Virtual Console Monday

[bapenguin]

A REALLY solid week this week on the VC. Baseball Stars 2 is a really fun arcade sports game. Pokemon Snap is a classic N64 that sold like crazy and of course Ghost's N Goblins is a solid title in that controller smashing kind of way.


Pokémon Snap (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points)
Ghosts’n Goblins (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Animated Violence, 500 Wii Points)
BASEBALL STARS 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points)

[bapenguin]

Pokémon Snap (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): As one of the most unique games in a renowned series, Pokémon Snap was the first truly 3-D Pokémon game and introduced the phenomenon to the Nintendo 64. Travel to Pokémon Island and meet Professor Oak to begin a safari, taking the best possible photographs of 63 different Pokémon as they exist in the wild, undisturbed by humans. This is not as easy as it sounds—the island has many types of climates and environments to explore, along with secret activities and hidden passages to discover. Plus, some of the Pokémon can be a little shy and won’t pose for the camera unless you tease them with special items. After you’re done, submit one picture of each Pokémon to Professor Oak, and he’ll judge it based on size, pose, technique and number of Pokémon captured.

Ghosts’n Goblins (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Animated Violence, 500 Wii Points): Ghosts’n Goblins was a popular arcade game before it made the leap to the NES in 1986. Like later games in the series, Ghosts’n Goblins presents quite a challenge to players brave enough to take on the role of Arthur and delve into the realm of demons and monsters to rescue the kidnapped princess. Choose your weapons wisely and take advantage of their strengths to deal with the situation at hand. Pass through the six gates that stand between you and Astaroth, and teach him a lesson in chivalry he’ll never forget. Demonstrating a high level of technical prowess for a game of its era, Ghosts’n Goblins presents a unique and unforgettable universe. The stage for adventure is set. Are you up to the test?

BASEBALL STARS 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points): Lace up your cleats and step onto the diamond with the pros of BASEBALL STARS 2. You’ll find everything you’d expect in a classic game of baseball, but with an arcade feel and intense action that distinguish it from the pack. Pick one of six unique teams from cities around the world, then get ready for nine innings of excitement, whether you’re taking on the computer in a 15-game tournament or squaring off against a friend. There are two modes of game play, so even the most inexperienced player can compete at the major-league level (with a little computer-aided fielding). Watch as the game develops through split-screen views and close-up shots worthy of any highlight film, and see if you can catch the numerous over-the-top animations of the large and detailed player models. Think you have what it takes to win the pennant?

[Kamalot]

I keep hearing good things about Pokemon snap, but never owned an N64. How can a game where you take photographs be that much fun? Granted, I take my camera everywhere with me, but... maybe I just don't get it.

Can someone explain? Maybe it is like Rock Band. If someone told me playing with a toy guitar was a blast I may not believe them. But playing it for myself solidified that toy guitar games rulez.

[JohnnyToxxic]

I keep hearing good things about Pokemon snap, but never owned an N64. How can a game where you take photographs be that much fun? Granted, I take my camera everywhere with me, but... maybe I just don't get it.

Can someone explain? Maybe it is like Rock Band. If someone told me playing with a toy guitar was a blast I may not believe them. But playing it for myself solidified that toy guitar games rulez.

I never played this one but there was another game that involved a lot of photo taking plus a lot of action/adventure named Beyond Good and Evil that really made me think that taking snapshots of the pokemans would definitely be fun.

[Baron Samedi]

Didn't the Japanese release of Pokémon Snap feature Wiimote support or something? I remember hearing that a week or so ago.

[Kamalot]

Didn't the Japanese release of Pokémon Snap feature Wiimote support or something? I remember hearing that a week or so ago.

I think the Japanese version allowed you to send your photos to others on the Wii. But I don't see anything like that mentioned in the press release above---^

Edit: Here's an article on the new Wii features (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/30/pokemon-snap-gets-wii-functionality-on-virtual-console/).

[protocol_image]

i wasn't into pokemon when this game came out, but i recall that you could take your memory card to a Blockbuster store and print out stickers of your photos

i remember thinking the game design was lame, but those stickers definitely made me a little jealous inside

[bskeillor]

I had PS back in the day and it was pretty fun, for a little while. It is on rails and you are taken through several areas and you have to try to take the pictures along the way. Just imagine you are on a ride at Disney and are given a camera to take pictures of certain things along the way. Every now and then you have to place an object to get a Pokemon to come out, but most of it is just remembering where they appear and be ready to center, focus and shoot. With only 63 it's over pretty quickly.

[Ravenlock]

Baseball Stars 2 will be a buy for me, I think - I remember playing the first Baseball Stars a lot as a kid and having tons of fun taking my imaginary team (which, if I remember, was either named something to do with ninjas or was actually made up of ninjas, and it was awesome either way) to the Championship. Assuming they didn't change much for the sequel, playing the same type of game with better graphics sounds like a good deal to me. :D

No interest in G&G since I have the SNES version already on VC. Pokemon Snap I may pick up at some point, but probably not right away. Got plenty of stuff to play as it is.

EDIT: Yup, in the original Baseball Stars they were the Ninja BlackSox, according to Wikipedia. I'm pretty sure they wore all black.

[vherub]

Baseball stars 2 is a GREAT, GREAT, GREAT 2 player arcade baseball game. Think not too complicated to learn, but with good personality and huge appeal. Perfect for those who think baseball games have gotten "too complicated" and the cartoony graphics hold up.

[protocol_image]

is Baseball Stars based on the same engine as Super Baseball 2020? i remember having played a game just like 2020 but with humans.....and i'm guessing this is it

[Lord_Don]

Does Baseball Stars 2 NEOGEO have the RPG'ish aspects of the first NES version? Where you complete games and buy higher stats, making your team better and better? If so I'm going straight home and getting it today.

[DigitalFirefly]

OMG Baseball Stars 2!!!!!!!!!! Yeah does this have the RPG elements?

[automaton]

Yeah, Pokemon Snap was more fun as a mini-game in Beyond Good and Evil.

[Banacek]

Pokemon Snap was a rail shooter, but with pictures. No thanks.

[BlackPete]

I was a major GnG nut who even learn how to (mostly) beat the arcade version with a single quarter. I also had the NES version and well... it doesn't really match the arcade version. I'd wait for this to hit XBLA instead (or just get Capcom Classics)

[Evil Avnovice]

WAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!! I still want Yoshi's Island, Super R-Type and Space Megaforce! http://mazeguy.net/sad/bawling.gif

[Lord_Don]

I did some brief searches and it appears Baseball Stars 2 is just a straight up baseball game. Baseball Stars Professional is the one we're holding out for.

[Variable Gear]

i wasn't into pokemon when this game came out, but i recall that you could take your memory card to a Blockbuster store and print out stickers of your photos

i remember thinking the game design was lame, but those stickers definitely made me a little jealous inside

http://i18.ebayimg.com/05/i/000/be/5a/5146_1.JPG

The stickers made the game just a little bit more appealing! I printed out quite a few of the little buggers back when Pokemon Snap came out. It's too bad that the sticker function is gone, but the ability to share photos with Wii Friends is pretty decent. If only they would have fixed Mario Kart 64 before it was released on the VC...It's embarrassing for MK64 to still be lacking ghost saves.

Anyway, since I own Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts on the VC and a physical copy of Pokemon Snap for the N64 I won't be getting anything this week.

[Salamande]

WAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!! I still want Yoshi's Island, Super R-Type and Space Megaforce! http://mazeguy.net/sad/bawling.gif
Space Megaforce was such a weird shooter.

"Fancy meeting you here!"

[KingGorilla]

If you enjoy the feeling of rubbing your dick over a cheese grater 1000 times and then dipping it in lemon juice and salt, then you will love Ghosts n' Goblins.

[Kamalot]

If you enjoy the feeling of rubbing your dick over a cheese grater 1000 times and then dipping it in lemon juice and salt, then you will love Ghosts n' Goblins.

This is the best description of Ghosts n' Goblins I have EVER heard.

[LongStepMantis]

This is the best description of Ghosts n' Goblins I have EVER heard.

Also, the most accurate.
Every time i try to play that game it ends with me saying "Man, fuck this shit."

[Magnanimous Gnome]

I always wanted to give Pokemon Snap a try, but I don't think I'd pay any money for it.

Then again I don't have a Wii, so I guess it's a moot point. :p

[Ultima Thulian]

You can buy a used copy of Snap for like less than five bucks in a lot of places. Seriously. It's an interesting game though, but you can beat it in one sitting.

[Kamalot]

You can buy a used copy of Snap for like less than five bucks in a lot of places. Seriously. It's an interesting game though, but you can beat it in one sitting.

I can beat Panzer Dragoon, Rez, Ghost Squad, and many other games in one sitting. They were all worth it.

[Ultima Thulian]

I can beat Panzer Dragoon, Rez, Ghost Squad, and many other games in one sitting. They were all worth it.

I'm not a guy that cares about length of a game.

My point is this: You'll beat in one day. Spend 10 dollars on a 4 hour game, or spend 2 dollars? Hmm...such a tough descision. And yes, I do mean two. And shipping and handling, obviously. To those who have an N64, the choice is clear. To those who don't, it is a good game, but there are better options. So unless you already exercised those options, you may wish to refrain. That is all. Don't assume too much, good sir.

[Johan]

I don't see the attraction of the VC. I never have. You're paying for unaltered, unimproved ROMs; and NO, I do not pirate my games. I pay through the nose for them (and several other orifices).

Is it an attraction to the games in their unaltered state? I've never had that "attraction." I like upgrades...

[Ultima Thulian]

Well Johan, perhaps the attraction is the following things:

1. Many games are cheaper to get with the VC. For example, buying Super Mario RPG online will cost you a decent penny. On the VC (when it comes out), it will only be eight dollars.

2. It's nice to have all your NES/Turbo/SNES/Genesis/SNK/N64 library all in one place.

3. If you missed 'em the first time, then of course you want it.

4. Multiple controller options. Classic, wiimote, GCN, Wavebird, etc.

5. Solid roms...usually they don't have defects. They are ported well.

6. Solid games on the Wii, especially third-party ones, have been coming at a trickle.


That's the appeal, methinks.

[Kamalot]

I'm not a guy that cares about length of a game.

My point is this: You'll beat in one day. Spend 10 dollars on a 4 hour game, or spend 2 dollars? Hmm...such a tough descision. And yes, I do mean two. And shipping and handling, obviously. To those who have an N64, the choice is clear. To those who don't, it is a good game, but there are better options. So unless you already exercised those options, you may wish to refrain. That is all. Don't assume too much, good sir.

Sorry if I came off as to sound as if I was making assumptions about you. I agree with you completely, that $2 is a better price than 10$.

[Ultima Thulian]

Naw, no biggie.

[Ravenlock]

I don't see the attraction of the VC. I never have. You're paying for unaltered, unimproved ROMs; and NO, I do not pirate my games. I pay through the nose for them (and several other orifices).

Is it an attraction to the games in their unaltered state? I've never had that "attraction." I like upgrades...

For me, it's convenience primarily. I no longer own any old systems. My NES and N64 have long since been given away, and I never owned a SNES or a Genesis (or a TG16). To be able to play both my old favorites from systems I did have, and great titles I never tried before on systems I didn't have, all on one box is worth the rather modest asking price to me.

As an added bonus, the Wii's VC games generally look better on a modern TV than the original consoles look if you plug them in and play them on the carts. [As displayed with Super Mario Bros by Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2007/2/14/7044).]

I agree with you that something on top of just the vanilla roms would be an even bigger draw (online multiplayer in something like Street Fighter II or Streets of Rage would've been a no brainer), but why should they? They estimate they've made 32 million dollars (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/nintendo-estimates-33-million-earned-from-virtual-console/) off the unmodified roms currently on the VC. They don't have a lot of incentive to pour resources into it when it's already making them fat sacks of cash with no effort on their part.

[Kamalot]

I agree with you that something on top of just the vanilla roms would be an even bigger draw (online multiplayer in something like Street Fighter II or Streets of Rage would've been a no brainer), but why should they?
I understand that keeping the games in their original form, we are preserving them. It is still frustrating to see a great game that, if made today, would utilize all kinds of new features. Personally, I'd love to see Sin & Punishment use the Wii remote to aim.

[ECM]

Is it an attraction to the games in their unaltered state? I've never had that "attraction." I like upgrades...

I prefer the way the games look on VC to the way their counterparts look on XBLA, in their raw, err, natural state (which, as it so happens, is why I hate Turbo games on VC: they filter them and it makes them look washed out and blurry.) That isn't to say I wouldn't prefer completely redrawn graphics with millions of colors but, barring that, I'd rather they were just left as-is.

Beyond the other comments Ultima made, though:

The fact that I can simply walk away from the game at any time, turn off the system, and resume right where I left off is a huge plus, even in cases where I own the game already. There's no hunting for a save point; no copying down some insanely long code; no leaving the system on for 3 days till I can come back to that exact, paused, point to resume the game, etc--it's the 'killer app' feature of the VC as far as I'm concerned.

The other big plus is, as Ultima noted, that you have all your games in one place and that you don't need to have an army of consoles, games, and wires contributing to the ravenous spaghetti monster that lurks in the heart of every TV/component rack/desk/gaming setup. This sort of thing makes it a lot more convenient than using multiple emulators to get the same effect (if not quite as, err, inexpensive.)

I understand that keeping the games in their original form, we are preserving them. It is still frustrating to see a great game that, if made today, would utilize all kinds of new features. Personally, I'd love to see Sin & Punishment use the Wii remote to aim.

We'll just have to wait for the sequel for that! :D

[Ravenlock]

The fact that I can simply walk away from the game at any time, turn off the system, and resume right where I left off is a huge plus, even in cases where I own the game already. There's no hunting for a save point; no copying down some insanely long code; no leaving the system on for 3 days till I can come back to that exact, paused, point to resume the game, etc--it's the 'killer app' feature of the VC as far as I'm concerned.

Excellent point. There are several games I would never have beaten otherwise that I may finally finish for just this reason.