This week's VC updates: Yoshi, choppers, a team called the Sharks

7:52 AM on 09.17.2007   |   Nick Chester

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Before I go any further, let me say this right now: European Wii owners have been able to download the Famicom version of Super Mario Bros 2 from the Wii Shop Channel, since last Friday. That's the only time I'm going to say it, but let it be known that my North American bones are quaking with disappointment. 

Available today for the Wii Virtual Console are Yoshi's Story (Nintendo 64, 1 player, 1,000 Wii Points), Super Thunder Blade (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points), World Class Baseball (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, 600 Wii Points). All should be available from the Wii Shop Channel starting at around 9 a.m. Pacific time, at which point not a single one of these games will have  magically transformed into the Japanese version of Super Mario Bros 2. 

Crap. I didn't mean to bring that up again, really. But while I'm on the subject -- what the hell? Yoshi's Story is a poor man's Yoshi's Island, with its 2 1/2-D cut-out look, and about two hours worth of gameplay before the credits roll. Super Thunder Blade puts you in control of an attack helicopter, which was cool in the 80s, but we're so past choppers in 2007 ... it's all about tanks now. And calling one of your game's fictional teams the "Ninjas" doesn't make it world class, especially when there ain't a damned ninja in sight.

Fine -- those games aren't that bad. But, yeah, I'm bitter. So what? Full press release (with none of my whining) after the jump.

Sept. 17, 2007

Everyone's favorite long-tongued, egg-tossing dinosaurs make a colorful splash on the Wii Shop Channel this week. Yoshi's action takes place in storybook "pages" made up of bookmaking materials and other familiar textures, including cut-paper forests, denim clouds, inflatable plastic islands and stacks of colored spools. It's a classic Nintendo® 64 game remembered as much for its beauty as its game play. Once you're done with that, you can probably find time to fly an attack helicopter or play a little baseball to get ready for the post-season.

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:

Yoshi's Story™ (Nintendo 64, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): The evil Baby Bowser has cast a spell turning Yoshi's Island™ into a picture book. Worse yet, the Super Happy Tree has been stolen, making the island dark and gloomy. Players must take control of six Yoshis, each a different color, and travel through six pages (worlds) of platforming adventure to recover the tree and return the island to normal. Featuring huge character models and bright, vibrant colors, the game's various environments (such as woods, caves, mountains and oceans) come alive in a uniquely gorgeous 2½-D look. Eat fruit, avoid enemies and obstacles, and throw eggs from the Yoshis' never-ending supply in your quest to stop Baby Bowser's plan from succeeding. If you're good enough, you can aim for higher scores by being picky about the fruit you eat. And who knows, you might even find the mysterious black and white Yoshis.

Super Thunder Blade™ (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Violence, 800 Wii Points): In this follow-up to Thunder Blade, you'll fly a new and improved attack helicopter in a series of attacks against guerilla armies that are bent on taking over the world. Although your aircraft is formidable, your enemies are vast and varied. You'll have to take on submarines, tanks, fighter planes and more. Your command of this state-of-the-art battle copter must be top notch, as you'll have to dodge oncoming fire and use your various weapons to eliminate all enemy targets so you can reach the guerilla base and end their nefarious plans once and for all. Put on your flight suit and step into the thrilling action of Super Thunder Blade.

World Class Baseball (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Acclaimed for its steady game play, World Class Baseball is the definitive baseball game on the TurboGrafx16. Battle the computer in OPEN MODE or play a friend in VERSUS MODE. Customize your team in EDIT MODE or even watch a game between two computer opponents in WATCH MODE. World Class Baseball offers the complete baseball gaming experience. Of course there's also plenty of single-player action. The main feature is PENNANT MODE, where the player chooses a team from one of the world's leagues and strives to win their team's league. Beat league rivals and save your progress with passwords on your way to becoming league champions. After winning your league, get ready to the face the other league's champion in the heated series for the world championship.