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Wiikly wiileases wiivealed

by: Chuck -
More On: Wii
It looks like it's another slow week for Cyril as Nintendo is releasing one new virtual console game this week and two new WiiWare games.  The one retro title is SkyKid (500 points) with Star Soldier R (800 points) and Critter Round Up (1,000 points) making their debut on Nintendo's new service.  I can't say that any of these games really gets my juices flowing but be sure to check back on Friday for Cyril's take on SkyKid.

Two WiiWare Games and One Virtual Console Game Added to Wii Shop Channel

Today begins a new phase for the Wii-kly Update. From now on, well have all the information about the arrival of both WiiWare and Virtual Console games. So basically youre getting access to the best games of the past and the coolest creations of the present. With this weeks releases you can blast space-based enemies with your starfighter, fly the not-always-friendly skies or even corral some cute critters in the barnyard.

Nintendo adds new and classic games to the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This weeks new games are:

WiiWare

Critter Round-Up (Konami, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points): The critters have escaped, and the barnyard is in chaos! Its up to you to quickly corral the animals in this puzzle-action challenge. Youll have to mend fences in a hurry to keep all the critters safe and satisfied. But the fun doesnt stop with the farmland; more than 50 challenging levels take you to several exotic locations, including the outback, the icy Arctic and more. Theres even a series of minigames for when the critters get you down: Snowball Soccer, Predator Rampage, Chicken Catch and Fence Trap. Up to four players can compete or cooperate as the critters run wild. So roll up those sleeves and grab a friendthose critters wont catch themselves.

Star Soldier R (Hudson Entertainment, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Star Soldier R is a new kind of shooter where players aim for the best scores within a two- or five-minute time limit. Develop various scoring strategies, and pump out those points within the breakneck time frame. Assembled in record time to counter the advance of a powerful enemy, the mysterious Brain Forces, the Caesar starfighter takes off to fight for the very future of mankind. Shoot down countless enemies, upgrade your ship to the max with power-ups hidden throughout the levels and wage an all-out assault against the core of the enemy fortress. Combining the excitement of shoot-em-ups with in-depth scoring strategies, this state-of-the-art competitive shooter will keep you coming back for more. Upload your best scores with Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, and pit your skills against the worlds best fighter pilots from the comfort of your living room. Hone your skills and show the world whos boss.

Virtual Console

SKYKID (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points): Red Baron, from the freedom- and peace-loving nation of birds, Bird Land, faces off in the skies with his rival Blue Max in this side-scrolling shooting game. Defeat the many enemies that await you as you complete your mission, using moves like the loop-the-loop to shoot down enemies from behind. Fly low to pick up bombs placed in the stage and drop them on command posts, warships or other designated targets to destroy them. Then land safely at base to proceed to the next mission. Beware of enemy fire, thoughit will cause you to crash, unless youre able to recover by rapidly pressing the buttons. You can even play with a second person and fly simultaneously, sometimes helping each other and other times competing against each other. Prepare yourself and take to the skies, but make sure that the catchy background music (which became an instant classic when this game was originally released) doesnt distract you from your goal.