‘Twas three days before Christmas, and all through the video game industry, gamers were wondering whether or not Nintendo was going to be naughty or nice. Maybe it’s silly to expect presents from the Wii Shop Update; after all, I’m a grown-up now. After glancing over the week’s WiiWare releases, it seemed like Nintendo did indeed leave coal where some awesome downloadable games should have been. But wait! What’s this? Phantasy Star IV on the Virtual Console? Could it be, a critically acclaimed old-school game that people actually want to play?

Now, I may be wrong, because I’ve never played a game in the series, but I’ve heard lots of good things about Phantasy Star IV. It seems pretty cool, though, especially for fans of classic role-playing games. Can anyone tell me whether or not this game is worth eight bucks? I certainly won’t be downloading anything else from the Wii Shop Channel this Christmas.

Phantasy Star IV
Sega Genesis
1 player
800 Wii Points

Phantasy Star IV is the fourth released game from SEGA’s epic Phantasy Star series, one of SEGA’s biggest RPGs on the SEGA GENESIS. In the year AW 2284, planet Motavia is once again plagued by strange biocreatures, and it’s up to the brave men and women of the Hunters Guild to exterminate them. You are Chaz Ashley, a rookie Hunter straight out of training who is supported by Alys Brangwin—a crafty veteran whose good looks and prowess with the blade have earned her an awesome reputation. These two Hunters, along with a cast of supporting characters, will go beyond Motavia to unwittingly save their entire solar system.

Tiki Towers
1-2 players
500 Wii Points

Tiki Towers is a game of construction, destruction, problem-solving and monkeys. Reclaim the islands of your tribe by defeating a series of evil enemy chiefs. Work with your monkey friends to build towers out of bamboo poles, coconuts and vines. Match wits against the enemy chiefs bent on destroying your towers and driving you from the islands. Navigate levels filled with crazy building challenges, and deal with unfriendly wildlife and other environmental obstacles. Get your monkeys to chant for the BananaMana necessary to counter enemy attacks. Play in either single-player or two-player cooperative mode in this game where monkeys rule.

Fun! Fun! Minigolf
1-4 players
900 Wii Points

Play minigolf with your friends in beautiful environments. Choose a character and turn your Wii Remote™ controller into a golf club. With its easy-to-use controls, all you need to do is aim, swing and see who’s the best putter. Play 27 holes spread across America, Asia and Europe. Enjoy exotic locations all over the world. Go for gold in single-player mode, or invite your friends. Fun! Fun! Minigolf supports up to four players. You can use one to four Wii Remote controllers. Fun! Fun! Minigolf is the ultimate party game for everyone.

Related Articles:

Wii Shop Update 12.15.08

Wii Shop Update 12.08.08

Wii Shop Update 12.01.08