper-r-typevcvirtualconsolemondayvirtualconsolemondaysWiiMon, 17 Mar 2008 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Milon's DokiDoki Adventure, Puyo Puyo 2 hit Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/milons-dokidoki-adventure-puyo-puyo-2-hit-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/milons-dokidoki-adventure-puyo-puyo-2-hit-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/milons-dokidoki-adventure-puyo-puyo-2-hit-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Provided you aren't too occupied with all the sibling smashing going on in 2008, you may wish to note the arrival of two sequels in Retroville. Joining the Virtual Console lineup today is previously Japan-only platformer, DoReMi Fantasy: Milon's DokiDoki Adventure, and blob-dropping puzzler, Puyo Puyo 2: Tsuu.
  • DoReMi Fantasy: Milon 's DokiDoki Adventure (SNES, 1 player, 900 Wii Points): DoReMi has been awaited fa so long (OOF!) since Milon's Secret Castle first arrived on the NES in 1988. The English debut may cost 100 Wii points above the norm, but it likely provides a slightly improved explanation as to why we're collecting notes and trapping innocent animals within bubbles.
  • Puyo Puyo 2: Tsuu (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points): Another escapee from Japan, this color-matching puzzle game sees all the blocks being replaced by adorable blob things. As satisfying as the competitive modes are, Nintendo's press release insists that the "intriguing backstory" will keep you amused as well.

JoystiqMilon's DokiDoki Adventure, Puyo Puyo 2 hit Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DoReMi-FantasyPuyo-Puyo-2VCVirtual-ConsoleVirtualConsoleMondayWiiMon, 10 Mar 2008 09:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual Console Monday: Super Turrican stands alone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/virtual-console-monday-super-turrican-stands-alone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/virtual-console-monday-super-turrican-stands-alone/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/03/virtual-console-monday-super-turrican-stands-alone/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Keeping expectations in check is the key to having a wholly satisfying life, so we probably shouldn't have grown accustomed to the three-game cornucopia that once characterized Nintendo's weekly Virtual Console release schedule. Now that the standard has dropped to two-per-week and, occasionally (as today), one solitary game, we can't help but pine for the old days a bit. But it's our fault, really, for getting our nostalgia-fueled hopes up in the first place. This week's sole release is barely worth a bulleted list, but we'll use one anyway to describe:
  • Super Turrican (Super NES, 1 player 800 Wii Shop Points) - Developed by Factor 5 (of Rogue Squadron fame), the 1993 side-scrolling, run-and-gun sequel to 1990's Turrican has a decidedly old-school, Contra vibe to it. Those who want to get a feel for the gameplay without shelling out the Wii Shop Points should check out Hurrican, a more-than-satisfactory freeware clone.

JoystiqVirtual Console Monday: Super Turrican stands alone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Factor 5Factor5shmupshootemupsuper-turricanturricanVCVirtual ConsoleVirtualConsolevirtualconsolemondayWiiMon, 03 Mar 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Operation Wolf, Columns III land on Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/operation-wolf-columns-iii-land-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/operation-wolf-columns-iii-land-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/04/operation-wolf-columns-iii-land-on-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Representing a massive 100% increase over the number of Virtual Console games released last week, Operation Wolf and Columns III arrive on the Wii's retro download service today to give you your block-dropping, terrorist-killing fix.
  • Operation Wolf (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): Operation initiated! Rescue the prisoners! Mercilessly mow down terrorists as they run back and forth, stricken with panic! Marvel as the primitive sound effects form a hypnotic, pre-REZ beat!
  • Columns III: Revenge of Columns (Genesis, 1-5 players, 800 Wii Points): We're not sure what you could have done to evoke the wrath of the columns, but the mean-spirited jewels are apparently out for revenge. Thankfully, years of Tetris exposure have refined you into a quick-thinking block murderer.

JoystiqOperation Wolf, Columns III land on Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Feb 2008 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ColumnsColumns-IIIOperation-WolfVCVirtual-ConsoleVirtualConsoleMondayWiiMon, 04 Feb 2008 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[1080 degrees now boarding Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/1080-degrees-now-boarding-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/1080-degrees-now-boarding-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/1080-degrees-now-boarding-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those expecting an avalanche of new arrivals on the Wii's Virtual Console need not be entirely disappointed, as this week's solitary title was buried in praise when it released in 1998. Snow surprise then to welcome the Nintendo 64's 1080° Snowboarding to the download service.

Yes, we did just write "snow surprise."
  • 1080° Snowboarding (N64, 1-2 Players, 1000 Wii Points): Though the game's title once tricked us into thinking we'd be racing down the lava-covered slopes of an active volcano, we thaw the errors of our ways once we picked up on the persistent presence of ice and a constant need to perform tricks. It's been one of our favorites ever since, even though things went downhill since 2003's Gamecube sequel.

Joystiq1080 degrees now boarding Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080-snowboardingsnowboardingVCVirtual-ConsoleVirtualConsoleVirtualConsoleMondayWiiMon, 28 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega Master System games coming to Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/sega-master-system-games-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/sega-master-system-games-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/25/sega-master-system-games-coming-to-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Sega Master System never really got the appreciation it deserved here in the U.S. In fact, research shows that only .8 kids in America owned one, and who ever wanted to hang out with eight-tenths of a kid? Gross, we had reps to protect. Now though, it seems the system will finally get the respect it deserves with releases from the system headed to the Wii's Virtual Console.

The beauty part is that, since it used the same hardware as the Master System, Game Gear games will also have a shot at VC fame. The first entries will be Fist of the North Star for 600 points and Fantasy Zone for 500 points. They'll only be rolling out to Japan at first in February, but look for other territories to follow close behind.

JoystiqSega Master System games coming to Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>segavcvirtual-consoleWiiFri, 25 Jan 2008 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Tropics, King of Fighters '94 arrive on Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/star-tropics-king-of-fighters-94-arrive-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/star-tropics-king-of-fighters-94-arrive-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/star-tropics-king-of-fighters-94-arrive-on-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Those are the only two titles you'll get this week, though we can't imagine anybody being displeased by the one-two punch of an intriguing island adventure and a 14-year old battle royal. Well, perhaps we could imagine someone turning his or her nose up to that, but only because said person doesn't enjoy being punched, a sensation that all too frequently accompanies the Wii's Virtual Console additions.
  • Star Tropics (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): Recoil in horror as you learn... that your... dear uncle... Dr. Jones... has been kidnapped! Obey flabby, shirtless men, embark on an epic island quest and question whether being constantly labeled as an "ace pitcher" is some sort of sexual advance! Also, murder a large snake by shoving a yo-yo down its throat!
  • The King of Fighters '94 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points): KOF up the money and SNK's Super Bogard Bros. is yours. The first edition in a long line of three-on-three team pummeling games, this may be worth some fisticuffs if you've not been swayed by the 89 sequels since.

JoystiqStar Tropics, King of Fighters '94 arrive on Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>King-of-fightersStar-tropicsVCVirtual-ConsoleVirtualConsoleVirtualConsoleMondayWiiMon, 07 Jan 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ross' Picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ross-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ross-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/01/best-of-the-rest-ross-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Team Fortress 2 (Xbox 360, PC, PlayStation 3)

While Portal is being given its much deserved credit for the year, and Half-Life 2 has enjoyed years of acclaim, let's not forget about the other pillar of Valve's The Orange Box. It's been eight years since the release of Team Fortress Classic, and the game has undergone so many revisions and delays we half expected it to be released alongside Duke Nukem Forever sometime in 2012. As it turned out, the game not only saw the light of day but ended up being an addictive online experience.

As a console gamer enjoying this with a gamepad, I don't care much much for the sniper, soldier, demoman, or anything except medic and occasionally the engineer. There's something brutally satisfying about charging into battle behind a heavy weapons guy, dodging the occasional bullet (people still haven't learned) and injecting him with a team-killing jolt of invincibility. Hours of enjoyment and not a single bullet shot. Pure. Enjoyment.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ross' Picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ross' Picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-of-the-rest-2007Carcassonnefl0wFreeRiceGOTY-2007LairLittleBigPlanetMy-Word-CoachPCPS3Sin-and-punishmentTeam-Fortress-2TF2VCWiiXbox-360Tue, 01 Jan 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: New consoles on the way to VC?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/rumor-new-consoles-on-the-way-to-vc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/rumor-new-consoles-on-the-way-to-vc/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/rumor-new-consoles-on-the-way-to-vc/#commentsFiled under: ,



Is the Virtual Console family about to gain another two members? If the above graphic from the Japanese Virtual Console website is anything to go by, we'd have to say: HELL YES. And then possibly head outside to whoop loudly with excitement. After all, surely Nintendo wouldn't have added those tantalizing, enigmatic gray boxes to its site for no good reason? They must be there to accomodate some future goodness.

Digging further around the aforementioned site basically confirms that the MSX will fill one of those slots, but the other? Given the space that would be required for games from disk-based systems and the Wii's 512mb of internal memory, our money is on the Master System.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqRumor: New consoles on the way to VC? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanvcvirtual-consoleWed, 19 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo teases two new Virtual Console consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/nintendo-teases-two-new-virtual-console-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/nintendo-teases-two-new-virtual-console-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/nintendo-teases-two-new-virtual-console-consoles/#commentsFiled under: ,


With support for the NES, SNES, N64, Genesis, TurboGrafx, and NeoGeo already built into the Wii's Virtual Console platform, it's easy to forget that there are still classic consoles missing. On Nintendo.co.jp's newly redesigned Virtual Console page, there are two suspiciously empty slots in the grid of compatible consoles.

We're pretty confidant one of those is still reserved for the MSX, but what about that eighth slot? Will Nintendo steer the VC into heretofore portable waters? Or perhaps they'll consider something from the pre-NES era? Or are they going to surprise us all and offer something disc-based, coupled with a hard drive peripheral?

... yeah, we're guessing Sega Master System too.

View Poll


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqNintendo teases two new Virtual Console consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MSXVCVirtual-ConsoleWiiWed, 19 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cybernator, Alien Storm, Monster Lair coming to Virtual Console today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/cybernator-alien-storm-monster-lair-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/cybernator-alien-storm-monster-lair-coming-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/cybernator-alien-storm-monster-lair-coming-to-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

For years, the human psyche has been plagued by three basic fears: Monsters, aliens and robots. If there were four of them, they would be the four food groups of fear. This week, they're all converging on the Virtual Console, so you may want to start your begging for mercy right now.
  • Cybernator (SNES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): As near as we can tell, Cybernator is a 2D giant robot game, except the robot is dude-sized, which kind of defeats the purpose. Also: In Japan, this game is known as Assault Suits Valken, which is a much, much better title.
  • Monster Lair (TurboGrafx16 CD-ROM, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Monster Lair is the third game in the Wonder Boy series, even though you likely won't find that written anywhere when you go to buy it. You may remember that we got The Dynastic Hero a couple of weeks ago, which is the fifth game in that same series. (We knew all this off the top of our heads, by the way. Don't even act like we checked Wikipedia.)
  • Alien Storm (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): There are some things you grow less afraid of as you grow older, and then there are things you can only truly fear when you're an adult. The monsters in Alien Storm are just such creatures. Click that link, see if we're kidding. Those creatures are awful. They're like big hulking piles of face meat and scream lumps. Also: This is a game.

JoystiqCybernator, Alien Storm, Monster Lair coming to Virtual Console today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendowiivcvirtual-consolevirtualconsolevirtualconsolemondaywiiMon, 17 Dec 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii getting gifting feature today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/wii-getting-gifting-feature-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/wii-getting-gifting-feature-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/wii-getting-gifting-feature-today/#commentsFiled under: ,


While Nintendo was busy talking about the new releases on the Virtual Console, they also let it slip that the new gifting feature was coming to U.S. Wiis later today. Come to think of it though, isn't taking the time to enter your buddy's Friend Code the real gift? We'd probably just go buy a fruitcake or something before we'd spend three hours doing data entry.

That said, if you've already made the friend code commitment, you can simply enter the Wii Shop Channel, select what game to buy and send it off to a pal, rather than keep it for your greedy self. It's the gift that says "I like you, but not enough to turn off my video game console, put on pants and go to a store."

JoystiqWii getting gifting feature today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendovcvirtualconsolewiiwiishopchannelMon, 10 Dec 2007 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual Console graced by Pokemon Snap, Ghosts'n Goblins, Baseball Stars 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/virtual-console-graced-by-pokemon-snap-ghostsn-goblins-baseba/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/virtual-console-graced-by-pokemon-snap-ghostsn-goblins-baseba/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/10/virtual-console-graced-by-pokemon-snap-ghostsn-goblins-baseba/#commentsFiled under: ,

You've realized that they're just picking them at random now, haven't you? Unless the theme this week is "Games With Vowels in the Title," we honestly don't know what the unifier could be. It's OK though, Nintendo, we're more concerned about the games than the themes.

Pokémon Snap (Nintendo 64, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points): We've long been morally opposed to the whole Pokemon craze. We just can't condone beating animals senseless, locking them in prisons that are 1/10 their size and then forcing them to repeat the cycle of violence. We guess we're OK with Pokemon Snap though, which asks only that you take pictures of the little critters. Also, remember that this version has new Wii features.

Baseball Stars 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points): We're not familiar with Baseball Stars 2, but everything we've read about the game appears to be pretty positive. We only wish the Wii functionality could have trickled down here for all the big-screen TV-smashing action that we crave.

Ghosts'n Goblins (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): Ghosts'n Goblins is the kind of difficult that other difficult games tell their children about to scare them into behaving. It's a classic, sure, but it's also enough to make you put your fist through a wall. We're sure it's fun if you're really good at it but let's be honest ... you aren't, are you?

JoystiqVirtual Console graced by Pokemon Snap, Ghosts'n Goblins, Baseball Stars 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendowiivcvirtualconsolevirtualconsolemondaywiiMon, 10 Dec 2007 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually give a Virtual Console gift with video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/virtually-give-a-virtual-console-gift-with-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/virtually-give-a-virtual-console-gift-with-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/virtually-give-a-virtual-console-gift-with-video/#commentsFiled under:

Sick of browsing the "Knitting supplies and Burt Lancaster movies" section of your local department store, trying to find a Christmas for your grandma? Allow us to suggest the perfect holiday gift: Ninja JaJaMaru-kun. Or Double Dribble. Or any of the dozens of other games on the Virtual Console, which you'll be able to gift to friends (and super-hip grandmas) beginning Dec. 11 ... as long as you live in Japan. The video above walks you through the process so you can see just how easy holiday shopping will soon be for our friends in the Land of the Rising Fun.

Sadly, we don't know when we'll be able to use this feature, (it's supposed to be coming this month) so we'll have to make do with the third-hand joy of watching a virtual Japanese person give a virtual gift to his virtual Japanese friend. Hopefully we'll hear a U.S. date soon.

JoystiqVirtually give a Virtual Console gift with video originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holidazenintendowiivcvirtualconsolewiiFri, 07 Dec 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo estimates $33 million earned from Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/nintendo-estimates-33-million-earned-from-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/nintendo-estimates-33-million-earned-from-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/nintendo-estimates-33-million-earned-from-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fielding questions at a Tokyo press conference held by Nintendo and NTT regarding an internet service collaboration, Nintendo executive Shinji Hatano provided some rather vague commentary on the success of Wii's Virtual Console. According to IGN's Anoop Gantayat, the executive noted a previously mentioned figure of 7.8 million downloads across the service, with purchases generating 3.5 billion yen -- or approximately $32.33 million.

Perhaps there was a hint of sarcasm then, when Hatano followed up with, "We're currently unsure if this is a lot or low. They're not bad figures." Really? Earning over thirty million dollars from games you approved years ago seems like it's a reasonable payoff for minimal effort, doubly so when said (overpriced) games include Double Dribble.

JoystiqNintendo estimates $33 million earned from Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NumbersVCVirtual-ConsoleVirtualConsoleWiiWed, 28 Nov 2007 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Number of weekly VC games to increase?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/number-of-weekly-vc-games-to-increase/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/number-of-weekly-vc-games-to-increase/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/09/number-of-weekly-vc-games-to-increase/#commentsFiled under: ,



Reggie's recent address in New York failed to tell us much that we didn't already know, though it did throw up the slide you see above, indicating that Nintendo is promising us 200 Virtual Console games in the US by the end of this year. We can probably all agree that the world would be a better place if Pilotwings 64 and River City Ransom were included in that number.

But we digress. See, the folks over at Game|Life did the math, and discovered that would mean Nintendo has only eight Mondays left in 2007 to deliver 34 games. Average that out, and you get 4.25 games a week. Currently, of course, we only get three titles every Monday. So, is this a genuine miscalculation on Ninty's part, naughty marketing hyperbole, or will we really be seeing more retro goodness than normal pumped down our tubes in the coming weeks?

Either way, Nintendo, we are now absolutely holding you to this. 200 by December 31st or you're ripped from our BFF collage. And we do not make such threats lightly.

[Via The Tanooki]

JoystiqNumber of weekly VC games to increase? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pilotwingsRetroriver-city-ransomvcVirtual-ConsoleVirtualConsoleFri, 09 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Venture capital and online games @ Virtual Worlds Forum]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/venture-capital-and-online-games-virtual-worlds-forum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/venture-capital-and-online-games-virtual-worlds-forum/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/29/venture-capital-and-online-games-virtual-worlds-forum/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Last week we managed to catch the Venture Capital panel at the Virtual Worlds Forum, an event set inside a nightclub situated within a rather eerie warehouse district behind Kings Cross train station. Plenty of black leather sofas with bloggers and attendees basked in purple lights, a glitter ball, and three bars provide an odd backdrop for discussions about monetizing the latest WoW wannabe. The overall atmosphere of this panel was very businesslike -- £995 a head means most attendees were on their respective company's ticket -- so if you want to continue believing that video games are solely a creative medium designed to further society through creation of fun, look away now.

If you're interested in this subject, make sure to check out ex-Joystiq editor Vlad Cole's newly relaunched blog on video game venture capital. Now keep reading.

Continue reading Venture capital and online games @ Virtual Worlds Forum

JoystiqVenture capital and online games @ Virtual Worlds Forum originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>InvestmentKings CrossKingsCrossLondonMoneyOnline WorldsOnlineWorldsvcVenture CapitalVentureCapitalVirtual Worlds ForumVirtualWorldsForumMon, 29 Oct 2007 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii Virtual Console gift giving service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/nintendo-wii-virtual-console-gift-giving-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/nintendo-wii-virtual-console-gift-giving-service/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/nintendo-wii-virtual-console-gift-giving-service/#commentsFiled under:


In another portion of the 'absolutely no Wii price cut' story we covered earlier this morning, Nintendo's prez unveiled a feature that allows people to "send each other games over the internet using the Wii's shopping channel." The explanation by AP is a little too quick and dirty for our taste, so we've contacted Nintendo's PR for a cleaner explanation. The piece says that users will be able to select a game to send as a gift to another user and when the recipient accepts, "the Wii automatically launches the shopping channel and begins the download."

Like we said, we're looking to get more details on this potentially great service. We just need to know things like: Does this mean grandma needs to comprehend the multi-digit friend codes? Does the person need to be a friend first? Isn't it easier just to give a Wii Points gift card? We hope to update you soon with the answers.

JoystiqNintendo Wii Virtual Console gift giving service originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giftvcvirtualconsolewiiFri, 26 Oct 2007 11:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega bringing Crack Down and ESWAT to Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/sega-bringing-crack-down-and-eswat-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/sega-bringing-crack-down-and-eswat-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/11/sega-bringing-crack-down-and-eswat-to-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sega announced today that they're bringing two Genesis games to the Wii's Virtual Console: Crack Down and ESWAT: City Under Siege. We know that you probably are reading the post because of the headline, so let us burst that bubble first: It's not that Crackdown. This is an entirely different game, sort of a hybrid between Smash TV, Gauntlet and a game that only uses 1/4 of the screen to display the action. (No, seriously, go look.)

Then there's ESWAT, which is Robocop with a jet pack. ... Well, Robocop with a jet pack and a rocket launcher, which, objectively, sounds like the best game ever made. We're not sure when these will be available, so keep an eye out on Mondays.

JoystiqSega bringing Crack Down and ESWAT to Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>segavcvirtualconsoleWiiTue, 11 Sep 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega bringing Shinobi III, Landstalker to Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/sega-bringing-shinobi-iii-landstalker-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/sega-bringing-shinobi-iii-landstalker-to-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/17/sega-bringing-shinobi-iii-landstalker-to-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Lovers of isometric RPGs and real, ultimate power should be happy to hear that Sega is bringing Genesis titles Landstalker and Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master to the Wii's Virtual Console at some (as of now) undisclosed time.

When an announcement like this is made, your mind probably begins to wander to the inevitable question: Who would win in a fight, Nigel the treasure hunter or Joe Musashi? Joe Musashi or ... Nigel? Here's our rule of thumb: If a fight would be decided as soon as the fighters' names were read aloud, it's probably not worth worrying about.

JoystiqSega bringing Shinobi III, Landstalker to Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2007 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>segashinobivcvirtualconsolewiiFri, 17 Aug 2007 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Metroid is Shining in the Darkness of the Cratermaze on Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/metroid-is-shining-in-the-darkness-of-the-cratermaze-on-virtual/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/metroid-is-shining-in-the-darkness-of-the-cratermaze-on-virtual/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/13/metroid-is-shining-in-the-darkness-of-the-cratermaze-on-virtual/#commentsFiled under: ,

The "Month of Metroid" continues with the Virtual Console release of Metroid, one of the real classics of the NES. It's joined by two other titles with ... mixed results.

-Metroid (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): You should absolutely download and play Metroid, but please, once you've completed it, don't give away the secret twist ending. Why not let your friends be shocked when they discover that their manly lead man is not so much a man -- as a lady?
-Shining in the Darkness (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): This is the beginning of the Shining series, although it makes some significant departures from it. The series it would birth is probably enough to make it historically important, though not necessarily worthy of your cash. If you're a fan of dungeon RPGs though, go nuts.
-Cratermaze (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): When you read that what you're about to play is "a comical action game set in a parallel world," you know you're in for something special. But when you find out that also, the game was originally called Booby Kids in Japan, you should strap in for the ride of your life.

JoystiqMetroid is Shining in the Darkness of the Cratermaze on Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 08:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>metroidvcvirtualconsolevirtualconsolemondayWiiMon, 13 Aug 2007 08:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii's most popular VC games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/wiis-most-popular-vc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/wiis-most-popular-vc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/wiis-most-popular-vc-games/#commentsFiled under: ,


Siliconera's Spencer Yip put together the handy-dandy spreadsheet you see above featuring the most popular Wii Virtual Console games, available for review now following the recent Wii update. The list shows Japan on the left and the US on the right. Nobody seems to know how the popularity of these games is determined, after Siliconera made their list, it changed for Wii Fanboy, then again when we checked. Hopefully the system will become clearer in time.

Look at all that Mario in the Top 10, with a heavy dose of Link for the US. This will certainly be an interesting chart to watch as more games become available. Maybe it will finally spur Xbox Live Arcade to get one. It would be interesting to know what's popular on XBLA, at least we know it wouldn't be Mario all the way down.

[Via Wii Fanboy]

JoystiqWii's most popular VC games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartpopularsiliconeravcvirtual consoleWiiThu, 09 Aug 2007 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Shining Force, Kirby's Dream Course, Devil's Crush come to Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/23/shining-force-kirbys-dream-course-devils-crush-come-to-virtu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/23/shining-force-kirbys-dream-course-devils-crush-come-to-virtu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/23/shining-force-kirbys-dream-course-devils-crush-come-to-virtu/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Shining Force may seem like the obvious top choice this week, but don't be so quick to judge. If you're the sort of person who likes to see classic games perverted by marshmallow men or the devil, your very particular itch is about to get doubly scratched.
  • Shining Force (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): As soon as we put this post up, the comments will fill with people sharing their love for this tactical RPG, so there's really no need for us to say that Shining Force is totally awesome. That being said, it's totally awesome.
  • Kirby's Dream Course (Super NES, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Here's a note for all you budding psych majors. If your patient's dream consists of being in some nightmarish form of golf where all the holes are monsters and they're the ball, they have serious problems.
  • Devil's Crush (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, 600 Wii Points): Statistically speaking though, the patient dreaming of being a golf ball is probably better off than the one who thinks that he's forced to play a pinball game that's controlled by Satan.

JoystiqShining Force, Kirby's Dream Course, Devil's Crush come to Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>vcvirtualconsoleVirtualConsoleMondayWiiMon, 23 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Bros. 3 riding a Kuribo's Shoe onto the Australian VC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/super-mario-bros-3-riding-a-kuribos-shoe-onto-the-australian-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/super-mario-bros-3-riding-a-kuribos-shoe-onto-the-australian-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/super-mario-bros-3-riding-a-kuribos-shoe-onto-the-australian-v/#commentsFiled under:

Australia getting a Virtual Console game before anyone else? Maybe! We can't be sure when Sonic 3 and Super Mario Bros. 3 will find their way onto the VC, but at least we know they're on their way, thanks to the Office of Film and Classification.

The Aussie equivalent of the ESRB keeps a database of ratings just like the ESRB does. A bunch of games have been added, including a lot that are already out in other regions, and a few, like Mario 3, that are news. Of course, the best part of this for people who don't happen to have Australian consoles is that if a game is planned for one region, it's terribly likely it'll be out soon in others!

Other things on the list that make us happy: Strider (although we don't know if it's the Genesis version or the NES version), Galaga '90, and Probotector II-- which is Super C. The full list of new updates is after the break!

[Via Vooks]

Continue reading Super Mario Bros. 3 riding a Kuribo's Shoe onto the Australian VC

JoystiqSuper Mario Bros. 3 riding a Kuribo's Shoe onto the Australian VC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacontragalaga 90mariomario 3sonicsonic 3Sonic3stridersuper csuper mario brosSuperCSuperMarioBrosvcvirtual consoleVirtualConsoleMon, 16 Jul 2007 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday Madness: Paper Mario, Balloon Fight and Silent Debuggers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/vc-monday-madness-paper-mario-balloon-fight-and-silent-debugge/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/vc-monday-madness-paper-mario-balloon-fight-and-silent-debugge/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/vc-monday-madness-paper-mario-balloon-fight-and-silent-debugge/#commentsFiled under:

This week's Virtual Console releases sees the inclusion of two high-profile Nintendo titles, along with a TurboGrafx16 game we're not familiar with. But, when looking at the two Nintendo titles mentioned, that couldn't matter any less. We know it'll be hard to pry us away from our Wii today, as we get knee-deep in some most excellent gaming.

Today's VC releases are:
  • Paper Mario (Nintendo 64, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points)
  • Balloon Fight (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points)
  • Silent Debuggers (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points)
Who plans on giving what a download? If you're on the fence, be sure to stop back later for our video wrap-up of today's releases.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqVC Monday Madness: Paper Mario, Balloon Fight and Silent Debuggers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marionintendonintendowiipapermariovcvcmmvirtualconsolewiiMon, 16 Jul 2007 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Paper Mario, Balloon Fight and ... other appear on Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/paper-mario-balloon-fight-and-other-appear-on-virtual-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/paper-mario-balloon-fight-and-other-appear-on-virtual-conso/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/paper-mario-balloon-fight-and-other-appear-on-virtual-conso/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hey, can you do us a huge favor? Just try hiding your disappointment when you get to the end of this week's Virtual Console releases. We've had like a million readers come through this post, and we think the way their faces drop when they see third entry is starting to hurt her self-confidence. She can't help who she came in with, try to remember that.
  • Paper Mario (Nintendo 64, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points): A spiritual successor to Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, this game is, frankly, fantastic. It combines some really solid RPG mechanics with visual panache. Consider it required downloading if you haven't been through it.
  • Balloon Fight (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): Though it may not be as glitzy as Paper Mario, Balloon Fight is still undeniably a classic. The only question is if you'll be willing to part with five bucks for a game that was not only playable in Animal Crossing, but was also, at one point, stored on playing cards.
  • Silent Debuggers (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): Hey, we warned you, please be nice, this has been a tough day. ... Oh, you're laughing now. That's great. Listen, maybe you're just rushing to judgment. We've embedded a gameplay video after the break, maybe you'll watch it and see that you were wrong all along. She's a totally radical first-person shooter, you'll see!

Continue reading Paper Mario, Balloon Fight and ... other appear on Virtual Console

JoystiqPaper Mario, Balloon Fight and ... other appear on Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mariovcvirtualconsoleVirtualConsoleMondayWiiMon, 16 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday Madness wrap-up 7/9/07 [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/vc-monday-madness-wrap-up-7-9-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/vc-monday-madness-wrap-up-7-9-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/vc-monday-madness-wrap-up-7-9-07/#commentsFiled under:


Due to technical difficulties, we won't be able to provide you with your usual video wrap-up. We're quite sorry, but offer up our usual coverage aside from video after the break in the hopes that it'll keep you from ripping us apart limb from limb happy. Well, happy enough to not kill us.

Continue reading VC Monday Madness wrap-up 7/9/07 [update 1]

JoystiqVC Monday Madness wrap-up 7/9/07 [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendowiivcvcmmvirtualconsolewiiyoshizonkMon, 09 Jul 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mach Rider, Yoshi and Air "Zonk" appear on Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/mach-rider-yoshi-and-air-zonk-appear-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/mach-rider-yoshi-and-air-zonk-appear-on-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/09/mach-rider-yoshi-and-air-zonk-appear-on-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a bitterly tough release week like this one, we hoped to be able to count on the Virtual Console for some classics. However, it looks like we'll be settling for "decent." We're sorry, VC, we don't mean to put so much pressure on you, we know it's not your fault.
  • Mach Rider (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points): If you don't remember this one, think of it as a combination of Road Blasters and Hang-On, with a color palette that appears to have been selected at random, possibly with the use of darts.
  • Yoshi (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): It's a shame that Yoshi doesn't have a lot to do in his own eponymous game. Most of the time, he sits on the sidelines, watching a fat Italian guy switching plates of mushrooms and egg shells. While that's admittedly a pretty interesting way to spend an afternoon, it still feels like kind of a ripoff.
  • Air "Zonk" (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points): If Bonk was a complete tool and had a lightning bolt on his forehead, he would be Zonk. If Bonk's Adventure was a pretty decent shoot 'em up, it would be Air "Zonk." Side bonus, Air "Zonk" offers one of the rare opportunities to be part of something called "Team Cool," which seems to be about the best thing you can do. If you're still on the fence, know that Nintendo says that "Air 'Zonk' is filled with humor, made evident by the wacky theme song that plays when you post a huge score or when your game is over." Sold!

JoystiqMach Rider, Yoshi and Air "Zonk" appear on Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendovcVirtualConsoleVirtualConsoleMondaywiiyoshiMon, 09 Jul 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Japanese VC Castlevania is the Famicom Disk System version]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/japanese-vc-castlevania-is-the-famicom-disk-system-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/japanese-vc-castlevania-is-the-famicom-disk-system-version/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/06/japanese-vc-castlevania-is-the-famicom-disk-system-version/#commentsFiled under: ,


This probably doesn't affect any readers here (although, if you're a Japan-local Wii Fanboy, let us know!) but we discovered something interesting while drooling at the Japanese Virtual Console page.

Proving their absolute and irrational devotion to historical accuracy, the version of Castlevania going up on the VC this month will not be the same cartridge version that's already been released in the US and Europe. Instead, Japan is getting the original version, which was released for the Famicom Disk System in 1986. The differences include a save state feature and a name entry screen with music unheard in the US version! Which, unfortunately, we can't find. The idea that there's Castlevania music out there that we haven't heard makes us kind of uncomfortable.

JoystiqJapanese VC Castlevania is the Famicom Disk System version originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akumajoakumajou draculaAkumajouDraculacastlevaniadiskdraculafamicomfamicom disk systemFamicomDiskSystemfdsjapannintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiisystemvcvirtual consoleVirtualConsolewiiFri, 06 Jul 2007 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: The Super Splatter Soldier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/vc-tuesday-the-super-splatter-soldier/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/vc-tuesday-the-super-splatter-soldier/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/03/vc-tuesday-the-super-splatter-soldier/#commentsFiled under: ,


This week, Japan got three games that we don't have yet in the US-- no surprise there. But we already had Splatterhouse on our Virtual Console, so we totally win in that one specific competition that isn't really a competition.

The non-Splatterhouse games include another shooter, a Paleolithic puzzle game that we'd never heard of, and a completely awesome ninja game that we'd love to see over here ASAP. And, since it did come out over here (as Shinobi III: Return of the Ninja Master), we are not crazy to expect it!

JoystiqVC Tuesday: The Super Splatter Soldier originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jul 2007 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flappynintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiishinobisplatterhousestar soldierStarSoldiersuper shinobiSuperShinobivcvcjapanvctuesdaywiiTue, 03 Jul 2007 14:40:00 EST