Showing the Bear Hugger who is boss!
It's catchup week again, as today's new VC release is Super Punch-Out!!, which was recently released in Europe.
Super Punch-Out!! once again puts you in the shoes of Little Mac (Which has finally been confirmed in today's press release - Nintendo previously never said who this boxer was!) as he fights through four increasingly difficult boxing circuits, taking on a total of 16 opponents on his quest to become the new number one. - It features almost exactly the same gameplay. Pretty much the only new features are a time trial mode to practice your strategies, and a power meter during battles - When this fills up, you can throw extra strong punches as long as you don't get hit.
If you need some more convincing you can of course read our Super Punch-Out!! review.
Strangely enough, there are no new C64 or Arcade games today. Get on the ball, Nintendo!
On WiiWare, you can grab just one new title as well - The only recently revealed Bonsai Barber by Zoonami. The studio head formerly worked as lead developer on GoldenEye 007 on the N64, so perhaps this will turn out to be a surprisingly good title?
1. slangman
30 Mar 2009, 13:27 BST
Great week.
It's odd there are no arcade titles though.
2. Dazza
30 Mar 2009, 13:27 BST
This more than makes up for the hairdressing vegetables game at least!
3. Roo
30 Mar 2009, 13:28 BST
"Strangely enough, there are no new C64 or Arcade games today. Get on the ball, Nintendo!"
No! More SNES games, please! I don't want any of Namco's foosty old rubbish!
4. KnucklesSonic8
30 Mar 2009, 13:30 BST
"Strangely enough, there are no new C64 or Arcade games today. Get on the ball, Nintendo!"
Took the words right out of my mouth. I was hoping for releases other than Super Punch-Out but it seems like it was the only one... Oh well... Hopefully they'll support the VC more next week since this is the "Farewell edition".
5. ALDAWGZ
30 Mar 2009, 13:31 BST
awesome cant wait 2 go home n download this mayb we'll get a surprise later on in the week like japan did u never know
6. Jockolantern
30 Mar 2009, 13:33 BST
Glad to see Super Punch-Out!! released; looking forward to buying that later today. Bonsai Barber just looks... bad. Particularly at the 1000 price point. Do I really want to pay $10 to virtually groom chia pets?
No. I do not.
7. slangman
30 Mar 2009, 13:34 BST
I am predicting a 5/10 score for Bonsai Barber.
8. Tony
30 Mar 2009, 13:39 BST
North America is officialy 7 games away from the 300th VC update. Could it be Smash Bros. or Majora's Mask?
9. Mr. Saturn
30 Mar 2009, 13:41 BST
Still waiting for IK+. I was hoping for it this week.
10. ALDAWGZ
30 Mar 2009, 13:44 BST
@ Tony
prob smash bros cause japan hasnt gotten majoras mask yet
11. Mike
30 Mar 2009, 14:00 BST
"Strangely enough, there are no new C64 or Arcade games today. Get on the ball, Nintendo!"
Took the words right out of my mouth.
12. 7th lutz
30 Mar 2009, 14:05 BST
I was hoping that we would be getting more than 1 vc game this week since Super Punch!! was announced last week. At least it is a very good game.
I'm guessing that we will getting Smash Bros. for the vc's 300th game. I'm figuring that we might get it in late April, depending on how vc games will be released in a week.
13. LinktotheFuture
30 Mar 2009, 14:15 BST
Glad this is finally here. Now how long to I have to hold my breath for Super Mario Kart, Contra, Pro Wrestling, and TMNT II?
14. Atlantis1982
30 Mar 2009, 14:18 BST
Not surprising to just see Super Punch Out; not too thrilled with it either.
15. TwilightV
30 Mar 2009, 14:34 BST
I think SSB will be out on the 27th (one day after the 10th anniversary of it's release).
16. dualj
30 Mar 2009, 14:36 BST
Good game. Not satisfied with 1 game weeks but still.
17. North99
30 Mar 2009, 14:37 BST
thumbs down
I don't like Wrestling and the Bonsai thing seems to cost more Wiipoints than it looks to be worth.
Good thing I'm hooked on Pokemon Platinum and Rune Factory Frontiers.
18. RurouniTeeter
30 Mar 2009, 14:51 BST
@North99
Uh... dude. This is a boxing game. Not a wrestling game...
19. Charco
30 Mar 2009, 14:52 BST
@North99 You might like Super Punch Out then as it is a boxing game.
20. KingMike
30 Mar 2009, 14:53 BST
Really, it's Little Mac?
Surprised, I used to think his name was Mike for some reason.
(though I don't think it was because it is also my own)
21. SmaMan
30 Mar 2009, 14:59 BST
Nice choice of screenshot. Bear hugger is like Nintendo sticking their tongue at us for expecting more than one game from now on.
Well I didn't have my hopes up that much, but Nintendo is running out of excuses for this one game a week thing. The VC arcade gives Nintendo a near limitless source of titles to release now!
22. quakster
30 Mar 2009, 15:00 BST
It's not really a confirmation of anything, considering that whoever wrote the press release has absolutely nothing to do with the people who made the game.
23. Popyman
30 Mar 2009, 15:07 BST
How much longer until the 300th game?
24. Turtles89
30 Mar 2009, 15:14 BST
Wow, this is like Chistmas! This is one of the first games I wanted on the VC two years ago when I bought a Wii. Better late then never. Best day ever!
25. Tony
30 Mar 2009, 15:18 BST
@Popyman
Check post #8 because we are close
It's hard to say, if we get one game a week then it could be May.
26. deadly.by.design
30 Mar 2009, 15:27 BST
Pass. I've the original and am waiting for the Wii version.
27. WarioFan63
30 Mar 2009, 15:29 BST
This isnt so bad, considering we just came out of 6 VC games overall last week. Coupled with the fact that the PR is getting a mini-overhaul next week this totally has "calm before the storm" written all over it.
28. Starwolf_UK
30 Mar 2009, 15:31 BST
The lack of any more VC Arcade and C64 should signifiy how dry the pot of releases really is. Those systems were only launched to increase the pot. Blowing the entire lot in one month would defeat the purpose somewhat and instead of 1 game weeks (after a few months of 2 and 3) you'ld suddenly have zero!
Of course Japan has it different as 3rd party publishers seem to be more interested in the VC over there...
Plus Nintendo might be thinking "now that people have blocks on their wii they'll buy the stuff they've been putting off since they ran out space". I can see that train of thought as I've seen many people going on buying sprees recently.
29. Stuffgamer1
30 Mar 2009, 15:34 BST
@WarioFan63: "PR mini-overhaul"? I know nothing of this.
@Starwolf_UK: Right you are with that last paragraph. I'm catching up on ignored games right now, though I will also download this one.
At least today's release is GOOD! Coulda been one crap game again or something.
30. Rapadash6
30 Mar 2009, 15:48 BST
Sweet release! I thought with all the latest and greatest Virtual Console news that we might start getting more games each week again but I guess not. T_T At least there are plenty of great titles on the way like Super Smash Bros., Final Fantasy II (IV) and Majora's Mask. Can't wait!
31. WarioFan63
30 Mar 2009, 15:49 BST
Its just getting a name change because of DSiWare, thats all.
32. Nintendophile
30 Mar 2009, 15:52 BST
YES!
33. Drake
30 Mar 2009, 16:04 BST
@ North99: Not only is this not a wrestling game, it's not even a boxing game. The creators of the Wii version said it best, Punch-Out!! is more like a puzzle game.
34. Don
30 Mar 2009, 16:30 BST
After the 300th VC game for NA, with its one VC game per week release, the 400th game won't be here until 2011.
35. MrPinguy
30 Mar 2009, 16:38 BST
@North99
Go study your roots kido
36. Maniac
30 Mar 2009, 17:25 BST
Fantastic game.
I'll be buying some more points to download this and Ogrebattle later on. Can't wait for Majora's Mask though!
37. lockelocke
30 Mar 2009, 17:52 BST
Best release since Life Force, yeaaaaaah
38. Popyman
30 Mar 2009, 17:59 BST
@Tony: Oh, sorry, my bad =P
39. Atlantis1982
30 Mar 2009, 18:02 BST
@28. Starwolf_UK
I am surprised that many people are keeping their word with buying games from their boycotting. Again, I am disappointed with this release week. With C64 and VCA, where are the games?
40. Bass X0
30 Mar 2009, 18:15 BST
Where are the games?
Lets have a look at the games that were released during March.
30/03 -- Super Punch Out!! (SNES)
25/03 -- Mappy, Gaplus, Star Force and Tower of Druaga (ARCADE)
23/03 -- Detana Twinbee & Bomberman '94 (TG16)
16/03 - Summer Games II (C64)
09/03 - Alex Kidd: The Lost Stars (SMS)
02/03 -- Ogre Battle (SNES)
The arcade got a good introduction so clearly that wasn't expected to be given more games so soon. The C64 is lacking in games but at least one game got released during March - common sense suggests more C64 games to come soon. The same with the Sega Master System too.
41. shinigami tidus
30 Mar 2009, 18:19 BST
@Bass X0:
Only 6 games in 4 weeks? o.Ô
We had in europe only 4 games, i think.
Nintendo's release politic is a shame for the whole industry.
42. Bass X0
30 Mar 2009, 18:28 BST
Well actually... other than the four arcade games we all got, only three games were released during March - CluClu Land, Wonder Boy 3 and Super Punch Out!!
43. WarioFan63
30 Mar 2009, 18:33 BST
Hang in there guys! I got the feeling this is going to be an Awesome April!
44. Tony
30 Mar 2009, 18:43 BST
The Neo Geo and N64 need some attention right now. Although I have a feeling a N64 game is right around the virtual corner.
45. Link79
30 Mar 2009, 18:53 BST
If the boxer in this game is little mac then why is he blonde
He looks nothing like little mac. This game has better graphics but for some reason the original game is overall better I think. It's just more nostalgic and Mario is the ref. I also like the mid round smack talking between the oponents. It was missed in super Punch out. I also wonder why Mario didn't return as the Ref in the new Wii version? That's sort of a bummer. The game still looks great though. Can't wait! Punch out is back!
46. retro_player_22
30 Mar 2009, 18:55 BST
Still waiting for Super Smash Bros. It won't be surprising if this game got release the same time when TMNT Smash release for Wii.
47. NintendoBrad
30 Mar 2009, 19:15 BST
@ 46.
I think all the player boxers for Punch-Out are called "Little Mac" in the same way all the heroes in Zelda are called "Link"; they're different people in different timelines, but they play the same role for each game.
Anyway, I can't wait to download Super Punch-Out. Awesome, awesome game. I spent all day yesterday trying to beat Mr. Dream in the original, and I finally did it, just to prepare for this game.
48. KnucklesSonic8
30 Mar 2009, 19:45 BST
@WarioFan63: Glad you're so hopeful because I'm thinking the exact same thing!
49. HeikeKagero
30 Mar 2009, 20:07 BST
Yeah!
Finally this game is released.
You could probably imagine how excited I was when I downloaded this
50. Goomba2996
30 Mar 2009, 20:16 BST
YESH YESH, SUPER PUNCH-OUT!
51. Cheezy
30 Mar 2009, 20:40 BST
Guys, I think arcade games might be coming out on Wednesdays or Thursdays.
52. chunky_droid
30 Mar 2009, 20:48 BST
I'm getting this immediately!
And it seems EA knew he was Little Mac before the rest of us
53. MickEiA
30 Mar 2009, 21:28 BST
i think it is a good thing that nintendo are focusing on other games than just arcade
54. The Fox
30 Mar 2009, 21:37 BST
Awesome game, although I really doubt anyone was surprised to see it pop up today.
55. Ferret75
30 Mar 2009, 21:43 BST
You'd think since they're releasing six arcade games at a time in Japan, and since Namco announced 25 arcade games, we'd get at least more than only one game. =
56. Objection_Blaster
30 Mar 2009, 21:50 BST
Well, at least the ONE VC game is a GOOD one. We've had the opposite enough times now.
57. StarFox
30 Mar 2009, 21:51 BST
How boring is this? When are we gonna see some Super FX titles? Super Mario Kart is also overdue.
I'd also like the Master System edition of Columns.
58. Kid_A
30 Mar 2009, 22:01 BST
Super Punch-Out is my most anticipated VC title, so rest assured I was pretty excited. I downloaded it a couple hours ago. It did not dissapoint. And it's every bit as challenging as the NES original.
Guess the next thing I'm waiting for is Majora's Mask.
59. chunky_droid
30 Mar 2009, 22:13 BST
@Starfox: Once they get Mode 7 and FX emulated properly
@Kid_A: I mastered Super Punch-Out!! pretty well after a while, I still can't beat the NES version though :/
60. Twilight Crow
30 Mar 2009, 22:52 BST
Good update, but right now I'm only waiting for Mayhem in Monterland, besides I'm not very fond of the Punch Out! series, so, since I finally got myself some wiipoints, I'll catch up with another title.
61. Ricardo91
30 Mar 2009, 22:52 BST
Great. another game to make me anguish my Wii's offline-ness.
62. Party On Dude
30 Mar 2009, 23:17 BST
@anyone mentioning SSB64:
I keep telling you... (rushes to see other posts of mine on VC reviews); I keep forseeing a April 27th release for SSB64 and as our SURPRISE #300 game!!
Or clearly no fails to mention that they've read my posts before?!
Also I highly knew Super Punch-Out was coming out today; so I hope to get it sometime... like gifted to me from a dear friend of mine!
63. Digiki
30 Mar 2009, 23:26 BST
I don't care about PunchOut but atleast others like it.
64. TwilightV
30 Mar 2009, 23:41 BST
@Party On Dude: I'm also guessing that date, but who can say if it will be #300?
65. marktheshark
31 Mar 2009, 00:37 BST
Not intrested.
66. StarFox
31 Mar 2009, 01:19 BST
The thing is I came in at the tail-end of the NES generation. I'm more of an SNES onward. That's why I can't relate to any of these 8-bit systems (save for the NES).
Since I had a Game Gear as a kid, the SMS games are a treat as they're essentially the same thing. A week ago I downloaded Sonic Chaos and it didn't disappoint. Just as awesome as it was then, and very nostalgic for me. I also downloaded Sonic the Hedgehog for the Genesis, and it's cool too. Sure I had Sonic Mega Collection, but it's more fun using the classic controller or remote than the clunky Gamecube controller.
67. soniczelda dude
31 Mar 2009, 02:26 BST
@Kid_A
Majora's Mask is being released in japan this month, so we should get it sometime soon...
68. North99
31 Mar 2009, 03:07 BST
Bah....wrestling... boxing ... both consist of a couple guys making strained faces as they wail on each other in a ring....
69. WarioFan63
31 Mar 2009, 03:38 BST
@KnucklesSonic
I think we got a lot going for us right now with 2 new platforms waiting to leak their games out. The signs all seem to add up! I'm almost certain we're gonna get a Genesis Import Day in April too. We just happened to get stuck in a transitional period between the Arcade Games and the DSi, but the wait until next week to confirm this is just going to be killing me!
@chunky
I think Mode7's been taken care of already unless theres some glitches in games like F-Zero, Castlevania 4, and Actraiser that I don't know about
70. Viral
31 Mar 2009, 06:36 BST
Zzzzz....I'm just wondering what we'll get on Friday. I haven't even turned on my Wii since the SD Card update unfortunately...I should probably finish Metroid Prime 3...
71. TwilightV
31 Mar 2009, 07:07 BST
@WarioFan63: Mode 7 works just fine with the VC's F-Zero, Super Mario World, Super Mario RPG and Secret Of Mana. I'm also guessing the same is true of Super Castlevana IV and ActRaiser.
72. Jolted85
31 Mar 2009, 08:16 BST
i'll have to get this sometime, we now have 7 more games to 300
73. Party On Dude
31 Mar 2009, 08:27 BST
@Also just a thought for everyone to know:
Even if we now have ONLY 7 MORE VC games to go until #300... I bet Nintendo will still make us play the WAITING GAME, and it'll be 1 VC releases until #300 hits on April 27th; which no doubt will probably be SSB64 in my mind!!
Yet unlike anyone else; I'll be still saving up my points & maybe not get SSB64 if it does come out... & wait until Zelda MM, (because I love Zelda WAY MORE)!!
74. chunky_droid
31 Mar 2009, 12:13 BST
@WarioFan: Super Mario Kart used a more advanced mode 7 chip, I forgot to mention that in my original post
. I believe it had something to do with being able to scroll the playing field with added sprites attached. Though I'm not certain
EDIT: It's not a Mode 7 chip per-say, Mode 7 is just the type of graphic achievement. The chip in question is actually called the DSP-1 chip and was used for more advanced mathematic calculations. It was also used in Pilotwings which could explain that particular game's absense too.
75. Stuffgamer1
31 Mar 2009, 13:45 BST
@Atlantis1982: What, you thought we were all making false promises? I, for one, wanted to vote with my wallet to try to make it VERY clear to Nintendo that their long-awaited storage solution was well appreciated. I LOVE downloading games without worrying about running out of space!
I did download and play Super Punch-Out!! yesterday. I like the fact that the match time goes in real time instead of stupid fast like in the NES game, and I like this game's super punch system better, too. But all that said, I still think the NES game has more charm somehow. The lack of a visible trainer and between-round banter hurt this game's charm. It's still totally worth a download if you like the first, it's just kind of a trade-off in some ways.
I'm having more trouble with this one than the NES, though (not that I've ever beaten either). I'm stuck on this jerk in the major circuit who keeps spitting in my eye! Freaking cheater...mutter mutter...
76. Zac429
31 Mar 2009, 15:29 BST
Nintendo has really stepped up the last few weeks. They should top it off by adding the SGEN version of Shadowrun. Add that to the Phantasy Stars and Shining Forces and I wouldn't need my Genesis anymore!
77. sponge
31 Mar 2009, 16:44 BST
@ #76 if you are having trouble with masked muscle, sandman will destroy you and the next circuit will make you cry.
happy gaming!
78. MaxPlastic
31 Mar 2009, 16:52 BST
I'm still waiting for Pro Wrestling and Mayhem in Monsterland... Not to mention the countless other games we've already beaten to death and will probably never get...
Wow, that sounds bitter... Excuse me, I'm just not feeling well lol
79. MrPinguy
31 Mar 2009, 19:23 BST
Saying that the Super Punch Out! Boxer is Lil. Mac is a sign of a good marketing scheme.
With the new Puchout comming soon to wii.
80. The Fox
31 Mar 2009, 21:08 BST
@post 77:
Neither Sega nor Nintendo have the Shadowrun liscense, so sadly that isn't too likely.
81. GooniesFan 31 Mar 2009, 23:27 BST
does anyone know what happened to nintendo releasing zombies ate my neighboors on the virtual console...? or pro wrestling?
82. Will
31 Mar 2009, 23:53 BST
Yes!!! Zombies ate my neighboors and pro wrestling are both being released 1st April!!! Honest!!
/.......
83. WarioFan63
01 Apr 2009, 00:01 BST
Zombies ate my Neighbors falls in the "LucasArts doesn't like digital distribution" category last I heard.
84. GooniesFan 01 Apr 2009, 00:30 BST
i never knew if they were ever releasing those games...im hoping we get some more games in the new virtual arcade soon
85. StarFox
01 Apr 2009, 01:12 BST
How about the 300th release be the Saturn edition of Virtua Fighter? Then in a few weeks they could release Sonic R and never bother with the Saturn ever again.
86. Will
01 Apr 2009, 01:22 BST
@StarFox, What about all the other awesome Saturn games like Nights, Sega Rally, Burning Rangers, X-men vs Street Fighter, Panzer Dragoon, VIRTUA FIGHTER 2! ect... I know theres loads more I cant think of right now, my mate had a Saturn and it was a fantastic console.
87. StarFox
01 Apr 2009, 02:20 BST
Nights: forgot about that one, good call
Virtua Fighter 2: I thought VF would suffice, but I suppose VF2 would be fine.
Never heard of the rest.
I really think the Saturn should be brought to the VC. They could charge 1200 a game for all I care. Just bring them!
88. sega nerd
01 Apr 2009, 05:54 BST
One game i can think of that was really great from Sega Saturn is Dragon Force. It is one of the best strategy/rpg game you'll ever play. It's very addictive but the problem is not many people know about the game which is a shame. Anyone who is a fan of Sega must experience Dragon Force.
89. CloudxStrifeVII
01 Apr 2009, 08:38 BST
man where are the N64 games?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
90. Clayfrd
02 Apr 2009, 00:32 BST
What is this!? First the change from 5 to 10, now this. Why!?
91. GooniesFan 02 Apr 2009, 00:56 BST
so does anyone know what new games are coming to the vc or arcade on april 9?
92. LinkFanatic
06 Apr 2009, 13:47 BST
did Rare make an agreement with Nintendo? What's up with Goldeneye 007 being on the coming soon list?
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