Virtual Console – Top 10 List

I’ve been writing for WiiBlog.net for a few weeks now, so I figured it’s time to do a top 10 list. After playing some Virtual Console games for a few hours last night, I figured I’d share my Top 10 Virtual Console titles. So for all you young uns’ who missed out on the days of SNES, and the NES, pay attention.

The WiiBlog.net Official Virtual Console Top 10 List

10. Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country was a pretty big step technically speaking. The way the game was designed, it gave off a 3-D esque look. The game just goes to show how much the concept of “shading” can be used in the look of a game. The gameplay while at times can be frustrating, is also very rewarding. Shooting through the stage in the explosive barrels is a blast, especially if you can connect them properly. And Rambi is one of the coolest side characters in a video game, ever.

9. Shining Force

Shining Force is one of the originators of the strategy/RPG hybrids. While there were games that had the strat/rpg mix before it, and some games would do it better later on, Shining Force really brought the genre full steam. Shining Force didn’t have a strong story, but through its character development, and strategy based fighting system, it’s worth a play through.

8. Gunstar Heroes

The side scrolling shooter was a heavily saturated genre back in the early-mid 90′s. You could say it was more dense than FPS’s of today. Gunstar Heroes is an example of side scroll shooting done right. With a colorful environment, and crazy power-ups, Gunstar Heroes is one of the most action-packed experiences you’ll witness on your Wii.

7. Super Mario 64

Tugging Around On Mario’s Face Was One Of The Many Joys of The Nintendo 64 Title

Nintendo has been renowned for ushering in new eras of video gaming. In the 80′s the NES really brought the experience to home to America. With the Nintendo 64, the title “Super Mario 64″ brought in the 3-D era. This game not only was a marvel for its’ time, it’s still a shining example of camera work and 3-D gameplay, which some developers still have a hard time getting right.

6. Super Metroid

Super Metroid Had More Power-Ups Than You Could Shake A Plasma Beam At

The Metroid series has always been a crown jewel in the Nintendo crown. Super Metroid is the prime example of why this series has been a mainstay for the house of “N”. Super Metroid had it all. There was a vast world to explore, power-ups to collect, and insane boss strategies to figure out. It was a tough title to get through, but the payoff at the end makes it all worth it.

5. Punch-Out

This Game Probably Holds The Record For Most Broken Controllers

If you ever hear a gamer complaining to kids about how easy games are these days, it’s because of Punch Out. This game is an example of how titles don’t have to be overly complex to be fun or engaging. With its’ simple controls, anyone could pick up and get into Punch Out. Beating the game was a whole different story. If you can beat the final boss in Punch Out, you have completed one of the grand feats in video game history.

4. Super Mario Bros.

The Game To Rule Them All

If this list were “The Most Influential Titles Of All Time”, then Super Mario Bros. would without a doubt be #1 on the list. Super Mario Bros. is responsible for creating more gamers than any title in video game history. You need to buy this game to pay homage, just like musicians when they buy jazz CDs.

3. Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past

The Legend Of Zelda has seen just as many re-makes and styles as the Mario franchise. Starting out on the NES, The Zelda series captured the minds and eyes of gamers everywhere. With the open-world layout, and puzzle ridden dungeons, this is one of the great fantasy series in entertainment history. Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past, has probably some of the best level design you will see in any game, past or present. It also has some of the best color pallette use to this day.

2. Legend Of Zelda: The Ocarina Of Time

The Gold Colored LoZ: TOoT catridges was one of the greatest packaging decisions ever.

It’s no surprise that 2 Zelda titles are represented in the #2 and #3 spot. What Super Mario 64 did in 3-D, The Ocarina Of Time did….in spades. Nintendo took the overworld idea in previous Zelda titles, and gave it a colorful 3-D shine. Ocarina also featured a very compelling story, that utilized the idea of time travel, and had a climatic ending not seen in games prior to it.

*DRUM ROLL*

*DRUM ROLL*

*DRUM ROLL*

1. Super Mario Bros. 3

Tanooki Suit – The Greatest Powerup in Video Game History

Back in the late 80′s a Fred Savage movie, called “The Wizard” was released. While some might have enjoyed the actual movie, it was the preview of Super Mario Bros. 3 that everyone was hyped for. The anticipation and excitement of watching the game in action at theaters tops any kind of gameplay video, or trailer that you’ll see online. SMB 3 is the classic example of taking a game formula and bringing it to near perfection. This game introduced the overworld map, which hosted all kinds of varied and colorful places. The greatest powerups in Mario history are to be found in this title; with Raccoon Suit Mario, Tanooki Suit Mario, Frog Suit Mario. The game introduced the Koopa Kids which to my surprise haven’t made another appearance since the title. Every Koopa Kid was a boss at the end of a world, and each had a different strategy you had to learn to beat them with. The soundtrack of SMB3 is still the staple on which Mario games are compared too. With the airship battle theme music, to the fortress music, to each individual world music, SMB3 is an example of how music and sound can bring a game together. Not only is this the greatest Virtual Console game you can purchase as of now, it’s one of the greatest games of all time.