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Games We Want on Handheld Virtual Console

Games for Aaron Kaluszka

by Aaron Kaluszka - February 8, 2011, 10:18 pm EST

Turtles, and hamsters, and gators. Oh, my!

There were three Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles games for the Game Boy, and while each were generally side scrolling beat-‘em-ups, they had significant differences. The first was flat 2D, the second added more depth, and the third featured Metroid elements. It is the second game in particular that I’d like to see come to Virtual Console. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back from the Sewers, like all of the other TMNT brawlers of the era, was developed by Konami. TMNT was very popular in the early ‘90s, but the games were well made, not just cash-ins.

In the game, you could choose from any of the four turtles, Michaelangelo, Leonardo, Donatello, and Raphael, each wielding their own weapons, which had different range abilities. At the end of each stage, you could switch turtles. Rather than dying when defeated, the turtles are captured, and the end of each world provides a chance to save one of them (or a pizza-eating bonus stage if all are free). Due to this setup, life meters are not refilled at the end of each stage, so a bit of strategy is needed to keep the turtles alive.

In TMNT II, the turtles traversed a variety of levels from sewers and cityscapes to airships and the Technodrome. The series’ standard villains, Bebop and Rocksteady, Baxter Stockman, General Traag, and of course, Shredder and Krang, all made an appearance. Additionally, there were several more interesting gameplay areas aside from the beat-‘em-up landscape, including skateboarding.

Back from the Sewers was a significant improvement over the game released just the previous year. One of the coolest features was that the game included voice samples, which seemed amazing given the technology of the time. I played "Cowabunga" and "Pizza Time" on the sound test screen over and over. The music in general, such as the track based on the TV show’s theme, was well done and full of melody and percussion. The graphics were arguably better than its NES counterparts.

Unlike most franchises, Kirby got his start on the Game Boy. Besides the Dream Land games, Kirby saw a number of spin-off releases on the handheld – Kirby’s Pinball Land, Kirby’s Blockball, Kirby’s Star Stacker, and Kirby’s Tilt ‘n Tumble. I’d love to see all of these games return, and the last one could even be suited for Virtual Console thanks to the motion sensors built into the 3DS, but the game I’d like to see return most is Kirby’s Star Stacker.

Star Stacker is a falling block puzzle game featuring 2 x 1 blocks made up of stars and Kirby’s animal buddies from Dream Land 2.  In Star Stacker, players must match the animal buddies either vertically or horizontally to clear them. Any star blocks that come in between the animals will also be destroyed. This mechanic can be used creatively to trigger long chains of destruction. Meanwhile, blocks rise from the ground as in Puzzle League. It’s a simple game that gets intense in later levels, once stone blocks and bombs are introduced.

Star Stacker also featured simple, but catchy tunes that can lodge themselves in your head. As any good action puzzle game, a two-player mode is included; hopefully, Virtual Console will support that feature.

The Game Boy had many good action puzzle games, but further development of Star Stacker, so far, has been spurned in favor of repeated re-releases of Dr. Mario. There was a Super Famicom version of Star Stacker, but so far, it hasn’t made it out of Japan, in either cartridge or Virtual Console form.

Finally, I’d like to see Revenge of the Gator return. Coming from HAL Laboratory years before Kirby was created, near the launch of the Game Boy, Revenge of the Gator is a comical pinball game. From the very beginning, you can see it’s a bit out of the ordinary, with the reptiles coming on stage in a Vaudeville performance. Every aspect of the game is dominated by these wide-eyed gators, and players must do everything they can to keep their balls from falling down into the big gator’s mouth.

The stages are a bit simple by today’s standards, and the main stage is highly reminiscent of Pinball for the NES, but it paved the way for later games such as Kirby’s Pinball Land. Despite being an early title, it’s still an engaging experience. There are several levels situated above the main stage and there are a number of bonus areas that feature slightly altered gameplay, such as block busting levels, a stage where you feed a gator fish, and winged gator hatcheries. There was even a competitive two-player mode that I never had a chance to try.

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Talkback

AVJanuary 31, 2011

i love this idea !!!!


MORE MORE MORE !!!!!!



BlackNMild2k1January 31, 2011

In before Kyitim..... ;D

ToruresuJanuary 31, 2011

Definately Metroid II. It's rough on the edges now, but it's still a good game - it gave me the creeps!


Edit: How could I forget Balloon Kid!

Kytim89January 31, 2011

I could sense that this thread was created some how. Although my wishlist for the GB/GBC is very small, which consists mainly of Metroid 2, most of favorites are for the GBA. Yes, the GBA has not been announced, but it can bet that will be available soon.

Sword of Mana
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Metroid Fusion
Golden Sun 1 and 2
GTA Advance
LoZ: The Minish Cap
Gunstar Super Heroes
Mario and Luigi: Super Star Saga

AdrockJanuary 31, 2011

Sword of Mana might be the only pre-DS/PSP handheld game I wanted but missed out on (Star Ocean: Second Evolution is currently impossible to find in stores around me). I don't know what happened there either. Maybe the original GBC Shantae too, but with Risky's Revenge, I don't feel too bad about missing the GBC one. I was more retroactively upset for missing out because I didn't hear about it until years after when a GBA sequel was almost going to happen then didn't.

I had my chance at getting Golden Sun: The Lost Age last year for like $5 and I passed on it. I liked the first one, just not enough to play through the sequel.

LJKKJLCM9January 31, 2011

Great choices....
I still have my GBC and all 3 of those games!


THE JACKEL

My demands are simple:
- Donkey Kong '94
- Oracle Zeldas
- Kirby Star Stacker
- Pokemon Trading Card Game

RABicleFebruary 01, 2011

Survival Kids

that is all.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorFebruary 01, 2011

I'm going to second the Oracle Zeldas.  I was half tempted to pop 'em out the other day and replay them, but decided to wait on the eventual 3DS releases of them.  I wonder if I'll be able to use the cartridge version's passwords...

Also, not GB/GBC - but Four Swords, playable via wireless multi-player.  That's something that hasn't been touched upon yet, as far as I know... how will the 3DS VC handle multi-player?

NemoFebruary 01, 2011

Revenge of the 'Gator!

Pedro's stuff is up on Tuesday.

I believe Zach is slated for Wednesday.

Karlie Thursday.

Neal Friday.

Saturday we might have forced another staffer to do it.

Sunday we rest.

Retro DeckadesFebruary 01, 2011

Glad to see that Shaymin mentioned DK '94. One game which I bought without knowing anything about it but played endlessly and enjoyed immensely was the first Game and Watch title for the Game Boy. Though only featuring 4 games -- Manhole, Fire, Octopus and Oil Panic -- the modern versions all play great, making this my favourite of the Game and Watch titles.

The Wario Land games are a must (perhaps we'll see Virtual Boy's entry someday?), as well as Kirby's Dream Land 2, which is one of the very best Kirby games.

I'd also love to see Mega Man 5, as I never did own it.

I wouldn't mind seeing an entry on Saturday that lists editor's top 5s or mentions other games that were not originally discussed.

If James and I ever have to pull a two-man RFN for some insane reason, it's good to know that we can just talk about the awesome Crystalis that whole time.

I demand Mario Tennis for GBC, one of my all-time favorites.

Indeed! Donkey Kong '94 and the DKL trilogy (even though the third was horribly glitchy), the Warioland series and Metroid 2 are my first choices.
Mario Land 2 is also inevitable. I'd love to see the three original gameboy Castlevania games, too.
Maybe Fortress of Fear? I miss that game...

I'm still half expecting some kind of special feature using the DS-Wii linkup capability to allow Pokemon R/B VC to communicate with Pokemon Stadium N64 VC.
It'll likely never happen, but nonetheless the technology exists, and it'd be a great way to get your retro Pokem on.

MorariFebruary 01, 2011

I want GameGear games... 'nuff said.

When this idea was first pitched, I asked if they wanted to expand the scope beyond the Game Boy. The idea was flatly rejected.

BlackNMild2k1February 01, 2011

Quote from: Crimm

When this idea was first pitched, I asked if they wanted to expand the scope beyond the Game Boy. The idea was flatly rejected.

save it for a future article. It will probably be a good long while before you even get most of the stuff that you would list from just the GB.

Mop it upFebruary 01, 2011

The Mega Man X games aren't likely to be released on the Wii Virtual Console, so the Game Boy versions would be the next best thing.

I actually dug out Xtreme 1. I can't find 2.

:-\ I like 2 more.

SupaKirbFebruary 03, 2011

Great list Zach. I'm surprised no one has put any old Pokemon games on here... I definently want both some Kirby and Pokemon action. I could play the originals forever.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorFebruary 03, 2011

Quote from: UncleBob

That's something that hasn't been touched upon yet, as far as I know... how will the 3DS VC handle multi-player?

No one's touched this... Could they do GB/GBC games without multi-player?  How much would that suck?

TJ SpykeFebruary 03, 2011

I didn't play too many GB/GBC games, but weren't the majority of them single player? I know some (like Pokemon) used a lot of multiplayer, but weren't those in the minority?

But if they support multiplayer, then UncleBob's hacked together Faceball 2000 multiplayer solution could become a lot less unique.

Quote from: insanolord

But if they support multiplayer, then UncleBob's hacked together Faceball 2000 multiplayer solution could become a lot less unique.

FACEBALL 2000

*clears throat* Excuse me.


There are Game Boy emulators that even emulate the multiplayer. It shouldn't be that hard to trick the game into treating the wireless as the ol' black cable.

There are N64 emulators capable of emulating the controller pak, but that didn't stop Nintendo from leaving it out of the Virtual Console implementation.

The only game in my collection that it has prevented from coming out is Aidyn Chronicles: The First Mage.


I support the decision to leave it out on those grounds alone.

Karlie's post is live.

Panel de Pon addict approved.

{temp derail} You know, I've used the buttons for so long in Planet Puzzle League I totally forgot you can use the stylus. {/temp derail}

I totally forgot there was a Panel de Pon on the GBC, too.

Kytim89February 04, 2011

I want all the TMNT games for the Gameboy on the 3DS.

TheFleeceFebruary 04, 2011

I played a whole mess ton of Pokemon Puzzle League and then I replaced it with Planet Puzzle League which is pretty much the same game, but without Pokemen. Then I gave it away so if it came out for download I would get it, I suppose. Oracle of Ages and Time are games I always wanted to play, but at the time they came out I couldn't afford both and didn't know anyone else who even played GBA. 
My wish list is pretty standard because I grew up with the first Game Boy and I while I actually have a GB system, I'd just like to replay all the classics on better hardware- 3d or not. I was a huge fan of the Wario series so I'd like those the most, but  I'd like to see Shantae and Super Princess Peach being made available.
I have a NGP (Neo Geo Pocket) and I would love to play those games and stuff from the Lynx too down the line. I hope Nintendo can work it out.

SupaKirbFebruary 04, 2011

OMG! I loved Pokemon Puzzle collection! At first I never thought I would, but it was sooo much fun!!!! Also Zelda! This list was really great!

Ryan CannonFebruary 04, 2011

I was hoping someone would point out Oracles or ages and seasons. 

In case you didn't know, Zach's went up two days ago, and my entry went up today.


Lauren makes her long-awaited (maybe?) return to writing things for NWR with her selection tomorrow.

Fun thing this feature has taught me: our staff can't follow directions.

yoshi1001February 05, 2011

Quote from: Shaymin

My demands are simple:
...
- Pokemon Trading Card Game

I have little doubt that will come out eventually-the cross-maketing opportunity is too great to pass on.

Quote from: Crimm

Fun thing this feature has taught me: our staff can't follow directions.

I personally like the bonus games Zach and Pedro wrote about. I also like the game that Lauren wrote, if only for the sake that I don't know how to properly pronounce it.

KDR_11kFebruary 06, 2011

That Catrap game is on most too-many-in-one pirate carts for the GB IIRC. I think my cart called it Pit Boy.

I finally played Catrap this weekend, and it is a lot of fun. Read what it is in Lauren's entry.

YankeeFebruary 06, 2011

Color me shocked. No mention of the ever so popular Cho Aniki: Otoko no Tamafuda for the Wonderswan by Mr. Lindemann! Come on, you know it will happen eventually!

TJ SpykeFebruary 06, 2011

Quote from: Yankee

Color me shocked. No mention of the ever so popular Cho Aniki: Otoko no Tamafuda for the Wonderswan by Mr. Lindemann! Come on, you know it will happen eventually!

They had to pick games for Game Boy and Game Boy Color (since those are the only ones confirmed for 3DS VC right now).

Jon forgot to mention that, the first time I met him, we sat in line for E3 playing my copy of Bionic Commando: Elite Forces.

Oh snap, I totally forgot about that.  Didn't you play my copy of Pokemon Pinball?

Quote from: NWR_Lindy

Oh snap, I totally forgot about that.  Didn't you play my copy of Pokemon Pinball?

If I were less mature I'd make a joke here. Instead I'll just imply it. That's how adults handle such things.

gamedude98February 07, 2011

THIS IDEA ROCKS HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD:)

Nah, I already owned Pokemon Pinball and had been playing it for 100+ hours.

Well I know I let you play something on my GBC...maybe Wario Land II?

WL2 was the first game I bought for my GBC... in 1998. So I doubt I played your copy in 2001.


By the way, I like Josh's choices. WL3 is obviously fantastic and almost won RetroActive (twice). Pokemon TCG is one I haven't played, but I heard really good things about it at the time.

Ryan CannonFebruary 08, 2011

All these ideas are actually all really good. hopefully someone from nintendo will read these and say "Hey! thats a good idea!" I need to save up for some wiiware points.

Kytim should be happy with my selections.

NemoFebruary 09, 2011

I'm glad to see someone else giving Revenge of the 'Gator some props. Especially, a staffer doing it on the site. :) Whenever I went on trips with my cousins (who had a GameBoy), this was the game I'd always play.

TJ SpykeFebruary 09, 2011

What I like about features like this is reading about game I had never even heard of before (like Revenge of the 'Gator and Catrap).

I have fond memories of play Revenge of the Gator's multi-player mode. No shortage of love for that classic at NWR!

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