Two out of three ain't bad. Again.
Two out of the three games seen last week were ninja games. This week, two out of three on the new release list are sequels, and damn good sequels at that. And also like last week, there's an odd man out. Which game got the snubbing? You'll need to keep reading to find out.
Streets of Rage 2
System | Virtual Console - Genesis | |
Cost | 800 Points | |
Players | 2 | |
Controllers | Wii Remote,Wii Nunchuk,GameCube | |
ESRB Rating | ||
Released | Year 1993 |
Click here for a video preview
Streets of Rage was one of the series that made the Genesis the hit that it was back in the early 90s, and the second game one-ups the original in almost every way. A new character allows you to speed around bad guys with ease. Characters have a new special attack that's very powerful, but it takes away a bit of life to perform it. The graphics are amazing, and although the game is about 14 years old, you will still be impressed. Oh yeah, and the game's a blast to play alone or with a friend.
Streets of Rage 2 comes even more highly recommended than Streets of Rage 1, which was also Recommended for Everyone. Both are great, but the second one is better. If you haven't yet downloaded one of these suckers, what's wrong with you? Get it now!

Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest
System | Virtual Console - Super Nintendo Entertainment System | |
Cost | 800 Points | |
Players | 2 | |
Controllers | Wii Nunchuk,GameCube | |
ESRB Rating | Everyone | |
Released | Dec 1995 |
Click here for a video preview
This ACM-rendered sequel may not look so pretty to modern eyes as it did back in 1995, but the gameplay still holds up very well. DKC2 is a straightforward platformer with not so simple level designs. The placement of platforms, ropes, and enemies can get nefarious, but some new animal buddies like the snake are happy to help Diddy and Dixie Kong. There are dozens of levels in the game, and each one is absolutely packed with secret bonus stages and hidden bananas that are fun to discover, even though the "rewards" are not so exciting. As a Rare game, DKC2 sports way too many collectibles, including bananas, "KONG" letters, balloons, banana coins, K.Rool coins, and DK coins...yes, that's three different types of coins.
Unless you have the slightly borked GBA port of this game, it's well worth the download price on Virtual Console. Not only is it packed with old school 2D fun, but you also get a lot of content for your money.

Blazing Lazers
System | Virtual Console - TurboGrafx-16 | |
Cost | 600 Points | |
Players | 1 | |
Controllers | Wii Remote,Wii Nunchuk,GameCube | |
ESRB Rating | Everyone | |
Released | Year 1992 |
Click here for a video preview
Looks Hudson decided to dust off another NEC shmup and make it available for a $6 download. Blazing Lazers is this week's shooter, one of the vertical variety. Your ship can collect different weapon types, missile types and special abilities. There are four of each type, and mixing and matching them all will produce a wide variety of attack types and patterns. Bomb pickups for your ship are abundant, which let you clear the screen quite easily.
As with most shooters, things in Blazing Lasers get hectic soon after the start. However, the game seems to hit you with as many powerups as it does enemies, and since certain powerups can plow through enemies like a hot knife through butter there's not that much challenge. Considering all the shoot-em'-up options on Virtual Console, Blazing Lazers isn't worth the time.
