First time this has happened in a while: I’m tempted to buy all three releases this week. Maboshi’s Arcade sounds clever and feature packed, Cue Sports might be just the pool game I’ve been looking for, and Star Tropics 2 is a must buy (once I finish the first Star Tropics). Check out the final WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for 2008 after the break. Do you plan on buying any of these games?
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?
Star Tropics 2 is a possible future download, but nothing I'm over-excited about.
Cue sports pool looks like your playing with rubber bouncy balls instead of pool balls. I hope they give you the option of changing the way the balls move, because that demo they show has really bad mechanics.
Maboshi's Arcade just looks weird. I don't think it looks fun at all.
So for me, this is another not-so-great week for the WiiVC / Wiiware.
Yay for Star Tropics II! It was the last NES game I bought new. It's a fun sequel.
Still own Star Tropics II on NES… which reminds me I need to either repair my NES or get a "new" one since it fell at a rapid speed and the insides rattled a little.
i think my wii just pooped a little, oh no wait, its just another terrible week of VC games. Nice going nintendo, way to reel em in.
Star Tropics 2, Can't wait to play as a guy named Mike!