Because we started our Virtual Console Mondays news feature a few weeks after the Wii launched, we haven't yet gotten around to issuing recommendations to every game on the service. Now that we have the Virtual Console index up and running, we wanted to go back and get to the games we missed. Here's our first set of make-up recommendations. They're shorter than what you're used to seeing, but the ratings are the same. The games here weren't chosen for any particular reason; they just happened to get recommendations from our staff before the others!

Alien Crush is a pinball game obviously inspired by the art designs of H.R. Geiger. It features two different boards, each with a unique soundtrack, and several bonus areas. Consider it a spiritual predecessor to Metroid Prime Pinball, with many similar elements like aliens "eating" your ball, and alien larvae being released to be destroyed for bonus points. It also has one of the coolest plunger sounds ever. There have been better pinball games released since, but very few have been like Alien Crush. Anybody looking for a unique pinball experience need look no further.

Bonk’s Adventure - TurboGrafx-16

Released 1990

1 Player

Cost: 600 Wii Points ($6)

Controllers: Wii Remote, Wii Classic, GameCube

Bonk’s Adventure is a platform action game, starring a caveman that uses his thick skull to attack and climbs walls with his jagged teeth. Smashing enemies with headbutts requires precise timing, and there is a lot of variety to enemy attack patterns which makes the game increasingly challenging. Extra lives are also hard to come by, but you can earn some by juggling an enemy with your noggin to build up points. It’s tougher to plow through than a Mario or Sonic title, but everyone should give this iconic platformer a shot. - Daniel Bloodworth

Ecco the Dolphin places you in a bizarre conflict between aliens and marine life. Ecco’s pod has been vacuumed into the sky, and he goes on a search to rescue it. You have to navigate deep underwater mazes while avoiding enemies and finding pockets of air to stay alive. While the concept is interesting, the game itself is quite frustrating and you have to repeat tedious labyrinths over and over. Ecco’s a bit clumsy to control and he can only attack with the tip of his nose, making it difficult to navigate past hazards and enemies.

F-Zero - SNES

Released 8/13/1991

1 Player

Cost: 800 Wii Points ($8)

Controllers: Wii Remote, Wii Classic, GameCube

Nintendo's first foray into futuristic racing is a landmark game that still holds up today. The graphics may take getting used to if you missed the whole Mode-7 era, but the gameplay is very fast and challenging, with smooth controls that work well on both Classic and GameCube controllers. It's still a shame that the game is single-player only. - Jonathan Metts

While somewhat short, Treasure's manic, two-player co-operative shoot-em-up is a nonstop barrage of henchmen and bosses perfect for anyone itching for a challenge. Level variety, a clever weapon system, and difficulty levels ranging from "hard" to "holy crap" make it well worth the price.

The Legend of Zelda - NES

Released 8/22/1987

1 Player

Cost: 500 Wii Points ($5)

Controllers: Wii Remote, Wii Classic, GameCube

The Legend of Zelda's expansive world, hidden dungeons (complete with treasure), and challenging second quest paved the way for decades of adventure games. The game provides very little help, which can make some of the puzzles a bit obtuse, but those willing to explore will most certainly be rewarded. - Michael Cole

One of Sonic Team's last games for Genesis, Ristar is paced more slowly than the Sonic series. The visuals are amazing and the music is catchy, but severe hit detection problems and a limited view of what's coming will result in many cheap hits and a lot of frustration for the player. It's a lengthy game with interesting mechanics, if you can put up with the annoying enemies and level design. Works well with all controllers.

Solomon's Key - NES

Released 1987

1 Players

Cost: 500 Wii Points ($5)

Controllers: Wii Remote, Wii Classic, GameCube

Solomon's Key is a well-crafted action-puzzle game. There really hasn't been a game like it since. The gameplay consists of guiding the wizard Danos through single-screen levels by using a magic wand to create or destroy blocks that can hinder enemies or provide a path to the goal. The level design remains admirably fresh and challenging throughout the game, and the control is quite responsive. Solomon's Key is a worthy addition to any virtual console library. - David Trammell

Wario’s Woods is one of the last games to ever grace the NES, a full three years after the SNES came out. It’s a puzzle game that requires you to match colored bombs with woodland monsters, somewhat like Dr. Mario. The difference is that rather than moving the falling bombs, you control Toad to pick up, kick, and arrange the items already on the ground. It’s a decent puzzle game, but it doesn’t really stand out as a must-play.