Arcade version of Golden Axe to be released on Virtual Console

Next week, the arcade version of the Sega classic Golden Axe will be released on the Japanese Virtual Console. The game will retail for 800 Wii Points, the same price as the Mega Drive version.

There are some differences between the Mega Drive and the arcade version, which may make you consider buying both. The arcade version features a higher colour palette, better animation and sound, parallax scrolling and generally more detail. The Mega Drive version, due to technical limitations, has less colour and detail but makes up for it with two extra levels and two extra modes ("Beginner" and "Duel").

All of the Mega Drive versions of Golden Axe are available on the Virtual Console, including Golden Axe III which was never released in cartridge form outside of Japan. They are also available on Mega Drive Ultimate Collection.

There has been no mention of a North American or European release yet.

[Source: Nintendo Life]

Arcade version of Space Harrier released on Virtual Console

Space Harrier is one of the many arcade titles coming to the Virtual Console this year. Today it was released on the North American store, with the European store receiving it on the 29th May. Japan got it back in March when the games were first announced.

It was originally thought that the arcade titles would cost 500 Wii Points, 300 Points cheaper than their Mega Drive counterparts. It turns out that they too will cost 800 Points.

Nintendo Life gave the arcade version just 5/10, whereas the Master System version got one point more. I would rate the game higher than that just to watch the mesmerising chequerboard floor!

[Source: Nintendo Life]

Master System port of R-Type coming to Virtual Console

The Master System port of Irem's R-Type is coming to the Virtual Console, priced at 500 Wii Points. It is scheduled for a Japanese release on May 19th, with no dates set for a worldwide release.

The TurboGrafx-16 version is currently available on the North American and European stores, the Master System version being the second port of the game available.

Considered a shooting game classic, the Master System port is generally considered one of the best. Back in 1989, C+VG gave the game 87%:

R-Type is by far the best blast available on the Sega, so it goes without saying that no shoot-'em-up fan should be without it.

Although no dates have been given for a European and North American release, I would expect it to appear this summer.

[Source: Nintendo Life]

Pitfall released on European Virtual Console

The Mega Drive version of Activision classic Pitfall has just been released on the European Virtual Console. The game was released last month on the North American store.

Mayan Adventure, the fourth game in series, was first released back in 1994 on almost every major platform at the time. I personally have the PC and Mega Drive versions, with ports on the SNES, Mega CD, 32X, Jaguar and Game Boy Advance also available.

I really like this game - the humorous animations make it even better. For example, when you land in some quicksand, Harry Jr. waves goodbye as he sinks to his imminent demise. Nintendo Life like the game as well, giving it 8/10.

One of the best parts of the game is the ability to play the original Atari 2600 version. Just enter a secret code on the title screen and get ready to see all the pixelly goodness!

Overall, this is a recommended download. It is available now and costs 800 Wii Points.

[Source: Nintendo Life]

Fantasy Zone II released on European Virtual Console

Fantasy Zone II for the Master System has been released on the European Virtual Console today. The game costs 500 Wii Points, and has been available in Japan since January. It has yet to be released in North America.

The game was first rated back in March by the Australian Classification Board, which is extremely reliable when it comes to imminent releases. Secret Command was also rated and released in April; however Shinobi, which was also rated, has yet to make its way onto the Virtual Console.

Fantasy Zone II is generally regarded as better than the original, albeit with worse music. The vivid graphics are some of the best on the Master System, with rainbows and clouds aplenty. It retains the Defender-style gameplay of the original, as well as all the cutesy designs.

Interestingly, the game was "ported" to Sega's legendary System-16 arcade board in 2008 as part of the Sega Ages series of remakes. It was designed to be as authentic as possible, using real System-16 hardware to stay true to the technical limitations of the time.

The original Fantasy Zone is also available on the Virtual Console, and as an unlockable game in Mega Drive Ultimate Collection.

[Source: Nintendo Life]

Galaxy Force II released on Virtual Console

The Mega Drive version of Sega's 1988 superscaler classic Galaxy Force II has been released on the European Virtual Console. The game is available now and costs 800 Wii Points.

Released in Japan back in February, there has been no confirmed date for a North American release.

Galaxy Force II is one of Sega's most advanced superscaler games, surpassing the likes of After Burner and Out Run in graphics and technology. The game is not a sequel, despite the "II" in its title. The name was originally used to differentiate the sizes of cabinet the game was available in.

Although enjoyable, the Mega Drive version of Galaxy Force does not accurately represent its arcade counterpart. The floors and tunnels have been replaced with coloured bars, and lack of true sprite-scaling means the gameplay is somewhat jerky. Reviews for this game are generally around the 5-6/10 mark.

Why Sega have not released the arcade version of this game is a mystery. The arcade version of Space Harrier was released back in March, so surely Galaxy Force and other superscalers were up for release eventually?

Personally, I would wait for the arcade version to be released, if ever.

[Source: Nintendo Life]

The Lost Stars and Secret Command released on Virtual Console

Two Master System games have been released on the European Virtual Console this week - Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars and Secret Command.

Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars was released on the North American Virtual Console back in March, and is seen as the last "good" Alex Kidd game before his downfall. The Games Machine gave the game 72% in October 1988, although Nintendo Life wasn't as kind and awarded it 3/10.

Secret Command, released as Rambo: First Blood Part II in North America, fared slightly better in its reviews. The Games Machine gave the game 74% in February 1988, praising the graphics and two-player coöperative gameplay feature. Nintendo Life recommends this over Alex Kidd because of its "mindless fun".

The next Virtual Console update isn't until May, so you'll have to settle for these games until then. Both games cost 500 Wii Points.

[Source: Nintendo Life]

Sega's arcade games coming to XBLA too

Last week it was announced that Sega, along with some other companies, would be releasing some of their true arcade games onto the Wii's Virtual Console. Now Sega has announced that they will be releasing some on Xbox Live Arcade.

Sega's previous offerings on XBLA include online versions of their Mega Drive classics, such as Street of Rage II. Now, they will be releasing the System-16 versions of Shinobi and Altered Beast, apparently making up "Sega Vintage Collection Volume 2".

Other future Sega games coming to XBLA include Virtual On, Comix Zone, Sonic 3, Gunstar Heroes and Phantasy Star II. More true-arcade titles will probably follow later.

Maybe Sega will eventually release some of their arcade games on the PlayStation Network. Hint!

[Source: Kotaku]

New Japanese Virtual Console games revealed

A list of games to be released on the Japanese Virtual Console has been published, and includes some Sega! The first game, which has been released this week, is Sonic Chaos. Phantasy Star will then be released next month.

You may have noticed that Sonic Chaos is not the Japanese name for the game. Annoyingly, it has a different title in every region - Sonic Chaos in North America, Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos in PAL regions and Sonic and Tails in Japan. The reason why Sonic Chaos has been released is because it is the Master System version - Game Gear games are not yet supported on the Virtual Console, the only version to appear in Japan.

The next game to be released is Phantasy Star on the Master System, Japan being the first region where it is available. For those who don't know, it is an RPG set on multiple planets. It was unique in that it was a Japanese RPG that combined both 2D overworld maps and 3D dungeons, something only Western RPGs had done before.

Both games will cost 500 Wii Points.

[Source: Virtual Console Reviews]

Space Harrier out now on Virtual Console

It has been announced at the Game Developers Conference that Space Harrier is available to download now, along with other true arcade titles from Namco and Taito. Other games available include mouse-based platformer Mappy and Galaxian follow-up Galaga's sequel Gaplus. Phew.

I speculated yesterday that Space Harrier would cost 600 Wii Points, based on the fact that newer (i.e. late-'80s) arcade titles would generally cost that much. It turns out the game will cost 500 Wii Points, 300 Points cheaper than its Mega Drive port. I wonder which version you would choose?

The new Virtual Console Arcade service sounds promising. I wonder which games will be released on it in the future?

[Source: Sega Nerds]

Sega's arcade games available on Virtual Console

It has been announced at the Game Developers Conference that Sega will be releasing their arcade games on the Wii's Virtual Console. Other companies to do this include Namco and Taito.

Space Harrier will be the first Sega title available. There has been no price set as of yet, but games all ready available cost 500 Points for older titles and 600 Points for newer ones. This means that Space Harrier will probably cost the latter.

Thankfully, you will no longer have to settle for watered-down console ports, and can experience the real thing instead. Console versions of Sega's sprite-scaler games were remarkably hit-and-miss, so being able to play the proper versions is excellent.

I'm sure Out Run will be the most anticipated Sega title to be released. I would personally opt for Galaxy Force - the illusion of depth is even greater than a true three-dimensional game!

If you can't wait for these games to be released, you can unlock the arcade version of Space Harrier on Mega Drive Ultimate Collection right now, blobby filter (unfortunately) included.

[Source: Kotaku]

New Master System games rated

The rating of Master System games is now a regular occurrence, as we know they are going straight onto the Virtual Console. That means it's no surprise to us that a bunch of new Master System games have been rated for PAL regions!

Rated by the Australian Classification Board, which usually indicates a release in all PAL regions, are Fantasy Zone II, Secret Command and Shinobi. All of these games are available on the Japanese Virtual Console, but have not seen release in other regions.

Fantasy Zone II is a H-Scrolling shoot-'em-up set in some sort of dream world; Secret Command is a Commando-style V-Scroller, originally released as Rambo: First Blood Part II in North America; and Shinobi is a ninja-based platformer. Just in case you didn't know.

Expect all of these games to be released soon!

[Source: Virtual Console Reviews]

Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars released on Virtual Console

1988 Sega Master System game Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars has been released on the Virtual Console in North America. It retails for 500 Wii Points, with no word of a European release yet.

This is usually seen as the last "good" Alex Kidd game, and signals the start of the series' decline. The gameplay consists of collecting each of the twelve zodiac signs, hidden in six levels.


The Games Machine gave the game 72% in October 1988, citing "major sprite glitches" and the difficulty as the worst points. However, they said the graphics were "well-defined" and the music and effects provided a "quality soundtrack".

It looks like this game is worth getting, but earlier Alex Kidd games should be tried first. As always, I prefer the real thing to emulated versions!

P.S. I received an Amiga 600 today, meaning I can play all those delicious games I bought for a measly £2. Now all I need are some Sega arcade conversions!

[Source: Virtual Console Reviews]

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair released on Virtual Console

Wonder Boy III: Monster Lair was released on the European Virtual Console this week for 800 Wii Points. This is the Mega Drive version of Monster Lair, the TurboGrafx-16 version being released in 2007.

The release of this game could be seen as completely pointless, as the all ready available TG-16 version is identical apart from having better graphics and sound. Why would you want to purchase an inferior port?

Most people view this as one of the worst Wonder Boy games, the high points being Dragon's Trap and Monster World. Virtual Console Reviews gave the game just 3/10, one point less than the TG-16 version. They say the game "is easily the weakest entry in the Wonder Boy canon and isn’t worth bothering with, even if you’re a fan of shooters and platformers".

Looks like if you are interested in the game, you're better off buying the TurboGrafx version. They are both the same price, so it's really a no-contest!

MERCS released on European Virtual Console

Earlier this month, the 1991 Mega Drive shoot-'em-up MERCS was released on the North American Virtual Console. This Thursday it was released on the European store, costing 800 Wii Points.

Virtual Console Reviews gave the game 4/5, or 7/10 under its new scoring system. Mean Machines reviewed the game back in 1991, giving it 88%: "a stunning conversion made even better with the addition of a second, expanded game on the cartridge. Blasting fans shouldn't miss it".

Something I didn't know, as mentioned by Mean Machines, is that the game actually has two versions: an Arcade mode, which is a direct conversion of the coin-op; and an Original mode, with eight new levels.

Maybe I should reference these old magazines more often!

Clay Fighter and MERCS released on the Virtual Console

The latest Sega games to be released on the Virtual Console are Clay Fighter and Wolf of the Battlefield: MERCS. Both Mega Drive games cost 800 Wii Points, available in Europe and North America only respectively.


Clay Fighter, released in 1993, joined in on the digitised graphics craze of the early '90s. This time, however, every character is made out of clay. Obviously. It was apparently the first videogame to feature primarily claymation for graphics. I have never played the game, but it does not appeal to me nor Virtual Console Reviews who gave the game 2/5.


MERCS, released in 1991, favours much better - 4/5 from the same site. I haven't played this game either (there is a copy with NO INSTRUCTIONS in Oxfam), but it is supposed to be one of the best V-Scrollers on the Mega Drive. Nice.

Both games are available now.

Sonic Chaos released on Virtual Console

The rumours were true: Sonic Chaos has been released on the Virtual Console! You can buy it off the North American store for 500 Wii Points, with Europe having to wait as always.

In this game, originally released on the Master System in 1993, you can choose to be either Sonic or Tails. It is close to the 16-bit versions in style, more so than the original Master System Sonic the Hedgehog.

I have not played the game myself (someone sniped me on eBay!) but Virtual Console Reviews has only given the game 2/5. They do say, however, that Sonic fans may still enjoy it. That means me.

Technically this game should be called Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos as the North American version, Sonic Chaos was only released on Game Gear. It seems that the original differing names are being kept.

Wonder Boy in Monster Land released on Virtual Console

Today Master System game Wonder Boy in Monster Land was released on the Virtual Console. It is now available on the North American store as well as the European one, where it was released last week.

The game costs 500 Wii points, and sees Wonder Boy trying to save Wonder Land once again from the evil king. I have only played the original Wonder Boy and it is one of my favourite Master System games, although Virtual Console Reviews have given Monster Land 4/5 so it must be worth a download.

I always get mixed up between this and Monster World on the Mega Drive, as well as with all the Alex Kidd in... games. Confusing.

Sonic Chaos to get Virtual Console release?

Our ever-reliable friends over on the Australian Classification Board have just rated the game Sonic Chaos, meaning that the game may become available on the Virtual Console. This has been made more likely by the fact that the publisher was listed as "Nintendo".

Given a "General" rating, it is more likely that the Master System version will be used as it has a wider screen. If this is true, then it may be a PAL exclusive as it was originally released in that single territory as Sonic the Hedgehog Chaos, with the Game Gear version being released worldwide. However, the title has been listed as "multi-platform", so there is no definite answer.

No other news has been given, such as a release date, but I will report when there is more information.

[Source: TSSZ News]

MUSHA released on the Virtual Console

It's been a while since anything Sega was released on the Virtual Console, but today V-Scroller MUSHA has become available in North America.

The game was originally released on the Mega Drive back in 1990, and was published by the infamous Toaplan, famous for "All Your Base". It was developed by Compile, who are best known for the Puyo Puyo and Aleste series, the latter of which MUSHA is part of.

MUSHA places regularly on best Mega Drive shooter lists, and commands high prices on eBay. It has never been released in PAL regions (something we would get repaid for with Zero Wing).

For 800 Wii Points, this is definitely recommended for shooter fans. Parallax freaks (i.e. me) will be suitably impressed as well. See a review of the game here.