Monday means “new” releases on Nintendo’s Wii Shop Channel.
For the Virtual Console fans out there:
Phantasy Star IV (SEGA GENESIS, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Fantasy Violence, Mild Sexual Themes, 800 Wii Points, or $8): Phantasy Star IV is the fourth released game from SEGA’s epic Phantasy Star series, one of SEGA’s biggest RPGs on the SEGA GENESIS. In the year AW 2284, planet Motavia is once again plagued by strange biocreatures, and it’s up to the brave men and women of the Hunters Guild to exterminate them. You are Chaz Ashley, a rookie Hunter straight out of training who is supported by Alys Brangwin-a crafty veteran whose good looks and prowess with the blade have earned her an awesome reputation. These two Hunters, along with a cast of supporting characters, will go beyond Motavia to unwittingly save their entire solar system.
I remember begging for Phantasy Star II one Christmas and actually getting it, then playing it for like a week before shoving it aside and going back to Dragon Warrior on the NES. It was basically the same thing, only it cost an ungodly sum — something like $80? — and had prettier cover art. If I had known about the “Mild Sexual Themes,” though, I might have played it more …. But I sold it on eBay a few years back for about what my ‘rents paid for it.
And from Wii Ware, some new offerings:
Tiki Towers (RealArcade, 1 -2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points, or $5): Tiki Towers is a game of construction, destruction, problem-solving and monkeys. Reclaim the islands of your tribe by defeating a series of evil enemy chiefs. Work with your monkey friends to build towers out of bamboo poles, coconuts and vines. Match wits against the enemy chiefs bent on destroying your towers and driving you from the islands. Navigate levels filled with crazy building challenges, and deal with unfriendly wildlife and other environmental obstacles. Get your monkeys to chant for the BananaMana necessary to counter enemy attacks. Play in either single-player or two-player cooperative mode in this game where monkeys rule.
You had me at monkeys!
Fun! Fun! Minigolf (Shin’en Multimedia, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points, or $9): Play minigolf with your friends in beautiful environments. Choose a character and turn your Wii Remote controller into a golf club. With its easy-to-use controls, all you need to do is aim, swing and see who’s the best putter. Play 27 holes spread across America, Asia and Europe. Enjoy exotic locations all over the world. Go for gold in single-player mode, or invite your friends. Fun! Fun! Minigolf supports up to four players. You can use one to four Wii Remote controllers. Fun! Fun! Minigolf is the ultimate party game for everyone.
Fun! Fun!
Previously, on Nerdvana:
- Nintendo serves up more of the same in ‘09 — literally
- A different kind of red hat society
- More retro gaming action: ‘Gradius Rebirth’ for Wii Ware
