The seventh-generation video game consoles have standardized a number of new video game features, including downloadable content, online play, wireless controllers and motion control. In addition, all three of the seventh-generation consoles have introduced ways to download retro video games like stella glow lisette from previous systems. Of the three current systems, the Nintendo Wii has the widest variety and library of downloadable retro games. These games, downloadable from the Wii Virtual Console, range from as old as Commodore 64 games to as modern as N64 games and include some of the best video games ever published. The following are some of the best available on the Virtual Console that are nearly as good today as when they were first released.
Comix Zone (800 Wii points) - Originally released for the Sega Genesis, this side-scrolling beat-em-up has some of the most colorful and crisp graphics of any game from that generation. Played across five episodes, the game is relatively short, but with multiple endings and numerous optional paths, it has surprising replay value. This game is something of a cult classic, making its inclusion on the Virtual Console a treat for gamers who no longer have a working Genesis.
Devil's Crush (600 Wii points) - Devil's Crush is the most popular of the four games in the Crush pinball series for the TurboGrafX-16. As the TurboGrafX-16 was the least popular of the fourth-generation gaming consoles, few people ever got to enjoy this masterful game. Devil's Crush goes far beyond classic video game pinball action, including moving enemies, hidden mini-games, and dozens of ways to gain bonus points. Before the VC release, this rare game was selling for nearly $100 on eBay and was worth every dollar.
Mega Man 2 (500 Wii points) - Highly regarded as the best outing of the Blue Bomber, Mega Man 2 is the template on which the rest of the series was designed. Unlike the original game, the difficult of this sequel was nearly perfect for the average gamer and the introduction of a password feature, energy tanks, and special items all filtered into later games. Even with dated graphics, this game is a perfect way to enjoy a few hours for less than the cost of a matinee.
Final Fantasy (500 Wii points) - At one point, SquareSoft and Nintendo were nearly synonymous terms. While the relationship between Square and Nintendo is not as tight as it once was, the legacy of that partnership still endures. Final Fantasy is the game that nearly single handedly defined the look and feel of console role playing games for over a decade. Due to the ability to choose a unique party, the game has reasonably solid replay value, even today. More importantly, the Wii port makes saving remarkably less cumbersome and allows the game to be played more casually than when first released on the NES.
Super Metroid (800 Wii points) - Super Metroid is nearly the culmination of all innovation on both the NES and SNES consoles. Borrowing ideas from both its predecessor and a slew of other titles on the SNES, Super Metroid combines almost sandbox style play with a host of unique weapons and interesting movement modes. The graphics are top end for the SNES and this game is just as fun to play today as it was when first released.
Phantasy Star II (800 Wii points) - Final Fantasy VII, considered by many to be one of the greatest role playing games of all time, owes a majority of its plot, story, and character ideas to this Sega Genesis game. Phantasy Star II was one of the most influential games in history on storytelling and plot direction in role playing games. It had a powerful character driven plotline that made the story well more than a series of pointless battles. The death of a protagonist halfway through the game was a brilliant twist that has since been copied by many of the best games in history.
Super Mario World (800 Wii points) - The last appeal of this game can easily be seen in the 10.5 million sales for New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which is little more than a slightly updated version of Super Mario World. With the possible exception of the Sonic the Hedgehog series, Super Mario World is the standard by which all other side scrolling platform games are judged. With over 100 worlds to explore and countless secret areas, this game should easily provide 20-30 hours of enjoyment for less than the cost of a movie ticket.
Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1000 Wii points) - Zelda games follow a very simple pattern: Link, armed with his trusty magic sword, rescues princess Zelda from Ganon and recovers the stolen Triforce. That simple plot has spawned almost a dozen successful and extremely popular games. Ocarina of Time deviated slightly from the plot and the deviations made a good game into an unforgettable masterpiece. Between moving back and forth between two time periods in Link's life, seeing Zelda in her ninja-like Shiek outfit, and experiencing the world of Hyrule in 3D, the game is nearly perfect. For about 1/5th the cost of Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, this game provides similar game play and only slightly worse graphics.
While only the Nintendo Wii officially specializes in providing games for casual gamers, the advent of the retro gaming market is yet another step in towards casual gaming. In addition, old school gamers can find treasured games from the past at very low prices. With prices on the Virtual Console ranging from $5 to $12, gamers of all types can download between 4 and 10 games for the same price as a single modern video game. While not all of these downloadable games are gems, many still have lasting appeal and the variety of a half dozen games can easily be worth more enjoyment than a single game that happens to have better graphics.
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