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ActRaiser arrives on Wii VC

Nintendo's downloadable game service welcomes Enix SNES action strategy game, as well as Kid Chameleon and J.J. and Jeff.

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Given that gamers already knew ActRaiser, Kid Chameleon, and J.J. and Jeff were headed for the Wii's Virtual Console downloadable game service, the only thing surprising about this week's batch of releases was that somebody was working on Memorial Day to make sure they went up yesterday morning.

Originally released on the Super Nintendo in 1991, ActRaiser was an unusual combination of a side-scrolling action game and an overhead world-building strategy title. As the avatar of a god, players first had to slash their way through platforming levels and then direct the expansion of a civilization, performing miracles to guide followers along the way. ActRaiser is available for 800 Wii points ($8).

When it debuted on the Sega Genesis the following year, Kid Chameleon offered a more action-focused experience, with players assuming the role of a boy trapped in a haywire virtual-reality arcade game. As the best gamer in his town, Kid Chameleon must beat the game's 100-plus levels with the help of a variety of headgear that grant him special powers. Sega's Kid Chameleon sells on the Virtual Console for 800 Wii points ($8).

Rounding out the week's releases is J.J. and Jeff, originally released for the TurboGrafx-16 by Hudson in 1990. A localized version of the Japanese TG-16 game Kato and Ken, J.J. and Jeff followed a pair of detectives on the trail of a rich man who has been kidnapped. As J.J. or Jeff, players run through 24 areas full of enemies and obstacles, as well as hidden rooms where, according to Nintendo "you can regain health while being completely entertained by [a] short sketch and surreal allure." J.J. and Jeff is available for 600 Wii points ($6).

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Wayward_Son_88

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I've haven't heard of any of these, but they all sound interesting, especially ActRaiser. I can't wait to see the reviews for all of these.

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bghattas

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It's a very strong trio this week. J.J. and Jeff might be considered a WTF? kind of game but it has a huge cult following. It's one of those games that are truly different; it's a mix of Super Mario, Adventure Island and Paper Mario.

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gleniscool

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ActRaiser! WOOOOO! Bought, already. Actually.... not yet, but by the end of the day. ActRaiser is awesome and cool. And I just finished Ecco the Dolphin so I need a new game.

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zebnolsen

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I lost my cartridge copy of ActRaiser long ago, so I'm looking forward to playing though the game again.

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dominae

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Azeren, get a GBA. Seriously.

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Rect_Pola

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ActRaiser was great, but lordy that final run against all the bosses was something else.

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cspiffo

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I loved Actraiser when it was released. I think I'll be taking a stroll down memory lane tonight.

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SaxxyGamer18

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And, uh, Azeren, I don't think half the Mega Man games you mentioned even exist. And go get Mega Man Anniversary Collection - it'll cost you less than ten dollars for 8 full-fledged Mega Man games and two cruddy arcade games, plus a bunch of extras and options. I'm alright with them doing Mega Man X, though - I hate that collection.

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peeweeshift

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i played kid chameleon back in the day and more recently in the sega collection so i will skip this one

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TwinTiger

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I don't know about the other two, but ActRaiser is a very nice addition to the VC list. Challenging gameplay and great music. Well worth the $8. Now if they could get some Sega Saturn and Dreamcast games on there we'd be set!

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StrikerGold

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@Azeren: Wow, you're not asking for too much are you. ;) Damn fine list though.

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SaxxyGamer18

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And I hate Kid Chameleon, by the way. Awful music, slippery controls, stupid premise...the list goes on.

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chrisdojo

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i've never heard of any of these....

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Alaskan_Ninja

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i want to see them put superscope games on here like battle clash..........

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R3efer

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very NAICE! i like it

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Nickfury101

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I remember playing Kid Chameleon. That game was almost impossible to beat without Game Genie since it had like 200 levels, without a save or password option. However now thats it's on VC it is now savable and well worth the eight dollars.

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MikousMaximous

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YESSSSS! the kid is back! now i can put away the genesis for now.

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Azeren

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I'd be satisfied with one of the following every month: 7th Saga Banjo Kazooie (Rare owned?) Banjo Tooie (Rare owned?) Breath of Fire Breath of Fire II Chrono Trigger Demon's Crest Dragon Quest/Warrior Dragon Quest/Warrior II Dragon Quest/Warrior III Dragon Quest/Warrior IV Dragon Quest/Warrior V Dragon Quest/Warrior VI (Not sure which systems the japanese only ones were on) Earthbound Final Fantasy MQ Final Fantasy I Final Fantasy II Final Fantasy III Final Fantasy IV Final Fantasy V Final Fantasy VI Lufia Lufia II Lunar (Perhaps Sega adds Saturn games?) Lunar II (Perhaps Sega adds Saturn games?) Illusion of Gaia Megaman Megaman II Megaman III Megaman IV Megaman V Megaman VI Megaman X Megaman XII Megaman XIII Metroid Robotrek Secret of Evermore Secret of Mana Super Mario Bros. III Super Mario RPG (Supposed to be coming out soon) Super Metroid Super Punch-Out!! Super Smash Bros.

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SirSpudly

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It is amazing how Nintendo has catered to the hardcore gamer on weeks where casual games have been released and to the casuals when a hardcore game is released. No shooters this week!

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mpchitown

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I am waiting for killer instinct, ULLLLTRAAAA COMBOOOO!!!!

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Dr_Corndog

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Breath of Fire 2 is coming to the Japanese VC, but when will it and some of its RPG brethren finally come to America?

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SaxxyGamer18

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I'm downloading ActRaiser right away! SWEEEEETTT!!!

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comelstr

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wares Super Mario RPG i want that Super Smash Bros, Super Metroid

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Way2fonky

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Kid Chameleon. I can remember playing that on demo in Target. Might download it just to see how it holds up today. The VC does need more RPGs though.

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finaleve

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actraiser's is probably the big update for this week. Nothing peeks my interest though, so I guess I will wait for next weeks update.

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LordAndrew

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Oh cool. Actraiser.

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LordNosgoth

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Thats Nice now, how about some RPGs like Lufia2 ?

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kuroinindato

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more games comin to the VC, always a good thing. even tho i'm more waiting/hoping for titles such as Killer Instinct, SF Alpha 2 or some MK goodness... ;)

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