New on Virtual Console: Wonder Boy, Cruis'n USA

Apr. 1 2:14 PM by Sardius

Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power?

A new classic console has been added to the Wii's Virtual Console lineup! Unfortunately, it's the Sega Master System. Wah wah waaaaaah.

Just kidding, I love the Master System. Phantasy Star was so far ahead of its time that it took people about 20 years or so to notice. And the Alex Kidd series was decent, for its time. And...uh, Gangster Town was pretty...good, I guess?

Anyway, with so many iconic games to choose from in order to best represent Sega's 8-bit console, there can obviously be no better way to kick off the Master System's Wii debut than with Wonder Boy (SMS, 500 Points), a game already available one and a half times over on the Virtual Console as the identical Hudson's Adventure Island and its remake, New Adventure Island. But wait! As a bonus, we're also getting the family restaurant favorite Cruis'n USA (N64, 1,000 Points), which you may remember as that one terrible racing game that provides a brief but appreciated escape from the greasy pizza and greasier children at Cici's Pizza. Except now you're paying an extra $9.75 for an inferior version of it. Virtual Console, woo!

WII-KLY UPDATE: TWO NEW CLASSIC GAMES ADDED TO WII SHOP CHANNEL

March 31, 2008

It's a week of fun-filled firsts at the Wii Shop Channel. Each of the latest game offerings represents the first title in a memorable series that has influenced many subsequent titles over the years. Whether you prefer high-speed drives or side-scrolling adventures, it's clear that these classic games have lasting appeal. What's more, Wonder Boy is the first-ever Sega Master System title to be made available via Virtual Console.

Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

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 styleif 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?

Wonder Boy (Sega Master System, 1-2 players, Rated E for EveryoneComic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): As Tom-Tom the Wonder Boy, it's up to you to rescue your girlfriend Tanya from the vile clutches of the monster that has kidnapped her. To do so, you must navigate a series of worlds in a race against time to reach your goal. Along the way, you'll battle foes and collect fruit that will add to the amount of time you have to complete your mission. You can also receive helpful power-ups from various eggs, but make sure to avoid the bad eggs and poisonous mushrooms that sap your precious vitality. Find the magic doll in each level to open up hidden areas, and make it to the very end of your journey to rescue your one true love.

For more information about Wii, please visit wii.com.