Virtual Console Roundup
Kid Mega Warrior Fight.
Soldier Blade
- Platform: TurboGrafx-16
- Wii Points: 600
Probably the fastest vertical shooter on the VC, Soldier Blade is as generic as they come - colour-coded weapon power-ups, hovering support pod, manga styling - but that's not to say the casual blaster fan won't get their money's worth from its relentless (yet surprisingly easy) combat.
Hold the button down, avoid the enemy projectiles peppering the screen and point your nozzle of white hot laser death in their direction. Pick up the floating canisters left behind, beef up your weapons into a mesh of deadly destruction and...keep on going.
It's twitch gaming in its purest, most basic form, and while I'm sure there are experts (nerds) who can debate long and hard as to which shooter is superior, this will more than satisfy most of us.
7/10
New Adventure Island
- Platform: TurboGrafx-16
- Wii Points: 600
By looking at the VC line-up, you'd be forgiven for thinking that the TurboGrafx-16 was home to mostly manic shoot-'em-ups and cartoon platformers in which prehistoric children threw things at naughty animals. It's not true, of course. The platform hosted some great sports games, some interesting RPGs and a pretty great version of Chase HQ.
Having said that, here's a cartoon platformer in which a prehistoric child throws things at naughty animals.
Admittedly, he does get to ride a skateboard as well, but while everything looks very jolly and chunky, there are only so many times you can throw a boomerang at unmoving snakes and snails before it all starts to merge into one generic splodge of fruit pick-ups and palm tree backdrops. However, New Adventure Island is brighter and easier than most of its platform peers, so if you've got younger kids to placate this is probably worth adding to your collection.
7/10
Battle Lode Runner
- Platform: TurboGrafx-16
- Wii Points: 600
There are few multiplayer games on the VC, outside of the expected two-player modes, so this deathmatch flavoured rejig of the popular Hudson Soft ladder-climbing platformer is a welcome addition.
If Dig Dug got tipsy and had an illicit evening with Bomberman, Battle Lode Runner is what the eventual mewling child would look like. You scamper around the levels, picking up gold and digging holes in the floor to stymie or ensnare the other players (or monsters, if you're playing the single-player game - also included here).
There are several different four-player modes to try - from last-man-standing Survival rounds, to score-based competitions where your race to rack up the most points. From the password-based continue system to the polished controls and cunning level designs, Battle Lode Runner makes a fine addition to your Wii menu. Give it a try.
8/10