YEAH FIRST COMMENT!
Serious, it's really a good week with Majora Mask and Crystal defenders R2! but i'm curious for Silver Star Chess....

People are going to go back to complaining about SSB! Anyways a good week on all three fronts.

How could you go wrong for 500 Points? Hockey All-Star Shootout that's how!

I'm so happy PiCOPiCT is here in NA. Now things are improving!

So who's getting R2? I'm counting on people's thoughts today. I wanna know if it's worth getting or not. I'm especially interested to hear how people who got the first one respond to this one, especially since it's 800 Points again.

Silver Star Chess still interests me as much as it did months ago. Nice to finally see it after it's ESRB Rating months ago. If it had online play, I wouldn't even consider it. I'd get it instantly.

@Metroid133: No matter what happened today, I knew people would end up complaining either way....

Wish MM wasn't our 300th game. Otherwise, great update for once.

Good thing we have Majora's Mask fellas!
It's about time that NOA FIINALLY releases N64 games for the virtual Console!

Great update this week.

Definitely will be getting Majora's Mask and it looks like my untouched 1000 free DSi Points will be used to get Art Style: PicoBits. I've been waiting for that game to show up stateside.

I'm thinking about getting the DSi ware game...and i'll hold out for Wii Chess.

Finally I good update after several bland weeks. I will download Majoras Mask and Picobits very soon. Hopefully next week will bring more goodies

@Metroid133: Too true. This is a bittersweet update. Smash for #350! XD

It just might be time to play me some Majora's Mask for the first time.

OH HECK YES! FINALLY,MAJORA'S MASK! IS THIS A DREAM!? NO IT ISN'T! ALSO,WE FINALLY RECEIVED SOME GOOD WIIWARE GAMES AND NO SHOVELWARE! YES!!!

Sorry,I got a little too exicted there. But seriously,we finally receive some good games! I will be downloading Majora's Mask and Crystal Defenders R2 ASAP! I'm also curious about the Chess game too.

Cool! I am getting Majora's Mask and ArtStyle!

Surprise, surprise.

SWEET!
o wait, it's not the same not complaining on here. WHERE'S SSB!! WHERE'S BUBBLE BOBBLE! RABBLE RABBLE RABBLE!
Got that out of the way. I'm good for awhile. Until E3 comes, than we'll see what happens.

YAY for MM and Crystal Defenders R2! I actually found R1 to be very enjoyable and worth the 800 points...so R2 is a must buy for me.

"@Metroid133: Too true. This is a bittersweet update. Smash for #350! XD"

I don't want to wait another 50 weeks for SSB! Good update all around though.

No Pro Wrestling, boooooooo. XP

No Swords & Soldiers?!?!?! STUPID NINTENDO I AM WRITING AN ANGRY LETTER! Yarrrrrr!!!!!

Probably getting the chess game and picopict. I'll get MM later.

At least we finally got Majora's Mask after all this time. Smash bros Is long overdue though. I hope they don't wait until game 350. The N64 section of the shop is way too short on games. The wii has been around since 06 and we only have 16 N64 games. Come on Nintendo what are you waiting for?

I promise that I will never complain about the VC again.

@sirgrim: IGN already confirmed since Friday that S&S wasn't coming...
@Andrew: I was waiting for someone to say something along those lines!

@Link79: We'll be lucky to get at least 30 N64 games, what with liscensing.

Best VC / WiiWare / DSi week in a very long time. I might even get something from all three -- certainly I'm going for MM and PicoPict without hesitation, as those two were at the top of my wanted lists for their respective services.

@KnucklesSonic8: I was being a smart alec. I don't want it anyway. Not a shabby release day.

This morning, I walked twice as far as I thought I could, won a contest with a prize worth $230, played a video game I got for free from the library, and watched Majora's Mask hit the NA VC.

Folks, I have one question: If I'm dead, how in the world did I make it to heaven?

Well outside of Majora, the weakest link in the Zelda line, this has been a fantastic update. I for one was hoping it would have been the released elsewhere Smash Bros. The weird design setup alone should dock it points, especially if you combine a lot of the annoying sidequests and the stupid time limit and losses you get stepping back in time. Someone who finds that game near the best (like the tool here that gave it a 10) has got to be a fanboy wearing some zelda beergoggles.

The chess game and pictopic are nice to see. I guess in around another 6mo we'll see #350 with smash bros then or something at the sorry pace VC games drop.

Also what's with Crystal Defenders? I keep seeing, wait for it on PS3. I have yet to see it appear on there so has it even got a date?

Guys. You can't expect Nintendo to reveal all it's cards cause then it'd have nothing left and would show that it's not really properly planning ahead with download content on both Wii and DSi. lol

i am pissed with crystal defenders i really wanted swords and soldiers been waiting for the game since i heard about it last year

@J.K: You lost me after the first sentence.

Finally!!! lol. Nintendo really knows how to make people question their sanity. Anyways, I must thank Nintendo for an awesome VC and Wiiware download. I will be downloading Majora and R2 for sure since I really liked R1 but I'm not sure about the silver or DSiware game. But whatever, two really good downloads is more than enough for me..........at least for now Enjoy your downloads everyone, you deserve them.

Crystal Defenders R2 suggestion from Nintendo O_0

"but if you've got an Xbox 360 or Playstation 3 we still recommend getting the game on one of those instead - You'll get a ton more content for a far better price." R2 costs 800 points.

Majora's Mask was basically guaranteed for the 300th game. So that didn't surprise me. It would of if we got Earthbound or anything else. The VC games I'll be looking forward to being released next are Final Fantasy 1, (hopefully someday but unlikely) Earthbound, A Boy and His Blob, Devil World, The Revenge of Shinobi. As far as the SSB thing goes I've got Melee and Brawl probably like the majority of us, so why do you guys want the original? I don't. Not anymore anyway, they had their chance before Brawl to get me interested in wanting it and they blew it. Its no longer on my wanted games radar.

Yay! Not only did we get Majora's Mask, but we also got Crystal Defenders! I've been playing through R1. While it's a bit disappointing that Crystal Defenders was split, I honestly feel like you get enough of a game for your money. The first one gets really hard after a while, only to drop in difficulty once you figure out the thieves. I'm hoping that R2 will shake things up again and freshen up the gameplay even more.

As for DSiWare... hmm... well, we're one week closer to some real games. (pause) I think.

Surprisingly, Nintendo actually came through today but a part of me is still a bit miffed that North America had to wait nearly two months longer for this game, just so it could be release 300. Hopefully Nintendo will give us a game before anyone else to make up for it. Super Mario Kart perhaps? ^^'

Yeah, I don't see myself buying a PSWhatever in the future, seeing as the site is NINTENDO Life.

About darn time Nintendo. I will download this instantly!

Finally, Statesians get to (re-)experience Mujura no Kamen!

Congrats, guys!

BTW, is that version of 'Ballad of the Wind Fish' different to the one in Link's Awakening? Just asking...

It's hard to be excited about a game that I already play on the Wii... it's on the Gamecube Zelda disc and I believe that version has improved graphics.

Now I can get back to complaining about the game I REALLY want...Mystical Ninja Starring Goemon, one of the greatest and most overlooked games of the N64 era! I WANT this game, NOA!

Yeah you guys have Majora's Mask!!!!!!!!! I wonder what we're get for our 300th! I'm Happy for you guys.

While I strongly dislike that Nintendo would take so long with VC releases, this brings us one step closer to completing the N64 library. Still have a ways to go (and some licensing hurdles), but we'll get there!

Majora's Mask, here I come....

@Michi

Ooh...I wants my Goemon, Ebisumaru, Yae and Sasuke as well!

imagines downloading a copy

Ah...Arigatou Gozaimasu, Kara-Nintendo-san!

(Translation: Oh, thank you very much, empty or hollow Nintendo!)

Looks like people will start complaining about not getting Swords and Soldiers from now on.

SSB64 shouldn't be too far off. It's been 4 months since it was released in Japan.

It'll be a long wait, my sister doesn't want me to play Majora's Mask without her...And I'm 90% sure it'll be to creepy for her, and she won't like it >_>

You know what sucks about this update? I have 900 points and also have no money left. >_> lol

no Superman 64?

So they DID go with Majora. Nice to know Nintendo isn't 100% random stupid. PiCTOBiTS looks pretty darned cool, but I don't really want to buy a 2000 point card for a 500 point game, so I'll probably still wait until Mighty Flip Champs releases, at least.

@J.K.: Yeah, I have no idea why we STILL don't have Crystal Defenders on PS3. Japan got it same day we got the 360 version, but we're still left waiting! I can only imagine it has something to do with an exchange of currency between Microsoft and Squenix, if you catch my drift...

@Michi & NintendoPurist: I want that game, sure, but I REALLY want Goemon's Great Adventure, which is even better (Goemon belongs in 2D style gameplay, imo)! Come on, Konami and Nintendo!

I could be a d--k and complain about no Swords & Soldiers, but we'll probably get that next week.

Good that we got MM, but it was so predictable that it cuts down on the excitement of it. Would've been way cooler if N had released a couple VC games instead of just one, but oh well. At least its not Fuggleslop in Snozzwangler Land. ;P

Ok nevermind, I have enough money to get this...w00t! Lucky!
downloads and plays MM

I wonder were DECODE is? I hope we get it soon.

Nice update.

..... tho I truly would have preferred Earthbound.

What can I say? Enjoy Majora's Mask, state-siders

YES!!! Finally! I'm downloading MM as soon as i get home but im even more excited for PiCOBiTS!! I was thinking D-CODE would be out first but who cares! PiCOBiTS is my definite favorite out of all 9 artstyle games. Now let's keep it going with Smash 64 and D-CODE for next week!! And a note to everyone, please support all DSi artstyle games. I've seen the popular DSi charts and Aquia's performance was atrocious. Please convince Nintendo to make more Artstyle. Trust me, PiCOBiTS is awesome!

I just noticed this: "Silver Star Chess (Rated E for Everyone - Mild Suggestive Themes)"

Now THERE'S something you don't see every day! A chess game with suggestive themes? Faaaancy that.

@North99: Who wouldn't? Oh, wait...Corbie, for one. I'm sure there are others, too, sadly.

@bboy2970: I downloaded Aquia first thing I got on DSiWare, so don't blame me! I must say that PiCOBiTS does look much better, though.

@thewiirocks: Yeah, that's pretty weird right there. Must be REALLY mild if it still got a plain old "E" rating, though.

YES! MAJORA'S MASK IS FINALLY OUT!! Now I don't have to look online for the N64 version!

But, other than that, nothing else piques my interest...

Though a Nintendo lifer, I never quite got sucked into Zelda... was always a Mario guy. (Might be because an early NES purchase was Zelda II... the gold cart was cool, but it was too hard for my 7-year-old brain). Finally with Twilight Princess I played through an entire Zelda game--pure awesome. So now I'm intrigued by Majora's Mask (more so than Ocarina, since MM seems more different to TP) but am worried that I'll be disappointed with a backwards progression through the series. I.e., wouldn't you be disappointed with Smash Bros 64 if you'd played Brawl first? Is this a valid concern? Or does it hold up, ya think?

@thewiirocks: Yep, I mentioned that months ago when the ESRB Rating first turned up.

And there was much rejoicing...yay...

@Stuffgamer1: Happy to hear you bought Aquia! I'm not blaming you, Im blaming anyone who has owned a DSi for any amount of time, have an active wireless internet connection, and dont have an artstyle game yet. Seriously everyone even if you thought Aquia wasnt your cup of tea, BUY PiCOBiTS!!

@LittleIrves: Don't worry, the gameplay of Majora's Mask definitely holds up well, even by today's standards. As long as you are looking for something different from the Zelda "norm", I doubt you will be disappointed.

@LittleIrves: Your Smash example works much better than Zelda. Zelda holds up MUCH better in a backwards progression than Smash, to be sure. I don't think you'll be disappointed with Majora OR Ocarina. Just give them a try. At least they're only $10 each, right? A small risk any way about it, especially with such high-quality games (that same risk is ill advised with much WiiWare shovelware, but well worth it for VC Zelda). I think you might like Link to the Past, as well, a steal at only $8!

EDIT: @bboy2970: Yeah, I didn't mean you were literally blaming me. I should've used a there or something to clarify my meaning.

Goodie. Now that we got that boring game out of the way (one of the worst Zeldas right after Phantom Hourglass and Four Sword Adventures IMO), hopefully they will bring the other mediocre game people want (Super Smash Brothers), and then we can see some good N64 games being released.

PictoPict is finally out in the US!

I really hope this means I'll be able to download it on Friday...

The value argument is a tough one to beat.... ten bucks for a classic is a bargain any way you slice it. Thanks lads.

@mjc: My, YOU'RE a downer. I agree that Majora isn't for everyone, though. I also agree that the original Smash doesn't hold up too well anymore (assuming that's your problem with it). Unfortunately, we don't really have any other N64 games known to be likely coming, so we'll have to work with what we've got to reasonably look forward to...

@bboy2970 - I purchased Aquia. It's not nearly as much fun as it looks in the previews.

Aquia is decent but I find myself playing Brain Age Math, Paper Plane and Birds and Beans more.

One thing that sucks tho - and it doesn't have anything to do with NOA - is my Canadian dollar isn't worth crap - about 82 cents to the US dollar. So if I want to buy $20 in points through my VISA, it charges me in US $ and I end up paying about $28.

What is meant by a "ton more content" on the 360/PS3 versions of Crystal Defenders? What else are they doing different that isn't in the WiiWare versions? I know out game lasts longer, I think.

360/PS3 = 12 maps
R1 + R2 = 26 maps

That's the why I understand it.

Woohoo! I've only been waiting for Majora's Mask for a couple of years now. It'll be my first time playing it, so that should make things more interesting.

I'll also be getting PiCTOBiTS: I love the Art Style games.

Just curious, but my Wii Shop Channel hasn't updated yet - is this common? Does it take a while to show up usually?

Oh and also, this game rocks! The saving feature always kind of pissed me off but all the Zelda elements I loved were there!

I generally don't care for puzzle games, but I really like Aquia.

Wow...Majora's Mask it is indeed. Since I already have the GC Zeldas disc though, I have a tough decision to make. Are there any differences between this and the version on the GC Zeldas disc that would make this the definitive version or anything?

GOLDENEYE FOR 400TH!!!!!!!!!!!!

@Knoxximus: Apparently this version doesn't crash or have as many sound glitches as the GC disc does.

@Mpbanksta: I haven't downloaded a VC game in ages, but I thought the Shop is updated every Monday at 9am Pacific time.

@Mpbanksta: The update is always at 9a.m. Pacific. you're 20 minutes early.

@Knoxximus: From what I understand from talking with people who've played Majora on the European VC, it fixes the bugs that were present in the Gamecube version (frame rate issues, messed up sound output, maybe other stuff, too). So I'd say go with the VC version for the best experience.

EDIT: Dang, I type, and Andrew beats me to the punch.

@Stuffgamer1: haha, my bad

Ahah! Thanks guys!

The first Art Style game didn't appeal to me, I'm not a huge puzzle fan. Only like a few, like Tetris, Soduku, Dr. Mario, Tetravex. I do love puzzle platformers though. I'm going to download today's Art Style, it looks like an interesting twist on the Tetris types, and seems to make good use of the DS touch screen. Going to pick up the Chess game in the next few days. Hopefully NintendoLife gets up a review of that one quickly.

"Well, you've finally gotten Majora's Mask! Now what's the next game people will be seeing weekly complaints about? "

liek omg weres mario cart & super smashbros 64? >>

Honestly, I hope both Super Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros. come out before game #350.

Guess Majora's Mask isn't quite out yet here, lol. When does the VC usually update?

Thanks Andrew and Stuffgamer1...note taken.

@Stuffgamer1: Other N64 games not likely to come? Mario Party says hi.
@BellGoRiiing: 5 minutes. Think you can hold out that much longer? XD
@WarioFan: Exactly. I don't see what all the fuss is about.

I dunno...less than a minute left. I think my head is going to explode. XD

Wow, it turns out I have the GC Zelda disc with 4 Zelda games. I'm set. I pop the disc in my Wii and start the game. You do not have sufficient memory. Please manage your memory. Hmmm..I don't want to delete any data from either of my memory cards. So, buy a new GC memory card or buy VC version of MM?

@LittleIrves
I played the Paper Mario series backwards, starting with Super Paper Mario on Wii, then Thousand Year Door on GCN, then Paper Mario on N64 and finally Mario RPG on SNES.

It didn't hurt my enjoyment of the series at all. Though the graphics were looking a little rough by the time I got to the SNES, the stories are all high quality and fun. Zelda is the same way, all great stories and great gameplay. Just don't judge them on the look and you'll have lots of fun.

@Bones00
I'd buy the new card, who knows what kind of changes they did to the VC version. On the CGN you know what you are getting.

Nice update, I'm happy for everyone expecting MM , but nothing for me one more week , I don't like MM that much and I have the original cartridge, I'd only DL R2 if I had money to spare, which I haven't, and I'll wait for a chess game with online; and finally a nice title for Dsiware, luckily still not such a big title to make me want to buy a $350 Dsi.

I can't believe it. The block size is smaller than OOT.

Enjoy Majora's people. Apart from a minor HOTD distraction, this has kept me happy for 3 weeks now. 18 hearts and counting

Can I have excitebots now please?!?!?

Awesome, can't wait to play Majora's Mask which I have never had the chance to do. I'm a huge fan of the series but never got this game for some reason. Something about a expansion pak I never got. As for the chess game I love chess but it sounds like this doesn't have online play, I might have to wait until one does. I already have a chess board so I see no need to buy this game. If it had online play I would of bought it for $10. Well Majora's Mask should hold me over till they work out all the bugs in Texas Hold'em and finally release it in North America. Rock 'n' Roll mofo's m/

Wow, PiCTOBiTS, hopefully Europe get it this Friday, too.

So, who's gonna be the first to provide impressions on Crystal Defenders R2?

Get PiCTOBiTS! Easily the best AS game I've played so far. I love it!

Yay, Nintendo threw us a bone! Is everyone happy now? Majora's Mask is great and all but really no big surprises today. I would much rather have Earthbound instead but that will probably never happen anyway. Oh well, I do hope you are all enjoying Majora's Mask! Maybe I'll check out Silver Star Chess while I'm waiting for Swords and Soldiers to arrive.

Not only does it take up fewer blocks than OOT, but it also costs the same. Considering that the N64 needed a graphics enhancer to play MM, it should have more blocks and cost 1200 points. Also, considering its darkness, it should have an E10 rating at least.

Holy... 98 comments? Nice. Grats to whoever gets the 100th, I guess.

That will be me, thanks Kittsy.

Enjoy your new games NTSC, you earned it.

@WolfRamHeart: No big surprises? What exactly were you expecting for DSiWare?

@StarFox: Yeah, I said that earlier this A.M. I was really shocked by the fact that it was only given an E rating!

I'm glad for Majora's Mask. But not all Nintendo games should be milestones such as 350, 400 or 500 or any multiples of 50. I hope Mario Party comes. The whole trilogy from N64.

Well it's six weeks late, but better late then never.

I want mm i have all of them but that one on my wii!!

@KnucklesSonic8: Creepy atmospheres do not effect the ESRB. Heck Myst was given an E rating.

I have to agree with Pegasus. So far I've played a couple of stages of PiCOBiTS and also a Dark Stage and I must say that I am definitely glad I bought this without hesitation. There's a helpful tutorial and I just love the presentation and sound of the game...being that I'm a retro nut. Although the Dark Stage 1 really beat my butt...I'll tackle it as soon as I get a few more stages down cold.

Bottom line, this is definitely one of the games you've been waiting for to arrive on the DSiWare service.

@KnucklesSonic8
Since I don't own a DSi I wasn't really expecting anything. Although, I probably will get one when Mighty Flip Champs finally comes out!

Now we want Adventure Island and Bubble Bobble to be released in the USA!

Majora's Mask is here!

@worrybomb
Beat the first five stages before I bought the first dark stage, and it too kicked my ass. I wonder if I even want to know what the dark stages for stage 6 and beyond will be like, since normal is starting to get challenging there as well.

@miletech: Yep, here here to that! A lot of people in the gaming community really want Mario Party 1-3. Let's hope that's next before/after SSB64! And soon!
@WolfRamHeart: Cool. I don't own a DSi either. I just seemed as though you were expecting PiCOBiTS.
@pixelman: Lol. Well the whole "creepy" aspect has been used against certain games by the ESRB in the past, rating it E10+ instead of E, trying to find some excuse for it.
@worrybomb: That's so gratifying to hear! I only wish I had a DSi otherwise I would've jumped at it right away too.

Glad that you guys got Majora's Mask as the 300th title. I know it's been a long time coming.

Makes me wonder now whether we will get Super Mario Kart as our 300th title or the Hanabi Festival will overshadow that .

I have the pleasure of playing TLOZ: Majora's Mask for the 1st time!

How many agree that the AWESOME Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island should be coming in 2009?

@super-nintendo: Yay, someone else mentions that we should get it this year. I thought people kinda gave up hope.

I'm hoping for quite a few games this year. I hope this 300th game update will cause Nintendo to open their eyes a bit more....

*ks8 still waits patiently for thoughts on Crystal Defenders R2.

It had taken 8 months to get 50 games. Drip. Drip.
I'm expecting we'll see Final Fantasy I or IV next month since IV the after years is coming on June 1st. Maybe Mario Kart as well.

It took them a while, but Nintendo got an awesome week. =D

MAJORA'S MASK, and along Crystal Defenders R2 and another Art Style game. ^__

I'm very pleased! Not only MM but PicoPict. Very nice!! First good update in a LONG time, I'll say!

Nothing for me... I already have two copies of Majora's Mask, a N64 and a limited edition GC release. But I guess we'll be getting Super Mario Kart soon... I hope.

Good to hear some people took the plunge and are enjoying PiCOBiTS! Incase anyone didnt hear me before, ahem, BUY PiCOBiTS! ITS THE BEST OUT OF ALL 9 ARTSTYLE GAMES! And who doesnt love the classic nintendo theme? it reminds me a little of Tetris DS in that respect.

Yoshi's Island should come in 2009 but not before Super Mario Kart or SSB for that matter.It can come before ClayFighter just not before SSB or Super Mario Kart.

As for Majora's Mask It is great that it got released and is VC Game number 300.But like Super Mario Kart and SSB it was/is way way way overdue.

I hope this week is the start of the Crappy VC Games slowdown and the start of the bigger better VC Games like the ClayFighters or ZAMN or just any big game like Super Mario Kart or puzzle games like Tetris Attack just about anything will be better then what we had to skip out on the past few weeks or so.

2 great games today! Thanks NOA. I am curious about the chess game though...

VC - I already have MM (GC edition), so i'll pass, but enjoy it!
WW - Good, but i'll wait for Wii Chess
DSi - I was expecting D-Code, but this should also be awesome! I'm getting it!

@KnucklesSonic8 post #86: And what makes you so sure that'll hit? It hasn't been rated by any rating system or released on VC in any region. Nintendo probably doesn't want to give Mario Party 8 cheap competition (a weird thought, but I could see Nintendo thinking that for Mario Party, Mario Kart, and Smash Bros.). So anyway, I was referring to games with confirmed likelihood instead of seemingly probable speculation.

@Twilight V & StarFox: Majora is smaller than Ocarina because Nintendo improved their compression techniques for VC games a while back, but they never bothered to go back and recompress the earlier releases. There are some early NES VC releases that take more blocks than some more recent SNES VC releases because of this.

Somebody on the Nintendo Life staff needs to make a point of shouting out that the VC version of Majora runs better than the Gamecube version. That's the only way people are going to know, since they can't all be expected to read through this entire comment thread.

I'm mad, what does Europe get for 300, thats the question and why I'm mad. But however good to see MM in America and CDR2.

@Stuffgamer1: That reasoning with the whole "cheap competition" thing is faulty especially since SMK and SSB64 are on the way. It's like saying: "Oh, what makes you so sure Mario Kart 64 is gonna hit"?

And as for whether or not people want it, when Siliconera was given the opportunity to ask the community what games they wanted Hudson to bring to the VC, you should see how many people asked for Mario Party 1-3. It was crazy. They later relayed this information over to Hudson. They'd be just dumb not to bring it and furthermore there's no reason for them not to.

Confirmed likelihood, hm? Okay then. Didn't know you were getting into specifics now because you asked for games that are "likely coming" and AFAIC, Mario Party is "likely coming". I'd almost go so far as to say more than likely.

Anyone try Crystal Defenders R2 yet?

With Majora's Mask and Punch Out releasing this week, Nintendo is finally getting some money from the hardcore crowd again! I just hope they can keep it up!

Hey, Majora's Mask! Sweet! I mean, I already own it but I'm still glad it finally came out.

I love chess, but no online mode? How sad.

A very good week for N.A. in general. A highly anticipated Zelda game on VC, a brand-new ArtStyle for DSi (always a welcome addition), chess is a great intellectual game (I'll get it if they support wifi online), and people are always demanding new games from Square Enix.

So I guess VC, Wiiware, and DSi; it goes a little something like this:
Crap, crap, crap, total crap, good, crap, AWesome!!!

Today being the "Awesome" of course!!!

If you don't understand what "crap, crap, good, crap" means, then check this link out:
http://vc.nintendolife.com/news/2008/08/the_mascott_speaks_about_the_virtual_console

Now this is kind of update i like to see every week and we got some cool games that came out especially Majoras Mask as well and another cool Artstyle game for DSiware as well.. lookin forward on that chess game too... i guess ill go and download all these games and try them out too.

I think I can sum up all these comments in one!

OH SHIT OH SHIT OH SHIT!

I would like to agree with that and add that .......I WANT SONIC AND KNUCKLES NOW!

Sonic and Knuckles FTW. It's slated for XBLA release this summer so who knows what could happen!!

the dsi shop's turning into the wii shop- only one game per service. And I don't even care about Zelda! I wanted ssb!

Random question. Why didn't they name it Nintendownload?

DSiWare has been pap in the EU lately. Here's hoping we get my insta-download Pictopict this friday. Me want it bad.

Just where are those Arcade games? I wanna get Cyber Sled & Numan Athletics once they come to the NA VC.

@marktheshark: I'm waiting for Cyber Sled too! And Star Blade. And Solvalou. And Space Harrier. Oh boy do I ever want those VCA games! Those are all instant buys for me.

Am I the only one who thinks that, while thinking this update is much better than normal, will not be downloading any of it? I just Swords and Soldiers, which I knew wasn't coming this Monday but wished it so anyway.

Still waiting for thoughts on Crystal Defenders R2 but in case anyone's wondering, IGN published a review awarding it a 5.8. Not like I care, honestly. Only looked at the review out of curiousity. Their reviews downright stink (a mess of rushed, poorly-written, inaccurate, unprofessional reviews!) for WiiWare and it's becoming even more apparent each and every week. They give this game yet another rushed review - big surprise...

I just want to know if R2 is worth it and how it compares to its predecessor.

@KnucklesSonic8 post #126: While Smash should be releasing sooner or later due to being available in Japan, all we've got to go on for Super Mario Kart is a rating. Wasn't that one rated and un-rated before? Oh, well, that's a little off-point anyway.

It is my understanding that Mario Party 8 and Mario Kart Wii are still selling very well, but the sales for Super Smash Bros. Brawl dropped off already. That would support my theory. Either way, it was only a theory and could well be 100% wrong. It did make a certain amount of sense, though.

I had meant to make it clear from the start that I was talking about games with SOME level of confirmation, even if it was only an iffy rating. I guess that didn't work so well.

I can't describe my emotions

On one hand I'm happy for all you Americans as now ye finally get Majora's Mask.

On the other hand ye have much better updates and a better selection of games than us Europeans so I'm jealous as well

@KnucklesSonic8- I've played R1 and R2 and if your into tower defense games or their gameplay and Final Fantasy you'll most likely enjoy it. I believe its worth the download and you do get what you pay, just in case you were wondering. The Nintendo Life Review definatly nails the first game on the head and the second improves on some of the lows of the first game so thats nice. I would definatly put it up there with the top 10 for sure in my opinion.

Original Starfox for the SNES please.

@KS8 - I have yet to purchase R2 until I finish R1, but I agree with you on IGN and their reviews. From what I read of it, it's more of the same garbage that they spewed for the R1 review.

Honestly, if you're interested in this game at all and don't have the other systems to possibly consider getting the game on, then I say go for it...I've had a ton of fun with R1 and I'm sure R2 will be even more worth the points. Sorry IGN, not all of us have/want an iPhone, 360, or PS3 (or their versions of Crystal Defenders with their frame rate issues, lack of full screen, and lack of speeding up the waves).

@Syrek: Thanks for replying to me. What else can you tell me about it? How does it improve over the first? Should I completely skip R1 and go straight to R2? I've been told it's essentially just a "tutorial".

And yes, I'm into tower defense games.

@strato: The less I talk about IGN the better. I'll easily get into a big discussion/rant about how I really feel about them with regards to the Nintendo-related reviews. What's worse is they simply don't spend enough time with WiiWare games (and some Wii games in general) to make an accurate review and as a result, their reviews are just inaccurate and poorly-written.

But yeah, I'd only be able to get this on WiiWare. I mean, if I were to get an iPhone, then I suppose I could try it on there?

@KS8: In that case, I would definitely suggest R1 and R2. Even though R1 is essentially a tutorial, the last 5 or so levels are VERY hard to perfect, at least for me. I've probably spent 12-13 or more hours with the game, and enjoyed every minute of it. If you're still that unsure about it, go with just R2. Like mentioned in the board thread, if the end of R1 is any indication of the difficulty of R2, it's definitely going to take some time to perfect.

Your thoughts on IGN are music to my ears.

There is a great Virtual Console montage of all 300 games on the Nintendo Channel today. Check it out its pretty good

IGN isn't the ONLY gaming media source that routinely has THOSE sorts of problems. Just look at Game Informer and its consistently unfair reviews of games on Nintendo systems (the new issue gives Klonoa a 7...2 full points behind both Nintendo Life and Nintendo Power!).

It's a common problem with just about ANY reviewer who reviews for PS3, 360, and Wii. They always look down on Wii as "kiddy" or whatnot, even when they claim they don't.

I don't find anything else IGN has to say worth listening to either, though. That site just plain sucks.

EDIT: @Tony: Yeah, I saw that. I second the recommendation. I also must mention that it's ironic that I couldn't find Majora's Mask on the Nintendo Channel outside of that video. SMRPG got onto the channel because it was a milestone game, but this DIDN'T? Stoo-pid!

I'm glad we see eye-to-eye on the rushed, poor excuses IGN tries to pass of as "reviews" for WiiWare games. Heh heh.

I just want to be sure that the game is worth the asking price because I have heard quite a few complaints. I also want to make sure that R2 retains the amount of challenge as its predecessor if not improves on the formula. In fact, I really would like to hear how R2 differs from R1 and how the gameplay has become more enjoyable as a result.

On the note of IGN, they did a review for Silver Star Chess also, giving it a 5.5. From what I gather, the game is very barebones. What you see is what you get and that was kinda obvious to me by the menu screens: 1P, 2P, Resume. That's it.

@Tony: Yep, I saw that hours ago. It's kinda nice looking back.

@Stuffgamer1: Oh trust me. I know very well that they're not the only ones. It's just... they seem to think they're revered by many and honestly, I can't help but feel that although other reviewers can be biased/unfair/give inaccurate reviews, IGN is one of the worst. This is coming from someone who used to actually like IGN's reviews.. When I didn't know better. lol. I will admit, though, that on the odd occasion, they do give reviews that are actually surprisingly decent. The fact that they gave Jungle Speed such a great recommendation, for example, really surprised me knowing how closed-minded they can be.

Wow, for the first week in quite a while, there finally seems to be an update that satisfies everyone on some level. Although I was doubtful that MM was going to come out, I'm glad that it did, and I can't wait to play it. Also, with Crystal Defenders R1 in the Top 10, I wonder how the two will coexist in the top 20. Does anyone think that R2 will be in the top 20 with R1, or am I the only one that thinks that the two won't be in the top 20 together?

@Tony- Yeah, it reminded me of games that I should have bought by now.

It's not my most wanted game and it's a shame it's a one-game week, but it's still a good week. Had it been something like Super Pitfall, I would have been furious and done a rant on how badly NOA is handling the Virtual Console. A solid week and I hope they build on the foundation that this week set. Also, my prediction of this game coming this week was correct.

WiiWare, meh. While I'm glad that it's a two-week for WiiWare, it's offering ins't that good. Crystal Defender R2 is of course, inferior to the XBLA and PSN version (That has yet to come) and gives no reason to download this version if you already have a Playstation 3 or Xbox 360, which I don't. However, considering how much I loved Super Mario RPG and that I only have a Wii, if the reviews are solid, I might download it if the reviews are decent. I was planning to download Sliver Chess, but after hearing someone in this forum saying about the lack of online, it seals any possibility of me downloading it. Where is the good stuff? The only WiiWare game I'm intrested in is Alien Crush Return, and then, where is the DLC? Hudson, you know that if you don't bring your promise of DLC, I'm not downloading it.

DSiWare on the other hand sounds like a great or at least good week. It maybe a one-game week, but who cares? I realize that because the DSi is a much less powerful system then the Wii, I need to lower my expectation. Art Style game with Nintendo themes? I'm in. Just give me some DSi points and I'm downloading this sucker (If the reviews are good)!

Overall, Virtual Console was good, WiiWare was medicoric, and DSiWare looks to be a great week, just like last week.

@ MegaMX4 post #41: Your right. Why does it take Nintendo of America so long just to release a N64 game? But at least that's not all we're seeing for the Virtual Console.

@ Stuffgamer1 post #123: Last time I checked, even thought the inital amount of space required to download a game remains the same, they don't always take up the exact amount of space as intially required. Kirby's Adventure for the NES required me to have 99 blocks in order to download, but only used around 25 blocks, proving your theory wrong. They are compressing there earlier Virtual Console games, just that the inital amount of space required. And that game released in Februrary, 2007!

About time, North America. Let's enjoy this timeless classic

I can't remember the last two release week on Wiiware. (Or Virtual Console for that matter) At least we finally have Majoras Mask here in North America.

well i'll be it finally came out, I'll end up getting it even though I have the N64 one, Sometimes I get the original and VC version just to say I have it.

i downloaded pictobits. it's really fun, and has a more pick-up-and-play style than Aquia (but aquia's still good, too)

@gishagos: Nice try. I like how you went back to the whole "1 game a week" notion. Nice.

@SmashBros.Fan: I don't want MM either but NoA issues a great VC update and here you are complaining that we "only" got one game. Also, what are your reasons (other than the pricing decision) behind you claiming that the Wii version is completely "inferior"?

@SonicMaster: Great to hear yet another person is really enjoying PiCOBiTS. NOW I'm jealous that I don't have a DSi yet.

Anyone else get Crystal Defenders R2 today?

@bb2970: I've purchased Art Style: Aquias for the DSi; it's good for a few minutes of play while cooling down from playing Mario Kart DS on the bus. Art Style: Cubello is my new addiction (just now downloaded it) - so now you have a fellow Art Style fan.

Regarding this week's offerings: SON OF A...I'm trying to save up for a Mac! And Nintendo chose to release Majora's Mask NOW??? And I didn't purchase Ocarina of Time because I played it to death back in 1998 but being a hardcore gamer I HAVE to purchase both!

Crystal Defenders R1 was a really enjoyable "come home from work and play before bed" game; 800 points is steep but I like the game mechanics and I'm a big fan of the FFTA series (136+ hours in Grimoire of the Rift alone) and the maps and game mechanics are more varied so I'll download this after eating dinner and washing the dishes.

One more thing: now I KNOW that I'm not the only man waiting for the ONE N64 game that blew nearly every other game in the library (no, it's not SSB, put your hands down) - the story was awesome, it was the only thing close to a third-party RPG that was created as an N64 exclusive, it was hard as heck but was one of the most enjoyable games of my my life. The game's name:

Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber.

Once this game comes out I may never need another Virtual Console game ever again. I'll of course purchase WiiWare games, but I won't have a need for the VC anymore.

PictoBits is awesome, it is going to take some practice to get good at it, it is pretty difficult.

@StuffGamer1

"I don't find anything else IGN has to say worth listening to either, though. That site just plain sucks. "

I'll take this opportunity to wholeheartedly concur with you. Speaking of the 300 marker the VC has reached, that's probably about how many times I've ranted about IGN's worthlessness over the past couple of years. I suppose I should have planned something for the big milestone.

PictoBits is pretty fun, and a welcome DSi title. I'm now officially out of the free 1000 DSi points (Dr. Mario/PictoBits). I'm going to download the Chess in the next day. Since I work nights it's a little something to do. IGN says it's barebones, and lack of online is one of their gripes. I don't really mind. For 500 points it doesn't look bad.

I knew that buying two separate 2000 Point Cards would come to benefit me later! As soon as I'm done with all this school junk, I'm going to get MM. I haven't played it before, and it sounds very interesting.

At the least, I got PiCTOBiTS, too. I wasn't too impressed with AQUIA (didn't really click with me), but this one's great. I'm still waiting on CODE, but PiCTO is more than enough for the wait. Hell, I'd say it's my favorite game on DSiWare right now.

As for WiiWare: I'm considering R2, partially because I have money to spare and partially because I don't want to waste my Microsoft Points on the 360 version when I have a bunch of other stuff to buy on there. The challenge sounds nice, so maybe I'll bite.

@warioswood: Lol.

I'm surprised noone else has posted impressions of R2 yet...

Mini Review of Crystal Defenders R2

R2 is the same bleeping game as R1. Effectively the same maps, same classes, same progression, same damn game. The sprites have been swapped out for the characters and the maps have forks in the road so that the creeps come from both directions. The latter part serves to make the game more challenging.

There are a few new features in the form of items like power crystals to boost the effectiveness of nearby characters. However, these are passive and don't add much to gameplay.

Verdit: Don't buy it unless you're a hardcore Tower Defense fan. Go here instead.

@Wolfcoyote: Quest 64 and Aidyn Chronicles would like a word with you. And don't try to mark them off as inferior, because both have established small but very loyal fanbases.

@thewiirocks: Should I get R1 or R2? I really need some thoughts. I appreciate your mini-review/impressions but do you think you could help me? I'm a big fan of RTS games myself and I would like to try it as I've never tried it before. I just dunno if it's worth getting R2 instead and just skipping R1. What do you think? Anyone?

I noticed some of the feature differences in R2. Any others I should know about. Do these features make the game significantly more challenging than R1?

Now if Nintendo could release SSB64 or Mario Party next week.

@KnucklesSonic8 - The simple breakdown is this:

• R1: Fairly easy, with a few very challenging spots. Good for beginners OR someone looking for a casual, relaxed experience.
• R2: Difficulty ramps up quickly, but it's kind of cheap. The difficulty primarily comes from the two-front levels you're forced to fight, thus straining your resources. Good if you're a hardcore Tower Defender, but possibly frustrating if you're looking for a more relaxing experience.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one. As I said above, they're basically the same game. Even the overworld is exactly the same. I have not yet beat R2, so I can't comment on all of the extra features. So far I've used the energizer crystal. As I said, it doesn't add much to the game, IMHO.

Hope that helps!

@JTCP09: If only...

@thewiirocks: It does help to have a breakdown, yes. I just can't decide between the two. I'm not looking for a "relaxed" experience. I want to have a challenging experience. I would appreciate more thoughts because I'm having a hard time deciding on which one I should try.

If anyone has tried R2 and R1, your opinions are appreciated.

If you want a challenging experience, go for R2. You won't miss much from R1.

I've gotten much farther on R2. I now have crystals that extend range and increase fire rate. The latter feels much more effective and satisfying. I've gotten a few units that are different from R1, but as of yet they have not proven themselves very effective. Enemies come hard and fast with ridiculous amounts of health. Knowing how to use the thief greatly tempers this as you can purchase more than enough fighters to fend off any attack.

The greatest strategy in R2 is knowing the proper choke point. If you choke the enemies on their way through a single-path pass, you can nail them all at once with as much firepower as you can bring to bear. It actually gets a bit crazy as you have to lay off the firepower if you want your thieves to do their jobs.

Again, both are just fine. But if you're looking for challenge, just skip to R2.

Today is a good day indeed... Now back to another month of terrible Mondays!

@KnucklesSonic8 It sounds like thewiirocks has tried both R1 and R2.

Alright, alright guys... can't we settle down now?!

Plus I'd never expect the comment section on here to reach well beyond 170 comments!! You people TRULY have NO LIVES & post on this stupid site like crazy!! Yet why am I doing the same thing... I'm just telling it like it is; stating the obvious which you must hate me for!!

All I've got to say is that I just knew Nintendo wouldn't dissapoint today... & I knew it all along that Zelda Majora's Mask would be our #300 game!! So when I say I hate to say I told you so... I really mean I TOLD YOU SO!! LOL!!

Besides, holding onto my prediction all along... I used my well earned points card I got last week, (when I reserved Punch-Out); & I did the smart thing by not waisting them & waiting until today to instantly download Majora's Mask!
Now I'll be playing it along with Zelda TP for my 10th time; & also with OoT & ALTTP... all of my favorite Zelda's I can't get enough when I replay them all of the time!!

Haha, I remember Doug. That old Nicktoon!

Wow, heaps of comments. As expected for this release in the States.

Yeah, because its US news there is heaps

And because duplicate comments add to the heaps.

Nintendo Channel celebrating #300 with a video is cool.
the milestone list:
#50: Kirby's Adventure
#100: Zelda II
#150: Super Mario Brothers 2: Lost Levels
#200: Harvest Moon
#250: Super Mario RPG
#300: Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask
I know it might not be until December or January (maybe sooner) but does anyone have any #350 predictions.
Here's mine: Donkey Kong 64, Earthbound, or Yoshi's Island.

Quick question for those who've already experienced the gooey Majora's Mask VC goodness: Does MM handle better with the GC controller or the CC?

@Revolver, since the others are likely busy playing MM right now, I'll say that the GC controller is the best for this game and for all like it. The GC pad is one of the best gamepads ever made.

@Bones: haha.. yeah, that's probably true.

@179 at the rate NOA is treating the USA Wii Shop we won't get VC Game 350 until May 3rd 2010.The only hope is if we start seeing 3 or 4 VC Game weeks again to get to VC Game 350 in 2009.

WHO PUT THAT ESCAPED APE IN NINTENDO LIFE?!

Sorry mjc0961, I've just been so edgy about PlayStation-related anything since I sold my PSP to pay for Mum's Mother's Day last year...neat avatar though! Did you make it yourself?

@Doug_Funnie: Hey, I'm a fan of your show too. Lol. Was one of my favourite toons coming up. Looking back, I was pleased it aired here in Canada but I only wish it aired longer...

@thewiirocks: Thanks, that helps. R2 seems like the way to go but just to be safe side, I'll see what the review here has to say. Thank you for your thoughts.

@Bones00: I meant other people too. Was looking for a possible mix of opinions.

@Revolverlink. I'd say it plays better with a GC controller. But then again, so does every N64 game, to me at least. I could never get the hang of the Classic Controller with N64 games.

@Doug_Funnie. Your name brings me fond memories. I miss Doug.

@Smash Bros. Fan: Yeah, I took another look at my games after posting yesterday and came to the conclusion that they probably DID get around to re-compressing the older releases after all. New possible reason why Majora is smaller than Ocarina: Fewer areas makes smaller game. The worlds may be roughly the same size, but Ocarina has more dungeons, and it has the world TWICE due to the young Link/adult Link deal.

@NintendoPurist: I can answer that question! I met mjc on a different site and told him about this one. Anyway, his avatar is a picture of the LittleBigPlanet Ape Escape costume. He seems to love that thing for some reason.

Now they need to release SSB64 and Super Mario Kart and we will be okay.

Damn! Now I need another points card for Majora's Mask!

FINNALY that we get major's mask, this should have been one of the first games on VC in my oppinon. I wish nintendo wouldn't go so slagish on the wii shop channel. They should relesing these games as fast as they can.

I'll get R2 if I can get some more points. I am going to get that Bit game right now.

@ Nathan & Ricardo91: Thanks for the feedback guys!

@RevolverLink: No problem, did you want to know because you don't have a GC controller?

Now let's hope Nintendo will give us SSB64 next week.

@Doug_Funnie

Nice choice; voiced by the great Billy West, also known for voicing half the characters on Futurama.

i was hoping for Super Smash Bros. to be our 300th VC game. not Majora's Mask.

@mariofan5000. You know I was thinking the same thing. It would've been better if we got MM sooner. Oh well. At least we finally have MM.

@Nathan: No, I was pretty sure that I'd use my GC controller going into it, but if some people had found the CC to be superior, I would've tried it.

okay

I have played every Zelda game released on a Nintendo console (including handhelds; just differentiating from those Phillips things). I've beaten them all except Twilight Princess, and I only haven't beaten that yet because this is my first play-through (yeah, I procrastinated) and I only just got the Master Sword. Making progress, though!

I still havent had a chance to download this yet, looking forward to making the time for it soon. So far, its the only Zelda I have missed. 200

They killed the announcement. It would have been epic if they hadnt released MM in Japan or PAL a month earlier!

Dammit Ninty get it together. Also not buying R2 S-E just cashing in on you guys. Dont support that crap.