If I was at GDC, then I could say that I was at the Nintendo keynote, but instead, I’ll just report some news that I found as if I was. The Wii’s Virtual Console service will soon include arcade games as well as the myriad of other retro platforms it supports. The four available now are:

* Gaplus (Namco Bandai): 600 Wii Points
* Mappy (Namco Bandai): 500 Wii Points
* The Tower Of Druaga (Namco Bandai): 500 Wii Points
* Starforce (Tecmo): 500 Wii Points

Space Harrier and Solvalou are on the way as well. Although British arcades when I was wee didn’t have obscure games like this (at least not the ones near me), I have hope that the addition of arcade games will allow the Virtual Console to be even more comprehensive.

This week Nintendo is delivering an absolute NES classic to the Virtual Console with Castlevania 3: Dracula’s Curse, a game any vivid Virtual Console user should not be without. As for the WiiWare, a card game of Jungle Speed and a futuristic adventure on Planet Pachinko are available. Hit the jump for the full description of each game and how many Wii Points they’ll cost you.

WiiWare

Jungle Speed® (Playful Entertainment Inc., 1-8 players, Rated E for Everyone, 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 (Allied Kingdoms Inc., 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Fantasy Violence, 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.

Virtual Console

Castlevania® III: Dracula’s Curse (NES™, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone—Fantasy Violence, 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.

Source: Nintendo