Nintendo World Report

This week: A 16-bit classic, a solid 16-bit platformer, and a game that's not worth 16 bits.

Another week, another three-pack of Virtual Console releases. Included with this batch is a game that a lot of hardcore classic junkies have been waiting for, a solid game that Genesis owners could call their own, and a crappy joke game that isn't worth the memory space it's stored in. We've pulled out all three of our recommendation grades this week, so see which game gets which mark below.

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ActRaiser - SNES

Released 1991
1 Player
Cost: 800 Wii Points ($8)
Controllers: Wii Classic, GameCube

ActRaiser is a prime example of a game that isn't what it seems to be at first. At the very beginning, it starts out like numerous other 16-Bit action games: You're a holy warrior on a quest to rid the world of evil, with only your sword and mad jumping abilities to defend yourself. The first level is a basic, side-scrolling hack- n-slash platformer, but once you get further out there's an interesting twist - this is actually a God Game.

See, once you've ridden a village of evil, you get to jump back into your benevolent deity role and watch over the townspeople re-build their homes, all the while solving problems that come up, like fighting fires, stomping out disease, etc. If SimCity and Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts had a lovechild, ActRaiser would be it, and it's freaking awesome. The excellent graphics and memorable soundtrack are just icing on the cake - download this game NOW. - Karl Castaneda

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Kid Chameleon - Genesis

Released 5/1992
1-2 Players
Cost: 800 Wii Points ($8)
Controllers: Wii Remote, Wii Classic, GameCube

Here's a game I was always curious about as a kid, and now I can finally play it on Virtual Console. Kid Chameleon starts off with a hilariously terrible cut-scene explaining the story, but don't be fooled: The game is a very good platforming romp through 100 large levels. As the titular character, you run around, break blocks and jump on enemies. It's all very Mario-like, including the power-ups that transform you into different forms like a knight, samurai, or axe-wielding Jason Voorhies imitator. There are far more transformations than in any Mario game, though, including really wacky stuff like the (freaking awesome) tank that shoots out skull bullets.

Kid Chameleon gives off a generic feel, largely because its supposed story is so easily ignored. The levels have no continuity or progression, and the main character has zero personality. Those are the main things separating this game from superior ones like Mario, Sonic, and Bonk. But if all you care about is gameplay, Kid Chameleon has a lot to offer. Not only are there dozens upon dozens of levels, but each one is fairly large, challenging, and full of hidden blocks and secret passageways that are fun to discover. If you're a serious fan of platforming action games, this is one of the best values among Genesis titles on VC. - Jonathan Metts

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J.J. & Jeff - TurboGrafx-16

Released 3/1990
1 Player
Cost: 600 Wii Points ($6)
Controllers: Wii Remote, Wii Classic, GameCube

This action-platforming game must be some kind of joke. The two main characters are detectives, although they are dressed more like businessmen. Both have heads twice as big as their bodies. Soon after the first level starts, you'll see your partner peeing on the side of the road, at which point you must kick him for 1000 points. Bees, bugs and gophers will attack you, and you need to use your crouching insecticide attack to fend them off. Further along the way, you'll again find your partner, this time dressed as a panda bear (or something). Kicking him gets you another grand in the point bank. Oh yeah, you'll also need to avoid piles of poo that birds drop from the air.

If that description of the game's opening didn't make any sense, maybe this shorter version will: This game is terrible. The control is extremely loose. The game gets more and more pointless as you progress. Worst of all, the game tries to be humorous and falls flat at every attempt. This is one of those games that they make you play in hell, but at least down there they wouldn't have the audacity to charge you $6 for it. - Steven Rodriguez

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Thanks as always to VG Museum for the screenshots.

Steven Rodriguez, Director