Confessions of a Virtual Console Junkie

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I'll go first;

Hello, My name is Paul.

And I am a Wii Virtual Console Junkie.

everyone else "Hi, Paul"

It's been almost a year since I started using the Virtual Console. I don't know what it is about it. Maybe it's the rose tinted glasses that we always view nostalgia. Perhaps I am trying to grab onto my not too distant childhood where I could play games for hours and be in bliss.

Whatever it is, I absolutely love it to death.

I have bought, to date, 25 games for the Virtual console. That's more games than I've bought for the Wii, 360, and PS3 combined.

The majority of those titles come from my first real video game love, the Turbo Grafx 16. The games are generally tough to find, and a lot more expensive than on the VC. So having the chance to relive those memories is well worth the price of entry. In fact, I think I'd rather just download the oldies than play any of the new games out. I don't have too much gaming time anymore as it is, but I'd rather spend my time with Bonk or playing Beyond Oasis than bounty hunting with Samus Aran.

I know it's a geeky confession, and kind of cheesy, but I was amazed at how much money I've spent on trying to relive a small bit of my childhood. So I had to make a confession to my new gaming addiction. Well, at least it's not World of Warcraft...

Here are some not so obvious VC recommendations for the punks who haven't tasted the sweet nectar:

Splatterhouse (TG 16)
Super Star Soldier and Soldier Blade (TG 16)
All 3 Bonk titles (TG 16)
Kid Icarus (NES)
Alien and Devil's Crush (TG 16)
Ninja Spirit (TG 16)
 
You didn't recommend Gunstar Heroes?

There are 2 types of people in this world:
- People who love Gunstar Heroes

and

- People who haven't played Gunstar Heroes
 
[quote name='KingBroly']There are 2 types of people in this world:
- People who love Gunstar Heroes

and

- People who haven't played Gunstar Heroes[/quote]QFT.

The game's just crazy, old-school fun.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']You didn't recommend Gunstar Heroes?

There are 2 types of people in this world:
- People who love Gunstar Heroes

and

- People who haven't played Gunstar Heroes[/QUOTE]

I tried to name games that folks wouldn't normally have tried.
 
I think I have six or seven games. I try to pick up only titles I don't have on older systems (TG-16 games and some odd Genny titles).
 
I think the allure of the VC is that it has many games that are simply some of the best stuff ever made, even without nostalgia factored in. While I personally don't like it that much because I'm not a fan of download only purchases, I do think the games on it are the stuff of legends... sometimes.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']You didn't recommend Gunstar Heroes?

There are 2 types of people in this world:
- People who love Gunstar Heroes

and

- People who haven't played Gunstar Heroes[/QUOTE]

I bought it on the VC, beat it a couple times, and haven't touched it. It's ok, but nothing great IMO. But I'm just not much of a fan of that genre as I was never big into the Contra games either.
 
GSH is the only VC game Ive purchased to date.

I'd have bought more, but I already have 90% of them for their original systems, which are all hooked up to the same tv as my Wii.


[quote name='KingBroly']You didn't recommend Gunstar Heroes?

There are 2 types of people in this world:
- People who love Gunstar Heroes

and

- People who haven't played Gunstar Heroes[/quote]
 
You know, I bought 2000 points, bought Kid Ikarus... sucked at it and decided not to buy anymore games. Then I figured I might as well buy a few more since I still have 1500 points left. And I bought two more VC games and sucked at those too.

I then said, "that's it... this is enough."

But Ninja Spirit was announced and... I bought 2000 more points and bought it. Then I reminded myself why I'd never buy VC points again: because I no longer have the skill to play those classics.

But... I still have 1400 points left.:whistle2:k

This isn't going to end well for me.
 
Thats what passed for 'replay value' back then. Most of those games would be 90 minutes long if you could play thru them without dying, cursing, throwing the controller, failing miserably, etc.

[quote name='Vinny']You know, I bought 2000 points, bought Kid Ikarus... sucked at it and decided not to buy anymore games. Then I figured I might as well buy a few more since I still have 1500 points left. And I bought two more VC games and sucked at those too.

I then said, "that's it... this is enough."

But Ninja Spirit was announced and... I bought 2000 more points and bought it. Then I reminded myself why I'd never buy VC points again: because I no longer have the skill to play those classics.

But... I still have 1400 points left.:whistle2:k

This isn't going to end well for me.[/quote]
 
[quote name='Chacrana']I think the allure of the VC is that it has many games that are simply some of the best stuff ever made, even without nostalgia factored in. While I personally don't like it that much because I'm not a fan of download only purchases, I do think the games on it are the stuff of legends... sometimes.[/QUOTE]

Legends? I think your unconsciously factoring nostalgia in. Most of them really aren't that great of games and none of them are truly amazing anymore (including Gunstar Heroes, Metal Slug is far superior).
 
Hi, my name is Sailorneorune, and I'm a Virtual Console addict.

"hi, Sailorneorune..."

I've mostly bought TG-16 games, having never owned one as a kid, as well as some of the more sought-after (read: overpriced on ebay) classics.


So far:

Kid Icarus (I suck at it too)
Kirby's Adventure
Super Metroid (just finished it the other day. still love it. time: 5:20)
Breath of Fire II (because I don't want to pay $40 for the cart)
ToeJam & Earl (see Breath of Fire II. also, it's great alone, but better with a friend)
Super Mario 64 (Mario games are overpriced in the boonies)
Soldier Blade (see ToeJam & Earl)
Devil's Crush (it's pinball! I love it, but not as much as Last Gladiators on the Saturn)
Bonk's Adventure
Bonk's Revenge
Bomberman '93 (for the multiplayer)
Neutopia (omg I called it a Zelda clone! Fun game)
Neutopia II (because I MIGHT finish the first one)
Dead Moon (shooter ^_^)
Galaga '90 (I heart Galaga)

I've also been guessing at each week's releases.
 
[quote name='PenguinMaster']Legends? I think your unconsciously factoring nostalgia in. Most of them really aren't that great of games and none of them are truly amazing anymore (including Gunstar Heroes, Metal Slug is far superior).[/quote]

Even Super Metroid really isn't even all that.

I did get Gunstar and Streets of Rage 2 and loved them both. GH is good fun and I can always use another helping of Metal Slug, especially since they aren't churning out good ones any more.

I'm really torn on what to burn the rest of my points on, though.
 
[quote name='KingBroly']You didn't recommend Gunstar Heroes?

There are 2 types of people in this world:
- People who love Gunstar Heroes

and

- People who haven't played Gunstar Heroes[/QUOTE]

Well to me, there's 3 types. The third being people who have played Gunstar Heroes and think it's a sack of shit. That's where I fall. I respect people's love for the game. But my god. IMO, that game is one of the worst I've played in my life. Not kidding. It just reminds me of how much better Contra and Metal Slug are.
 
How the hell do none of you have ActRaiser amongst your lists of VC games?

I only bought Super Mario 64 (never had the N64 cart until a while ago) and Gunstar Heroes. I'd love to add ActRaiser, but I can't be arsed to pay for more points when there's hardly any games I want that I'm interested/don't already own in cart form.
 
I like it because it gives me (and everyone else) a chance to play those games that EVERYONE ELSE played..but for some reason.. you never did? I never had a TG16, so there are games that interest me on that..I NEVER played Super Metroid..and I finally got a chance to now!

Sadly, because of compilation discs, GameTap, and XBLA..you can get some of these games for a better deal, cheaper, and/or with more features.

It's just..I've tried some TG16 games that interested me..and I got burnt because they sucked lol :(
 
[quote name='dserafin1986']The VC is incredible...And it's just going to get better...Can't wait for the Neo Geo games, and hopefully TG16CD games[/QUOTE]

I think those games might be too big...
 
[quote name='A Happy Panda']Well to me, there's 3 types. The third being people who have played Gunstar Heroes and think it's a sack of shit. That's where I fall. I respect people's love for the game. But my god. IMO, that game is one of the worst I've played in my life. Not kidding. It just reminds me of how much better Contra and Metal Slug are.[/quote]

I agree somewhat. While I don't feel that GH is a "sack of shit," I think it is highly overrated - especially on this board. I only got it because of all of the glowing praise and I've played it only a handful of times. Besides R-Type, it is the only VC game where I wish I could get my money back.
 
I finally caved over the weekend and bought my first one - my favorite 2D game of all time - Super Metroid - and I regret it already. I've played this thing to death (probably 25 or 30 times through) and there was just no need to pay money for it especially when I still have my copy of the SNES cart and a working SNES. If I wasn't happy with Super Metroid I can guarantee that I won't ever buy another VC game again unless it is something original.
 
[quote name='javeryh']I finally caved over the weekend and bought my first one - my favorite 2D game of all time - Super Metroid - and I regret it already. I've played this thing to death (probably 25 or 30 times through) and there was just no need to pay money for it especially when I still have my copy of the SNES cart and a working SNES. If I wasn't happy with Super Metroid I can guarantee that I won't ever buy another VC game again unless it is something original.[/quote]

Take solace in the fact that you're downloading it might help show the demand for a new 2D Metroid.

And yeah, I don't think I could buy it again unless it was a remake or proper release with additional content. I think my last full run through the game was less than 2.5 hours.
 
[quote name='Tsukento']No offense, but I'd say paying for a VC game that you already own the cart for is a rather bone-headed move to begin with.[/QUOTE]

Not if you want all of your favorites on one system. Not if the battery inside for saves has completely discharged. Not if you still have to blow into the cartridge for it to work.
 
[quote name='Tsukento']How the hell do none of you have ActRaiser amongst your lists of VC games?
[/QUOTE]

Played through it on emulator a month or so before it came to the VC. Too short to pay $8 for as well IMO (and not hard like many other old short games).
 
[quote name='orimental']Not if you want all of your favorites on one system. Not if the battery inside for saves has completely discharged. Not if you still have to blow into the cartridge for it to work.[/QUOTE]


I'd agree with that if the prices were a few dollars lower. At current prices it's not worth it just for convenience IMO.
 
[quote name='Tsukento']No offense, but I'd say paying for a VC game that you already own the cart for is a rather bone-headed move to begin with.[/quote]

Well, the SNES and games are all in a box in my attic and I'd rather pay $8 than hook everything up for just one game - it's just not worth my time.
 
[quote name='javeryh']If I wasn't happy with Super Metroid I can guarantee that I won't ever buy another VC game again unless it is something original.[/QUOTE]

Or classic games you never played and aren't sick to death of from beating so many times.
 
I bought quite a few VC games when I first got the Wii, but it's slowed down considerably since then. I've tried to only buy stuff that I don't own... but there's one glaring exception here.

Nintendo 64.

Own it, don't own it, I'll buy it regardless. Even though the 64 is hooked up less than 2 feet away from the Wii. The one thing to say about the VC, and since N64 is the only 3D system on there it's the only applicable one, is how much BETTER they look. Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, Starfox... running on component cables, free of the foggy nightmare that the 64 relied upon... it's fantastic.

So, if absolutely nothing else, the VC console is worth it for every single N64 game they throw at us.
 
[quote name='dmaul1114']I'd agree with that if the prices were a few dollars lower. At current prices it's not worth it just for convenience IMO.[/quote]

I've almost exclusively bought games I already own because I think it IS worth it to have them all on one system. In fact the games I've bought that I didn't already own were pretty disapointing (Kirby, Gunstar, Castlevania IV a couple more.)

When I bought the Wii I could justify buying it day one because I could unplug my 64, SNES, and NES and have all the games on one cute little box. I haven't bought many Wii games, but I still don't feel like I paid too much. In fact I probably would buy it again even if I KNEW that only Wii sports and VC games were ever going to be released.
 
[quote name='carthitup']I bought quite a few VC games when I first got the Wii, but it's slowed down considerably since then. I've tried to only buy stuff that I don't own... but there's one glaring exception here.

Nintendo 64.

Own it, don't own it, I'll buy it regardless. Even though the 64 is hooked up less than 2 feet away from the Wii. The one thing to say about the VC, and since N64 is the only 3D system on there it's the only applicable one, is how much BETTER they look. Mario 64, Ocarina of Time, Starfox... running on component cables, free of the foggy nightmare that the 64 relied upon... it's fantastic.

So, if absolutely nothing else, the VC console is worth it for every single N64 game they throw at us.[/QUOTE]
i agree with that... i have my n64 hooked up to my hdtv and it looks like shit. however, mario kart and mario 64 look much better on the wii with component cables. I still wish they did something on these games to look better. I know a lot of people don't agree, but my argument is that i've already played these games so many times (and still own most) that i'd like to see some new features as long as it doesn't compromise my nostalgia.
 
I try to avoid purchasing games I already own. However, XBL games usually have extras and online play, so that will usually tempt me to purchase it.
And GameTap is just so cool. I've always wanted a NeoGeo, but with GameTap, I'm pretty much satiated. Not only do I get almost all of the Sam Sho games, but they're playable online as well. Much cheaper than buying a NG console and all those games. I tend to like ports, though. Ports and compilations usually have nice extras (button configuration, hidden characters, arranged tunes, etc.). For instance, the PS port (and other console ports) of SFA3 had the SSFIIT characters. Heck, I'm happy just to be able to play a good version of Sam Sho 2. It still holds up today. The GameTap port is great; much better than the import PS one and easier to deal with than the PC version I picked up a few years back.
 
[quote name='aaandrewww']I've almost exclusively bought games I already own because I think it IS worth it to have them all on one system. In fact the games I've bought that I didn't already own were pretty disapointing (Kirby, Gunstar, Castlevania IV a couple more.)

When I bought the Wii I could justify buying it day one because I could unplug my 64, SNES, and NES and have all the games on one cute little box. I haven't bought many Wii games, but I still don't feel like I paid too much. In fact I probably would buy it again even if I KNEW that only Wii sports and VC games were ever going to be released.[/QUOTE]

To each their own. All my old systems are boxed up as well....I just don't have that much desire to replay games very often. And at current prices, I'd rather just emulate for free--which is legal with games you own the carts for.
 
[quote name='lebowsky']I agree somewhat. While I don't feel that GH is a "sack of shit," I think it is highly overrated - especially on this board. I only got it because of all of the glowing praise and I've played it only a handful of times. Besides R-Type, it is the only VC game where I wish I could get my money back.[/QUOTE]

Sack of shit...highly overrated, same thing :lol:

I only have 3 VC games, Mario Kart 64, Bomberman 93 and Gunstar Heroes. I almost deleted it from my Wii channels.
 
I have picked up 6 games: Mario 64, Gunstar Heroes, Actraiser, Castlevania IV, Ninja Gaiden, and Super Metroid. Metroid is the only one I've actually finished, and I'm at the final area of Actraiser. Everything else I've barely put any time into.
 
I kinda wish I could get my money back on Super Metroid. I had never played it and wish I hadn't wasted the time.

GH and SoR2 were totally worth it. Just wish I could figure out what to burn the rest of my points on.
 
I want to dive into it, but I really can't see paying $20 for 2000 points just doesn't seem worth it. I want to play zelda, bonk, devil's crush, etc. But I can't just jutify the (to me) high price of the points.

I've spent $20 for the capcom classic collections, out of a misplaced sense of nostalgia. But it turns out those games were just button mashing that I'd play through in an hour or two and then be done with.
 
[quote name='RollingSkull']I kinda wish I could get my money back on Super Metroid. I had never played it and wish I hadn't wasted the time.

GH and SoR2 were totally worth it. Just wish I could figure out what to burn the rest of my points on.[/QUOTE]

Really? It's not "teh b3st games evar" like people exaggerate it is. But it's definitely worth $8 if you've never played it.
 
On Gunstar Heroes, it is probably my best valued buy on the VC. It is the one game that I've never played, downloaded, beat, and enjoyed.

As far as style goes, I prefer Super C (which I have played thousands of times over the years), but I know most of the game (the first several levels at least), inside out. I will probably end up picking up Super C and playing it more in the future, but after DLing it I didn't have a new game that I knew nothing about.
 
I have 23 VC games and I love having them. The convenience of having so many games that I loved to play years ago on a system I love to play now is great. I'll be buying Sonic 3 and Breath of Fire 2 today, so far they have brought out every game I've wanted with some exceptions. Still waiting for...

Super Mario RPG
Yoshi's Island
SMB 3
Super Mario Kart
Mortal Kombat 2
Mario All-stars
 
[quote name='A Happy Panda']Really? It's not "teh b3st games evar" like people exaggerate it is. But it's definitely worth $8 if you've never played it.[/QUOTE]

I don't like using the word best, as that's sounds too objective, but it's definitely still my all time favorite game.
 
[quote name='A Happy Panda']Sack of shit...highly overrated, same thing :lol:

I only have 3 VC games, Mario Kart 64, Bomberman 93 and Gunstar Heroes. I almost deleted it from my Wii channels.[/quote]

I already deleted it and R-Type from my channels. I didn't see the point in even having them take up space when I know I will never play them again.
 
I think I finally realized why I wouldn't buy a game on the VC, and the last post hit it.

If I bought the hardware version of a game I knew I'd never play again, I could at least sell it or trade it. On the VC, you're stuck with it, to the point where you end up simply deleting it with no chance of recouping your losses.

Not a reason NOT to buy, but certainly takes away a part of gaming that allows me to continue gaming -- recycling the cash from buying and selling.
 
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