Well, hot diggity dog, what’s this? A Monday morning Wii Shop Update and a game on the Virtual Console that people might actually be interested in? Surely you jest. No, no, it’s true. As I was reading my weekly Nintendo press release, glancing over the WiiWare games with disinterest, I prepared myself for the usual disappointment when I scrolled down to the Virtual Console section. Instead I saw Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, which is good news if you’re a Castlevania fan (which I am). I’m not sure if I ever played this one, but I know I don’t own it, since the original is the only 8-bit game in the series I have in my collection. Worth five bucks? Most definitely. You can even save a few dollars by ignoring the WiiWare games entirely.

Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse
NES
1 player
500 Wii Points

This is the third game in the popular Castlevania series and the last of the franchise released on the original NES console. Take on the role of Trevor Belmont, forefather of Simon, and battle Dracula in a time long before the events of the first two Castlevania games. In addition to his trusty whip, Trevor has a previously unseen power—the ability to transform into one of three different companion spirits that he meets during his quest: Syfa, a young vampire hunter capable of powerful magic; Grant, a ferocious pirate who can climb on walls; and Alucard, forgotten son of Dracula, able to shoot fireballs and transform into a bat. Use an assortment of weapons (some specific to each character) as you choose which path to follow in your fight against Dracula and his army. Loaded with replay value and featuring some of the best platform action ever, this title is not to be missed.

Jungle Speed
1-8 players
1,000 Wii Points

Jungle Speed is a lightning-fast card game for the entire family, where quick reflexes and a keen eye will put you on top. Flip your cards, watch your opponents and grab the totem at the right moment to win the game. Just when you think you've got it down, a new card can temporarily change the rules and keep you on the edge. Play starts when the first person flips a card. Moving around the table, symbols are revealed until two of the exposed cards match. Players with matching cards must then scramble to grasp the totem in the middle of the table; the loser gets the winner's cards and anything in the pot. With paws flying, be the first person to get rid of all your cards and win the game.

Planet Pachinko
1-2 players
500 Wii Points

Can you survive the Pachinkeet Temples of Planet Pachinko? In the future of the future, an ancient civilization has sealed away its riches in elaborate temples dedicated to the game of pachinko. Now the Robot family must fight through these dangerous temples in search of their lost puppy. Using their rockets, lasers, grenades and slime launchers, will they be able to survive the challenges? They aren't the only ones adventuring through the temples. The pirate Vile Vill and his minions are looking to loot the temples and take on the Robot family. Play in single-player mode or with a friend in exciting two-player co-op.

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