The first Pokemon game created, Pokemon Snap, has just released on the Wii Virtual Console. Pokemon Snap originally appeared on the N64. The game joins Ghosts ‘n Goblins and Baseball Stars 2 as the three games added to the Wii Shop this week.
Even bigger news, however, is the addition of some new Wii functionality with the Pokemon game: the photographic adventure also includes a special feature that allows players to post pictures they take in the game to their Wii Message Board and send them to friends with whom they’ve traded Friends Codes.
And later this week, Wii Shop Channel patrons will also be able to use a new Gifting feature to send games to other Wii owners with whom they’ve traded Friend Codes. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to give your fellow Nintendo buffs the gift of a classic game — no wrapping paper required. And don’t worry about duplication; if your friend already has the game you’re trying to give, you’ll get a message and be bumped back into the catalog to continue shopping.
In Pokemon Snap (1,000 Wii Points), players travel to Pokemon Island to meet Professor Oak to begin a safari, taking the best possible photographs of 63 different Pokémon as they exist in the wild, undisturbed by humans. This is not as easy as it sounds: the island has many types of climates and environments to explore, along with secret activities and hidden passages to discover. Plus, some of the Pokemon can be a little shy and won’t pose for the camera unless you tease them with special items. After you’re done, submit one picture of each Pokemon to Professor Oak, and he’ll judge it based on size, pose, technique and number of Pokemon captured.
Ghosts ‘n Goblins (500 Wii Points), meanwhile, is an NES classic that presents quite a challenge to players brave enough to take on the role of Arthur and delve into the realm of demons and monsters to rescue the kidnapped princess. Choose your weapons wisely and take advantage of their strengths to deal with the situation at hand. Pass through the six gates that stand between you and Astaroth, and teach him a lesson in chivalry he’ll never forget.
And Baseball Stars 2 (900 Wii Points) is a NeoGeo game in which players can lace up their cleats and step onto the diamond with the pros. Players will find everything they’d expect in a classic game of baseball, but with an arcade feel and intense action. Pick one of six unique teams from cities around the world, then take on the computer in a 15-game tournament or square off against a friend.
