Week two of the DSi WiiWare update brings us Dr. Mario Express (1 player, 500 Nintendo DSi Points), which is -- as you would expect -- just like Dr. Mario. The game features the classic mode, with the aim to score the most points, and Vs. CPU mode. What the game lacks is its biggest strength -- multiplayer.
More digital magic tricks hit the shop today, with Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche (1 player, 200 Nintendo DSi Points). The game actually knows what you're thinking. It's really magic. Two dollars worth.
Crystal Defenders R1 (1 player, 800 Wii Points) hits WiiWare. Square Enix's Final Fantasy-themed tower defense game finally makes it way to WiiWare, after having found life on the iPhone and Xbox LIVE Arcade. This version doesn't appear much different from the other titles; more Crystal Defenders adventures, tagged R2, are expected later this year.
Finally, Virtual Console sees the release of Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 900 Wii Points) which I swear has been released before. I'm wrong, of course. Monster Lair supports cooperative play, so start deciding if you're a pink-haired girl or a green-haired boy now.
Last question, unrelated to this week's releases -- can we get some third-party DSiWare games up in this piece?
INTENDO DOWNLOAD: IT'S CRYSTAL CLEAR: MARIO, MAGIC AND MONSTERS - OH MY!
April 20, 2009
The first Nintendo DSiWare™ game starring superstar Mario™ enters the fold this week with the launch of Dr. Mario™ Express. The Master of Illusion™ Express series adds another installment that promotes portable prestidigitation. WiiWare™ users will find precious crystals to defend in CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R1, while Virtual Console™ players face a classic race against the clock in Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair™. Read on to learn all about the latest downloadable games from Nintendo, then log on to choose your favorites.
Nintendo DSiWare
Dr. Mario Express (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Nintendo DSi Points™): Mario once again dons his stethoscope to battle the forces of illness in this downloadable version of the classic puzzle game. Use vitamins to eliminate viruses in Classic mode, or play against a computer opponent in Vs. CPU mode. Make an appointment with Dr. Mario today.
Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche (Nintendo, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 200 Nintendo DSi Points): Master of Illusion Express titles offer mind-bending magic tricks pulled from the popular Nintendo DS™ game. Learn the illusions, practice up and amaze your friends. Master of Illusion Express: Deep Psyche asks a series of pointed questions and reveals a startling truth.
WiiWare
CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R1 (SQUARE ENIX, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points™): In CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R1, you must deploy various units such as Soldiers and Black Mages to stop wave after wave of encroaching monsters from escaping the area with your party's crystals. There are many different types of units to choose from, some specializing in powerful short-range attacks, some wielding far-reaching magicks, and still others equipped with bows that enable them to bring down aerial foes. Deploy units in strategic locations to take full advantage of their traits. Each time an enemy breaches your defenses and reaches a map's exit, your party will lose crystals. When all your crystals are gone, the game is over. CRYSTAL DEFENDERS R1 comes complete with a plethora of exciting stages, each varying in layout and difficulty. Can you defend them all without losing a single crystal?
Virtual Console
Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone – Mild Cartoon Violence, 900 Wii Points): The once-quiet town of Xenobia is under attack from fierce and gruesome monsters. As Leo, it's up to you to save Xenobia from danger as you navigate through a series of worlds in a race against time. Use your sword and jumping abilities to battle foes. Watch for power-ups that will increase your health and add to the amount of time you have to complete your missions. Go it alone or play co-op with a friend who can take the role of Priscilla. Do you have what it takes to save the world?
Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.
Contest:
9:20 AM on 04.20.2009
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then I read that there was no multiplayer, frowned and forgot all of those thoughts. you'll have to try better than that, Ninty.
I'm amazed that in the 3 years that I've owned my Wii, that there's been as little to hold my interest in the VC service as there has been. There's ample opportunity to bring really exciting games out, and week after week, we get retreads and warmed over casual games.
The only real standout highlight is that I have Castlevania 3 and half the MegaMan series.
Oh, and the actual Super Mario Brothers 2.
Outside of this, it's really been a massive letdown, and the list of titles you're NOT able to buy should serve as a strong reminder to those hoping for a GBAware service on the DSi of what level of unenthusiastic response to have towards it, should it ever surface.
I still have my initial 1000 points but nothing so far has interested me. Nintendo: please release something half-way decent before i'm forced to blow half of them on that trashy looking Warioware game!
"We have a huge library of awesome titles... let's release a bunch of bullshit instead of those games."
Way to go Nintendo.
don't quote me on this but I was under the impression that although Square left Nintendo that Nintendo still owned the rights to the first six games, so THATS why.
not @ Chronic
and yes, I wish there was some way, preferably in form of large angry mob, that we the people could let Nintendo know that we want their GOOD games on VC.
but at least they put in Ogre Battle....