Virtual Console releases for the week of 4/21

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I know I’m breaking tradition by posting a game-related video above instead of the usual video of this week’s Virtual Console release, but I couldn’t help myself — Daft Punk and River City Ransom is still a recipe for awesome, no matter how old the video is. Speaking of, I just gave away one of the releases for the week, although if you read Chad Concelmo’s recent post you may have already puked in anticipation.
 
First up is perennial classic River City Ransom (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and OlderMild Suggestive Themes and Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points), and I can assure you that it is one hundred percent worth downloading. From its quirky dialogue to its strangely gratifying yet simple fights, this game is a true gem from the NES era. Also, it’s cheap as Wii points go, and goes great with beer and a pizza.
 
Second on the list is Phantasy Star III: Generations of Doom (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for EveryoneMild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points), and I know anyone who listens to my babble on RetroforceGO! is thinking I am really excited because this is a Phantasy Star title. Sadly, it’s the least fun of all the games in the series for me, so if you’ve never played the games before and want to start, I’d recommend the stellar Phantasy Star II over this game, which feels a bit ill-fitted in comparison to its predecessors. 
 
Also, I have a feeling Phantasy Star IV is coming soon, and I may throttle an unsuspecting cat in joy if he doesn’t hide when that news comes. BARF!

Wii-kly Update: Two New Classic Games Added to Wii Shop Channel

Helping out your friends is often as easy as a ride to the airport or a kind word of advice. But when they fall victim to dastardly kidnappers, things get a little more complicated. Step up and find out what it takes to rescue your imperiled pals in the latest additions to the Wii Shop Channel. Both of these classic titles feature distinctive rescue-driven storylines and villain-busting action to help bring out your inner hero. Isnt that what friends are for?

Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time 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 weeks new games are:

River City Ransom (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and OlderMild Suggestive Themes and Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points): River City Ransom takes place in River City, where our heroes, Alex and Ryan, find a letter on Ryans locker from a guy named Slick. The letter says that Ryans girlfriend, Cyndi, has been kidnapped, and Slick has taken River City hostage with the help of countless gangs and evil bosses. Its up to our heroes to save poor Cyndi and free River City from the clutches of Slick and his underlings. You can play as Alex and take on the challenge alone or battle with two players simultaneously as Alex and Ryan. Kick and punch to fight your way through gang members, evil bosses and other goons, or use a variety of weapons including a chain whip, brass knuckles and a tire, to name a few. Raise your stats by eating right, and gain new techniques by reading books. With your fighting prowess and never-ending spirit, the bad guys wont know what hit them.

Phantasy Star III Generations of Doom (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for EveryoneMild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): As Rhys, the crown prince of the Orakian kingdom of Landen, you are engaged to be married to Maia, a woman from a rival kingdom. But Maia is kidnapped on your wedding day, setting you on a quest filled with twists and turns that will reintroduce you to people and places from previous Phantasy Star games. This epic spans several generations of characters, and your choices will dramatically impact the way the story unfolds, which makes it a great game to play all the way through more than once. In Phantasy Star III, things arent always what they seemcheck it out and watch the mysteries unfold.


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