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Wii virtual console releases for this week

A variety of genres round up this week's releases as we get a visit from Ryu, a grim future, and a classic shooter.

Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (1990, NES, 500 Wii points)--With this sequel came a brand new enemy, Ashtar. You'll once again take on the role of Ryu as you attempt to rescue a kidnapped CIA agent. Metal Marines (1993, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points)--Metal Marines is a real-time strategy game that takes place soon after an antimatter war has disintegrated most of the planet. We've all been there. Gate … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week: NEOGEO fighters edition

As promised, Nintendo has rolled out a brand new Virtual Console category today. NEOGEO titles will now be available for download for 900 Wii points each and to celebrate, Nintendo has released three today--all of which are fighters. Cheesy box art not included.

Fatal Fury (1991, NEOGEO, 900 Wii points)--One of the original games in the fighting genre, Fatal Fury gained much attention for its unique gameplay that allowed fighters to switch between two planes, thus dodging attacks. World Heroes (1992, NEOGEO, 900 Wii points)--This fighting game based its characters on historical figures all throughout time and had … Read more

Long live the command line: access Google Calendar

It's clear there's a core group of computer enthusiasts who still love the command line, 1984 Apple advertisements notwithstanding.

Ever notice that most screenshots intended to show off Linux user interface bling still sport a terminal window, usually with some green text on a black background? Or that one of the shiny new technologies coming out of Microsoft is the scripting and command environment called Monad? (It's officially called Windows PowerShell, but I like Monad better.)

The latest example of new-meets-old: the gcalcli command-line interface to Google's online calendar application. It's an open-source utility that … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week--importers rejoice

Straying away from the typical trio of releases, Nintendo today has unveiled just two new virtual console games for the week. Previously available only as imports, these titles carry jacked-up prices.

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (1986, NES, 600 Wii points)--We got a vegetable-yanking game and Japan got the true sequel--and unless you played Super Mario All-Stars on the SNES, this will be the first time you're exposed to Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, the true Super Mario Bros. 2. Sin and Punishment (2000, Nintendo 64, 1,200 Wii points)--This on-rails shooter may be a … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Two classic franchises round out this week's virtual console releases. But don't worry, there's a token TurboGrafx 16 game hiding behind them.

Kirby's Avalanche (1995, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points)--In this departure from the conventional platforming you're used to in other Kirby adventures, Kirby's Avalanche will have you racking your brain in this fast-paced color matching puzzle game. Streets of Rage 3 (1994, Genesis, 800 Wii points)--A staple series in the beat-em-up genre, Streets of Rage brought great action and gameplay to consoles everywhere. In this third installment of the franchise, you … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Glad to see another Nintendo 64 title has made it to the virtual console, although I'm anticipating some disappointment with the selection.

Yoshi's Story (1998, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii points)--After Baby Bowser casts a spell on Yoshi Island leaving it in the form of a storybook, six Yoshis must band together and dethrone the evil Baby Browser and restore happiness to Yoshi Island. Super Thunder Blade (1988, Genesis, 800 Wii points)--A Sega Genesis launch title, Super Thunder Blade is a helicopter combat game where you must fire upon all kinds of submarines, tanks, and more … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

NES Play Action Football (1990, NES, 500 Wii points)--Considered quite ahead of its time, NES Play Action Football allowed you to choose between 10 real teams--all with current rosters (at the time)--in addition to selecting real plays. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (1994, Genesis, 800 Wii points)--Sonic Team improved on the series in every way possible--from faster action to more massive play areas, Sonic 3 delivers the nonstop action that fans have come to expect. Neutopia II (1991, Turbografx 16, 600 Wii points)--In this sequel you'll have to deal with the same evil demon from the … Read more

Four new Wii virtual console releases this week

Nintendo has bestowed upon us a holiday bonus for Labor Day. Instead of the usual three virtual console releases, there are four new Wii games ready for download this week.

Adventure Island (1988, NES, 500 Wii points)--Adventure Island is a classic side-scrolling platformer, where you play as Master Higgins. Tina, the love of your life, is missing, and it's up to you to find her on a remote island. Donkey Kong Jr. Math (1985, NES, 500 Wii points)--And who says learning can't be fun? This is a great game to buy if you've got a … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Just in case you aren't busy enough playing Metroid Prime 3: Corruption today, here are the three virtual console games released this morning.

Super C (1990, NES, 500 Wii points)--Super C is the sequel to the classic Konami action side-scroller, Contra. In Super C, you'll take on even more aliens and baddies, some of which used to be your allies. Breath of Fire II (1995, Super NES, 800 Wii points)--Play as one of nine available characters in this highly regarded RPG filled with demons, dragons, and magic. Ghouls 'n Ghosts (1989, Genesis, 800 Wii points)--The … Read more