No, this is not the Double Dragon game you are looking for. Yes, it is the one you remember as a kid on the NES and not the arcade version you wished it was at the time. More disappointing, however, is that it’s not the vastly superior Double Dragon II. Oh well, perhaps another day. Still, the original is a decent game, but with so many better brawlers out there, such as Double Dragon II and Final Fight, its fond memories are best left in the past.
How do you choose between two classic titles? One is very likely the ultimate beat-em-up of the 8-bit era, and the other is the least appealing of a classic RPG franchise. Oh wait–never mind. River City Ransom is the clear choice this week. The fact that a decent, comparable follow-up hasn’t made its way into the modern era is beyond belief for one of the NES’s true cult classics.
It was a little disturbing for many gamers a few years back when Sega went third-party and their franchises started popping up on Nintendo’s consoles. It almost felt kind of dirty, like something you knew just wasn’t supposed to be. It feels just as weird today seeing the parade of Sega games appearing on the Wii’s Virtual Console, including this week’s two additions. It’s like cats and dogs living together.
Ever wondered what it would be like to go back in time and visit a Chuck E. Cheese circa 1998? If so (and who hasn’t?), then Cruis’n USA will get you there. The arcade racer that wowed many when it debuted, only to be quickly overshadowed by far superior racers on the system.
Cruis’n USA (Nintendo 64®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points)
Ever felt like driving to the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore and the White House in one day? Well then, gear up to put your racing skills to the test in a frantic trip across the United States, following a route that you won’t find on any map. Whether it’s the rolling hills of Appalachia, the flowing cornfields of Iowa or the crowded tunnels below Chicago, you’ll find yourself too focused on the intense racing action to worry about the scenery. Get started by picking from a garage full of cars to find the one that best suits your style—if you’re good enough, you’ll even find a few hidden ones to round out your selection. Then choose one of three different playing perspectives and get ready to hang on tight. With five difficulty levels, the ability to remove traffic or other racers, and two- player simultaneous racing, it’s enough to make you forget all about finding that next rest stop. Just watch out for the cows, OK?
The Globe and Mail has an interesting column up by Chad Sapieha about the timelessness, or lack thereof, of video games. Basically, his argument is that video games, unlike film and literature, are not timeless. That a game played today will not echo with the same resonance ten years down the line. He has a point.
The problem with such arguments is that many tend to dismiss any game past a generation old. In other words, if it hasn’t been released in the past five years many will argue the title is irrelevant and, more absurd, no longer fun. Seriously? Why do people believe this?
Most don’t remember the Master System as it was Sega’s first attempt at a home console, in 1986. Graphically superior and more powerful then the NES it sold well in Europe and South America, but sold poorly in North America and Japan, due to Nintendo’s hold on the market.
Finally, King’s Knight! A game that will make you question, did Square really have something to do with this? It just seems so unlike the Square that has become known as a one trick pony.
KING’S KNIGHT
(NES, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points)
In the kingdom of Izander, the fair Princess Claire has been kidnapped by a foul and insidious dragon, and it is the mission of four brave fighters to save her. Through five thrilling, fast-action stages, our gallant heroes-a knight, a wizard, a monster and a thief-will take on an army of incredible enemies. You must help them reach their goal, as you are now part of the team that will fight to free the princess from her imprisonment. Keep your wits about you, plan your strategy and set off on an exciting adventure. (more…)
Since the announcement of Nintendo’s Virtual Console, gamers have been swamped in nostalgia replaying the classic games from their youth. From Castlevania to Operation Wolf we’re reminded of how much fun we used to have when games were much simpler.
While the games so far have only been console titles, it was recently announced that Commodore Gaming would begin releasing its titles onto the Virtual Console to the delight of retro gamers around the world. The premiere titles appearing on the Virtual Console are Uridium, a sci-fi horizontal shooter, and International Karate. This may satisfy fans of the system for the time being, but the true hope is to see titles like M.U.L.E., Little Computer People (which was a precursor for The Sims) and classics like Zork and its sequels.
No other titles have been announced to date but a sigh of relief has been released around the world with the possibility of more great games to come.
Since the announcement of 
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