Nintendo is ringing in the new year with — you guessed it — two WiiWare games and one Virtual Console title hitting the Wii Shop today. Always keeping us on our toes!
Maboshi’s Arcade (Nintendo, 1-3 players, 800 Wii Points) is a pinball-influenced puzzler that comes bundled with three flavors: Circle Mode, Stick Mode, and Square Mode. While the goal of each is to reach a million points, the three modes are played different. In Circle Mode, you’ll bash enemies; in Stick Mode, you’ll maneuver a stick up-screen; and in Square Mode you’ll burn through a maze. The 800 Wii Points price tag for what seems like such a “simple game” sounds a bit steep; fortunately, the game hit Europe and Japan months ago. If you’ve already picked this one up, let us know what you think.
Also hitting WiiWare is Cue Sports – Pool Revolution (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, 500 Wii Points), which is — wait for it — a billiards game. No surprises here, you’ll use the Wii Remote as a pool cue in single- and multi-player modes, as well as online using Nintendo WFC. Check out our screenshots gallery from earlier this month to see what you’re getting into.
Finally, the cast of RetroforceGO! gets their collective role-playing-game-itch scratched this week with Zoda’s Revenge: StarTropics II (1 player, 500 Wii Points). The sequel finds protagonist Mike Jones traveling through time, coming face to face with the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Frankenstein’s monster. And if you’re not familiar with this game, that last sentence was not a typo.
Dec. 29, 2008
Wii-kly Update
Two WiiWare Games and One Virtual Console Game Added to Wii Shop Channel
Champagne? Check. Confetti? Got it. But you’re not fully prepared for New Year’s revelry unless your Nintendo game library is stocked with games to please everyone under the sun. As always, the Wii™ Shop Channel is open 24 hours a day for your downloading pleasure. The final slate of new game offerings for 2008 includes a couple of wild multiplayer titles on WiiWare™, plus an enthralling sci-fi title for the Virtual Console™. Load up and enjoy!
Nintendo adds new and classic 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 week’s new games are:
WiiWare
Maboshi’s Arcade™ (Nintendo, 1-3 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): Featuring three distinct modes and simultaneous play across three game windows, the constantly changing environment of Maboshi’s Arcade creates an atmosphere unlike any other. Each of the modes is based on one of three familiar shapes (circle, stick and square) and offers the same goal: score a million points. Use the intuitive controls to bash enemies in Circle mode, weave your way through Stick mode or burn a path around obstacles in Square mode—all while dealing with power-up items and keeping watch on which effects the other game windows may have on your own. Also featuring Mii™ characters, action replays that you can send to your Wii™ Friends via WiiConnect24™, and the ability to download a version to a Nintendo DS™, you may never want to leave this arcade.
Cue Sports – Pool Revolution (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Grab your Wii Remote™ controller and take a shot at this virtual billiard game. Enjoy match-ups, playing classic favorites such as 9 Ball, 8 Ball, Rotation and Snooker, as well as walk-through trick shots in Puzzle mode. Connect to Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection (Nintendo WFC) to go head-to-head with your friends, or even hustle opponents across the world in Nintendo WFC match-ups. This game offers two types of controls, allowing you to virtually strike the cue ball with your Wii Remote controller or use the buttons to adjust the strength of your shot and then strike. Hone your skills in Practice mode, learning all the cool techniques you need to be a true hustler. Use the edit feature to create your own challenge and nail the trick shot you’ve always dreamed of sinking. Pull off an amazing shot and show everyone who’s the biggest shark in the pool.
Virtual Console
Zoda’s Revenge™: StarTropics II™ (NES™, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Take on the role of Mike Jones, intrepid hero of the StarTropics universe, and once again battle the evil alien Zoda to control the fate of the Argonian people. In this journey, the island hopping of Mike’s original adventure gives way to traveling through time and visiting locations around the world. And you never know what famous historical figures may appear along the way, giving Mike helpful advice or useful items. Luckily, Mike also has a wider range of weapons and improved play control on his side, so he may yet stand a chance against Zoda. Can you help Mike stand the test of time and save the world again?
