Don’t worry, I haven’t already abandoned my shiny new website. I was just on vacation. I went to New York, and actually got a lot of awesome pictures which I will post later. Now, I figure better late than never for the weekly edition of VC vs. XBLA. Let’s see what we got this week.

Wii Virtual Console

• Gradius III (SNES) - $8
• Wonder Boy in Monster World (Genesis) - $8
• Battle Lode Runner (TG-16) - $6

Xbox Live Arcade

• Eets Chowdown - $10
• Pinball FX - $10

At first, I didn’t know what to think of the VC titles. I had heard of Gradius, but Wonder Boy and Battle Lode Runner? To be honest, this kind of thing happens somewhat frequently, since I didn’t have a TG-16 or a Genesis growing up, so I missed out on a lot of these games. After doing some Googling, I determined that both Wonder Boy and Battle Lode Runner were great games, just a little obscure. This is the double edged sword of the Virtual Console. Sure, I can go back and play these games that I never played, but how do I know I would like them? This is when Xbox Live Arcade’s demo system really shines. Similarly, I had never heard of Eets Chowdown either, but in contrast, I was able to try it out without spending a single virtual penny. Ultimately I decided both XBLA titles were definitely fun. Pinball FX doesn’t sound like much, but it is a pretty nice looking, and fun to play pinball game.

Overall, no must-buys this week, but kudos to XBLA for letting me figure that out myself. Also, yet another two-fer this week for the XBLA. Congrats Microsoft, this round goes to you.

Galaga (NES) - 500 Points
BRAVOMAN (TG-16) - 600 Points
Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle (Genesis) - 800 Points

Another week, another batch of VC games. This week we have the NES port of one of my favorite games, Galaga. Had I not already bought it for XBLA, I’d be buying it today. Now as for BravoMan and Alex Kidd, I can’t say I’ve even heard of these games. Nintendo, I’d love to see a demo feature.

Monday means more VC games! Today Nintendo graced us with another quality first party title: Super Mario World. I have so many fond memories of playing this game. And so many memories of utter frustration. Say what you will, the Star levels are some of the most difficult Mario levels I have ever played. But, Alas! Now you can have it for a mere 800 Wii Points. Oh, and there are a couple of VC games I’ve never heard of too. Yippey!

Super Mario World - SNES (800 Points)
Vigilante - TG-16 (600 Points)
Gain Ground - Genesis (800 Points)

Press Release

I know, it’s a day late. Regardless, this weeks Virtual Console release is a pretty sweet one. Here are the releases:

Mario Kart 64 - N64 (1000 Points)
Contra III: Alien Wars - SNES (800 Points)
Bonanza Bros. - Genesis (800 Points)
Comix Zone - Genesis (800 Points)

This makes two consecutive weeks with a solid first party offering. Thanks Nintendo! However, Chris pointed out (and I concur), that Mario Kart 64, while not being awful, is the weakest in series. Oh well, Contra III is a blast. I never did have a Genesis, so I can’t say I’ve even heard of Bonanza Bros. or Comix Zone. So dear reader, tell me, they worth anything?

Ah, another Monday, another fresh crop of Virtual Console titles. Today’s entry brings us Tennis (NES), Space Harrier II (Genesis), and Military Madness (TG-16). As far as Tennis goes, it’s not even worth five bones, in my opinion. I’ll stick to Wii Tennis. However, I do have good memories of playing Space Harrier II on my Game Gear many moons ago. Still, not sure if i could get $8 out of it. Finally, Military Madness actually does look quite promising. I’ve never played it, but have heard many people refer to it as their favorite TG-16 title. It’s basically a 1 or 2 player miltary strategy game like Advance Wars, so I think that’s my choice this week.

Press Release