Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
Console: NES
Wii Points: 500 points ($5.00 USD)
This was the game that taught so many Nintendo fans and arcade gamers the importance of pattern recognition. By staring opponents in the eyes, one could see them telegraph their punches, and even the champ could be knocked out if you had quick reflexes. This is the Mr. Dream version of the NES game that was later released stateside starring Mike Tyson. Still, the in-ring adventures of Little Mac against King Hippo, Don Flamenco, and Bald Bull were some of the greatest moments to be had in 8-bit gaming, and well worth revisiting.
Our only gripe? Mike Tyson's likeness could have easily been optioned for pocket change. We'd have liked to have seen Iron Mike in his glory days once again, before his tragic descent into joke status.
Thumbs up.
Virtua Fighter 2
Console: Sega Genesis
Wii Points: 800 points ($8.00 USD)
Don't do it! This is not the arcade version of Virtua Fighter 2, which would have been awesome, but instead it's the 2D fighting game that debuted on the Sega Genesis. Yes, there was an awful 2D version of the fighting series that was famous for kicking off the 3D fighting genre. The AI is awful, allowing you to win most matches by simply crouching and spamming the kick button. The visuals aren't very good either, and you wouldn't want to subject any of your friends to playing this competitively.
Please save yourself the money and stay far away from this one. Thumbs down.
Bonk's Revenge
Console: TurboGrafx-16
Wii Points: 600 points ($6.00 USD)
The coolest caveman this side of the disgruntled GEICO Neanderthal was one of the only mascots that gained popularity on the TurboGrafx-16. The nostalgia factor will be the main selling point here, although Bonk's Revenge does feature well-crafted platforming mechanics and the unconventional fun of slamming your oversized head into bad guys. Considering the relatively low number of former TG16 owners, this is a great opportunity for gamers to get acquainted with one of the better platforming series of yesteryear.
The visuals are charming and colorful, taking us back to a time when kid-friendly graphics didn't turn off mature audiences. The soundtrack is quite catchy as well, reminding us that the TurboGrafx-16 was capable of pretty decent audio. There's also something unmistakably fun about flipping a little caveman through the air with successive headbutts.
Thumbs up for the 'lil guy with the big head.
