Wiikly Update: 10/20/08


WiiWare: Tetris Party, 1,200 Wii Points

Tetris returns in the form of a WiiWare downloadable title. In addition to the standard Tetris modes that have been popular the world over, Party also features "10 never-before-seen single-player and multiplayer variations of Tetris, including Field Climber, Stage Racer, Shadow and Wii Balance Board-enabled modes". Additionally, Tetris Party lets you use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to compete with up to six other players online.


WiiWare: The Incredible Maze, 500 Wii Points

This simple title takes cues from other games like Super Monkey Ball, challenging you to tilt your Wii Remote in order to navigate a marble through a series of mazes, avoiding obstacles and the edge. This game also features modes such as time attack or gem hunt, and is Balance Board-compatible.


TurboGrafx-16: Digital Champ Battle Boxing, 700 Wii Points

In order to stop Mother Computer from taking over mankind, you digitize yourself in order to take on the numerous boxers inside. Played from a first-person perspective, Digital Champ Battle Boxing pits you in 12-round matches, equipped with an arsenal of punches, including "Devestator" attacks.


TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM: Gradius II: Gofer no Yabou, 900 Wii Points

This Japan-only sequel to the original Gradius generally keeps the same gameplay as its predecessor, with some enhancements. In addition to different weapon configurations and shield options, Gradius II includes boss rush stages that pit you against the biggest villains the game has to offer. Play through nine long stages, accompanied by excellent background music.

Early reports indicate that Tetris Party may indeed be "the bomb", especially with online. That said, I’ve grown to be skeptical of many games on the service, as they often can turn out to be rather lackluster.