Recently, we reported that the WiiWare service from Nintendo had just reached its first anniversary. This week’s serving of The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask marks the arrival of the three-hundredth VC game. As DSiWare, the game available is Art Style: PiCTOBiTS, while as WiiWare, the 2 games available are Crystal Defenders R2 and Silver Star Chess.
Firstly, as DSiWare is Art Style: PiCTOBiTS from Nintendo for one player. The goal of the game is rather straight-forward, to combine large blocks falling from above, called “megabits”, with square blocks of the same color, called “bits”. Players can use the DSi’s touch screen to pick up bits and place them wherever they desire, clearing the bits to uncover the stage’s hidden game character. These are characters from classic NES titles. Players earn coins which can be used to listen to the soundtrack of the game in “Music” mode or to unlock “Dark” stages. Art Style: PiCTOBiTS can be purchased by redeeming 500 Nintendo DSi Points.
As WiiWare the first title is Crystal Defenders R2 from Square who had previously released Crystal Defenders R1 as WiiWare. In R2, players have the choice of various units with different powers. Some have short range attacks, while some make use of bows, and others conjure up magic from afar. Just as in R1, when an enemy passes through a player’s defenses in R2, the player loses precious crystals. In R2 though, the maps are even more challenging, having more than one entry and exit point. The game also features Power Crystals, which can be used to upgrade and enhance the units’ abilities. Crystal Defenders R2 is for one player and can be purchased for 800 Wii Points.
Second in this week’s WiiWare offering is Silver Star Chess, which can be played either by one player against the computer, or by two players. Playing in 1-Player mode, chess enthusiasts can select from five different computer opponents. In the game, players can redo their last move, and save the game at any point, as well as quit the game by resigning. After a chess match has finished, players can review the game step by step and jump in to continue the game at any point. Silver Star Chess has been developed by Agetec and can be obtained for 500 Wii Points.
Bringing the Virtual Console game tally to 300, is The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask originally released for the Nintendo 64 system in 2000. The game is now available for a hefty 1000 Wii Points and finds Link caught in Termina, which is an alternate version of Hyrule. He has the responsibility of recovering the Ocarina of Time, as Termina is fated to be destroyed in a short span of three days. Players will defeat high-ranking bosses in a bid to uncover the mystery that surrounds Majora’s Mask. Link can make use of a variety of masks found throughout Termina with their own individual powers. The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is for one player.
Nintendo adds new titles to the Wii Shop Channel and the Nintendo DSi Shop every Monday at 9 am PST. The company features parental controls for these consoles, that parents may be able to monitor and control the game content that their children are exposed to.