Inevitably, any post you read anywhere about Virtual Console releases is going to contain some passive-aggressive bitching about what's still not available on Nintendo's digital download service. But I'm not saying that I don't do it, or that it's not undeserved; we're currently in the third year of weekly releases, and there are still some pretty big gaps in the Virtual Console library. So, as a public service to Nintendo, I've decided to offer some suggestions for titles we definitely want to see released on the Virtual Console in 2009; for my sake, consider them New Year's Resolutions. It was the easiest framing device to come up with for this concept.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask - The much-maligned Majora's Mask is the bastard son of the Legend of Zelda franchise; released just when PS2 fever was at its most insane levels, this installment in one of Nintendo's most-beloved series left a bad taste in the mouths of gamers who really just wanted to play more Ocarina of Time. But those who were so quick to judge the time mechanic and oppressive atmosphere of Majora's didn't stick around to find out that it was just the kind of shake-up the Zelda series needed. So far, the only way to play it on the Wii is through a buggy Zelda collection disc bundled with GameCubes circa 2003; and really, I think it's time for a modern audience to get their mitts on this game.
(Incidentally, I love this game so much that I did a gushing write-up about it over on GameSpite. I'm not one to pimp my non-61FPS writing here, but it's really one my most favorite things I've written.)
Super Punch-Out - With Nintendo's unveiling of a new Punch-Out last fall, there's never been a better time to build up hype for a popular series that's only really had two installments. I'm sure that Super Punch-Out sold well back on the SNES, but it's a mostly forgotten title I'm forced to annoy everyone about whenever a discussion about the awesomeness of the original Punch-Out comes up. While the original Punch-Out might be a little more fun as a pick-up-and-play kind of thing, its bigger brother is actually a better game; the dash of complexity added to the SNES sequel builds upon the pattern recognition of the original for a more challenging experience. Plus, you get to beat up a clown.
Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse - Seeing Castlevania III on the VC in 2009 is a very likely proposition; we've already seen I, II, and IV, so it only makes sense that Nintendo would want to fill in the gaps. It's probably the best traditional Castlevania game next to Rondo of Blood--which really should be released on the VC as well--and one of the few old-school CVs I can play without wanting to murder the world. Like I said, it's very likely that we're going to see this game released on the VC in 2009, but it never hurts to nag.
Earthbound - You all knew this was coming. The fact that piracy is the only real way to play any of the Mother games these days is a modern-day tragedy the likes of which Shakespeare had never seen. Many have predicted that writer Shigesato Itoi's royalties on Earthbound may stop us from seeing the game released in the States again; after all, the Earthbound "demo" was cut out of the American version of Super Smash Bros. Brawl for what was assumed to be monetary reasons. Listen, Nintendo: I don't care if we have to personally PayPal Itoi his royalty money in order to unlock the game. Just let us play it! You're only driving Mother fans further into their already-disturbing insanity.
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