VC Monday Madness: post-game wrap-up 2/19/07 (update 1)
by David Hinkle 
{ Feb 19th 2007 at 1:15PM }
As of right now, Donkey Kong Country still hasn't gone live on the Virtual Console and we're getting a bit upset. Deadlines are set in stone, however, and we must go on with our post-game wrap-up of this week's new titles (we'll update the post later with impressions of Donkey Kong Country). So, go on past the post break and see what we thought of this week's offerings.
Update: Donkey Kong Country is available for download. We have added our impressions past the post break.
The Legend of Kage (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points)
Wii Fanboy says: do not download
The Legend of Kage, as you can see above, is a pretty glitchy emulation. A good chunk of the left side of the screen was cut off while we were playing and overall the game gets really repetitive, really fast. A right-to-left, side-scrolling action title, The Legend of Kage offers those with a mind for fast gameplay something to consider, however for 5 dollars US, it's not really worth it in the long run.
New Adventure Island (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points)
Wii Fanboy says: download it!
We never owned a TurboGrafx16 (GASP!), so when it comes to the Virtual Console, we tend to be interested more in Hudson's offerings through Nintendo's service. So when New Adventure Island showed up, we downloaded it first and we weren't sad we did! With some side-scrolling action, and some light platforming elements sprinkled throughout, New Adventure Island is emulated perfectly and plays like a dream. It's a good bit of fun and we recommend giving it a download.
Streets of Rage (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points)
Wii Fanboy says: download it!
In our adolescence, we were suckers for beat-em-ups like Final Fight and Double Dragon. We loved the 2D carnage one could enjoy employing the aid of lead pipes and baseball bats in obliterating the enemy through a variety of levels. Toss in a friend and you have yourself a real good formula for having fun. We're happy to say that in being emulated on the Wii, Streets of Rage still holds a lot of the same value it did upon its initial release on the Sega Genesis. This one is definitely worth the price of the ticket for admission.
Donkey Kong Country (Super NES, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points)
Wii Fanboy says: download it!
Besides this weird screen at the start ...
... the entire Donkey Kong Country game is a dream. The game runs smooth and fast, with no hiccups in frame rate or gameplay, allowing one to enjoy the wonderful platforming goodness offered up by the king of swing and Diddy. For the small sum of 8 bucks US, we suggest you download this game and have fun!
So, there you have it. Pretty strong week, wouldn't you say? If you have any tips or rumors regarding Nintendo's Virtual Console service, be sure to let us know and come back next week when we take a look at the latest titles available on the Nintendo Wii.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Patrick Fisher @ Feb 19th 2007 1:32PM
DKC has had a few problems from what I've read online. People were able to download it, but emulation problems prevented the game from running and would crash the Wii. Hopefully it'll be up later in the day though - I've been looking forward to it for a while!
... @ Feb 19th 2007 1:34PM
Hmm... I wonder why Donkey Kong Country hasn't appeared yet. It's supposed to be released today.
Paul @ Feb 19th 2007 1:37PM
It would be nice to see some sort of page where you list each game and your verdict. Perhaps you could throw in a link to the original review just to get fancy.
Matt @ Feb 19th 2007 2:06PM
Hells yeah! Still waiting for SoR2 and 3, of course, but this can hold me over.
I haven't played a good-old-fashioned-beat-em-up in a while, and I downloaded Golden Axe (never played it) out of impatience for this title. While fun, I realized that it lacked what every great game of this genre needs: mohawks, jump-kicks, and techno. Lots and lots of techno.
This game oozes style.
Matt @ Feb 19th 2007 2:44PM
It's 2:43pm here and Donkey Kong is available to me. I don't have the classic controller though so there is no point in getting it.
New Adventure Island here I come.
Beestje @ Feb 19th 2007 3:25PM
I just downloaded Donkey Kong a few hours ago (i'm from the netherlands), I couldn't find a classic controller in the stores today (sold out :() but it does works with the gamecube controller (it has a bit of a weird feeling with the button layout tho)
Sonic @ Feb 19th 2007 4:45PM
Ive only played SOR2 for Genesis, how is the first one different?
Halifirien @ Feb 19th 2007 4:49PM
In my experience, "Super Mario World" and "Contra III" are nearly unplayable with the 'cube controller. I played those games to death on the SNES and can't make it work without the Classic Controller because my hands remember what to do. That "You will need the Classic Controller" message isn't just for show.
vidGuy @ Feb 19th 2007 4:50PM
"Besides this weird screen at the start ..."
All of the SNES games I've downloaded say that when they start up. Go check LoZ:LttP, Contra 3, or Super Mario World again. The games still work with the GC controller, but it's a super-funky layout (the Letters are what matters, not the position - think of that in relation to the different shape the GC controller has!).
In order to enjoy SNES games to their fullest, you need the Classic Controller. Well worth the $20 if you ask me.
Sonic @ Feb 19th 2007 5:53PM
I got the VC controller last week and now I can finally consider getting SNES games, because I refuse to play them with the GC controller.
Borat @ Feb 19th 2007 5:54PM
"Ive only played SOR2 for Genesis, how is the first one different?"
I recommend waiting for SOR 2/3. The first one is basically a simpler, rougher version of SOR 2. Still fun, but not worth 800 points. Plus it has only 3 characters instead of 4.
And OMFG, Nintendo released "The Legend Of Kage"!! I remember playing that game such a looong time ago...it was really fun back then!
(01) @ Feb 19th 2007 9:23PM
I had the same error (" you will need the classic controller") when I downloaded Super Mario World, but so far there doesn't seem to be an issue. Any other games come with this non-warning warning?
(01) @ Feb 19th 2007 9:30PM
sorry, there was no issue just using the wavebird
Alex Insanelygood.com @ Feb 20th 2007 10:10AM
Yes, everytime i play Mario 64 or MarioKart 64 i get the "You will need the Classic Controller" message. Sometimes, it won't even recognize the GC controller, and I have to restart the game.