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Wii

Virtual Console Mondays: January 22

by Steven Rodriguez - January 22, 2007, 8:15 pm EST
Total comments: 23

Finally, Nintendo hears our pleas and brings out a big gun. But where are the other games?

Well, that's interesting. Nintendo up and disappeared for the last two weeks, only to return with what many people will tell you is the best game ever made. All is forgiven, Nintendo. Well, at least until next week.

Curiously, Sega had promised three Virtual Console releases today, but as of 8:30 Monday evening (Pacific time), they are nowhere to be found. Whenever they get around to upping them, we'll update this page with our recommendations. Hopefully, that'll happen by the end of tomorrow.

Then again, they wouldn't have stood much of a chance against Nintendo's game.


The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - SNES

Released: 4/13/1992

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - SNES

1 Player

Cost: 800 Wii Points ($8)

Controllers: Wii Classic, GameCube

A Link to the Past was the last 2D Zelda game to come out on a non-portable console. It actually moved back to the strictly top down view found in the original game (and strayed from slightly in the second one). The world itself is significantly larger than the one in the previous two games. It also features an alternate dark world that includes different dungeons and enemies. Items play a huge role in the game, and many Zelda staples, like the Master Sword and the Hookshot, are introduced.

For those looking for the optimal control setup, play the game with the Wii Classic controller. The GameCube controller will get the job done just fine, but the B Button/Y Button combo doesn't seem to be optimally placed for sword/secondary use. Even though Wind Waker and Twilight Princess uses the same scheme, things go much faster in the 2D space, so it doesn't feel quite right.

Recommended for EveryoneSo where does A Link to the Past fall among all of the Zelda games that have come out? Some might say it's the best of them all. The Super Nintendo iteration of the franchise has an engrossing story and world that put every game before it to shame. Plenty of items, two different worlds, and two different sets of enemies really set the stage for every Zelda game to follow. If you haven't played this game, download it NOW. If you have played this game, I guess you can wait until tomorrow and then download it.

Talkback

tonythekittyJanuary 22, 2007

Really, no one has commented on this? I cant believe that! Guess Ill just be the 1st to say. YEA! Thanks for this and Super Castlevania IV Nintendo, all we need now is SUPER METROID and Super Mario All stars and World. Yea!

tonythekittyJanuary 22, 2007

Really, no one has commented on this? I cant believe that! Guess Ill just be the 1st to say. YEA! Thanks for this and Super Castlevania IV Nintendo, all we need now is SUPER METROID and Super Mario All stars and World. Yea!

TMWJanuary 22, 2007

Bout damn time.

Hell, I didn't even own an SNES and I have played the hell out of this game. (pre releases, that is)

TMWJanuary 22, 2007

Bout damn time.

Hell, I didn't even own an SNES and I have played the hell out of this game. (pre releases, that is)

KDR_11kJanuary 23, 2007

A Link to the Past was the last 2D Zelda game to come out on a non-portable console.

Bcause the Gamecube's handle makes it easy to carry or because the writer doesn't know about Four Swords Adventures?

KDR_11kJanuary 23, 2007

A Link to the Past was the last 2D Zelda game to come out on a non-portable console.

Bcause the Gamecube's handle makes it easy to carry or because the writer doesn't know about Four Swords Adventures?

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorJanuary 23, 2007

Alright, you got us KDR. But still, FSA wasn't really a traditional Zelda game.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorJanuary 23, 2007

Alright, you got us KDR. But still, FSA wasn't really a traditional Zelda game.

armedallianceJanuary 23, 2007

Also it was really just a prettied up port from the GBA so that might be reason enough :-P

Anyways, I'm tempted to get this, but logic is saying no, lol. I've had the SNES cart since it first came out and there will never be a Zelda to date that will rival the experience I had with this one, because it was the first in the series I ever got really into and beat. Had it not been for A Link To The Past, I may not have been as much of a fan as I am today. Although I'll still hope Nintendo manages to consider adding the GB/GBC games to the VC list, 'cause I would really love to see Link's Awakening on there ^^ (my original GB cart doesn't hold a save very well these days). Would be easy to sell a few of those at like 200-300 points each, I'm sure.

armedallianceJanuary 23, 2007

Also it was really just a prettied up port from the GBA so that might be reason enough :-P

Anyways, I'm tempted to get this, but logic is saying no, lol. I've had the SNES cart since it first came out and there will never be a Zelda to date that will rival the experience I had with this one, because it was the first in the series I ever got really into and beat. Had it not been for A Link To The Past, I may not have been as much of a fan as I am today. Although I'll still hope Nintendo manages to consider adding the GB/GBC games to the VC list, 'cause I would really love to see Link's Awakening on there ^^ (my original GB cart doesn't hold a save very well these days). Would be easy to sell a few of those at like 200-300 points each, I'm sure.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorJanuary 23, 2007

FSA was hardly a "port" of any kind.

UncleBobRichard Cook, Guest ContributorJanuary 23, 2007

FSA was hardly a "port" of any kind.

AcefonduJanuary 23, 2007

What's with that "check back soon" comment for more updates. Are you expecting more games?

AcefonduJanuary 23, 2007

What's with that "check back soon" comment for more updates. Are you expecting more games?

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorJanuary 23, 2007

There were supposed to be Sega games that came out too, but they have disappeared and no one really knows why. For all we know they may slip to next week.

PaleMike Gamin, Contributing EditorJanuary 23, 2007

There were supposed to be Sega games that came out too, but they have disappeared and no one really knows why. For all we know they may slip to next week.

Ian SaneJanuary 23, 2007

Is FSA a port at all? I was under the impression that it was more like a sequel to Four Swords with all new content.

It doesn't matter anyway since Four Swords required the purchase of a game I already had so I never bought it. The ability to buy Four Swords on its own would have been worthwhile anyway.

Ian SaneJanuary 23, 2007

Is FSA a port at all? I was under the impression that it was more like a sequel to Four Swords with all new content.

It doesn't matter anyway since Four Swords required the purchase of a game I already had so I never bought it. The ability to buy Four Swords on its own would have been worthwhile anyway.

tonythekittyJanuary 23, 2007

Four Swords Adventures was more like a game starring link, than an actual Zelda game. It was also pretty terrible if you ask me. I went and got that game with the greatest of anticipation (I am a fan of 2d games on next gen consoles with really purty graphics) but the fact that you cant keep weapons in between "adventures" ruins it for me. I love leveling link up with all his goodies and being a bad ass as he storms thru Hyrule. I think the moderator forgot FSA because it was , well, forgetable. And where is Comix Zone anyway? I love that game and was going to download it today.

tonythekittyJanuary 23, 2007

Four Swords Adventures was more like a game starring link, than an actual Zelda game. It was also pretty terrible if you ask me. I went and got that game with the greatest of anticipation (I am a fan of 2d games on next gen consoles with really purty graphics) but the fact that you cant keep weapons in between "adventures" ruins it for me. I love leveling link up with all his goodies and being a bad ass as he storms thru Hyrule. I think the moderator forgot FSA because it was , well, forgetable. And where is Comix Zone anyway? I love that game and was going to download it today.

KDR_11kJanuary 23, 2007

I liked FSA, it was kind of an arcade Zelda. Puzzle solving and all but not much in terms of needing to search secrets and the way it didn't let you accumulate stuff allowed for puzzles that required some improvisation because the item that would be easiest for them isn't available. So they could e.g. have you shooting with the fire staff but no bow available. In normal Zeldas they can't revoke items often so they couldn't do lategame (i.e. hard) puzzles that limited you to certain items. I just wish it had been harder, extra lives were so ubiquitous that even if you died you could just resurrect immediately and keep clobbering enemies. I had about 20 of them towards the end of the game which made the bosses way too easy.

KDR_11kJanuary 23, 2007

I liked FSA, it was kind of an arcade Zelda. Puzzle solving and all but not much in terms of needing to search secrets and the way it didn't let you accumulate stuff allowed for puzzles that required some improvisation because the item that would be easiest for them isn't available. So they could e.g. have you shooting with the fire staff but no bow available. In normal Zeldas they can't revoke items often so they couldn't do lategame (i.e. hard) puzzles that limited you to certain items. I just wish it had been harder, extra lives were so ubiquitous that even if you died you could just resurrect immediately and keep clobbering enemies. I had about 20 of them towards the end of the game which made the bosses way too easy.

UltimatePartyBearJanuary 23, 2007

FSA was one of the greatest multiplayer experiences of the past generation. If you had three friends to play it with, it was absolutely brilliant. If you played it by yourself, you're a sad, lonely loser and I pity you. No, I'm kidding. I had to pick up a friend and drive four hours to another friend's house twice to play through it, and it was worth it.

UltimatePartyBearJanuary 23, 2007

FSA was one of the greatest multiplayer experiences of the past generation. If you had three friends to play it with, it was absolutely brilliant. If you played it by yourself, you're a sad, lonely loser and I pity you. No, I'm kidding. I had to pick up a friend and drive four hours to another friend's house twice to play through it, and it was worth it.

tonythekittyJanuary 23, 2007

Well count me as a sad lonely loser, I only have my wife and daughter but no friends. Friends get remarkably harder to make as you get older so beware of that comment a little later on in your own life. I did play it in single player mode, and as you stated, I believe we can both agree that single player mode was pretty terrible. Also I don't usually like multiplayer. I am more of a classic game collector. I actually bought my Wii for the virtual console content. Yes, I did buy the new zelda, but now that link to the past is out I may never play it again. Also, mad props to nintendo for doing the Wii compliation for all the Metal Slugs. I love that game.

tonythekittyJanuary 23, 2007

Well count me as a sad lonely loser, I only have my wife and daughter but no friends. Friends get remarkably harder to make as you get older so beware of that comment a little later on in your own life. I did play it in single player mode, and as you stated, I believe we can both agree that single player mode was pretty terrible. Also I don't usually like multiplayer. I am more of a classic game collector. I actually bought my Wii for the virtual console content. Yes, I did buy the new zelda, but now that link to the past is out I may never play it again. Also, mad props to nintendo for doing the Wii compliation for all the Metal Slugs. I love that game.

The night I got Metal Slug: Anthology, I played the game long enough to COMPLETELY justify my purchase right there and then... assuming that each continue only cost 25 cents. If each continue cost more, then I justified my purchase multiple times over!

~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

The night I got Metal Slug: Anthology, I played the game long enough to COMPLETELY justify my purchase right there and then... assuming that each continue only cost 25 cents. If each continue cost more, then I justified my purchase multiple times over!

~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

UltimatePartyBearJanuary 24, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: tonythekitty
Well count me as a sad lonely loser, I only have my wife and daughter but no friends. Friends get remarkably harder to make as you get older so beware of that comment a little later on in your own life.

I said I was kidding. Most of my friends live in different cities since college (several years ago now), and it took some doing to get four people together. Not only did I have to drive a while and stay at an out of town friend's house two separate weekends, but I had to buy them GBA SPs, too. It helped that another friend was also desperate to play and split the cost, and I received one of the GBAs as a gift myself. I'm also well aware that my bachelor status made it all much easier.

I don't expect everyone to go to a lot of trouble to play FSA with four players, but I am saying that it is a great game when you can make it work. The couple I stayed with liked it enough to borrow my copy and my extra GBA so they could play it with some other friends of theirs.

Incidentally, we tried Crystal Chronicles afterwards, and it didn't go over very well. I still haven't been able to play that game the way it was meant to be played.

UltimatePartyBearJanuary 24, 2007

Quote

Originally posted by: tonythekitty
Well count me as a sad lonely loser, I only have my wife and daughter but no friends. Friends get remarkably harder to make as you get older so beware of that comment a little later on in your own life.

I said I was kidding. Most of my friends live in different cities since college (several years ago now), and it took some doing to get four people together. Not only did I have to drive a while and stay at an out of town friend's house two separate weekends, but I had to buy them GBA SPs, too. It helped that another friend was also desperate to play and split the cost, and I received one of the GBAs as a gift myself. I'm also well aware that my bachelor status made it all much easier.

I don't expect everyone to go to a lot of trouble to play FSA with four players, but I am saying that it is a great game when you can make it work. The couple I stayed with liked it enough to borrow my copy and my extra GBA so they could play it with some other friends of theirs.

Incidentally, we tried Crystal Chronicles afterwards, and it didn't go over very well. I still haven't been able to play that game the way it was meant to be played.

KDR_11kJanuary 24, 2007

I did play it in single player mode, and as you stated, I believe we can both agree that single player mode was pretty terrible.

Bullhoooooooooooooooooooonkey. It's awesome in singleplayer.

KDR_11kJanuary 24, 2007

I did play it in single player mode, and as you stated, I believe we can both agree that single player mode was pretty terrible.

Bullhoooooooooooooooooooonkey. It's awesome in singleplayer.

tonythekittyJanuary 24, 2007

You are entitled to your opinion KDR, but all im saying is after 10 mins of play it made me wish I had a copy of link to the past. And now I do, and I can sell my fsa for $3.50 to the used cd store.

tonythekittyJanuary 24, 2007

You are entitled to your opinion KDR, but all im saying is after 10 mins of play it made me wish I had a copy of link to the past. And now I do, and I can sell my fsa for $3.50 to the used cd store.

...I never "got" FSA ever... at all... blah.

~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

...I never "got" FSA ever... at all... blah.

~Carmine "Cai" M. Red
Kairon@aol.com

NinGurl69 *hugglesJanuary 24, 2007

How can an action-oriented Zelda game that serves up action in good 30min+ bursts be a bad thing?

Was the nostalgia too painful to give the entire FSA game a chance?

Cuz what is FSA afterall? Link to the Past gameplay mechanics with dynamic additions, increased enemies counts, and stripped exploration. People aren't liking the slashy-slash or they're so rigid they want to have their soup slowly.

NinGurl69 *hugglesJanuary 24, 2007

How can an action-oriented Zelda game that serves up action in good 30min+ bursts be a bad thing?

Was the nostalgia too painful to give the entire FSA game a chance?

Cuz what is FSA afterall? Link to the Past gameplay mechanics with dynamic additions, increased enemies counts, and stripped exploration. People aren't liking the slashy-slash or they're so rigid they want to have their soup slowly.

I liked Four Swords Adventures a lot! Alone was fun, and with others was fantastic. But anyway, I need a classic controller 'cause I can't stands this game with the GC controller.

I liked Four Swords Adventures a lot! Alone was fun, and with others was fantastic. But anyway, I need a classic controller 'cause I can't stands this game with the GC controller.

tonythekittyJanuary 25, 2007

For me it was the absence of item collecting. I could have lived with everything else, but I like stockpiling weapons. I am a "collector" I collect video games I might not ever even play ant I collect items, (as long as they DO something) like weapons. I love the castlevania series on gba/sp because of this btw.

tonythekittyJanuary 25, 2007

For me it was the absence of item collecting. I could have lived with everything else, but I like stockpiling weapons. I am a "collector" I collect video games I might not ever even play ant I collect items, (as long as they DO something) like weapons. I love the castlevania series on gba/sp because of this btw.

CericJanuary 25, 2007

I have to say I thought Four Swords was the best Zelda game on the cube and I had to play it single player. (Wind Waker would have gotten it if it wasn't for the water and the lack of things to do.)

CericJanuary 25, 2007

I have to say I thought Four Swords was the best Zelda game on the cube and I had to play it single player. (Wind Waker would have gotten it if it wasn't for the water and the lack of things to do.)

KDR_11kJanuary 25, 2007

I like collecting but sometimes arcade style is just so much more carefree, no worrying if you missed something because you're not going to keep it for long anyway.

Ceric: You don't like TP, eh?

KDR_11kJanuary 25, 2007

I like collecting but sometimes arcade style is just so much more carefree, no worrying if you missed something because you're not going to keep it for long anyway.

Ceric: You don't like TP, eh?

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