Virtual Console Recommendations – Metal Slug 3 (Neo Geo)

Metal Slug 3 (also on Metal Slug Anthology [PS2, Wii, PSP])

W- Metal Slug 3 continues the crazy action/shooter chaos of its prequels, but this one ups the insanity factor through the roof. There’s a plethora of crazy levels to explore (and there’s branching paths in this one), wacky enemies to shoot, and a bevy of new “slugs” to ride. Quality stuff, and worth a look if you liked the prior games and/or arcade-style run-n-guns.

Virtual Console Recommendations – Super Street Fighter II (Genesis)

Super Street Fighter II (SFAC)

W- AGAIN? Another Street Fighter port?!? Over Demon’s Crest, Bionic Commando, Breath of Fire and Mega Man 64? Capcom, you’re killing me here. Luckily, there is the bonus incentive of online play that makes this port justifiable to some degree. Nester breaks down the two ports quite nicely here, so I’ll defer to him. I for one will skip it.

VC Alternate Version Guide update – Super Street Fighter II

Joining the SNES version, the Genesis version of Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers is now available on the Wii Virtual Console in both Europe and North America, and as such I’ve updated the Virtual Console Alternate Version Guide:

Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers (SNES, 800 points)
Super Street Fighter II: The New Challengers (Genesis, 800 points)

Did we get enough Street Fighter II yet? Capcom says no!

Both versions are nearly the same, with only minimal cosmetic differences. The Genesis version has grainier but higher contrast graphics, while the SNES version looks softer. The sound effects and voices are also significantly more gravely on the Genesis than the SNES, although it also has a couple of minor extra gameplay options.

The Genesis version does have one clear edge however: ONLINE PLAY! That’s right, this is the first Virtual Console game in North America to allow online multiplayer. You can hook up with anyone you’ve shared Friend Codes with, or with completely random, anonymous strangers. It’s very bare bones, but that may not matter to you.

Another question, however, is whether you should choose between Super Street Fighter II or Street Fighter II Turbo. Well, aside from the allure of online play, different people seem to have specific preferences in this department. It is worth noting that even the SNES version of Super SFII has heavily compressed audio, and thus actually sounds worse than the SNES version of SFII Turbo. However, all versions of Super SFII have a full 16-character roster, including the four “New Challengers.” Yet, some people don’t like the changes that were made to the existing characters, and consider Turbo to be a more balanced game. Taking all of these things into account, you’re going to have to make your own call on this one. Good luck!

Virtual Console No-Shows: Lee Trevino’s Fighting Golf (NES)

101. Lee Trevino’s Fighting Golf (NES, SNK)

Brief Synopsis – Despite the aggressive title, SNK’s “Fighting Golf” is devoid of any fisticuffs. In reality it’s a fairly rudimentary but well-programmed golf game for the NES, sponsored by one of the bigger names in the sport at the time, Lee Trevino, aka Supermex. In my opinion, which is based completely on memory :p , this is the best golfing title for the console.

Why is it Missing? – SNK Playmore have only gone so far as their NeoGeo software on the Virtual Console, and have completely ignored their NES output.  PSN has gotten several arcade ports, but I don’t think the arcade Fighting Golf is among them.  They could strip out Trevino and his likeness if they ever wanted to re-release the game, but if Crystalis, by far their best-hailed NES game, continues to be absent, I suspect a more curious title like this one will never see a second coming.

Other (Legal) Options – NES cartridge and old arcade boards, anyone?  Those are your only options.

Virtual Console No-Shows: Pokemon Stadium (N64)

100. Pokemon Stadium (N64, Nintendo/HAL Labs)

Brief Synopsis – Pokemon Stadium essentially was a clever marketing ploy by Nintendo that allowed players to send Pokemon from the first generation into three-dimensional battles!  The key selling point was the Transfer Pak attachment, which allowed you to upload your own Pokemon from the Game Boy Red, Blue and/or Yellow cartridges into the game to conquer its challenges.  As an overall game, there wasn’t too much to it beyond some mini-games, a tournament mode, the ability to play Pokemon Red, Blue or Yellow on TV,  and rendering the Pokemon battle engine into 3D, but it did quite well sales-wise and a sequel soon followed.

Why is it Missing? – Nintendo’s Pokemon empire is so far removed from its earliest days that this game would almost feel pointless.  Only 151 Pokemon to play as?  Not to mention the loss of using the Transfer Pak, which would cripple a lot of the appeal of this game.  I think it’s ultimately a relic in the history of the franchise, and that Nintendo is thinking of bigger and better things.

Other (Legal) Options – The game is a N64 stalwart, and you’ll need a Transfer Pak and a copy of the Game Boy Pokemon Red, Blue and/or Yellow to get the most out of it.  You may want to consider the sequel for the N64 as well, which features the ability to incorporate Pokemon from Gold/ Silver/Crystal on top of the original trilogy.

Virtual Console No-Shows: Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (Genesis)

99. Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse (Genesis, Sega)

Brief Synopsis – Minnie Mouse has been taken by the sinister witch Mizrabel, who plots to steal way Minnie’s youth for her own evil purposes.  Mickey vows to save her, and enters the Castle of Illusion to win her back.  It’s a fairly standard platforming affair, with Mickey bouncing off of foes to conquer them, but it is programmed spectacularly, and is considered one of the best examples of the genre on the system.

Why is it Missing? – Licensing has a lot to do with it.  Much like Capcom’s Disney titles, Sega would need to talk Disney to re-release this, or Disney themselves (who probably retain the rights to their characters no matter who does the work) would have to become Virtual Console supporters.  I’m hoping that Disney will jump on board someday, because with the announcement of Epic Mickey: Power of Illusion for the 3DS, Disney is continuing the storyline Sega began with Castle and World of Illusion, and it would be great to be able to revisit those classics without having to hunt down Genesis cartridges and hardware.

Other (Legal) Options – The aforementioned Genesis cartridge and hardware is the only way as of right now.

Next time is Game #100!  I’ll really have to think about what to spotlight!

Virtual Console No-Shows: The Goonies II (NES)

Hm, America is apparently taking a significant break from the VC…again. XD  Onward, with another game that’s worthy of consideration!

98. The Goonies II (NES, Konami)

Brief Synopsis – Loosely based on the movie The Goonies (note – Americans only saw a NES release for the sequel to the original Famicom game, thus the inexplicable “II” in the title.  The first did see limited release in Nintendo’s Vs. System or Play Choice-10 arcade cabinets), you play as Mikey, who must rescue the rest of the Goonies and a randomly determined mermaid (wha?) from a small-time criminal family, the Fratellis.  You play the game in two perspectives, side-scrolling and first person, and the game has a Metroid-esque feel in how it progresses, with Mikey able to improve his skills to access new areas previously blocked off from him.  I haven’t had the good fortune to play it, but it’s supposedly very good.

Why is it Missing? – Two major reasons here: one is that it is a licensed game based on a movie, and two, we haven’t seen anything from Konami come west in a long time.  I suspect that Konami isn’t too keen on continuing to support the Wii VC, and especially not too keen on re-licensing this game no matter how good it is.  Let’s hope the NA/PAL 3DS Virtual Console will see some of their Game Boy games they’ve released in Japan recently, so I don’t have to write posts on those. XD

Other (Legal) Options – The NES is the lone console for you here.

Virtual Console No-Shows: Little Nemo the Dream Master (NES), Golden Axe Warrior (Master System)

With America taking a little break from the VC and Europe receiving the Game Boy Dr. Mario (already accessible on the Wii VC), I felt it was a good time to hit up a couple new titles missing from the service.

96. Little Nemo the Dream Master (NES, Capcom)

Brief Synopsis – As Little Nemo, a boy granted the ability to subdue monsters with candy and then take on some of their forms, you have to hunt down keys to progress deeper into Dream Land to rescue the entire kingdom from nightmares.  Another strong example of Capcom’s early licensing prowess.

Why is it Missing? – Capcom themselves have an answer for me this time.  Brelston, commenting on the game’s music on Capcom-unity, throws in this explanation:

The odd state of Little Nemo copyrights likely makes new content problematic, what with some content being public domain and other content belonging to various companies…

In short, licensing limbo is holding this back.

Other Legal Options -The NES cartridge is your only ticket.

97. Golden Axe Warrior (Master System, Sega)

Brief Synopsis – Since I haven’t played this, I’ll let Racketboy explain:

Golden Axe Warrior was a RPG spin-off of the popular Golden Axe arcade series that follows a young warrior who was trying to avenge the death of his parents by exploring nine caves and collecting missing diamonds. The infamous Death Adder, from Golden Axe, makes a cameo as the boss of the game.

Why is it Missing? – Sega’s backed off from releasing much for their own systems for the Wii Virtual Console as of late.  Barring Strider, they haven’t released anything on the service since April 2010.  Maybe with their involvement with emulating Game Gear games on the 3DS we’ll see some new stuff on the Wii VC, like this Zelda-esque adventure.

Other (Legal) Options – To my knowledge, this is a Master System exclusive.

Virtual Console No-Shows – Devil World (NES)

95. Devil World (NES, Nintendo)

Brief Synopsis – Shigeru Miyamoto’s stab at a maze arcade game, you control the adorable Tamagon, who must collect crosses to gain the ability to spit fire and combat the Devil’s forces.  After the first wave, you need to collect four bibles and unleash a seal to force the Devil off, but while you do these tasks the Devil forces the maze to move around in an attempt to crush Tamagon.

Why is it Missing? – It’s never landed here in American shores.  Any guesses why? :p  Seriously though, I think Nintendo of America is frightened of the religious mechanics in the game and have no plans on releasing it here.  Ever.  Shame, too, as it’s a clever take on the genre from what I can tell.  Europe and Japan do have the game on their VC service, too, which adds to the frustration.

Other (Legal) Options – Alas, there is not one in America barring importing hardware and software from other regions.

Virtual Console Recommendations – Strider (Genesis)

Yes, folks, we have FINALLY RECEIVED a new Wii Virtual Console title.  The first of the year!  And it’s one I can actually report on.  How pleasant for me!

Strider (CCC2)

W- From what I hear, the Genesis port of Capcom’s classic Strider turned out quite well and captures the essence of its gameplay nicely.  The controls can be a tad touchy at times, but it’s definitely a unique, interesting and enjoyable arcade action game worth some playtime.  It has some fascinating setpieces and enemy design, too.  Worth a look.