Two fighting games, a PopCap puzzler, and a minigolf game that's trying way too hard to catch your attention? There's only one place such a diverse lineup could thrive.
No WiiWare this week? What am I to do? I already own The King of Fighters '97 in various forms, so the Virtual Console version holds no appeal for me. I guess I have to keep letting my nine month olds chew on the Wii remote until something exciting happens.
The 3DS and DSi get some good loving this week at least. The eShop adds the classic boxing game Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream, giving us a whole new system on which to memorize patterns. Zuma's Revenge should keep puzzle fans occupied on the 3DS and DSi for a while.
And then there's Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH! for the 3DS. It actually looks rather lovely, with 81 holes of 3D stereoscopic golf you can play with your Mii. It's just that name. Three exclamation points and one word in all caps? Definitely trying too hard. I prefer my minigolf games to be haughty and aloof. Tease me a little, play hard to get.
Let's just move on.
Virtual Console (Wii)
The King of Fighters '97
Publisher:D4 Enterprise
Price: Really Wish They'd List Virtual Console Game Prices
The King of Fighters '97 is the fourth game in The King of Fighters series, once again allowing players to combat opponents with popular characters from games such as Fatal Fury, Ikari Warriors, Psycho Soldier and Art of Fighting. The character roster changes with every iteration, and new characters in this 1997 title include Chizuru Kagura – a boss character from the previous title – as well as popular SNK characters Ryuji Yamazaki, Blue Mary and Billy Kane, plus new characters Yashiro Nanakase and Shingo Yabuki. Players can also choose between Advanced and Extra play modes to greatly alter the game play.
DSiWare (DSi/3DS)
Zuma's Revenge
Publisher: PopCap Games
Price: $7.99 / 800 DSi Points
An irresistible force has taken our fearless frog to a newly evolved world of Zuma ruled by evil tiki bosses. Fire stone spheres to destroy the deadly stream of balls in this PopCap ball-blasting challenge on DSi! Conquer over 60 Adventure levels and battle six imposing tiki bosses. Leap into the all-new Daily Dungeon and take a shot at three daily challenges. Slide and hop for smarter shots, hit targets for exotic bonuses and detonate explosive power-up balls. Will you succumb to the perilous pitfalls, or can you tame the jungle and guide your agile amphibian to victory?
eShop (3DS)
Fun! Fun! Minigolf TOUCH!
Publisher: Shin'en Media
Price: $4.99
Play minigolf with your Mii and master new cups and trick shot challenges in beautiful environments. The perfect touch controls make for a fun and rewarding putting experience. Customize your Mii to add a personal touch to your game. Play 81 holes spread across America, Asia and Europe. Enjoy exotic locations all over the world. Earn coins and spend them on flight tickets, trick shot qualifications, luxury equipment and much more. FUN! FUN! Minigolf TOUCH! is the ultimate minigolf game for everyone.
Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
Publisher: Nintendo
Price: $4.99
As young boxer Little Mac, players have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to battle the big guys of the World Video Boxing Association circuit. Take them on one by one, starting with skinny Glass Joe. Battle up through King Hippo and all the way to the WVBA Champion himself. Players use their best jabs, hooks and powerful uppercuts to knock out opponents. They must also dodge jaw-breaking blows by paying attention to subtle changes in their foes' body positions. With great graphics, engaging action and a touch of humor, this game will keep players entertained for hours.