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

A stellar set of releases this time around which have all appeared on the Wii VC before but that doesn't stop them from being amazing games, some revised reviews feature plus one originally written by Jordan Khoviteri-Zadeh. Anyway enough from me and on with the games!
 
Available for download this week we have...     

Mega Man 5
Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts
Super Mario Bros. 2
Super Metroid


 
Price: GB £4.49, EU €4.99
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Released: 1993
System: NES

Fundamentally each game in the Mega Man series is very much the same as the previous, this fifth entry is no exception which sees the Blue Bomber suit up yet again to defeat the evil Dr. Wily and his eight Robot Masters, you choose to take on the stages in any order but keep in mind that you'll be facing the relevant master of the stage that you selected as a boss at the end. This is relevant because each of them possesses a certain power which you'll acquire upon defeating them that's required to defeat another of the masters effectively, of course you can defeat all of the bosses with your standard weaponry but it's in finding the best route where part of the appeal of these games lies.

Rush returns as your loyal robotic companion once again as you'll be needing to call upon him for assistance at certain sections of the game as he has many abilities this time around which will be of great use to you, including 'Rush Coil' which allows you to jump higher plus the infinitely awesome 'Rush Jet' which allows you safe passage over some of the trickier sections such as spiked pits or deadly falls, these are limited powers however so you'll want to use them wisely. In an interesting twist there are also such things as 'Letter Plates' scattered through the games eight stages, providing you can locate them all to spell 'MEGAMANV' then you'll earn the aid of another special helper, this is a rather excellent addition that adds another layer to the proceedings.

Naturally the controls are really responsive never letting up for a second, as has become a tradition for most Mega Man games so you'll feel right at home here with easy access to your abilities along with your repertoire of staple moves, which are simple to perform just as you'd expect. Admittedly the level of challenge isn't quite up there with the rest of the titles but that's not to say that it's any pushover either, as there will still be moments when you'll likely need to repeat a certain problem section more than a handful of times, seasoned veterans won't have too many issues though the few hidden surprises along the way will likely delight all who play it.

Easily one of the best looking titles from the NES era, this entry carries on the tradition of delightfully detailed sprites alongside beautiful backdrops and ground detail that all come together in a creative fusion that's truly a visual treat to behold; couple this with the top-notch animation on all of the characters which adds up to something that's as much a joy to look at as it is to play. Audio is still of a typically high standard that many have come to expect featuring some of the best chip-tunes the series has ever seen that'll make you smile as you play blasting everything in sight, which is satisfying in itself thanks to the largely unchanged substantial sound effects that have also become yet another staple.

While there are better games in the series the difference really isn't by that much, when you consider what the fifth instalment has to offer it's impossible not to recommend, it's a game of very high quality and yet another entry in the series that fans will love. If you're a newcomer Mega Man then I'd advise trying one of the earlier titles first but whichever way you look at it Mega Man 5 is a spectacular platform game with a lot to offer.

Verdict : The fantastic fifth game in the Mega Man series is still fun to play.



Price: GB £5.49, EU €7.99
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Released: 1992
System: SNES

Sequel to the original arcade classic, Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts is in my opinion, the original survival horror. The game involves running from one end of the stage to another. Get hit twice, and you're dead. Simple as that! This game is tough as nails. Even finishing the first level on standard difficulty can be tough, as the enemies move faster than you do. So the big question is, are you up for the challenge?

The game does have a story; you play as Arthur an intrepid young knight who must save the princess from certain doom, there are a couple of cut scenes to set the story up, but this game is more about action than anything else. Jumping, running and throwing your trusty weapon is the only way you can avoid anything in this game, it is relentless and unless you learn the levels they will constantly surprise you.

Its weapon system is quite in depth and robust, there are a few main types; all are projectiles but vary quite a lot, some have a longer range,  while others act more like grenades, while there are even weapons that only hit things in the air, these can however be upgraded, twice in fact. With the different suit types, Arthur's move set drastically changes, your weapons become stronger, by gaining a longer range or simply becoming faster to use, then with the final suit, you gain the ability to perform powerful charge attacks... if you get far enough.

Visually the backgrounds and sprites are quite simple, but the effects used at times are fantastic, the ground terraforms to allow you to jump or even miss other jumps; later on the sea destroys parts of the stage making for some challeneing moments indeed. Aurally the composed score is fantastic, the first level music will stick in your head for a long time to come and it has a great tone to it, while the sound effects are also equally impressive, helping to add that extra layer of immersion.

So, should you buy this game? Most certainly.... If you feel up for the challenge, as although it may be incredibly difficult, the amount of charm and character this game has is astounding making its purchase entirely justified as it's one of those titles which you simply must experience. Just keep in mind that you will most likely have a tough time finishing it, but with the addition of save states that are easy to use on the Wii U this shouldn't prove an impossible task so long as you pick your moments, in fact if you've ever played this classic in the past but found it too difficult then this may as well be a huge selling point, as belive me that with a game like this it makes the world of difference.  

Verdict : Tough as diamonds, but incredible fun.

 
 
Price: GB £3.49, EU €4.99 (20% off until 23/05 if you own Super Mario World)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Released: 1989
System: NES

For each of its “big three” system selling series of titles Nintendo is well known for creating sequels to the originals that for whatever reasons are that little bit different, in the case of Zelda it was the side scrolling Adventure of Link, for Metroid the visually inferior Return of Samus and the case in question for the portly plumber is Super Mario Bros 2. Originally the template for SMB2 was a completely different game by the name of Doki Doki Panic, however by the time the big N had finished with it they had made it their own; so much so that if you had never heard of the title it was based on then you could easily assume that it was a Mario title all along.

It does not play like its predecessor or any subsequent sequels though and instead a very different mechanic of play is used. As Mario you have your usual D-pad to move and the A button allows you to jump; so far everything sounds normal but go to jump on an enemy and squish them you shall not, for instead you will be standing on top of your enemy which allows you to either use them as stepping stones or using the B button, pick them up and throw them.

This different brand of gameplay doesn't end there, for you can also uproot vegetables to happily hurl at hapless heathens such as Shy-Guys which this title is responsible for introducing, another notable inclusion is the ability to take control of Luigi, Toad and Peach as well as the titular Mario; this is currently the only platform game in the series time-line that allows this. A slightly different style of play is employed depending on which character you opt to use; Luigi stays airborne the longest when jumping allowing for greater distance to be crossed albeit less accurately, Toad is both fast and strong, Peach can hover in the air for a short while and Mario is the all-rounder.

Clearly a solid effort has been made both visually and audibly as well as in the brilliant design of the games world; “Subcon” which holds a few secrets of its own in the form of doorways which appear upon breaking potions and Vases with Tardis-like proportions housing whole areas inside objects which appear smaller on the surface and often lead to secret items.

SMB2 is a credit to the series thanks to its marvelous mechanics, bold boss battles and hereditary humor. A fun, quirky and completely lovable title in it's own right that can stand proudly beside it's brethren; if you've yet to play this sublime sequel or are looking for a platform game to blast through then you could do far worse than purchase this VC incarnation.

Verdict : Vivaciously vicious virtual vegetable volleying.



Price: GB £5.49, EU €7.99 (£0.30/€0.30 until 22/03/13)
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Released: 1994
System: SNES

A game so iconic that it needs no introduction and yet it's so amazing that it demands one; Super Metroid has long been considered by many to be the definitive game in the long running series. Featuring all of the elements that made the previous two installments so successful, adding a glorious colour palette, a fully functional map / inventory screen and so much more made possible by capitalising on the capabilities of one of Nintendo's most successful systems; the SNES.

Set soon after the events of Metroid II it all begins with Samus escorting a single infant Metroid (the last remaining example of its species) to an intergalactic research centre, where it was planned for it to be researched with the hope of utilising its energy storing capabilities for the benefit of humankind. Upon later returning she finds that all the crew are dead and the Metroid sample hidden away in a room at the back; it's at this point that the Dragon-like Ridley swoops in, snatches the hatchling and flees to the planet Zebes the home of the original Metroid. Naturally, our favourite intergalactic bounty hunter doesn't stand for this, Samus suits up, boots up and takes pursuit in her gunship to the planets surface where the adventure truly begins, from this very point the true essence of Metroid is captured; alone on a planet inhabited by various vicious indigenous lifeforms you must run, jump, shoot, spin, roll,bomb and even screw-attack your way through the subsequent sub areas which the planet is composed of.

Right from the start, controlling Samus is nothing short of mesmerising, immersive and impressive; you always feel in complete control thanks to the well honed programming - by intelligent systems - which amazingly manages to incorporate an astounding array of upgrades which you accumulate during your expansive environmental exploration. You will find yourself progressing through this game in a way which just does not compare to anything else out there, at the start you will encounter ways which are inaccessible for reasons unknown, but as you traverse alternative terrain you will most likely find an upgrade or item which will then make you think “oh I get it now” and it's this element which sets the game apart from everything else in existence.

You can be wandering about nonchalantly in Norfair, reach a dead end wandering what to do next, plant a bomb in a certain place while in morphball mode and then end up in uncharted territory below, all of the distinctive varied locations have a wonderful atmosphere of their own, each is lavishly lacquered with painstaking attention to detail in both the surrounding area and the accompanying sprites; an instance of particular note is the corpse of a trooper surrounded by small organisms feasting on its flesh which once approached proceed to hurriedly scurry away. The accompanying soundtrack is an aural achievement in its own right, featuring some truly masterful, mood-setting music which sets each scene perfectly, indeed these subtle nuances are merely the candy atop a carefully crafted cake; it's the cream layer that is the beautifully balanced boss battles, frantic fire-fights, patience preying puzzles and an unrivalled feeling of isolation which makes this a truly epically enjoyable experience.

So much brilliance which encompasses much of Nintendo's true magic is contained within this brilliant behemoth sized adventure that really has to be played in order to truly appreciate it. Super Metroid is an example of the rare breed; a 'true game' such is the simple satisfaction of merely playing it and the exorbitant elusive feeling of elation accumulated from the smallest bit of progression ensures that it is worthy of such a title. If you're a gamer who has yet to play this utter masterpiece then you simply must do so, indeed if you're in this minority then the many who have already experienced this classic will surely envy you as it's a title that is a complete and utter joy to play; the addition of save-states plus Miiverse integration means that Samus' greatest mission can be enjoyed by a new generation of gamers.

As a long-term fan of the game though I can only hope that I never see the words 'crawl' and 'Metroid used in the same sentence again lest I feel the need to curl up into a 'Morph-Ball' and cry; there will probably never be another game quite like Super Metroid ever again so please, from my heart I ask you to enjoy it but also learn to respect its lasting legacy... thank you my fellow bounty hunters, see you next mission!           

Verdict : An exceptional unrivaled example of an exploration game at its core, which evolves into so much more.

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