And what’s more, games for the Mark III and Game Gear will be making their way to the VC too.

But before you get all excited and run off to the Wii shop channel, only a couple of Master System titles will be released on VC during February in Japan only. Those titles will be: Fist of the North Star (600 points) and Fantasy Zone (500 points). North America and Europe will be getting those games at some unspecified time in the future.

via Gaming Today

With every platform except for the Wii getting Bionic Commando, one can understand the widespread frustration felt, especially from gamers respectful of its initial console incarnation on the NES. That, coupled with the huge potential the Wiimote could bring to the grappling system, has led to many puzzled feelings about the platform’s exclusion.

If you believe that Capcom has the ears to listen to its fans, you should check out and sign this online petition to let them know where you stand on the issue. As of today, they’ve got a total of 11,951 signatures which is growing steadily.

Wii owners can breathe a sigh of relief - Activision has told Guitar Hero III owners to expect their replacement discs in February. If you have been living in a cave the past few months, the reason for the replacement discs is that the Wii version of Guitar Hero III only outputs mono sound. Those of you who haven’t yet signed up for your replacement disc can do so here.

Like most gamers, we can’t get enough of the news spewing forth from Nintendo regarding Super Smash Bros Brawl. This video explains the ins and outs of some of the new characters and their home stages. Now, if only the release date didn’t keep getting pushed back…

via Joystiq

Surfer Girl has just updated her rumor blog with nine new claims - the most juicy of which is undoubtedly the fifth:

5) A Wii Star Fox IS under development.

Please let this one be true.

This weeks Virtual Console update brings the analog-destroying Nintendo 64 classic 1080 Snowboarding and another TG-16 game I’ve never heard of, Riot Zone.

via GoNintendo

Nintendo have unloaded a massive list of planned releases for the first half of 2008, so you can adjust your social calendars accordingly. While there’s a few others to keep me entertained in the meantime, March 25 is going to be the day we can all get stuck into Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword.

The WiiFit will also be stateside by the second quarter, but going by Nintendo’s PAL track record, it could mean next year too.

Hit the jump for the release dates
(more…)

Why is it that the most popular current gen games console gets so shafted on games? From mono Guitar Hero to no downloadable content, the Wii has one more disappointment to add to the list - Worms: A Space Oddity’s lack of online play. Initially promised to have online play by Team 17, THQ have now released a spin-heavy press release saying:

“Worms: A Space Oddity is a social gaming experience that is best enjoyed locally, in a party-game atmosphere with other players. Team 17 has proven it can deliver a world class online gaming experience through the popular Worms: Open Warfare 2.”

“We’ve chosen to focus on making the best possible local multiplayer experience through fast-paced gameplay and entertaining party-games. Players will get even more fun and satisfaction from being able to see the reaction of their friends and taunting them with attacks face-to-face.”

There is really nothing you can say to that other than stare blankly and stammer a bit.

via Shack News

The latest from the rumor mills is that Sam and Max is coming to the Wii. It all started with a German press release from JoWood Studios claiming that their next title would be Sam and Max on the Wii. Of course, 1UP quickly got Telltale Games on the phone to confirm the statement. Here is what Telltale’s Marketing Coordinator, Emily Morganti had to say:

“It’s no secret that we want to bring Sam & Max to the Wii and it is something we’re actively pursuing. We don’t have any official news right now, but when we’re in a position to confirm that we’re porting Sam & Max to the Wii, we’ll make an announcement about it.”

So not a full confirmation, but barring any major obstacles it sounds like it’s well on the way. If it does make its way to the Wii we hope more developers consider point and click adventure games for the perfectly suited system.

via 1UP

Budcat Creations have started an IGN blog, with the debut post from lead programmer Marcus R Brown giving some insight into how the free shooter TUMIKI Fighters has evolved into Blast Works. Check out the embedded video to see what a skilled designer can do with the ship editor included with Blast Works.

via NeoGAF