Wii-kly Shopping List: Finally ... another Virtual Console Arcade game!

by: Cyril - posted: 6/15/2009 7:25:00 AM

Do you remember a few months ago when Nintendo surprised the world by announcing the Virtual Console Arcade?  At the time they released several classic games, none of which were newer than 1985.  After four months of waiting, Nintendo is finally ready to add another game to their stable of arcade "classics".  The newest game?  Space Harrier, the 1985 arcade game from Sega.  This in-your-face 3D action game is along the lines of Star Fox, Galaxy Force II and 3D World Runner, only this time around your shooting and ... alien dinosaurs?  Oh never mind, the plot and visuals don't matter, the fun of the game is flying around the screen shooting at anything that gets in your way.  This arcade release comes to $8 (800 Nintendo Points). 

For the record, this is the third time Space Harrier has been released on the Virtual Console.  We already have a Sega Master System and Sega Genesis version of Space Harrier on the service, so this arcade port is just an added bonus.  The problem is, this superior port makes the other two games pointless.  Who would buy the Sega Master System game now? It's also worth mentioning that gamers who own both the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 are recommended to just pick up Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection, which features this arcade game as a bonus.

Over on the WiiWare side we have three completely different games.  Up first is Eduardo the Samurai Toaster.  I don't know much about this game, but I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've heard of a fighting toaster.  This Semnat developed game will run you $8.  If that doesn't do it for you, there's Rainbow Island: Towering Adventure, which is the updated version of Taito's classic Bubble Bobble.  This two-player game costs $8 as well.  And finally there's something called, Let's CATCH!  No, I didn't just yell at you, that's how it's spelled.  Let's CATCH! will run you $10.  I guess it's just that much better.

Nintendo is also ready to sell you more useless crap useful apps for the Nintendo DSi.  This week's DSiWare includes Mario Calculator, which is a ... well ... let's just pretend that you know what that is.  It's two bucks.  They also have a Mario Clock for $2.  I'll leave it up to you to decide if $2 is too much for a clock and a calculator.  Expect full reviews, limericks and haikus about these games (and the Xbox Live Arcade release, Sam & Max Save the World) this Friday.