The Last Ninja is the first game in the Last Ninja series. As Armakuni, the last remaining ninja, you must traverse the island of Lin Fen, going through wastelands, dungeons and palaces to defeat the evil Kunitoki, who killed all other ninjas in a devastating war. Armakuni will have to use his very precise jumping skills and selection of ninja weaponry (After finding each one) to outrun or defeat Kunitoki's soldiers, and he'll have to solve puzzles as well.
International Karate is a two-player karate game with a wide array of moves. Beat as many opponents as you can and progress through the various karate ranks, playing minigames every now and then, or simply take on a friend and see who's the better fighter!
Pitstop II is quite simply a racing game! You can either play alone against the AI or compete against a friend (Split-screen) to be the first to cross the finish line. There's not much to the game, but it's pretty fun and looks quite nice for an early C64 game.
Of course, since these have been out in Europe for quite a while we've already reviewed them: Read our International Karate review, our The Last Ninja review and our Pitstop II review.
For the younger readers among us who might think the C64 was around at the same time as the N64 we have prepared a Commodore 64 hardware focus. That should help clear up any mysteries about this home computer.
No other games this week, obviously Nintendo wants to put the spotlight on the C64! On WiiWare you can grab Hudson's already acclaimed FPS, Onslaught.
Comments 159
Wow about time we got this.
doubt i'll bother with any just yet though not got any spare points!
One word WOW. I guess that was Nnintendo's suprise. A great update I might add. Now if only one C64 game was added with another game per week to get rid of those annoying solo weeks.
I wonder if this is the start of more than one VC game a week for America. Anyway, its about time you guys got these too. I did expect different C64 games.
So, and when will Australia get C64 too? And when will Europe get the 27 games to catch up with USA? I think, that US and Canada will catch up very fast with C64 like Australia did with Turbografx in the past. But then there are only 6 EU Only games left and still 27 US Only games!
IK looks fun, but I'm holding out for IK+. Last Ninja looks pretty bland, so I think I'll wait to try one of the sequels for this, too.
Pitstop II is actually a bit tempting, but the video featured here doesn't look as good as Pole Position, which to me is the standard for arcade racers.
Its good to see another racing game appear on the VC. I think its been a while. I may pick it up at some point too.
I'm glad for the people who wanted these games, but personally I just want more NES and SNES games.
Hey Bass, now we're 5 games ahead of Europe. Since you always seem to post how many games Europe is behind the U.S. I decided to post it for you, LOL!
3 games is great in all, but I don't care about the C64.
WOW! First 3 game VC release since December 2007!
great news, love my old c64, and even the 128...now bring on wasteland!!!
@Versus22
It's really been that long?
Cool! Now I can check out these Last Ninja games! I hear they are among the best ever on the Commodore. My only concern though is the controls. I've heard alot of talk about them being hard to adjust too and rather touchy. I hope it doesn't hinder the experience.
Well this really sucks. I could care less about the Commodore 64. I just really want more nes, snes, and N64 games!
bla the only Commodore 64 games i want to play is last ninja and with how much i loved California Games on nes i hope we get the commodore one
In the press release they outline the clues form last week.
http://press.nintendo.com/articles.jsp?id=17564
I don't think anyone got the 64 letters and numbers bit
To the people not happy about 3 C64 games, would you have been happy with 1 crappy NES or SMS game (which is the recent pattern)?
Although I'm not really interested in the C64 games, I'm really glad they'll be releasing them in bunches, most likely until we catch up to Europe on those particular releases. Hopefully they'll keep them to a once a month sort of schedule or something, otherwise we won't be getting anything else until at least April. While it's nice to see more than one VC game released I'm expecting the catch up C64 games are the only exception. Don't be surprised, when after we're caught up on c64 games, to see single game releases again.
"To the people not happy about 3 C64 games, would you have been happy with 1 crappy NES or SMS game (which is the recent pattern)?"
If they had release Gradius Rebirth, yes! D:
Three C64 games is still a good release.
@ Starwolf_UK
Honestly, i would prefer a crappy NES or SMS game.
I just downloaded The Last Ninja and the screen flickers constantly. This is the first VC game that I've had this problem with. Is anyone else experiencing this?
I want to see something interesting from the system, but... these are not it.
i was hoping for something from a nintendo system, i guess i was hoping too high
YES!!! The Commodore 64 is finally on the VC in the US. I've waited so long.
Is the last Ninja a good choice for my first game or would it be better to wait for the sequels?
awesome wheres wizball
If it wasn't for Nintendo and Commodore for putting these games on VC in the first place I would never had played but I'm upset I can't use a USB keyboard to play, I find the games a little tricky using the Wii-mote, Monster land in Mayhem is good and is worth a look for 500 points, I'd say definitely.
Hopefully Australia gets C64 next Frirday (6 March)
SO any way, Will Nintendo use next Friday as Europe's catch up day?, I'm not bothered about any many games one region is behind the other, Europe and America IS behind Japan and always will be!
Oh would any one like to see Atari games appear VC?
I think it would be pretty cool to see sega saturn and dreamcast on VC. But, I doubt that will ever happen...lol
Only really worth getting Last Ninja here and even then be prepared for insane difficulty and hours wasted trying to memorise jumping patterns. Buying IK is pointless as IK+ will arrive. Pole Position isn't worth it.
Better C64 games will be coming for you hopefully. Let's hope Nintendo doesn't force the broken version of Last Ninja 3 on you as it still hasn't fixed the PAL version yet.
@Edwin, there were some problems with certain games here, because the C64 runs at 50.12hz rather than 50hz. You may be experiencing something similar.
A new system AND 3 games? Maybe this is to make up for the grim news of Earthbound that broke last week
I probably won't get these though, I already have a fully operational C64 in my room. I'll just have to make sure I don't have any of these games in the huge repository of floppy disks sitting in my closet. There's even some that my dad programmed! I wonder if they'd be interested in putting those on VC...
congratulations USA, you now have Commodore 64.
I'm still waiting for Super Smash Bros. but after just looking at some information on it, without realising that it was released on Japan's VC one day short of a decade of it's release... Plus on March 9 is Brawl's release in US last year, that could be the release of the first SSB. this year... on VC.
I am happy the Commodore 64 is finally the vc in North America.
I never owned a C64 or play a game on the c64 despite being old enough to play them back in the 1980's.
I heard of some c64 games, since some c64 game releases were also on the Atari 2600, Atari 7800, Sega Master System, Nes and the Atari Lynx.
I will be downloading Last Ninja.
Yawn. Yet another console to distract Nintendo from releasing AAA titles on their own systems.
wow, 3 games this week, just like 2 years ago, i wonder, why were 3 games released this week?
Hmm, now how about more memory. So I can download these games to!!!
You know Gardawg62, the memory issue hasn't been brought up in awhile. Everyone must've been accepting the fact that Nintendo isn't going to solve it anytime soon. I personally think that I'm going to have to play more Wii games than VC games in the near future, Mad World, No More Heroes II, House of the Dead Overkill, The Conduit, and several more are looking way more appealing towards my deep pockets.
A new Virtual Console AND 3 games for it? That's a pretty cool update.
I'm not intrested in those games, but I'm glad we got the C64. I want Monster Land next!
It's quite ridiculous if you think about it; surely the number of Americans who wanted the likes of Pitstop II are in the minority? I like the idea of 3-game weeks again though.
'Bout time. I haven't turned my Wii on in ages... so downloading Last Ninja will be a nice change of pace.
Great! now give us the Great Giana Sisters!!
3 games! happy days are here again!
Never played too much C64 games, but really think Nintendo needs to concentrate on their own systems first, IMO
Just count up the number of games on each Nintendo console. I'd call that concentrating on their own systems first, wouldn't you?
More consoles coupled with the slow release rate of NES SNES and N64 titles...... Epic Fail.
This is bittersweet to me: sweet due to the C64 releases, and bad due to the lack of Mayhem in Monsterland! (I dislike having 500+ Wii Points unspent in my Wii than having 1 >= P <= 499 Points unspent! Ah, well. I will just wait it out. At least I know the price beforehand!
@MarkyVigoroth: You read my mind! MAYHEM IN MONSTERLAND! Gimme gimme gimme gimme.
Well, I can see last ninja being hard to get into and very frustrating (ie the jumping) for people who have never played it previously. I have to say stick with it though and recommend the use of the classic controller or a wavebird. I also personally find the d-pad easier than the analog stick for controlling the tiny ninja on your screen, and the extra buttons are needed so you don't have to flick back to the keyboard to do things like change weapons and items.
I hope the pacific gets c64 soon (even though we already have it with the region swap trick). The last news update for VC/WiiWare on nintendo of australia's site is from october last year. Nintendo of australia must have those boozy business lunches that one day I hope to have... slackers.
Finally one point in a while where nintendo's released more than one VC game. Actually a good update, because I hear great things about Onslaught as well.
Assuming that we get ONLY consecutive catchup 3-C64-game weeks, Mayhem in Monsterland would be released at 6 weeks at worst, but that is under the best of situations for us.
I hope this isnt the wrong place to comment on Onslaught but I just played 3 games and I think I found my new home for the next 3 monthes at least lol. What an awesome game. Is there a better way to spend 10 dollars? Nope nothin comes to mind.
I think the C64 is going to update once a month with three games at a time. We're still going to get one game releases until C64 week comes up.
Isn't Hanabi Festival next week?
With C64 maybe coming out three at a time then that means #300 is coming in about May or June. Makes sense I guess since #100 Zelda II release was in June of 07. #200 was released in March 08 though, I think.
The C64 games look good.
Now I can finally try them. =P
A later reply than I usually do, watched the Bloodhound Gang last night .
We may get a C64 game a week and something else as well for maybe 5 weeks, then go to one game weeks again? As for today's releases, I'll probably get the Last Ninja just because I couldn't finish it when I was young. Are the controls still as frustrating to operate as they were (walking backwards was awkward for me)? Or is it better with a D-Pad now?
That's kinda evil and smart of Nintendo on one of the games.
They released IK in America even though they released the better version in Europe.
But since I really want to play the game, I'll get the one that's out right now. Then in probulay two weeks, the + version will come out and I'll want to get that one too.
It's genius.
They'll get twice the profit from the same game concept. XD
Well its about time Nintendo cave us some Commodore games!
At least we have an answer as to why they have only released one game for the last month.
Hopefully they won't pull of any of that one-game-a-week junk again.
I'm so glad that we finally got C64 games, I was wondering when they would arrive here in the US!
How awesome to have modern access to this classic gaming system.
I never played any C64 games so this will be fun to try THREE (and good ones at that) of them. =o
I'm playing Last Ninja for the first time and so far it's decent.
The controls are a little weird at first but I'm slowly getting the hang of it. The three lives limit sorta sucks. The jumping is a bit of a pain too. At least it was only five bucks. Now I just gotta wait for the other Ninja games.
Happy to see 3 games a week.
Here is an interesting thought: When will the Nintendo VC run out of games? Taking into account all the consoles available worldwide, and all games yet to released on those consoles, how many more games are left to released? Let's assume every game for every console is released. I bet it will be a while.
I'm curious about the VC, as WiiWare can go on forever, in theory...
90% of the affection people have for the C64 comes from the warm 'n fuzzies nostalgia brings. Many of them haven't aged that well (although to an extent you could say that about any older system). Still, its great to see the VC add something new to its offereings even if its not my thing.
I was actually expecting this in advance, due to the so-called "surprise" that Nintendo announced earlier. But three games!!! Hopefully this is the start of a new trend for VC games...
I just spent all my points on Saturday so this will have to wait, but now I have a cloud of mystery with a new system thrown into the mix for my next round of purchases.
Well this certainly was unexpected!
I wish Nintendo chose some better launch titles though. Outside of Last Ninja, nothing else here interests me at all. A boring Karate game and a Pole Position ripoff, big whup. Hopefully Impossible Mission, Boulderdash, and Mayhem in Monsterland follow suit. Those are really the only C64 games I'm interested in.
EDIT: I just realized, this is the first time America had more than one game since November! Although only one of these interest me, this is still a wonderful thing!
@Gardawg. I don't think these games will take up very much space at all.
Mayhem in Monsterland never came out in the US, there's no official NTSC version. HOWEVER... Psytronik has produced a 15th anniversary release of the game with an NTSC version newly made for US residents. Maybe whoever handles the C64 releases can reference that if it's to make it over the pond...
I just hope we don't get any of those crappy Codemasters games that they made for this system.
so just the good CodeMasters games then?
Bad week seriously! No Nintendo games!
Hahaa Bass, very funny.
There's maybe one or two games that Codemasters made for the C64 that were actually decent, but they didn't really deliver much to that system.
That being said, I hope we get Sensible Soccer for the Genesis/MD.
@Bass X0
Here are the totals:
NES 81 games
TG16 57 games
Gen 62 games
SNES 37 games
NeoGeo 19 games
N64 15 games
SMS 9 games
C64 3 games
NOTE: 40% more Sega Genesis games than SNES games. Four more NeoGeo games than N64 games. 47% of all games are on a Nintendo console.
Granted, there are a bunch of NES games but IMO I wouldn't call this concentrating on their own systems first.
Out of Nintendo, Sega, Hudson, SNK and now Commodore each having consoles on the VC, 47% of the total games is very good for one company out of the five.
Great week, with 4 games and a new system even if I don't care about that system. I hope this is a sign of 2+ VC games a week again.
Not when that one company is the company whose platform you're using.
I am surprised they did not start out with Impossible Mission. Its on my C64 wishlist as well as California Games.
I didn't realize there were more Genesis games than SNES. That is a real shame, the SNES is a million times better than the Genesis.
I want to see that Mayhem game, and the sports titles, come out in America.
The Fox-san, am I of the 10%, since the quality of Mayhem in Monsterland, not nostalgia (never played C64)?
Mayhem-san, you answered my inner question. (I bet I should hold 600 Wii Points in reserve...)
For a while, the Genesis was Sega's only console while Nintendo has always had three. Obviously there would be a high number of Genesis games for this reason.
It's great you guys got it! Been a year overdue.
@Bass - Although I love how the Genesis/Mega Drive library is growing, I would like the Master System (and Game Gear if it does add to the library eventually) to grow into a decent library close to the SNES's (There were definately a good number of good games on it other then the Sonic games )
Glad we finally got it this week, I might pick up Pit Stop II or the Last Ninja whenever I get some points
None of the C64 games appeal to me other than M.I.M., so maybe this update will help me save money Also, I am glad that the ones that wanted the C64 here got it, because I think I am in the minority of not wanting it.
Plus, I think the 3 game week is for the C64 only, just my opinion though.
Finally! What Europe and poeple from the 80's had we could have too!
The "Nintendo games should always be in the updates because the Wii is Nintendo's system" argument is fallacious - if you attribute that argument to retail-release games, how many Wii games would we have? Not many.
The fact that "third parties" can put up VC games is what gives us variety - there are only so many (good) Nintendo games free of red tape to go around.
oh Happy Day! i've been waiting for C64 games. I'm so happy.
FIIIIINNAAAALLLLYYYYYY
Cheers, my UK brethren
@AlphaNerd001
I don't think anyone is arguing that Nintendo-released titles should outnumber third-party software. I for one would just rather see a lot of games that came out on Nintendo consoles rather than 2nd and 3rd tier consoles like SMS and C64 or even games for Genesis and TG16.
For two and a third years of existence, the VC selection of SNES and N64 games is woefully low. Adding new systems isn't helping that point.
On the other hand, I'm happy for those who wanted C64 games so bad. I don't really care about the system at all, but whatever. The good thing is that assuming game #300 is special (which given Nintendo's release history, it should be), we're now two weeks closer than previously expected, and may zip there even faster with more C64 catch-up weeks! Though I do hope we get SOMETHING not C64 in the next few weeks as well...some of each will do nicely.
great! new console. never played any C64 games. hope they are playable
What exactly is a Commodore 64? Looks like a old fashioned computer.
Not really interested in the C64. The games remind me of my old Atari 2600 with more colors, but Onslaught for the WiiWare is pretty cool, and definitely worth the $10.
About time if you ask me.
Well, it's foolish IMO to think we'll get a bunch (or any, for a while) of 3 game weeks from now on, but 2 a week really isn't asking for too much, especially with a whole new console of games (and the many still unreleased gems on other systems, especially the SNES and N64) so I hope this is the Ninty Signal flashing in the night of the goodness to come.
Every week I keep hoping Pilotwings will come out. Surely that one isn't bound my music licenses of any sort, right?
@Don
A Commodore 64 is a computer. It was released in 1982 and was supported through 1994.
Commodore 64 was more known as a gaming machine than business computer due to the fact there was over 20,000 game titles for it.
Last Ninja and Pitstop II are good. I'm still waiting for Mayhem in Monsterland, Jump Man, and possibly Nebulous. comes out before I get any C64 games (that way I can do a themed week).
EDIT: Paradroid, Iridium, Cybernoid, Impossible Mission. All Great C64 games that I'm looking forward to.
Well, it's about time that another country got proper access to the C64 games.
It's Australia's turn next, right Nintendo? = /
Well hot diggity dog!!
That was the longest Wii Week's Wait ever........I actually have cause to plug my Wii in again. And people, Pitstop is SOOOOOOO not Pole Position........at least I don't RECALL any pit action in Pole Position. Was there a Pit part to some Pole Position sequel I don't know about??
Pitstop was a great little racing franchise for such early computer architecture. That and Last Ninja are ASAP purchases for me.
And I join in with those who are surprised Impossible Mission was not one of the NA launch titles. I can't think of a game that is more iconic of C64 gaming.......though the Last Ninja series comes pretty close.
This'll sure beat having all my C64 hardware hooked up and taking valuable console space. A good move by Nintendo to better uphold the promise of the VC.
Here's a good opportunity to pimp Kelvin's Commodore 64 hardware focus.
Viva la C64!
" I can't think of a game that is more iconic of C64 gaming"
Flimbo's Quest.
Come on, release it already!
I'm getting tired of all this hate for non-Nintendo consoles. Believe it or not, people did play video games before the NES. I grew up playing video games on the Atari 400 and the Atari 800. I'm glad they're releasing Commodore 64 games on the Virtual Console because many of the Atari 400/800 games were also available on the Commodore 64.
Also, I don't get the love all of you have for the Nintendo 64. Did any of you actually own a Nintendo 64 ten years ago?
I'm getting tired of all this hate for non-Nintendo consoles
Amen.
Did any of you actually own a Nintendo 64 ten years ago?
I did, and asside from a few games, I wasn't all that impressed with it. Wished I had a PSOne or Sega Saturn instead.
I wonder if you guys will be getting more C64 games next week too. Maybe one C64 game and one from another console, say ClayFighter. its gotta come soon.
C64 for the US is good news. It could open up for worldwide MSX emulation, but I won´t hold my breath.
Pity they release "plain" IK instead of IK+ just like in Europe. Last Ninja is pretty cool though, if you can live with completely awkward controls.
Has anyone downloaded Onslaught? I was wondering if it was any good or not.
Well we got IK before we got IK+ too. You'll get IK+ in a matter of weeks/months.
@Bass X0 Exactly. I just think it´s greedy to hold back the superior upgrades.
Well not really. IK has got to come out at some point and who would buy it if they could already buy the superior sequel? But having said that, I would like the first Pitstop game to get released eventually just for completions sake (not that I would download it).
Oh no! I don't have any Wii Points! How will I be able to download these amazing titles!? Oh woe is me!
Great, NOW can we have the Atari 5200 on the VC? I know I can run WiiXL through HBC, but I'd prefer dedicated releases. Dreadnought would be excellent.
3 Games is nice. But seriously Nintendo should start focusing more on Nintendo games.
I'm just guessing here, but most of us bought a Nintendo system because we are Nintendo fans, not because we are C64 fans.
Adamant-san, from what I have read, I say "Mayhem in Monsterland" (though I have yet to play the C64).
@73 Smaman
perhaps the North American releases differed from the UK releases then because in the UK codemasters had an excellent reputation for budget games such as the Dizzy series, the Seymour games, the CJ games and many, many more. they were particularly good at the exploration adventure games in the Dizzy Mold.
See below for more details
http://www.lemon64.com/?mainurl=http%3A//www.lemon64.com/games/list.php%3Fname%3DCodemasters%26type%3Dpublisher
For those excited about MIM, unfortuatenly the VC conversion leaves a lot to be desired. The review on VC-reviews is based on the original but the VC version has some signifigant emulation problems that might curb the enjoyment of the game for those who played the original.
114: You're in luck, because there's a whole load of Nintendo games already on the Virtual Console to choose from and only three measly Commodore 64 games. And anyway, in the last eight weeks, America got four Sega console games and four Nintendo.
I think it is always interesting to read these threads. You read months and months that people want something and then when it is there you can always find enough people that complain that it is actually there. I am happy for the US to receive a full box of nostalgia and computer games history. Some of the games are not perfect but were they perfect in the past ?
@firebrand: former 800XL owner here. Of course the C64 had a lot of overlap, so I'm happy to see it. Of course some of my favourites were Lucasfilm Games releases and EA stuff (Archon springs to mind) -- I expect slim chance of those seeing the light of day.
I like seeing Jumpman in colour and had never played Paradroid, so those I was happy to add to my collection. More positivity from across the Atlantic people, this is supposed to be good news!
Now this is more like it. Of course, it can't last and multi-game weeks will still be the exception rather than the rule... but bring on the exceptions! I can't wait to see what C64 games are coming our way!
I'm just guessing here, but most of us bought a Nintendo system because we are Nintendo fans, not because we are C64 fans.
That doesnt mean Im not open to the idea that there are good games on non-Nintendo systems.
Good for you, although I could hardly find a C64 game that caught my attention, and imho the price tag is too high for most games .
At least you got Onslaught, so the youngsters can play with good graphics
I hope Nintendo is more open in the future and gives us some MSX games too
"Did any of you actually own a Nintendo 64 ten years ago?"
I did and I loved it.
I didn't. I had a Jaguar and a Playstation (in that order).
Hey can we have the Jaguar on the VC? I'd love to see Iron Soldier and Tempest 2000 on there.
What exactly is Infogrames doing with Atari's IP besides the logo? It really seems like a waste them having it.
Yeah, it would be cool if the Jaguar was on the VC too. 900 points per game?
@Sean Aaron
I'd love to see LucasFilm and Electronic Arts games show up on the Virtual Console, but LucasArts and Electronic Arts haven't signed on to the Virtual Console. Neither have Midway or Activision.
@Mike
I'm sorry for picking on the Nintendo 64. It may not have been my favorite game system, but for a lot of you, it was. I guess I just don't consider the Nintendo 64 a classic game console. I still look at it as a modern game console. I can also tell you that due to licensing issues, the number of N64 games we'll see on the Virtual Console will be few.
My fondest gaming times were with the N64...Smash Bros multiplayer (4 player), Goldeneye mayhem, Zelda Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, Donkey Kong 64, Kirby and the Crystal Shards, Mario Kart 64, Mario Party 1, 2, and 3, Super Mario 64 obviously, Paper Mario, need I say more?
The N64 offered so many multiplayer possibilities that the PS1 and PS2 didn't offer when they were out.
And I enjoyed the old SNES days playing Zelda A Link To The Past and several other gems...the only game I'm waiting on that's my dad's favorite is Faxanadu, I never got the chance to play it...
I never thought it'd come to tell you the truth. Ok now that its out. Of the games that have been released out in europe thus far what is recommended? I've never played on the commodore 64.
I've only downloaded Nebulus (it will be Tower Toppler for you) and quite enjoyed it. Its challenging but is also satisfying when you manage to complete a tower (not that I've done many). My only complaint with it is that there's an annoying slide sometimes when you move backwards by yourself sometimes unless you walk in the opposite direction.
@ Kevin
I used to play C64 at my friends house and we always loved to play Impossible Mission and Beach Head (which is not out yet). I think if you like action platformers and puzzles with a unique spy twist Impossible Mission would be a good choice.
To those who want to see the Jaguar on the VC, that would be interesting. You could play all of the Jaguars good games like Aliens vs. Predator and...ummmm........
Well, Aliens vs. Predator would be cool, anyway.
I still haven't gotten Impossible Mission, is it worth it?
I bought an Atari Jaguar just to play Trevor McFur in the Crescent Galaxy. What a waste of money that was. I still have the Jaguar and Jaguar CD in the closet somewhere. I haven't played it in years. I do agree that Tempest 2000 would be a nice one to play again.
How on Earth would the Jaguar work on VC? There aren't really enough buttons on Wii-compatable controllers due to the Jaguar's weird number pad.
As for what games would be worth release if they could pull it off, I'd vote Attack of the Mutant Penguins (I think that's the title; close, at least), Baldies (better than PS1 version, I believe), Rayman (only was VC will get it), and Dino Dudes. There are other good games, too. Don't underestimate the system, anyway.
"Did any of you actually own a Nintendo 64 ten years ago?" Yup and it's the only system (GB doesn't count) before 2000 that I liked more than one game on. (I like Super Mario Bros. on the NES and Burgertime on the Colecovision.) I mostly dislike retro games, though some exceptions exist.
@127. firebrand
Yeah I know about not many games coming because of license issues. I want Super Smash Bros., Mario Party 2 & 3, and Mario Tennis. The other big games like DK 64, Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, Conker's Bad Fur Day, and the Castlevania games I already own so no big deal if they don't come. Those other 4 games though I used to own, but sadly when I got my Gamecube in 2001, I was spoiled by the pretty graphics and sold a lot of my N64 games because I thought the graphics sucked. I kick myself everyday because of that. Luckily, 3 games that I used to own have already been released (Mario Kart 64, Yoshi's Story, and Mario Golf), but I want SSB very badly.
@ firebrand
Actually Activision has submitted Super Pitfall from the NES to be on the VC, it just hasn't come out yet. It's been on the coming soon list for ages though, so who knows if it ever will.
@ brooks83
I hope Super Pitfall never comes to the VC...lol I hated that game!!!
One more good thing about the new system is that it gives silly people almost 300 new opportunites, to get the first post
Edit: Oops wrong topic...
I recall playing Pitfall II: Lost Caverns on my C64 quite a bit. That was an enjoyable sequel. (The only good thing about Super Pitfall is that I find the box art nostalgic......pretty much like most of the ol' NES box art though)
Just played 2 of the newly minted US C64 releases. Last Ninja STILL kicks ass. Music is slightly tinny, but quite good anyway. Controls took a little feeling out, but most all of it is sensible, though there's no easy way around the river/lava crossings, just like it was back in the day
But Pitstop II was mildly disappointing. I never got to play it originally, just my Pitstop I cart, but this seems worse than Pitstop I. The physics and controls are just different (a bit looser I think, if my memory is accurate), and it doesn't have the same sense of speed that I had for me (could be an 11 yr old vs 33 yr old thing though.... I suppose). A mild let down. Still has the great pit action, and the tires turning colors, and the fuel running out. The best stuff is still there. But I'm looking toward the hope that Pitstop I will still appear.
And on the LucasArts mentions, yeah if they would even just stick to EPYX, LucasArts (especialy Zak McKracken and Maniac Mansion), Electronic Arts (mostly for Skyfox and Racing Destruction Set), Accolade, MicroProse, .......... um, nevermind, they'll just need to put it all out there.
I recall a pretty interesting little C64 game called Deceptor.....or something like that. It was a nifty 3-D, Zaxxon style game, but with a transformer type vehicle, and some Cobra Triangle (NES) like bosses. It might be of interest to folks, if it ever sees the light of VC.
@Objection_Blaster
"I mostly dislike retro games, though some exceptions exist."
I wonder if having an appreciation for retro games is like having an appreciation for silent movies. People who watched silent movies when they were new probably have a better appreciation for them than people who watched them after talking picture were the norm. Maybe you had to play these retro games when they were first out to appreciate them.
And even though the Nintendo 64 wasn't my favorite console, there were still some great games for it. Here's my top ten N64 list:
Conker's Bad Fur Day
Excitebike 64
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
The New Tetris
Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber
Perfect Dark
Quake II
Resident Evil 2
San Francisco Rush 2049
Star Wars: Rogue Squadron
I liked N64 and got mine back in 97. My top 10 N64 games are:
(Not in Order)
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
Super Mario 64
Golden Eye
Banjo Kazooie
Diddy Kong Racing
Winback
Tetris 64
Super Smash Bros.
Paper Mario
@Stuffgamer1:
Well, I don't think every Jag game used every button; you could do like SNES games and make the Classic or Gamecube controller mandatory and make use of all the buttons. Or do like Intellivision Lives! did on Gamecube/PS2 (and C64 on VC right now) and have a pop-up virtual keypad and use stick/pointer to select the button.
Licensing issues for these old games are annoying. Gremlins and Goonies games on the Atari 800/5200 were fun; I expect there were equivalents on the C64.
The number of companies failing to leverage old IP really irritates me. I would dearly love to see Midway release classic arcade packs as they have online for WiiWare/VC -- how hard would that be? Ditto for EA and Activision on the C64.
I'm just hoping that more attention goes towards the SNES library. I'm happy for everyone that wanted the C-64 in NA but it just isnt my cup of tea. Enjoy it.
Well, you're only 16 C64 games behind; thats not that many. As long as C64 games aren't in the single game only weeks, everyone should be happy.
@Firebrand "Maybe you had to play these retro games when they were first out to appreciate them." I think that's exactly the case. Otherwise it's too easy to compare them to modern day sequels (either literal or spiritual ones) and say, "this is an older, crummier version of this." Of course, this isn;t always the case, since soem genres were in their heyday in previous generations and aren't seen much anymore (i.e. 2D platformers and shooters.)
@Objection_Blaster: And Sonic .
143. Good list there. I enjoyed all those games on my N64 as well. My favorites were the Legend of the Mystical Ninja, staring Goemon, games that came out for the N64, highly underrated (although I can see why some would not like them) if you ask me.
Also, I like retro games more than these new crappy games with good graphics. Give me an old side scroller or beat em up anyday. I highly recommend the Sonic Ultimate Collection to all of you that have ever bought a VC game, it would probably save you all some money.
And I am at work and posting fast so if this post makes no since then I appologize in advance.
#25 PJ We dont want any c64 games more N64
Does anybody know if lucasarts games coming to VC i loved rogue squadron to a lesser extent shadows of the empire
@Jerichoholic Josh: Yeah, the Goemon series was woefully under appreciated in America, which is why we got only a small fraction of the series. Since we do have Legend of the Mystical Ninja (SNES) on VC, I would venture a guess that we might've had the N64 entries by now if Nintendo wasn't complaining about the controller paks or some rot (which is rot, since they fixed that just fine for Pokemon Snap). Maybe if the series had less text, we'd have gotten some as import titles (several Japan-only entries are already on their VC). I vote Goemon's Great Adventure as one of, if not the, best N64 games ever, and certainly the best not made by Nintendo. One of VERY few N64 carts I still own...
Regarding the "did you have to play them when first released to appreciate them now" thing, I'm not sure. I think it helps to have played through the age of gaming in question, but it's not necessary. And it is more than possible to pick up a classic you missed way back when and enjoy it today (especially Earthbound, NINTENDO...ahem). A former coworker of mine is raising his kids to appreciate classics AND new games. Helps to teach 'em young, before they get stupid preconceptions stuck in their heads.
Yes, Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon 2/ Goemon´s Great Adventure is superb. Easily one of the top-3 releases for the N64, and one of the most amusing plattformers I´ve ever played. It certainly deserves a VC release.
I would maybe try the last ninja, but i've heard too much about the controls to turn me off. Plus, I hope we get a game on a different system Monday, heh
@#140: Digiki -
"140. Digiki Canada 25 Feb 2009, 04:04 GMT
One more good thing about the new system is that it gives silly people almost 300 new opportunites, to get the first post "
Make that 298 - time's a wasting...
http://www.vc-reviews.com/reviews/2008/09/jumpman_virtual_console
http://www.vc-reviews.com/reviews/2008/10/mayhem_in_monsterland_virtual_console
I wasn't going to do this until StarDust posted, but I just grabbed the first posistion for both StarTropics games. Didn't bother to actually say "first!" as part of the post, though.
@Objection Blaster & Firebrand: Yeah, I've always been a firm believer of that, though a lot of games I've downloaded on VC I haven't played, I did grow up with a NES and SNES so I have a definite appreciation for retro classics. My son, however, can't play Super Mario Kart or Excitebike for more than 10 minutes at a time, but plays Mario Kart Wii for hours on end.
@chunky_droid - That's not entirely true. I grew up on the N64, and I think many of the older classics are better than a lot of the graphics-reliant garbage we're constantly thrown today. I can play tons of classics for hours on end, but the boom in popularity in the FPS genre has passed me by, and I can barely stand to play any FPS that's not absolutley superb (unless it has zombies ). I'd rather play Sonic 2 or Mario 3 or Street Fighter 2 than a lot of the stuff made today. Heck, most of the new games I play come from older series (like Mario, Street Fighter, and Contra), so it's basically the same thing, just newer. I appreciate classics just as much as anybody, so please don't have the notion that one must have grown up with those kinds of games to appreciate them now. My current top-played game aside from Street Fighter IV is the Genesis collection, and absolutely love it, so don't judge .
@Clayfrd: I'm happy that you're against what seems to be the norm we need more retro gamers. And I have to make a rebuttle, my son will play Pokemon Blue for hours at a time even though he has Pearl, I think because of the less complex battling system.
Not trying to judge every individual, so I apologise if I've alienated you, just stating what seems to be the trend in this day and age.
I would love to see them put up the BASIC interface from the C64 so VCers can write and execute programs.
Meh, I grew up with the Sega Genesis and the Nintendo 64 and the Gameboy Color, but I didn't get into gaming until I got the Gamecube and the PS2, and the Gameboy Advance. I can appreciate older games, but I do feel that games are better this generation and last generation than games were in previous generations, with the obvious exceptions of shmups and Pokemon.
@160. stinssd: Now that's a heck of an idea. It's a fairly basic cosmetic for their emulator, and it would really up the entertainment value of the C64 side of VC. Although due to Nintendo's iron grip and fear of their platform being used creatively, they would probably never ever ever ever allow a coding shell on the Wii, not by their own intent anyway.
I guess we should be thankful they at least allowed us a keyboard interface.
And now for a limerick:
***
We are glad C64 didn't expire
So we might play again and perspire
To those old great games
Like racers with slow frames
Now give us BC's Quest For Tires!
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