Critiquing the Virtual Console

[k.vlaros]

Interesting responses on both points, thank you. Good call about Earthbound. In a way I'd almost rather have that than Chrono Trigger, as I'd just tried CT on DS a couple years ago. Well, maybe Nintendo still has some surprises up its sleeves.

[timewarpgamer]

Side-question: how do you think the PSOne Classics selection on the PSN is building in comparison to the whole of the VC library? Have you considered adding these to your 'system selector' in your existing PSN section [just Turbografix and NEO GEO at the moment]? And do you think there's any hope of Nintendo adding newer arcade support (early 90s-level tech... PLEASE Nintendo?) on WiiU, or possibly Saturn or Dreamcast titles?

Great questions. They make me delve into a game library that's less familiar. I'd like to expand my retro coverage one of these days, but until I really feel that I've covered the 8-bit and 16-bit games to my satisfaction, I'm reluctant to bite of more than I can chew.

I do own a PS3, though, and after taking a cursory look at the U.S. PS1 releases, I'll weight in on this one anyway:

Organization and Presentation
--In terms of downloading, the Wii interface may appear clumsy, but bear in mind that there are nearly 400 different Virtual Console titles that can be downloaded, so simply slashing the alphabet in half (as the PS3 does for PS1 downloads) would not be an effective means of organization.
--That said, being able to immediately select a game list on the PS3 that only covers import games is marvelous; if only the Wii allowed users such a shortcut to titles that they can easily play for the first time.
--Clumsy as it may be, the Wii VC does allow you to search for downloads according to system, publisher, genre, and title, which is nice if you know what you're looking for.
--PS3 on the other hand is way ahead of the game in actually providing a user-based rating for each title. Seems so obvious. Make it happen Nintendo!

Pricing
--Obviously, you get more game (i.e. size) for your money with the PS1 downloads
--It's not so obvious that you get a better bargain, though, when you consider the cost of original games. A quick look at video game price guide shows that the most expensive PS1 title is The Misadventures of Tron Bonne (WTF? Never heard of it) at $114. Scrolling down the list it's not until around $30 that I recognize titles that are available for download.
--PS3's variation in pricing from $3 to $6 to $10 per PS1 title is welcome, because it's ridiculously awesome to score a PS1 title for less than or slightly more than an NES VC title would set you back.
--Sure there are some $10 PS1 downloads, but at a glance most of them (i.e. Final Fantasy titles, Chrono Trigger, Metal Gear Solid, Grandia, Xenogeard) seem to be well worth the surcharge.

Library Selection
--This one is pretty close.
--The Wii has numerous import titles available, and you'll also find some (though fewer than than Wii) PS1 downloads as well, like Cho Aniki and various RockMans.
--There are many titles missing from the VC lineup (Contra, Dragon Warrior titles, practically anything based on a license, Guerilla War, Gargoyle's Quest II, the list goes on).
--Similarly, there are many PS1 titles that are struggling to see a release outside of Japan: DonPachi, DoDonPachi, Einhander, G Darius, and Metal Slug.
--Then you also have some glaring absences that--so far--aren't available in any country for download, such as Suikoden II, Dragon Warrior VII, Tactics Ogre, Soul Edge, Tales of Destiny I and II, as well as the Tony Hawk games

I guess all I can really say in terms of preference is IT DEPENDS. But overall I have to be happy that both Nintendo and Sony (not to mention XBLA) are making the effort to cater to retro games.

[bam]

It could be noted on the list that Earthworm Jim and Earthworm Jim 2 are the Genesis versions, not the SNES ones.
I am hoping Nintendo lets the publisher release the SNES versions as they had (to my opinion) nicer sound and graphics. I am not holding my breath, though.

[alienjesus]

If you search by Genre on Wii, one of the options is 'Import'. Just thought I'd point that out as you enjoyed being able to find an import only list on PS1C. 3DS has user ratings for games, but there's not a huge take up yet. Maybe after Christmas it'll see more use.

The 3DS Virtual Console seems promising so far. The release rate is very slow, but hopefully it means it'll last it out til the next console and we won't stop releasing games later in the consoles lifecycle (no VC game since about June in Europe on Wii ). I have no problem with VC, I think theres a lot of great games out there for it. I do wish there was still more coming out though.

Still, 3DS virtual console is bringing out a good amount of Nintendo classics off the bat (mario land 1 and 2, Kirbys dreamland, donkey kong 94, zelda: links awakening DX, wario land 1 has also been rated), alongside some solid 3rd party entries (Gargoyles Quest, Megaman, Pacman) and some more obscure but awesome stuff (Avenging Spirit, Catrap). Maybe the releases will pick up a little when they start adding Game Gear and Turbografx games. They've been announced for ages.

P.S. Misadventures of Tron Bonne is a Megaman Legends spin off.

[optmusprimenumber]

I always thought it would be nice if the VC was at least it's own channel, and then have channels of its own for consoles, etc... or just the games.