In a shocking turn of events, this turned out to be a banner week for downloadable content. From Nintendo to Sony, all of the major gaming systems saw worthwhile releases which should make every flavor of fanboy happy. Apparently, all it took was a touch of Spring in the air to get publishers out of the first-quarter funk, and get to releasing stuff that people actually want to play. Even with so many outstanding releases this week, there were a few that really rose above all of the rest, and those are this week's Virtual Goods:
Cave Story (Wii)
WiiWare saw one of its most anticipated games ever finally released this week. Sure, Cave Story has been available for the PC since 2004, but most console gamers have most likely missed out on it, meaning that WiiWare's updated version, courtesy of Pixel himself, is completely fresh and new to them. If you only had to pick one thing you could spend your money on this week Nintendo just made your decision a whole lot easier.
1200
Wii Points
Cho
Aniki Zero (PSP)
If
you're not familiar with the Cho Aniki series it may be a little difficult for anyone to be able to explain it to you,
just know that it's a crazy Japanese side-scrolling shoot 'em up that has to do
with mostly nude dudes. All of the series' predecessors have been loaded to the
brim with humor and innuendo, and it's a safe bet that Zero will follow suit, providing WTF moment after WTF moment for
any gamer that actually attempts to figure out what the heck is going on.
$19.99
Game
& Watch DSi Games (DSi) 200 DSi Points Each
It's
not exactly the DS's version of the Virtual Console, but it's definitely a step
in the right direction. Not one, but three Game
& Watch titles were released as DSiWare this week at the meager price
of 200 points a piece. That's just two dollars per game to enjoy the digital
recreation of LCD games from decades ago. If you're one of those people that
have a thing for high scores, each of these games will keep you occupied for
hours and hours as you try to beat your previous best. Fans of the original
Game & Watch titles should note that the best part about playing these
games on the DSi is that when the battery dies, you don't have to go searching
for one of those stupid watch batteries to replace it, proving that the DS
charger could be one of the greatest technological advancements of the past 30
years.
Game
&
Watch Judge
Game
&
Watch Chef
Game
&
Watch Mario's Cement Factory
Game
Room (Xbox 360)
Game
Room is exactly a game, it's more of a digital venue that allows you to play
games in it. Similar to a virtual arcade, Game Room will transport you back in
time to a much simpler era where you needed quarters instead of controllers to
play games, and social gaming had nothing to do with headsets and
subscriptions, it meant actually congregating in a common place in the real
world to play. Once you add Game Room to your Xbox 360 you'll have access to
the first 30 classic Atari and Intellivision games which also became available
this week, which means you'll get to buy your favorite games yet again. With
more games being added each week, there's sure to be something for everyone
courtesy of Microsoft's ingenious new addition to the Xbox 360. (A little piece of advice: after you
download Game Room, be sure to pick up Tempest,
Red Baron, and Yar's Revenge right away - you won't regret it.)
(Free
Download)
Sonic
The Hedgehog LittleBigPlanet Costumes (PS3)
The Xbox 360 Avatars may have gotten some awesome new Sega themed threads this week, that’s nothing compared to what PS3 owners can now purchase. This set of Sonic The Hedgehog themed LittleBigPlanet costumes unconditionally confirm that Media Molecule can make anything look adorable. I mean come on, just look at Dr. Robotnik (call him Eggman if you want, but’s he’s Robotnik to me), one of the most notoriously ugly characters in video games, but Sackboy is just plain cute dressed up as him with that giant mustache. I mean COME ON. Even the Werehog looks good, to the point where I might almost consider my stance on the world’s need to banish him from existence. Almost.
Wakeboarding
HD (PS3)
For
some reason wakeboarding is one of those extreme sports that has never really
gotten a fair shake when it comes to video games, but Wakeboarding HD is looking to change all of that. The game gets
you locked in behind a speed boat and you're off to score as many points
possible by collecting coins, destroying skiffs as they pass by, avoiding
sharks, and getting big air. In case
you're wondering, the game is instantly much better than the real thing, mostly
because there isn't a possibility that
you could end up needing corrective knee surgery due to a bad landing if you're
just playing a game in your living room.
($14.99)
