The selection of downloadable titles on the consoles has been pretty mediocre over the past few weeks, though at least a few manage to look like interesting curiosities. But we are definitely in a holding pattern here. I understand we can’t have a Mega Man 9 or Bionic Commando: Rearmed every week, but are these really the only alternative?
[[image:jh_090120_dlc01.jpg::left:0]]WiiWare: High Voltage Hot Rod Show
High Voltage Software Inc. | Wii | Racing
Here we have a four-player racer with an exaggerated aesthetic. Up to four players can go at once. And as far as I can tell there’s not much more of note about it.
[[image:jh_090120_dlc02.jpg::left:0]]WiiWare: Family Glide Hockey
Sega | Wii | Air hockey
At last, we have reached the point where modern technology can faithfully recreate the closest real-world analog to Pong. Revel in its glory.
[[image:jh_090120_dlc03.jpg::left:0]]WiiWare: Niki: Rock & Ball
Bplus | Wii | Platformer
In what looks like a take on classic 2-D sidescrollers, Niki: Rock & Ball puts you in control of a spherical hero who can roll around and jump, but can also turn into a heavy stone form to defeat enemies. Looks like it could be fun.
[[image:jh_090120_dlc04.jpg::left:0]]VC: MUSHA
Sega | Genesis via Wii | Shooter
A few months ago I would have scoffed at another 16-bit shooter for the Virtual Console. But you know what? It’s been a while since we had one at this point, and it looks better than either of the WiiWare newcomers.
[[image:jh_090120_dlc05.jpg::left:0]]VC: Wonder Boy in Monster World
Sega | Master System via Wii | Platformer
This Wonder Boy sequel changes the scene from prehistoric to medieval, and gives the hero a sword. Apparently there’s neither a continue option nor a password feature, so expect this one to be pretty tough.
[[image:jh_090120_dlc06.jpg::left:0]]XBLA: The Maw
Twisted Pixel Games | Xbox 360 | Consumption simulator
Play as a friendly little alien who helps his bestest buddy, a giant purple everything eater called The Maw, grow large with food so they can escape the bounty hunters after the potentially dangerous duo. It’s a neat, simple action game with a really charming pair of protagonists.
[[image:jh_090120_dlc07.jpg::left:0]]XBLA: FunTown Mahjong
Microsoft | Xbox 360 | Mahjong
Another mahjong game, this time for the Microsoft machine.
[[image:jh_090120_dlc08.jpg::left:0]]PSN: Magic Ball
Konami | PS3 | Breakout, basically
This is pretty much a 3D version of Breakout with pretty graphics, power-ups and a variety of skins — instead of colored blocks you can knock down a castle or sink a pirate ship. Not a bad tweak, from the look of it.
[[image:jh_090120_dlc09.jpg::left:0]]PSN: GTI Club+
Konami | PS3 | Racing
The original GTI Club was a 1996 PowerPC game. This is a total revamping, with an HD visual makeover, online play, PlayStation Eye support and a bunch of other goodies.
So…The Maw is the clear winner, then. I rather enjoyed the demo.
OK, I may be going senile here, but uh… didn’t we already get the best Wonder Boy game (Dragon’s Curse), and the TG-16 port of it no less, months ago? Wonder Boy 2 is essentially the same game, but without the Metroidvania, transformation gimmick, or sane difficulty. What happened to making us wade through games like this before releasing the best entries of their respective series? Not that I’m complaining or anything here.
It’s the only game of this bunch I’ve actually played, but yeah, The Maw is pretty good. GTI Club+ looks decent too. I just wonder how long WiiWare can go on like this.
Actually, you’re better off getting the Genesis version of Monster Land. There is a save feature, and I personally have more fond memories of it than this version.
@ Caloric Dude: No, MUSHA is the clear winner.
@ Googleshng: Actually, no. We got the 2nd best. Monster World IV is the best. Either way, Wonder Boy in Monster Land isn’t a bad game, it’s just different.