RSS Feeds
wii
Weekly Wii Update - Guns, Hedgehogs, And Splatterhouse 2
Posted by Mike Fahey at 1:40 AM on August 5, 2008
Finally, Sonic The Hedgehog for the Wii Virtual Console! Wait, didn't they already release this game back in the early days of the Wii VC? Oh, it's the 8-bit version for the Sega Master System (500 Points) that featured the chaos emeralds scattered throughout the six levels, rather than in bonus stages. Why would you want this version if you've already downloaded the Genesis version? Why indeed. Well there's always Splatterhouse 2 for the Genesis (800 Points) if you're looking for something meatier. And bloodier.
On the WiiWare side of things we have Wild West Guns (1,000 Points), the eagerly anticipated shooting gallery title from Gameloft. That is, Gameloft eagerly anticipated releasing it, and here it is. Good going, Gameloft! You show those non-believers that WiiWare isn't synonymous with ShovelWare!
Wii-kly Update
One WiiWare Game and Two Virtual Console Games Added to Wii Shop Channel
The list of available games for Wii™ owners just keeps on growing as we add another trio of titles to the Wii™ Shop Channel. This week's lineup features Old West thrills, supernatural chills and a little blue hedgehog whose name you're sure to recognise. Thanks to Nintendo's WiiWare™ downloadable game service and the classic-filled Virtual Console™, building your own blockbuster video game library has never been easier.
Nintendo adds new and classic 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:
WiiWare
Wild West Guns (Gameloft, 1-2 players, Rated T for Teen--Violence, 1,000 Wii Points): Draw your revolver to see if you're the fastest gun in the West. Adjust your speed and precision as targets or enemies appear in front of you. Point and shoot to earn more points. You can aim at anything, so be sure to explore the environment for elements that will earn you more shooting points. Identify your enemies among the characters you encounter, but don't shoot at innocent citizens. Take part in an Old West-style train attack, or challenge your skills in a variety of increasingly difficult shooting challenges in other beautiful, classic and lively Western environments. As you progress through challenges, you'll earn medals and rewards, making for nonstop, addictive action. Play in a two-player multiplayer mode where you and your partner can combine points, or play against each other to find out who's the fastest gun in the West.
Virtual Console
Sonic The Hedgehog™ (Sega Master System, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Based on the original Sega Genesis version, Sonic The Hedgehog was re-created as the first Sonic game for the Sega Master System. Not just a straight port, this version includes new stages, bosses, some different zones and a level map. The most noticeable difference, however, is that the Chaos Emeralds have to be found within certain stages other than the Special Stages. Dash through six Zones (including special zones that were only available for the Sega Master System version) and face Dr. Eggman (a.k.a. Dr. Robotnik) at the end of every Zone.
SPLATTERHOUSE™ 2 (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated M for Mature--Blood and Gore, Violence, 800 Wii Points): SPLATTERHOUSE 2 is the sequel to SPLATTERHOUSE, released only on the Sega Genesis. A few months after escaping from the first mansion in SPLATTERHOUSE, the main character, Rick, once again encounters the Terror Mask and must use its powers to rescue his beloved Jennifer. Rick will need to punch, slash, smash and even chainsaw his way through a haunted mansion against unspeakable horrors and terrifying bosses to make it out alive.
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
SirCletus
Posted 2:05 AM 5/8/08
Ugh. Another wonderful week of crap (with the possible exception of Splatterhouse 2 - might have to check it out). I know it's been bitched about before, but I'm getting frustrated! I'd love to buy some new games on WiiWare/VC, but nearly two years in, I've run out of things I want to spend my money on.
And I'm getting mildly annoyed by the conspicuous (paranoid much?) absence of some of my faves in a variety of series. We've got SuperC and Contra III...but not the original Contra. We've got Castlevania I, II and IV...but not III. (What gives, Konami?) We've got Double Dragon...but not the awesomely cooperative DD 2.
Sigh.
SirCletus
excel_excel
Posted 2:03 AM 5/8/08
SPLATTERHOUSE!!!!
excel_excel
IndustrialJones
Posted 2:01 AM 5/8/08
Wild West Guns sounds pretty cool. Might pick it up after I get my Wii back from my friend that borrowed it. No hurry though :P
IndustrialJones
DiscipleofJamzy
Posted 1:53 AM 5/8/08
In my humble opinion, Splatterhouse 2 delivered in all the ways Splatterhouse 1 on TG-16 came up short. Crazy bosses, crazy gory, crazy hard. If you've only played the original, you should give 2 a spin.
DiscipleofJamzy
CockroachMan
Posted 1:52 AM 5/8/08
@nflsonic: It's a LucasArts game.. yep, there are chances of it coming out.. one day..
CockroachMan
teh_joe
Posted 1:51 AM 5/8/08
dang, i had heard rumors of Mega Man being released today. oh well. also still waiting for Strong Bad.
teh_joe
Kulor
Posted 1:50 AM 5/8/08
@ZeroGinc: There's two Sonic 1s, one for the Genesis and one for the Master System/Game Gear. They're actually totally different games.
There's also two Sonic 2s. The more you know!
Kulor
nflsonic
Posted 1:49 AM 5/8/08
For some reason after reading that Splatterhouse 2 came out on the VC, I really wanted to play Zombie Ate my Neighbors! Is there any chance for that game to be released on the VC? It's a Rare game, right?
nflsonic
xAnarChisTx
Posted 1:49 AM 5/8/08
Splatterhouse 2 is a good game, but not as great as 3. 3 gave it that "Streets of Rage" feel to it, where 2 was just like a straight side-scroller. You're better off playing 3.
Still can't wait for the new Splatterhouse.
xAnarChisTx
CockroachMan
Posted 1:48 AM 5/8/08
Some people played the SMS version and miss it.. anyway, Wild West Guns doesn't look bad, but I'll keep saving my points for Strong Bad..
CockroachMan
DigitalHero
Posted 1:48 AM 5/8/08
@ZeroGinc:
Master System son...
DigitalHero
Guild_Navigator
Posted 1:48 AM 5/8/08
@ZeroGinc: first one on the sega master system. Not the genesis one. Reading...it's not bad.
Guild_Navigator
ZeroGinc
Posted 1:46 AM 5/8/08
::Wii:: this is the first one right?!!?
ZeroGinc
chuffhoncho
Posted 1:46 AM 5/8/08
@ZeroGinc: Didn't read the article at all?
chuffhoncho
ZeroGinc
Posted 1:46 AM 5/8/08
did't sonic already show up on the will VC!? i swear iv downloaded it
ZeroGinc
RET_Ghost
Posted 1:44 AM 5/8/08
I really love some classic Sonic.
RET_Ghost
dry-roasted-peanuts
Posted 2:32 AM 5/8/08
Detractors and shovelware caterwauling be damned, Wild West Guns looks fun.
dry-roasted-peanuts
x3sphere
Posted 2:31 AM 5/8/08
@teh_joe: That wasn't a rumor. Capcom said it was coming out today T_T. Oh well... maybe next week.
x3sphere
Combichristoffersen
Posted 2:29 AM 5/8/08
The Master System version of Sonic 1 was ace. Maybe not as awesome as the Mega Drive/Genesis version, but still a pretty darn good platform game.
Combichristoffersen
leshrac55
Posted 2:29 AM 5/8/08
Did the Master System sonic come out after the Genesis Sonic? I'm sort of confused...
leshrac55
photoboy
Posted 2:28 AM 5/8/08
I had the Game Gear version of Sonic (that was like the Master System version but more zoomed in) which I really enjoyed playing. It didn't have and loops like Sonic on the Megadrive, but it was a lot of fun to play with some decent music and level variety at the time, but I don't think it's aged very well.
photoboy
Dauragon C. Mikado
Posted 2:26 AM 5/8/08
there was a master system sonic?
well i cant act too surprised at me not knowing, i didn't even know what the hell a master system was until maybe 2 years ago.
Dauragon C. Mikado
StormdragonBlue
Posted 2:22 AM 5/8/08
I first played Sonic on the Master System and still have to admit that I prefer that version...
StormdragonBlue
mrdietsoda
Posted 2:21 AM 5/8/08
Still holding out for Strong Bad...
mrdietsoda
Okari
Posted 2:20 AM 5/8/08
MM1 was confirmed for today by Capcom. What the hell Nintendo?
Okari
Shiryu
Posted 2:18 AM 5/8/08
Splatter House 2 is very sweet:
+ Watch video
Anyway, I was expecting quite a different lineup for you americans, with the likes of Ys 1 & 2 and Samurai Shodow II.
I know that its up to Nintendo and not the games devs to decide when the games get released, but seriously, why so many gaps? Does it take this long to translate Gyrostarr for Europe? Where is our euroland Axelay? Why do the americans still dont't have Megaman I & II while we have then in euroland for months?
All of this mess could be easly avoided if Nintendo would just release the VC/Wiiware games list releases for each month, like they do in Japan. It would be nice to be able plan ahead, both Wii points and in storage blocks wise.
Im still boycotting the service until things improve.
Shiryu
tmo
Posted 2:13 AM 5/8/08
Why would you want the Master System version?
Perhaps because it was the version you played when you were a little kid, and that Genesis version they released just confused the hell out of you!
I remember quite enjoying the Master System version anyway, though that might have been Sonic 2.
Genesis version means *nothing* to me...
tmo
87th
Posted 2:13 AM 5/8/08
Why get the Master System version? Different levels, you dolt.
87th
room88
Posted 2:12 AM 5/8/08
SMS Sonic? What the..
When the heck is the TurboCd versions of Ys 1 & 2 coming out is what I want to know
room88
StupidDufus
Posted 2:38 AM 5/8/08
@SirCletus:
If I remember correctly, Castlevania III had a special mapper chip added in to the cartridge to allow for some extra effects. Emulators in the past have had problems (so I hear) with it, so perhaps that's why the game hasn't been released yet.
StupidDufus
liquid_kore
Posted 2:37 AM 5/8/08
Where is Homestar?
liquid_kore
Torgen got his apology faceplate but not his fixed GH3 disc
Posted 3:21 AM 5/8/08
@Takuthehedgehog: The console has parental controls.
Torgen got his apology faceplate but not his fixed GH3 disc
Combichristoffersen
Posted 3:17 AM 5/8/08
@makeitirish:
The Master System version of Sonic 1 wasn't the same game as the Genesis/Mega Drive version. Have you played them both?
Combichristoffersen
fenderfuel08
Posted 3:09 AM 5/8/08
Wow so they're starting the VC releases back up again huh?
Probably a good thing, I haven't bought anything on the VC for months.
fenderfuel08
Mezodon
Posted 3:06 AM 5/8/08
@SirCletus: For some reason you're not complaining about the lack of Double Dragon 3... wonder why.
Mezodon
Colin
Posted 3:02 AM 5/8/08
I get my hopes up for Ys Book I & II thanks to Hudson announcing today's release date and look what happens.
Bah. Should have known that a lineup of Wild West Guns, Mega Man, Samurai Shodown II and Ys was too good to be true. :\
Colin
Takuthehedgehog
Posted 3:02 AM 5/8/08
I think this is the first time an M rated game has been released on the Virtual Console. I wonder how they're going to stop kids from buying the game.
Takuthehedgehog
makeitirish
Posted 3:01 AM 5/8/08
The only way you should get the Sega master system version of sonic is if you A) only have a Sega master system and have yet to upgrade to a genesis or b) accidentally dont realize that the genesis version exists. Playing it on the Wii means basically they are hoping people don't realize that the master system and genesis versions are the same game.
makeitirish
Dyscord
Posted 3:50 AM 5/8/08
Wasn't the SMS version essentially the Game Gear version? Since they have the same hardware and all. I do remember Sonic 2 for the GG being BRUTAL
Dyscord
Toastbusters
Posted 3:47 AM 5/8/08
Megaman... /sad little puppy noises
Toastbusters
GustavoSM
Posted 3:36 AM 5/8/08
The Master System version of Sonic is just GREAT. I think it´s actually better than Splatterhouse 2.
GustavoSM
Pombar
Posted 3:31 AM 5/8/08
Sonic for the Master system is rock and hardcore. Also very, very hard.
Pombar
Sensai-N
Posted 4:10 AM 5/8/08
Wild West Guns looks like it could be some good fun, especially on two-player mode. I was watching a video on another site about it where the player is involved in shooting stuff in a saloon. The piano player was a nice touch. I think it is mandatory that every wild west saloon have the requisite piano player. And probably some gunslinger named Doc. :)
I never had a Master System, so I have zero frame of reference about what I am missing.
Sensai-N
Lider
Posted 4:06 AM 5/8/08
The SMS Sonics were really great. Nice and fun level design. They were as goodd as the Genesis versions and sometimes harder. Good times!
Lider
Combichristoffersen
Posted 3:58 AM 5/8/08
@Dyscord:
They were 99% similar, but the GG version had some minor differences (the chaos emeralds were hidden in different locations than in the SMS version, and the GG version had a sort of "stop!" signs in front of spiked pits, due to the smaller screen zooming in on Sonic).
As for Sonic 2, I didn't find it to be that hard, except for finding that second to last chaos emerald (Silver Sonic had the loast one). Took me ages to find it. Also, the final boss of SMS/GG Sonic 2 was a breeze compared to the final boss in the Mega Drive/Genesis version IMO.
Combichristoffersen
z3ntn3l
Posted 4:26 AM 5/8/08
The SMS Sonic was one of the best Sonic´s of all time. There is only one better than the SMS Sonic: The Game Gear Sonic with zoomed screen and better colors! Yes, the Game Gear owns them all... yes you too you sucking DS & PSP whatever!
z3ntn3l
gencid
Posted 4:23 AM 5/8/08
Seeing that the rest of the year for Wii is one of the weakest years in any Nintendo consoles ever (save maybe for N64), this would be the time that some gems hit the VC. How about some Castlevania: Bloodlines or Yoshi's Island Nintendo?
gencid
Klaymen
Posted 5:08 AM 5/8/08
@gencid: agreed. Nintendo has botched this VC thing. I bought a couple games in the early days, but I'm really not enjoying having refuse shoveled onto me every Monday. With the advent of Wii Ware we see the VC releases shrink that much more...and the ones that are released pretty much suck. Why are we constantly stuck with these old games as well? 8bit Sonic? Really? Why not give some other games a chance?
Where is Harvest Moon 64? Space Station Silicon Valley? Mario RPG? Majora's Mask? Kirby's Dreamland 3? Kirby Super Star (although they're probably holding off on that due to the DS version). Beetle Adventure Racing? Mischief Makers?
Honestly, look at the stats -- 73 NES Titles, 53 Sega Genesis Titles, and only 32 SNES and 14 N64 titles. Not that 8-bit titles are inherently bad or anything, but comon.
/rant
Klaymen
AllOfUsAreLost
Posted 5:07 AM 5/8/08
Awesome, my gaming career was created by Sonic 1 on the SMS. That, and Alex Kidd/Psycho Fox.
Bring me Sonic 2, and Sonic Chaos now please!!!
Especially Sonic Chaos.
AllOfUsAreLost
mrplow8
Posted 5:07 AM 5/8/08
I thought Mega Man was coming to VC today. And when are we going to get Earthworm Jim?
mrplow8
LedRush
Posted 6:01 AM 5/8/08
@Klaymen:
Genesis is 16 bit, and each bit is damn good.
LedRush
jammadave
Posted 6:40 AM 5/8/08
[singingwithsarcasm]
Don't want no Megadrive
Just give me Shov-U-Like
Don't want no great games on vir-tual con-sole...
[/sing]
[/obscuresongreference]
I too thought that we would be seeing at least SamSho II today. =0(
jammadave
Gutter_Trash
Posted 6:24 AM 5/8/08
Master System 8-bit version of the already release normal Genesis 16-bit version?
Wii VC fails again
Gutter_Trash
GodKiller0
Posted 7:08 AM 5/8/08
Splatter House 3 was good...never played others.
Sonic on SMS was...yeash, I taught it sucked so much that the only thing I taught they made the game for is to force people to buy a Genesis
GodKiller0
BudDudandSlash
Posted 7:03 AM 5/8/08
Strong Bad? Earthbound? No? I'll pass this week.
BudDudandSlash
Erinaceus
Posted 6:51 AM 5/8/08
Hey...don't belittle the MS/GG Sonic the Hedgehog. I enjoyed that version every bit as much as the Genesis version, maybe even a little more. 'Cause I couldn't take a Genesis with me on road trips.
Erinaceus
Foxstar Sixtail
Posted 7:29 AM 5/8/08
@Gutter_Trash:Sega, fails again. Remember, they are the ones who pick what goes up and what does not.
Foxstar Sixtail
sxp151, the happy-headed nose
Posted 7:37 AM 5/8/08
@GodKiller0: I taught I taw a putty tat.
sxp151, the happy-headed nose
V1L3
Posted 9:51 AM 5/8/08
I really wish people could read.
Sonic on SMS is NOT an "inferior version" of the Mega Drive game. It's an entirely different game.
There are only 3 levels that share the same name (Green Hill Zone, Labyrinth and Scrap Brain Zone) and aside from looking completely different and having different layouts and different bosses, only Green Hill Zone has the same music.
If you only play the Mega Drive version, you miss out on the cool side-scrolling Bridge Level, the tricky "fall-and-you-die" vertical scrolling Jungle Level, and the final "this-music-is-freaking-awesome" level on Robotnik's blimp.
Saying there's no reason to play this game if you have Sonic 1 on the Mega Drive is like saying there's no reason to buy Mario 3 if you have Super Mario World.
V1L3
Chucky
Posted 10:08 AM 5/8/08
So we've got two Splatterhouse now. When are we getting Splatterhouse WG? I know it's only been released in Japan, but now that we have VC, it'd be nice to finally see it state-bound.
Chucky
Klaymen
Posted 10:55 AM 5/8/08
@LedRush: Yes but the NES (the one sporting 73 titles) and the Master System (the system that brings us today's "lovely") are very 8-bit. Sorry I should have been more clear in my meaning.
What I'm saying is it's becoming increasingly clear that Nintendo is more interested in shoveling out these "simple games" than releasing some of their later gems. I don't know about the porting process, but I'm guessing it's easiest to crank out a bunch of early 8-bits. I also find it ironic that the Nintendo Wii Virtual Console is largely made up of Sega products.
Klaymen
xShinigamiEyesx
Posted 12:51 AM 6/8/08
@Klaymen: Wow, I'm the second person to think Mischief Makers did not suck. :P
But you know, since many others think it did, maybe it stands a fairly good chance to be on the Virtual Console. I could so play that game again.
xShinigamiEyesx
dster
Posted 10:54 PM 5/8/08
does any1 know wat the next update is going to be and when??
thanks guys
hey umm that coccoto is a mad game and so is that quiz game thingy lol
thanks guys soz for a lame post but my first so
thanks ohh if any1 wants to add my wii it is 1189-4152-3894-5443 thx
dster
mikethespike9
Posted 5:40 AM 5/8/08
Ha, I should have read the comments a bit more before downloading, as I would have discovered that this is the exact same version as the Game Gear. Not that it's bad, mind you, but I was hoping for some long lost 8-bit Sonic adventure.
And as was mentioned earlier, that second GG Sonic was insanely difficult. Good luck getting past the first boss, even. If that ever makes its way onto the VC, watch out.
mikethespike9
Skeptobot
Posted 3:14 AM 5/8/08
@makeitirish: Nope, not at all. The Master System version of Sonic is a very different game. And in my eyes superior. Yes it's slower but the level design is much more thought out than it's Mega Drive big brother. The game is more precise, more thoughtful and requires more skill. It's hands down was of the best platformers on any platform ever.
It's a brilliant game because it shows that despite everyone thinking that Sonic should be fast - he's actually at his best when his speed is tempered with design.
Skeptobot
ChinChinPaiPai
Posted 2:31 AM 5/8/08
splatterhouse 2 is awesome
ChinChinPaiPai
PeteMorley
Posted 2:27 AM 5/8/08
IMO the MasterSystem version of Sonic was better than the MD version. If not for the Jungle Zone alone. Although it wasn't as good graphically, it was a lot harder.
Hopefully this will pave the way for the other MS Sonic games, specifically Sonic Chaos; I managed to save for six weeks to get the £50 from my paper round when I was 11 to get that game on release day so I definatley wouldn't have an issue spending another 500 Wii points on it.
PeteMorley