Welcome to VC Weekly, N-Europe's guide to the wonderful world of Nintendo's download service. Written by Sam C Gittins.

Another week, another single release from Nintendo and once again it's quality over quantity as a sequel to an already successful shooter joins the ranks of the VC. Anyway enough from me and on with the erm... game!

Available for download this week we have...

• Lords of Thunder

Points: 800
Publisher: Hudson
Developer: Hudson
Released: 1994
System: Turbografx

When the original Gates of Thunder was released it succeeded in not only creating a meticulously crafted and mesmerising shooting experience which made many fans but it also raised the profile of the console it was originally released on. There was so much in it's favour and so little to fault due to it's unique flavour of aerial assault; it was a surprisingly epic shooter with nothing that quite compared to it at the time.

So it should perhaps come of no surprise that this installment was released and while it has nothing to do with the original in terms of plot (the usual reawakening of evil and rising hero scenario) it is very much a spiritual successor. As the games protagonist named Landis you basically battle your way through the games six stages in order to achieve your goal of generally destroying everything that moves.

In many ways this surpasses the original taking on it's basic formula and adding a lot more into the mix; just before choosing your stage (there is no preset order) you get to select what type of elemental armor you will be using, this not only adds a tactical element but in many ways it will be pivotal to your success as each element will either be effective or defective depending on the stage, this might sound somewhat gimmicky but once you start playing it adds to the experience in a positive way.

As well as a plethora of projectile based weaponry you also have use of a sword which proves exceedingly useful in ending enemies who persistently encroach on your breathing space; using this attack does temporarily immobilise you however so tactical exploit of this ability is required. Along the way you get the chance to enhance your armour and while once you reach fully upgraded status you may find the game slightly easier, for the most part it's as difficult as it's predecessor if not more so.

Graphically gratuitous in so many ways this easily surpasses the visuals seen in the original thanks to the more fantasy orientated direction this instalment has taken which has enabled the designers to create a delightfully diverse selection of erratic enemies and breathtaking backdrops. Audio is worth a special mention too as it's selection of heavy rock tracks which would sound out of place anywhere else really help to instil a frenetic feeling as you play which complements the frantic on-screen action.

Every bit as good as the original and then just that little bit more; Lords of Thunder is yet another scrolling shooter that is truly deserving of it's place in the Virtual Console library. An experience that will surprise and delight veterans and newcomers alike with it's unique sense of style and well balanced gameplay this is well worthy and is a download that doesn't disappoint.

Verdict : An epic and effortlessly excellent shooting experience.

Thats it for another installment of VC Weekly which will return again soon. So until then, enjoy the rest of the week and Game On!

Sam Gittins
[email protected]

Looking for reviews on other Virtual Console games? Or a full list of games available on the system? Then Check out our Virtual Console Index Page.