Alex's Virtual Console Wishlist

So, I'm feeling inspired. The Wii launch date and pricing announcements have finally arrived, and people across the internet are reacting with everything ranging from the rabid loyalty only a fanboy can have to cries of utter disgust and in places, anger.

Me, I'm of a mixed opinion, but that is for another article, another time, for this is my take on an article our very own Zack wrote last week -- My Virtual Console Wishlist.

In Zack's article, he talks in more detail about what the virtual console is and how it's going to work, so if you're unsure be sure to check it out. For a quick explanation from me, it is a downloadable collection of classic titles from a number of consoles. I'm going to pick out a few downloads from each console. You won't find any titles like Banjo Kazooie, or anything that I think would have licensing problems -- just stuff I'm sure could appear on the VC. So, without further ado, here we go...

N64
Starfox 64 -- Starfox 64, or Lylatwars as it was to me and Europeans everywhere is my favourite game of all time. Retelling the SNES story of the Starfox team, the game is cinematic, features fun but-campy voice acting, the first use of the Rumble Pak, and absolutely incredible gameplay. The shooter is mostly on rails and has a branching storyline. While the game may only take around 45 minutes to complete, they will be, without a doubt, some of the best 45 gaming minutes of your life. A must have, and I'm praying it makes launch. Please, Nintendo.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time -- I'm pretty sure I'd catch hell if I didn't say this. Despite owning it on the N64, and twice on the Gamecube, it'd certainly raise my eyebrows if OOT wasn't a launch title for the Wii's Virtual Console, and I'd raise them even more if the legions of Zelda fans and Nintendo loyalists didn't buy it again. Not a necessity, but certainly one to think about.

Diddy Kong Racing -- I understand that with Microsoft's consent the chaps at Rare are currently giving this game a good working over for a nice little DS re-release. Regardless, as all the Donkey Kong games still belong to Nintendo, I'd love to see this title on the virtual console. The original consumed me. The emulated version would do the same.

Yoshi's Story -- I recently found out online that there was a deep hatred and a loathing reception for this game because it was really not another title in the Yoshi's Island mini series, but instead something else, different, more akin to a spinoff. At the time it came out, though, I had never played Yoshi's Island and I enjoyed this game immensely. It had a very strange vibe to it with the constant love hearts and irritating theme tune, but at the core there was a really, really fun game.

SNES
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past -- I love this game. Everything about it is just incredible. Especially the music. Like OOT, I have no doubt that this will appear on the Virtual Console, and soon. Despite having it on the SNES and GBA, I will be there, Wii points in hand.

Super Mario All Stars -- Yeah, this isn't gonna happen. Wishful thinking, though, right? What'll happen is all the games on this lovely little compilation will be released separately. Which isn't so bad, I guess. Specifically? I want Super Mario World.

Earthbound -- Being British, I've never touched the real game. However, thanks to the wonders of imports and various other methods of playing classic videogames which I can't mention on a professional videogames site, I've played a lot of Earthbound, and loved it. Nintendo has never been one to say no to free money, and there are many Earthbound fans drooling at the concept of this title on the VC.

Chrono Trigger -- Being British, I shouldn't have touched this either. However, I've got an import cart. I've never played it -- I have no way to, but I like to just think "hey, I own Chrono Trigger!" The reasons for my love of the title are many, and if it's on the Virtual Console it will consume many hours of my life.

Final Fantasy IV-VI -- Some consider this the golden age of Final Fantasy. Many consider FFVI to be the defining RPG of all time. Regardless, GBA remakes or not, Square have never shyed from milking their old titles, and as such, I expect they'll be on the Virtual Console. Which is good.

NES
Duck Hunt -- I don't have much desire to play many NES titles again for some reason, but Duck Hunt is a definite yes. Damn right. With the Wiimote, this would be crazy amounts of fun. The noises the dog makes, the simplistic graphics... this is nostalgia at it's peak. All that's missing is that familiar "chunk-piiiing!" the old NES Zapper used to make.

Sega Mega Drive/Genesis
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 & Knuckles -- Without a doubt the best Sonic game ever. Sonic 3 and Knuckles -- the combination of the two carts of the same names is an incredibly fast, slick journey through Sonic's world, with the game's final few levels managing to be dramatic and gripping despite the story only being told via 2D sprites and sound effects. Amazing. Needs to be there.

Earthworm Jim -- What the Heck?! Oh, yes. PSP remake notwithstanding, this too needs to be on the VC. An absolute classic. The series kind of all went downhill from this triumphant arrival, but that doesn't take away from how fun this game is.

Super Hang-On -- While this isn't the deepest game ever, I have extremely fond memories of this title. It was on my "Mega Games Six" cart that came with the console, and I put hours into it. Only thing bad was it lacked a true save system.

NBA Jam -- OH MY, HE'S ON FIRE! Let me tell you something -- I hate sports games. I find them boring. But not NBA Jam. God damn, how fun, inventive and just plain out excellent is this game? The answer? Very.

Streets of Rage -- Best fighting game ever. If you could call it a fighting game -- some argue adventure, or pseudo-platformer, but like the "Is Zelda an RPG" argument, there's little mileage in it -- whatever it is, it's awesome. For me, the original is the best and the pinnacle of whatever genre it's supposed to be.

That's about it. I'm only covering the four consoles as this is long enough already. Nintendo have promised around 10 Virtual Console releases a month, which leaves plenty of scope for all of these titles, and many, many more to appear on the Virtual Console. I do apologise for not mentioning certain titles -- Super Metroid especially, but I was struggling for space.

Now it's your turn! I ask the same Zack asked in his wishlist: what would be on your Virtual Console wishlist?