Feb 06 2007
Virtual Console Releases for 2/5/07- Yay or Nay?
I hoped that Super Mario World would grace us with it’s awesomeness last week. Well, Nintendo clearly heard me and decided to release Super Mario World this week! Unlike last week’s orgy of great releases, the supporting cast for Super Mario World isn’t so hot this time around.
Gain Ground (Sega Genesis)- A fine 
example of a game that shouldn’t have even seen the light of day when it was released almost 20 years ago…and why it’s on the Virtual Console today is beyond my imagination. The following is an excerpt from a Sega board meeting 20 years ago:
“So that Gauntlet game from 3 years ago was pretty cool, isn’t there some way we could rip that off?”
“Well why don’t we make the same game, but only replace the wizards and shit like that with futuristic cyborgs!!”
“Yeah totally! We’ll give the cyborgs these insanely huge guns and then for no logical reason whatsoever we’ll give some naked jungle people spears to toss at the cyborg ninjas. Oh, and we should throw in a Viking just to fuck with people.”
In my attempt at giving this otherwise mediocre game a fair chance, the gameplay is actually slightly different than Gauntlet. As you run around the battlefield fighting off hordes of enemies, one of your objectives is finding more cyborgs and naked spear people to take control of. Oh, and it’s also set in the future! With Vikings.
Final opinion: Nay
Vigilante (TurboGrafx-16)- Get used to seeing 
these beat’em up type games on the Virtual Console. There are only like, 73 more of them to go…and they all look/play/feel/smell exactly the same. On a good note, the story for this game is highly original!
“Thugs kidnap the beloved Madonna, and it’s up to players to become vigilantes. Players fight their way into enemy territory to get her back.”
…
On a good note, Vigilante is actually one of the better games of this stale and dated genre, but is still rather mediocre by today’s ADD standards. If you really need to get your fix for one of these games though, I suggest waiting around for Streets of Rage, Final Fight (not confirmed yet, but it seems likely), or better yet, just pick up Comix Zone from last week. Although the entire plot of Comix Zone doesn’t revolve around rescuing a damsel in distress, the game’s unique style makes dull games like Vigilante weep.
Final Opinion: Nay
Super Mario World- I’m one of those people who saves the cherry in the sundae for last. And so we have it, Super Mario World. This was one of the first games I dreamed about owning since the Virtual Console was announced (and you will read about the other games in an upcoming edition of the list *nudge nudge*).
Obviously, this is one of those “must have” games for the virtual console, especially if you haven’t experienced it yet. If you are a Super Mario World virgin, then stop sitting on the computer and go buy this game. I’m serious. Right now. Well, maybe after you finish reading this…
Super Mario World is my idea of a perfect game. The game builds on everything glorious about Super Mario Bros. 3, while still creating a totally fresh experience. Several new powerups make their appearence in Super Mario World, along with the debut of Yoshi (who Mario constantly punches in the back of the head)!The best part of Super Mario World is exploring each nook and cranny the game has to offer, which will lead you to the crazy “Star Road” and then eventually to the groovy “Special Zone!”
The worst part of the game: Tanooki Mario from Super Mario Bros. 3 is replaced with caped mario who flies via feather…Boo.
Final Opinion: Yay
Well another week, another amazing release. Let’s hope Nintendo keeps it up. Maybe some Punch Out next week? I somehow foresee a lackluster upcoming week though…
3 Responses to “Virtual Console Releases for 2/5/07- Yay or Nay?”
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Yeah you’re right. 3 weeks with at least 1 popular/awesome game each week? I don’t know. I like to hope for the worst so I don’t go on a rage and have it mess up my day.
I just bought Link to the Past and Contra 3 last Sunday around noon. So I’m not really complaining at the moment. =]
Good choices!
Somebody listened to the article last week for Contra 3 :P
Haha I wish it worked that way…
Hey, if anybody actually reads these things, like, totally let me know!
Oh and as for LttP: I’m holding off on it for quite some time. It’s without a doubt my favorite Zelda game and it also is easily in my top 3 games of all-time. But, that’s sorta where the problem lies…I have played LttP way way way too many times. I’m taking a few months off and waiting for Majora’s mask (a game I have little patience for but will give it a second chance when it comes to the VC).
Hey Matthew! I actually read these things! lol yup you’re doing a goodjob so far with the Tanooki. Props on the name too, tanooki was by far the best powerup.
And yeah I have the same problem too, when games come out on the VC and you already played them wayyyy too much. Too bad nintendo didnt add any special features in these re-releases to tempt people to buy them.
SMW is an awesome game, but i already have it on SNES, and on the GBA, so is it really worth it to buy again? I know graphics are probably better, but is it that much worth it?