Wii-kly WiiWare And Virtual Console Update 1/26/2009

This week we're looking at a case of quality over quantity with only 2 new games between WiiWare and Virtual Console. And both for only 500 Wii points! On WiiWare we get the sidescrolling action game Niki - Rock 'n' Ball. Niki is a ball that can turn into, you guessed it, a rock to help her defeat enemies. You can even control Niki by either using classic controls with the Wii Remote d-pad, or go for a real challenge with tilt controls. Personally though, for a precise 2D platformer, the d-pad is the only way to go.

On the Virtual Console we get a true classic with Wonder Boy in Monster Land. It's an excellent 2D action game with some RPG elements mixed in, which was pretty rare back in the Sega Master System days when Wonder Boy was released. And at only 500 Wii points it's definitely worth checking out for those that missed it the first time around (which is probably most of you since the Master System wasn't exactly flying off shelves).

WiiWare

• Niki - Rock 'n' Ball (Bplus, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): Are you in love with those unforgettable arcade classics where the only goal is to vanquish all opponents to reach the next stage? Niki - Rock 'n' Ball is a new interpretation of those games with a completely innovative and unique gaming mechanism. Roll along with Niki through fantastic worlds, find all the ZeLeLi pearls, and liberate your village from cuddly-yet-evil monsters before it's too late. Timing is everything. Jump in the nick of time to avoid landing amid barbs. Hop across the stages thanks to the realistic gaming physics. Snap on the ZeLeLi amulet, transform yourself into Niki Rock, and force even the most obstinate monster to its knees. Explore all the stages and win valuable medals while dribbling through them, alone or with a friend. Use familiar controls in Retro style, or experience novel controls in the Wii style.

Virtual Console

• Wonder Boy in Monster Land (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Alcohol Reference, Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): After the defeat of the evil king, the kingdom of Wonder Land was a paradise...for a time. The peace was broken when a ferocious, fire-breathing dragon struck without warning and took over Wonder Land with a swarm of evil, monstrous henchmen, turning the once-peaceful land into the utterly chaotic Monster Land. Unable to fight, the people now look to Wonder Boy. Realizing that he is Wonder Land's last hope, Wonder Boy sets out on an incredible journey to rid the country of the monsters and defeat the "invincible" evil dragon. Guide Wonder Boy through various environments and dungeons, and defeat enemies using Special Weapons and Spells.