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[NintendoWare Weekly: Monster World IV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-monster-world-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-monster-world-iv/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/10/nintendoware-weekly-monster-world-iv/#comments ImageWhile we wait for Sega's "Monster World Collection" to debut the previously Japan-only (and acclaimed!) Monster World IV on PSN and XBLA, Sega went ahead and deposited the game on Wii Virtual Console today, causing even more surprise than other, increasingly rare, VC releases.

If you have the Wii Points kicking around, you can build a pseudo-complete Wonder Boy collection now - bolstered by Sega's simultaneous release of the arcade version of Wonder Boy in Monster Land. At least one version of each game in the series is available.

In non-interactive news, Dinosaur Office returns to Nintendo Video tomorrow.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Monster World IV

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Monster World IV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopmonster-world-ivnintendonintendoware-weeklypauls-shooting-adventure-2sudoku-by-nikoliwiiwiiwarewonder-boywonder-boy-in-monster-landThu, 10 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega's Monster World 4 coming to XBLA, PSN, and not Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/segas-monster-world-4-coming-to-xbla-psn-and-not-virtual-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/segas-monster-world-4-coming-to-xbla-psn-and-not-virtual-cons/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/segas-monster-world-4-coming-to-xbla-psn-and-not-virtual-cons/#comments Yes, there have been a million Wonder Boy games re-released on Virtual Console and other platforms, so another one doesn't seem like it would be a big deal. But Monster World IV, originally for Mega Drive/Genesis (and despite the name, the last game in the populous Wonder Boy series), never came out in North America. Monster World IV, starring a green-haired girl and her long-eared spheroid partner, is also considered the best game in the series.

According to the ESRB, Sega is finally preparing an American release of the game, on PSN and XBLA. Strangely, no Wii version is mentioned, despite the fact that Virtual Console is, like, the place for old games, and despite the fact that so many Wonder Boy games have been released on that platform -- including this one, in Japan.

JoystiqSega's Monster World 4 coming to XBLA, PSN, and not Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esrbmicrosoftmonster-world-ivplaystationps3psnsegawestonewonder-boyxblaxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC in Brief: Wonder Boy III (SMS) and Cybernoid (C64)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/vc-in-brief-wonder-boy-iii-sms-and-cybernoid-c64/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/vc-in-brief-wonder-boy-iii-sms-and-cybernoid-c64/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/vc-in-brief-wonder-boy-iii-sms-and-cybernoid-c64/#commentsThis week's Virtual Console update is quite the doozie, giving us one obscure C64 title and one game we've played a billion times. We don't mean to sound bitter, but we're pretty sure there's a baker's dozen Wonder Boy games littering the lands of the Virtual Console. Check 'em out above!
  • Cybernoid (C64, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
  • Wonder Boy III: The Dragon's Trap (Sega Master System, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks like that.

JoystiqVC in Brief: Wonder Boy III (SMS) and Cybernoid (C64) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c64commodore-64commodore64cybernoidsegasega-master-systemvc-in-briefwonder-boywonder-boy-3wonder-boy-iiiMon, 09 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Dr. Mario Express, Deep Psyche, Crystal Defenders, and Wonder Boy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/20/nintendoware-weekly-dr-mario-express-deep-psyche-crystal-def/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/20/nintendoware-weekly-dr-mario-express-deep-psyche-crystal-def/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/20/nintendoware-weekly-dr-mario-express-deep-psyche-crystal-def/#comments
Another week and another slew of content is available for your Nintendo consoles. DSi enthusiasts receive Dr. Mario Express, while WiiWare lovers can check out Square Enix's Crystal Defenders. Let's get to the full rundown, which you can find resting comfortably past the break.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Dr. Mario Express, Deep Psyche, Crystal Defenders, and Wonder Boy

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Dr. Mario Express, Deep Psyche, Crystal Defenders, and Wonder Boy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-little-dr-mariocrystal-defendersdr-mario-expressDSdsi-shopdsiwaremaster-of-illusionmaster-of-illusion-expressNintendonintendo-dsinintendowarenintendoware-weeklysquare-enixvirtual-consoleWiiwiiwarewonder-boyMon, 20 Apr 2009 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Clu Clu Lair]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/vc-friday-clu-clu-lair/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/vc-friday-clu-clu-lair/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/vc-friday-clu-clu-lair/#commentsThis week on the PAL Wii Shop, two Virtual Console games have been added to the selection. One of the new releases is a somewhat underappreciated Nintendo game, and the other is a previously underappreciated game that is now way overexposed, thanks to the Virtual Console.

If you've never played the NES's Clu Clu Land before, be prepared for confusing controls that will eventually give way to a pretty fun vintage-style maze game. If you've never played the Genesis's Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair before, don't -- download the Turbografx-16 CD version instead for the same price!

Grab the post break and swivel around it to see footage of both games.

Continue reading VC Friday: Clu Clu Lair

JoystiqVC Friday: Clu Clu Lair originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clu-clu-landfridaymonster-lairvirtual-consolewonder-boyFri, 06 Mar 2009 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Retail and download releases for the week of January 26th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-january-26th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-january-26th/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/26/retail-and-download-releases-for-the-week-of-january-26th/#commentsFiled under: , ,


This week, Wii owners get some new, quality titles to play. On the retail side, we've got three new games on offer. On the downloadable side, it's slim pickings again with only one WiiWare game and one Virtual Console game up for grabs. Plan on treating yourself this week? Let us know what interests you in the comments!

Continue reading Retail and download releases for the week of January 26th

JoystiqRetail and download releases for the week of January 26th originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>niki-rock-n-ballreleasesrygarultimate-shooting-collectionwonder-boyMon, 26 Jan 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Tee up and club some Monsters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/vc-friday-tee-up-and-club-some-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/vc-friday-tee-up-and-club-some-monsters/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/23/vc-friday-tee-up-and-club-some-monsters/#commentsFiled under: ,


Yours truly has hazy memories of spending an entire summer holiday glued to Mario Golf, unlocking Metal Mario, and jumping on the bed after fluking a hole-in-one (shamefully, I was nineteen at the time). And now, it's the fifteenth N64 game to appear on the PAL Virtual Console. Hell yeah! It might suffer heavily from the N64 fuzz, but for our money it's still the best in its respective series. It's accompanied this week by Wonder Boy in Monster Land.
  • Mario Golf -- Nintendo 64 -- 1,000 Wii Points
  • Wonder Boy in Monster Land -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points
Videos of each follow the blue text.

Gallery: Mario Golf (Nintendo 64)

Continue reading VC Friday: Tee up and club some Monsters

JoystiqVC Friday: Tee up and club some Monsters originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaeuropefridaygolfmario-golfmaster-systemn64palplatformsportswestonewonder-boyFri, 23 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: Reopening the case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/vc-tuesday-reopening-the-case/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/vc-tuesday-reopening-the-case/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/vc-tuesday-reopening-the-case/#commentsFiled under: ,

Jake Hunter: Detective Chronicles on the DS didn't really set the American gaming community on fire, in terms of sales or critical response. The American debut of Workjam's detective series was marred by text errors and omitted content that caused the game to lose points with reviewers, and it just flew too far under the radar for even the Phoenix Wright audience to hear much about it.

All of that is just a roundabout way of saying this: the third Tantei Jinguuji Saburo game, with a scenario by Final Fantasy VII/VIII/X and Super Smash Bros. Brawl scenario writer Kazushige Nojima is out in Japan today, and we shouldn't expect Aksys to pay to translate it for the few people who would drop $5.

Prospects are significantly better for Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair -- so much better, in fact, that it's already out in the US and Europe, albeit on a different console. Rastan Saga 2, an awkward-looking Taito action-platformer about a big barbarian dude, is pretty much a lock as well, because Hudson is nice.

As for WiiWare, judging by Nintendo of Japan's WiiWare page at the time of writing ... nothin'.

JoystiqVC Tuesday: Reopening the case originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jake-hunterrastan-saga-2tantei-saburo-jingujivctuesdaywonder-boyTue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Smash Bros. leads January VC lineup in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/super-smash-bros-leads-january-vc-lineup-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/super-smash-bros-leads-january-vc-lineup-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/super-smash-bros-leads-january-vc-lineup-in-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo of Japan has announced their plans for the next month's Virtual Console games, and, for once, the list includes a Nintendo 64 title. Super Smash Bros. is headed to the Japanese VC in January. Pokémon Snap came out in the US within a week of the Japanese release last year, so maybe this year's big winter N64 game will follow suit. Nintendo has lovingly appended an extra 200 points to the normal cost of a Nintendo 64 game for this release.

Super Smash Bros. is likely to be the only thing anyone reading this will care about, given the combined Brawl obsession of the Wii audience and the first-party-franchise domination of VC sales, but we've got the whole (rather small) lineup for January after the break just because.

Continue reading Super Smash Bros. leads January VC lineup in Japan

JoystiqSuper Smash Bros. leads January VC lineup in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasy-zone-iigetsu-fuuma-denjapann64rastan-sagasuper-smash-brosvctuesdaywonder-boyzoidsFri, 26 Dec 2008 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: Salamander's Firey Ambition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/vc-tuesday-salamanders-firey-ambition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/vc-tuesday-salamanders-firey-ambition/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/vc-tuesday-salamanders-firey-ambition/#commentsFiled under: ,

What a delightful variety of games on the Japanese Virtual Console this Christmas week! Compare that to the American selection, which is delightful but not at all varied. Japan has four new old games, from four different systems, in four different gameplay styles, including a shmup, a strategy game, a platformer, and a wrestling game -- and great examples of all four genres!
WiiWare is also a treat this week, but one the rest of the world has already been served: LostWinds, published in Japan by Square Enix.

JoystiqVC Tuesday: Salamander's Firey Ambition originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fire-pro-wrestlinglostwindsnobunagas-ambitionsalamandervctuesdaywonder-boyTue, 23 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enduro Racer, more SMS greats on Virtual Console soon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/enduro-racer-more-sms-greats-on-virtual-console-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/enduro-racer-more-sms-greats-on-virtual-console-soon/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/enduro-racer-more-sms-greats-on-virtual-console-soon/#commentsFiled under:


One of our favorite Sega Master System games is an unassuming little isometric racing game in which the playr must race a motorcycle across rough terrain against other motorcycles and even dune buggies. Enduro Racer may not be a masterpiece, but it has totally great Sega music and plays pretty much exactly like a rotated Excitebike -- unlike the original arcade game, which had a more common behind-the-bike perspective.

The ESRB database says that an "Enduro Racer" is coming out on Wii, and we're fairly certain it's the SMS game. Either that or a new remake. It's probably the Master System game, because its listing co-occurs with two other SMS games: Wonder Boy in Monster Land (not to be confused with Wonder Boy in Monster World) and Space Harrier.

JoystiqEnduro Racer, more SMS greats on Virtual Console soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>enduro-raceresrbsegasega-master-systemspace-harrierwonder-boyMon, 22 Sep 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Free: A masterful reminder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/virtually-free-a-masterful-reminder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/virtually-free-a-masterful-reminder/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/29/virtually-free-a-masterful-reminder/#commentsFiled under:


Don't forget that the latest edition of Virtually Free is winding down to a close, and you've only got a few more chances to get your name into the hat! Want to win a couple of Sega Master System Games? Head over to the original post. Want to know what they are? Here you go:
  • Wonder Boy (500 Wii points/$5)
  • Fantasy Zone (500 Wii points/$5)
Get on it!

JoystiqVirtually Free: A masterful reminder originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasy-zonesega-master-systemvirtually-freewonder-boySun, 29 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtually Free: Mastering the system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/virtually-free-mastering-the-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/virtually-free-mastering-the-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/25/virtually-free-mastering-the-system/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's back to the good ol' Virtual Console for this week's Virtually Free, with a pair of games chosen by none other than Ms. Candace Savino. You know what Candace likes? The Sega Master System -- which means we've got two of those three currently available games up for grabs this week:
  • Wonder Boy (500 Wii points/$5)
  • Fantasy Zone (500 Wii points/$5)
One lucky reader is going to walk away with both games. Want to be that one glorious individual? So what do you have to do to win? First of all, you have to leave a comment (with a valid e-mail address) on this post telling us which of these two you're more interested in. Second, you must be a legal resident of the United States with an American Wii (sorry, Canadians, we have to leave you out of this one; blame the gifting system and not us!) and 18 years of age or older. You may enter once per calendar day between now and Monday, June 30; the contest comes to a close that night at 11:59 PM Eastern time, and we'll select a winner in a random drawing the next day. Questions? Check out the official rules.

JoystiqVirtually Free: Mastering the system originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasy-zonejoystiqfeaturessega-master-systemvirtually-freewonder-boyWed, 25 Jun 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: 'Stay a while ... Stay FOREVER']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/vc-friday-stay-a-while-stay-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/vc-friday-stay-a-while-stay-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/vc-friday-stay-a-while-stay-forever/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Nintendo, with this week's four Virtual Console releases you are really spoiling us!"

We feel extra special this week, because kindly old Uncle Nintendo has lavished the PAL Virtual Console (or at least the European Virtual Console) with four new titles, including another two Commodore 64 additions (both of which are cracking), and the first Master System games to reach Australia. Unusually, all four are worth a look, but Impossible Mission has a special room all of its own in this blogger's heart. As usual, there's footage of all titles past the break.
  • California Games -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points*
  • Impossible Mission -- Commodore 64 -- 500 Wii Points*
  • Wonder Boy -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points
  • Fantasy Zone -- Master System -- 500 Wii Points
* Europe only, for now -- sorry, Aussies!

Continue reading VC Friday: 'Stay a while ... Stay FOREVER'

JoystiqVC Friday: 'Stay a while ... Stay FOREVER' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiacalifornia-gamescommodore-64epyxeuropefantasy-zonefridayimpossible-missionmaster-systempalplatformsegashmupshootersportswonder-boyFri, 11 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: WOW! YOU LOSE!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/vc-tuesday-wow-you-lose/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/vc-tuesday-wow-you-lose/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/08/vc-tuesday-wow-you-lose/#commentsFiled under: ,


That's not a commentary on this week's new Japanese Virtual Console downloads, although if it had been it would have been a total burn. It's actually the famous game-over screen text from ASCII's remarkably ancient-looking Bokosuka Wars, seen above. Bokosuka Wars has been called the "worst console RPG in existence," which, combined with the enthusiastic text, makes it a must-buy for us if it's ever released here.

Volguard II is equally old and old-looking, though it's apparently a bit higher in quality. And Super Wonder Boy is just regular Wonder Boy, which is fine!


JoystiqVC Tuesday: WOW! YOU LOSE! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bokosuka-warsnessega-master-systemvctuesdayvolguardwonder-boyTue, 08 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday Madness video wrap-up 3/31/08]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/vc-monday-madness-video-wrap-up-3-31-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/vc-monday-madness-video-wrap-up-3-31-08/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/vc-monday-madness-video-wrap-up-3-31-08/#commentsFiled under:


This week sees another duo of titles available for play. One of them is N64 title Cruis'n USA, while the other launches a new system on the Virtual Console for North America. Hit up the video above for your usual dose, then head past the break for some added fun.

Continue reading VC Monday Madness video wrap-up 3/31/08

JoystiqVC Monday Madness video wrap-up 3/31/08 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cruisncruisn-usamaster-systemn64segasega-master-systemwonder-boyMon, 31 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wonder Boy, Cruis'n USA speed onto Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/wonder-boy-cruisn-usa-speed-onto-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/wonder-boy-cruisn-usa-speed-onto-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/wonder-boy-cruisn-usa-speed-onto-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Okay, we've figured it out! The tenuous link between today's Virtual Console releases is none other than the ability to travel through exotic locales at high speed, be it on a skateboard rolling through lush jungles or an offensively colored car hurtling through, er, Iowa.
  • Cruis'n USA (Nintendo 64, 1-2 players, 1000 Wii Points): Hop into your virtually indestructible vehicle and commence your cruise through the N64's best approximation of the USA. We're not sure how you manage to survive the nightmarish elevator music nor the sudden, neck-snapping stop at the finish line, but at least you can look forward to a digitized woman waggling a trophy in your face.
  • Wonder Boy (Master System, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): You, Tom-Tom. Girlfriend, Tanya. Must save Tanya. Fling hammers. Murder snails. Ride skateboard. Wonder why girlfriend has such modern name.

JoystiqWonder Boy, Cruis'n USA speed onto Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cruisn-USAVirtual-ConsoleVirtualConsoleVirtualConsoleMondayWiiWonder-BoyMon, 31 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Monday Madness: Cruis'n USA and Wonder Boy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/vc-monday-madness-cruisn-usa-and-wonder-boy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/vc-monday-madness-cruisn-usa-and-wonder-boy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/vc-monday-madness-cruisn-usa-and-wonder-boy/#commentsFiled under:


Looks like we've been fooled! If today is going to be any kind of indicator for the future, all Sega Master System games won't be the cheap 400 Wii Points per download we initially thought. Instead, the games will cost the same as NES titles. Eh, what's an extra dollar, right?

Today's Virtual Console releases are:
  • Cruis'n USA (N64, 1-2 players, 1,000 Wii Points)
  • Wonder Boy (Sega Master System, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points)
As usual, be sure to stop back later for our video wrap-up of this week's Virtual Console games.

JoystiqVC Monday Madness: Cruis'n USA and Wonder Boy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>master-systemn64segasega-master-systemwonder-boyMon, 31 Mar 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[April VC releases for Japan: Dracula X leads an awesome month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/april-vc-releases-for-japan-dracula-x-leads-an-awesome-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/april-vc-releases-for-japan-dracula-x-leads-an-awesome-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/april-vc-releases-for-japan-dracula-x-leads-an-awesome-month/#commentsFiled under: ,


It's finally happening. When Hudson announced Turbografx-16 support on the Virtual Console, we thought "Oh, great, maybe we'll be able to get Dracula X!" Then when they revealed that CD-ROM titles would start coming out, we got really excited about being one step closer to Dracula X. Next month in Japan, Akumajou Dracula X: Chi no Rondo will be released on the Virtual Console for 800 points. As if Hudson hadn't already won at being awesome today.

Other than the amazing Dracula X, there's actually a lot of really great stuff coming out in April. It has actually renewed our faith in the Virtual Console, which is why we're starting to think we're being fooled by a tragic April Fool's Day joke on Nintendo's part. Metal Slug and The Legend of Valkyrie are standouts, as is the incredibly vintage RPG Bokosuka Wars, if only because it reminds us of this shirt.

Famicom:
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  • Sky Kid
  • Volguard II
  • Bokosuka Wars
Super Famicom:
  • Famicom Detective Club Part II
  • Heracles no Eikou IV
Master System:
  • Wonder Boy
Mega Drive:
  • Musha Aleste
  • Phantasy Star III
  • Phelios
N64:
  • Kirby 64
PC Engine:
  • Riot Zone
  • Legend of Valkyrie
  • Dracula X: Rondo of Blood
  • Digital Champion: Battle Boxer
  • Monster Lair
Neo Geo:
  • Metal Slug

JoystiqApril VC releases for Japan: Dracula X leads an awesome month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bokosuka-warscastlevaniadraculaxfamicom-tantei-clubjapankirby-64monster-lairmushaphantasy-star-3sky-kidtmntvolguardwonder-boyFri, 28 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wonder Boy and Fantasy Zone coming to North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/wonder-boy-and-fantasy-zone-coming-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/wonder-boy-and-fantasy-zone-coming-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/wonder-boy-and-fantasy-zone-coming-to-north-america/#commentsFiled under: ,

Upon reading the title of this post, some of you may have been bouncing off the walls like this blogger, while the rest of you probably shrugged and moved on with your lives.

If you don't realize how great these two games are, though, just trust us when we tell you that they are. We'd probably be excited for any Sega Master System games to hit our VCs, but these two happen to be some of our favorites. Our childhoods would have been empty, barren wastelands without them.

Granted, Wonder Boy came out ages ago on the Virtual Console in the guise of Adventure Island. Yet, even if you aren't incredibly biased like us to see the option based on the original arcade classic as the superior choice (elitist snobs that we are), Wonder Boy will cost you $1 less than the Takahashi Meijin-infused port. That's right -- in an incredible show of awesomeness, Sega is only charging 400 Wii Points for Master System games. (Note: Sega used tricky wording in their press release, stating that "prices start at 400 Wii[TM] Points for SEGA Master System titles." This means that the games announced today might cost more.)

Wonder Boy aside, though, Fantasy Zone is a must buy. The crazy stages and enemies alone make this game a memorable experience, but it's also a fun side-scroller with super-cool music.

Of course, take our opinions with a grain of salt -- sometimes it's hard to see through nostalgia-tinted glasses. But, what we really mean by that is buy Fantasy Zone.

No word on exactly when these games will hit North American VCs, but Sega promises "soon."





[Via press release]

JoystiqWonder Boy and Fantasy Zone coming to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-islandfantasy-zonemaster-systemsegasega-master-systemsmswonder-boyTue, 25 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally! A Wonder Boy game on the Virtual Console!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/finally-a-wonder-boy-game-on-the-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/finally-a-wonder-boy-game-on-the-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/finally-a-wonder-boy-game-on-the-virtual-console/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're so glad Sega Master System support came to the Virtual Console, because now Australian Wii owners are going to have a chance to play ... another Wonder Boy game! Even better -- it's another duplicate game, too! According to a new listing on the OFLC ratings page, the first Sega Master System game to appear on the Virtual Console in Australia will be the original Wonder Boy.

If you like Hudson's Adventure Island, chances are quite good you'll like Wonder Boy -- because Adventure Island is the exact same game with a different character. It's great that Master System games are coming out in regions other than Japan, but do we really need another conduit for duplicate Wonder Boy games? Really, we like the idea of releasing all kinds of variants and permutations, but let's get more original games out first.

[Via Aussie-Nintendo]

JoystiqFinally! A Wonder Boy game on the Virtual Console! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaustraliamaster-systemsegawestonewonder-boyWed, 05 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Tuesday: Adventure Mountain]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/vc-tuesday-adventure-mountain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/vc-tuesday-adventure-mountain/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/vc-tuesday-adventure-mountain/#commentsFiled under: ,

This week brings another rare (not Rare) Nintendo 64 release, and a seasonally appropriate one at that. 1080 Snowboarding is making its appearance on the Virtual Console for the first time. When it hits the American download service, we look forward to playing it and pretending it's cold outside. Until then, we can just look at screenshots and pretend we're playing it and pretending it's cold outside.

The other two releases are distant cousins. Adventure Island is a remake of Westone's original Wonder Boy game with a different protagonist (which, of course, spun off into its own series), and Monster World IV is part of a Wonder Boy spinoff series. It's ... a lot more confusing when they release two of them at a time like this. We're all familiar with Adventure Island, at least.

JoystiqVC Tuesday: Adventure Mountain originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080adventure-islandmonster-world-ivvctuesdaywonder-boywonderboyTue, 15 Jan 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[VC Friday: Give the gift of Wonder Boy this Christmas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/vc-friday-give-the-gift-of-wonder-boy-this-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/vc-friday-give-the-gift-of-wonder-boy-this-christmas/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/vc-friday-give-the-gift-of-wonder-boy-this-christmas/#commentsFiled under: ,



We've already discussed how much of a holy mess the Wonder Boy series is, and today European and Australian folk will be able to sample a small part of the jumbled franchise, with the release of Monster Lair, as it appeared on the Turbografx-16 (a Sega Mega Drive version appeared a year later, though only in Europe).

Whereas Monster Lair is perhaps the highlight of this last VC update before Christmas, this blogger will admit to having fond recollections of the fighting sequences in NES ice hockey title Blades of Steel, while those of you with an "Extreme!!!" bent may wish to throw 500 Wii points in the direction of Skate or Die!
  • Skate or Die! -- NES -- 500 Wii points
  • Blades of Steel -- NES -- 500 Wii points
  • Monster Lair -- Turbografx -- 800 Wii points

JoystiqVC Friday: Give the gift of Wonder Boy this Christmas originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiablades-of-steeleuropefridaymonster-lairnespalskate-or-dieturbografxwonder-boyFri, 21 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The VC Advantage: The Wonder Mess]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/the-vc-advantage-the-wonder-mess/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/the-vc-advantage-the-wonder-mess/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/the-vc-advantage-the-wonder-mess/#commentsFiled under:


The internet has made it easy to find cheats for games, but we miss the tips pages from game magazines, when the discovery of a new code could inspire you to go back to an old game. These codes aren't exactly new, but oldness is the essence of the Virtual Console! We're bringing back the classic codes every week on The VC Advantage.

There are a lot of games in the Wonder Boy series, but it's not always apparent which games are. For example, there are five Wonder Boy games on the American Virtual Console, a number beaten only by the Mario series and matched by Donkey Kong (according to our quick count). Of those five games, only one has the words "Wonder" and "Boy" in the title. The rest are just similar-looking (or not-so similar) side-scrolling action games, some of which have some light RPG elements. Two of the games on the Virtual Console are the same game. To put it succinctly, it's a big mess -- and one that, thankfully, has been explained for us already. We're just going to provide some codes for those of you who have dared to get into the series.

Continue reading The VC Advantage: The Wonder Mess

JoystiqThe VC Advantage: The Wonder Mess originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragons-cursemonster-lairvcadvantagewonder-boyWed, 19 Dec 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wonder Boy on the VC makes us wonder what's going on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/01/wonder-boy-on-the-vc-makes-us-wonder-whats-going-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/01/wonder-boy-on-the-vc-makes-us-wonder-whats-going-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/01/wonder-boy-on-the-vc-makes-us-wonder-whats-going-on/#commentsFiled under:

If you're a fan of the Wonder Boy series like ourselves, but want to make sure you buy the right game on the Virtual Console (and not two copies of the same game, which is possible), Chris Kohler over at Game|Life fortunately sheds some light on the situation. Hudson seems to enjoy messing with us, so if you're interested in purchasing one of these games, then it's worth checking out Kohler's little guide.

Also, we're still waiting for the day that the VC supports the Sega Master System. Hear that, Nintendo? And make it snappy.

JoystiqWonder Boy on the VC makes us wonder what's going on originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hudsonwestonewonder-boySat, 01 Dec 2007 17:00:00 EST