This week, Nintendo adds another delicious category to its smorgasbord of
classic titles. NEOGEO games will now be appearing in the Wii Shop Channel for
download. NEOGEO becomes the sixth platform represented in the Wii Shop
Channel, and it adds additional depth and breadth to the best selection of
classic games available.
Hard-core gamers will especially appreciate the vibrant, arcade-quality
graphics and the ability to finally play games they might have missed during
the NEOGEO heyday. The first NEOGEO offering includes three fighting games
that are a mix of familiar franchises and cult classics. Dive in and check out
the deep game play, diverse characters and special moves and combos.
The three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new
games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii™ owners with a high-speed
Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games. Wii Points
can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week’s new
games are:
FATAL FURY (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen – Violence, 900 Wii Points):
Released in 1991 and one of the longest-running series in the fighting-game
genre, this title introduced players to Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard and Joe
Higashi. Select one of the three and visit many locations as your chosen
fighter engages in numerous street fights around the fictional city of South
Town. If you’re good enough, you’ll eventually take on Billy Kane and then his
boss, the notorious crime lord Geese Howard. Use each fighter’s own finishing
maneuver and battle in two different planes on the screen, one in the
foreground and the other farther away in the background. The game also
features a two-player mode that is well known for its unique setup, which
allows fighters to both fight and help each other. Do you have what it takes
to win the King of Fighters tournament?
WORLD HEROES (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen – Animated Blood,
Violence, 900 Wii Points): A fighting game released in 1992 featuring eight
characters, including Hanzo, Janne and Rasputin, modeled on historical figures
from throughout the ages. The fighters compete against each other to become
the world’s toughest combatant, with players using a setup consisting of only
three buttons (one each for punching, kicking and throwing). Adding to this
unique system is the fact that the strength of your offensive blow depends on
how long the button is pressed and held. Along with regular match styles,
Death Match mode is also available and features mines, electrified ropes and
other dangerous objects in the battle arena that can change conditions during
the fight or damage players. Enjoy the wide range of combat forms as you take
on history’s best!
ART OF FIGHTING (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen – Animated Blood,
Violence, 900 Wii Points): This fighting game, released in 1992, began the
story of the Sakazaki family and Robert Garcia, further developed in two later
sequels. Yuri Sakazaki has been abducted by Mr. Big to punish her father,
Takuma, and her brother, Ryo. To rescue her, Ryo and Robert must take on
numerous enemies around South Town, eventually reaching the mysterious Mr.
Karate. The passion of the game’s creators is evident in the unique game-play
elements introduced. These include an energy gauge that is depleted every time
a fighter uses a special maneuver, Desperation Attacks that are usable only
when a fighter’s health is low and camera zooming that adjusts on the fly as
fighters move around the stage. All these features ensure that players use
strategy and tactics, rather than simply mash buttons. Adding to the mix are
little touches such as characters showing cuts when they are injured and
voice-over samples during cut scenes. Can you perfect the art of fighting and
save Yuri?
