Japanese Virtual Console list - April 2009

I wonder how long it will be until everyone else gets Majora's Mask. Now bring on Donkey Kong 64 very soon please, Nintendo. I'd love to play that again.

nintendo sure has been coming out with some great news as of late very happy 2 own a wii rite now

Majoras mask intreste me but I'm also at the moment overloaded with leanthy games like Final Fantasy.
I most probably get it & start playing it other than that it's a tough call.

Ninja Gaiden (Almost identical to the NES version)

Better graphics. more colours, parallax scrolling. Not almost identical at all really.

@ Charco

Totally agree with you there

I also cant wait for Majoras mask!

So many people are gonna be happy when they see that Majora's Mask could be on its way.... after SSB64 of course.

wow majoras mask, i didnt even beat it when i had it on 64 but like smash bros we will probably get it like in 6 months or so

@ Charco: It is the same general game though.

Wow great. Majoras Mask AND Phantasy Star. I hope the emulation is better then the gamecube version.

"I predict that the PAL region will get Majora's Mask already this month or next (depending on when Hanabi Festival is) while North America gets Super Smash Bros instead and thus have to wait until the summer to finally get the game."

I'm fine with that since I already own Majora's Mask, but don't have SSB.

OMG Finally Majora's Mask!!! I already own it on the N64 but people need to play my favourite 3D Zelda game!!!

Majora's Mask... Oh, please release here soon!

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG MAJORA'S MASK!

/Capslock freakout

@ Drake Yeah you are right I suppose. Of the two though, get the PC Engine version guys. There's a cheat code in it to use a full English translation too. Don't know why it never got a Western release.

Now that Ninty shows us that the VC can emulate expansion pak games. I wonder if any 3rd party N64 games that'll come out eventually that use the expansion pak optionally will be expansion pak enhanced or will be the normal versions of the games.

Hey just realised, Castlevania III. I wonder what version they are getting since the Japanese version has an improved music chip? Although I prefer the western version though.

Majora's Mask! **SQUEALS**
On the subject of Hanabi Festival 4, are we ever going to get Custom Robo V2 as an N64 import? I don't think we are, and I'd not be interested in getting it, it's just one of those thoughts I've always had.

Majora's Mask is cool, but it's too bad the next two N64 games will be this and Smash Bros. while I already own both of them. When will the N64 have some more 3rd party games?

Majora's Mask!! The only time I've ever played it is on an emulator, and I never really got into it (likely because it was on an emulator). But from what everyone says, it is very good. I would definitely download it if it came to NA.

@ Cipher - I'd like to see the Custom Robo series come too since they've pretty much told us that implementing the Expansion Pak is certain on the VC.

Glad to see both Majora's Mask and Phanasy Star confirmed for the VC. Now where's the other N64 games they are holding back?

Absolutely great News! I really hope for a fast Release for Smash Bros and Majoras Mask. Phantasy Star is great too!

Question for the Ninja Gaiden aficionados: how does the PCE version stack up against the arcade? Might it make more sense to get the VCA version (assuming there is one)?

Phantasy Star is the big title here for me, but I'm keen to have a go at Majora's Mask too, as I missed out on it back in the day.

Well, it's about freakin' time!

I already own it on GCN, so I won't be downloading it right away, but I'm happy for everyone else!

Oh shoot, if no N64 game comes out on US and EU VC by next month, then we're two N64 games behind Japan. I don't care too much for the original Smash Bros., but please bring Majora's Mask to both regions soon!

This is like good news overload, I think I visit this site like 20 times a day just in case this has all been a dream..lol

Yes! Majora's Mask! Soon I'll be able to play it!

Yes, now all I need is 007 Golden Eye, Perfect Dark, and a few other N64 games.

Majora's Mask. Looks like SSB has competition reguarding which game will be VC game #300.

Pointless fact time: From what I recall the Japanese version of Majora's Mask doesn't let you use the owl statue warp points for (temporary) saves. You'ld have to play the song of time and save that way.

so now that the expansion pak is out of the way any chance of rumble pak and meory pak

Oh yeah, bit suprirsing to see only two arcade games on next months list. I still wonder why the service was launched with games taller than they were wide leading to over half the screen being empty. It gives the wrong impression of what to expect from arcade games...

I would LOVE to see Ninja Gaiden the Arcade version out on the VCA...what are the chances of that happening?!!?? Does anyone have an idea?

If the PC Engine version is better than the arcade then I'll get that. It's rare console ports exceed the arcade originals, but Chelnov for the Megadrive is also much nicer looking than the arcade and plays the same (that may be Japanese-only though).

What was wrong with the emulation of Majora's Mask on the gamecube Zelda compliation? I only played that version and never played the origional N64 version. I didn't notice anything wrong with the game while playing it.

Majora is my FAVORITE mask. XD looking foward to this one

I hope we don't have to wait too long for Majora's Mask, but it really is fantastic that it's coming, hopefully soon.

@ CuzinMike: Multiple things. The music skips a lot and sometimes starts too late, some of the graphics are messed up, and worst of all, the game often freezes completely.

I'm annoyed to see yet another superior version of a game I already bought released in Ninja Gaiden. I think I'm going to make a rule about checking every game that come out from now on to see if a superior version might be available on a different console. Because the NES game was an import I can't even claim to have saved 100 points!

As for the MM emulation problems I'm with cuzinmike, I've never noticed any of these so called problems on the disc version I own and wonder if it isn't down to the quality of the disk

Famous sh*ty game Takeshi no Chousenjou!

Hopefully Majora's Mask will arrive soon in Europe as well!

@terranigma: Wait, Custom Robo V2 is in english!? I didn't know that! We NEED that game.

Majora's Mask: It was about time

Hey Drake, can you guys do a top 10 or 20 games that are most wanted for each console again? That list has not been updated in a long time, and alot of the games from prior lists are either here already or almost here. I would love to know what your top 10 arcade wants would be also. I miss those articles, because it pointed out some games I either had forgotten about or had never even heard of. Plus it really gives me an idea of what else might be on the horizon. Thanks, Troy

Wow, didnt think MM was ever going to come, but this pretty much confirms we will see Expansion Pak games!

By the way,,,,,Bring on Joust and zaxxon!! Oh and pole position as well.

Does someone know which games used the expansion pack? I know starfox did, but beyond that I am not sure.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expansion_Pak#Expansion_Pak

Good finally everyone can stop moaning about Majaora's mask. I kept telling people it was coming. After all it's a Nintendo game. Of course it would see a release eventually. I just hope it doesn't have the same emulation problem that the collectors edition on Gamecube did. It wasn't a huge problem but every now and then the game would freeze up forcing you to lose your saved progress. It's also good to know that expansion pack games are possible on VC. I wonder if the new update for SD card loading has anything to do with the sudden anouncement of another N64 game? Maybe they will kick the releases into high gear now.

Do you guys think N64 games that required memory packs are possible? Like say the Turok games or Castlevania 64? Couldn't they somehow make it so you could save your progress directly to the Wii's memory since you can't use the memory packs? I hope this can be worked out.

i'd like to think it is possible but they hasn't said exactly why they couldn't do it.

When you look at what games actually use the expansion pak its not that exciting really. I'd be more interested in Nintendo emulating the controller pak.

O___O

OMG.
MAJORAS MASK.
I WANT THAT SO BAD.

I just hope the emulation is good this time.

nice to see it coming soon, even though i prefer OoT, which i already own
MM was kinda... not my thing
but nice to see it here

Finally, Majora's Mask has been announced. With the 300th game around the corner maybe its a sign that that will be the 300th game.

I figured with the memory problem being solved it would only be a matter of time before Majora's Mask was released. Hopefully it comes to North America soon.

Do want now.

"Finally, Majora's Mask has been announced. With the 300th game around the corner maybe its a sign that that will be the 300th game."

Or perhaps MM will be released closer to Spirit Tracks. Just a thought

Blimey!!!!!!!! This is great news!!!!!! I'm Sorry to ask this but where's Mario Kart ?(SNES) So Nintendo are finally able to emulate games, I would love to see Donkey Kong 94, I think Japanese VC title lists are important to us, it keeps us guessing to what is being released and gets us all talking, Great stuff.....

@Tony-Hmm...but Spirit Tracks was justa nnounced...it'll prolly be some time before it actually releases. I have no interest in MM except that it might mean that expansion pack N64 games can finally be on VC! (Wasn't it one?)

@Sean Aaron:

Ninja Gaiden arcade version had larger characters, a limited but 3-D environment, more interactive objects (that you could throw enemies through, for example), different "grip" and hanging skills, and generally a slower yet intense environment ( less rapid side scrolling and more like Final Fight with a ninja).

Neither the NES nor the Turbografx resemble the arcade to a high degree. As far as which is better, it really goes to taste. They are just different enough from the arcade that both can be fun in different ways. Personally, the difference in fun is between the NES and the Turbo, I really prefer the slightly darker look of the NES. It just seems to the fit the story and ninja style.

I have MM in cart form i'd rather have SSB on the N64, or ClayFighter, or ClayFighter 63 and 1/3 or one of the games we have been waiting a long time for like Tetris Attack or Super Punch Out or even Nintendo World Cup.

The arcade ninja gaiden has a fair bit of nostalgia for me. I was obsessed with ninjas as a kid (because michael dudikov was a total douche in american ninja - but for some reason I loved it) Basically, ninja gaiden arcade is like final fight but far superior. Thats not to say it was a brilliant game... im remembering my impressions of it as a 10 year old. I seem to remember hearing something about ninja gaiden arcade being quite controversial when it first came out because of its continue screen... which was more like something out of a james bond movie, with the ninja chained to a bench and a circular saw slowly descending on him. Yay excessive violence!

MM is a must for me. Just hope the emulation isn't crap.

An interesting point was brought up recently by someone I know, now that the SD card slot's opened up and we can play games from it, it may open the window for N64 games coming more frequently, now that we don't have to 'clean the fridge'. And Japan's gotten 3 in 3 months, which is massive compared to the past (except perhaps the Wii's launch).

I hope they keep it up, and 3rd parties start bringing games to it. Definitely some 3rd party games I want to play in progressive scan.

Majora's Mask will be a definite purchase for me, so long as the slowdown from the Zelda Collector's disc emulation isn't there.

I've never liked Majora's Mask. It's too hard.

Majora's Mask will be awesome when it gets released here, I had it back when it first came out, now you don't need an expansion pak to play the game, but yeah I agree it is kinda difficult and annoying at times, still a fun game though.

OMG OMG OMG!!!!!!!!! The Legend of Zelda: Majoras Mask!!!! I hope it comes to the U.S. soon. It is one of the only 2 zelda games i do not currently own in some way, shape, or form.

Man the great VC news just keeps coming. I wonder when we'll be getting this one.

Hmm, Majora's Mask is my favorite Zelda game by far, but I'm still hesitant to buy it. I, unlike many of you, didn't really experience the problems on the Gamecube emulation. Still, it might be kind of cool to test the game out with the classic controller.

Majora's Mask? Meh... I do want Phantasy Star though. I've been hoping for that one so I could start the series from the beginning.

@Sean Aaron: "Question for the Ninja Gaiden aficionados: how does the PCE version stack up against the arcade? Might it make more sense to get the VCA version (assuming there is one)?"

While there is an arcade Ninja Gaiden, the NES/PC Engine Ninja Gaiden games are not ports of it, but completely different games. The most sensible approach would be to get both the arcade one and one of the console games.
Also, watch out for the Master System, Game Gear and Mega Drive Ninja Gaidens , which are yet more completely different games by the same name. The Master System game has similiar gameplay to the NES/PC Engine games (but all-new levels and such, so it's more of a sequel), the Mega Drive game plays like the arcade (and again, with all-new levels), and the Game Gear game is completely different from all the others.

So that's 5 completely different games, all named "Ninja Gaiden". Collect them all.

Majora's Mask! Finally! This has been the one game I've been wanting most for the last two years.

After SSB and LoZ:MM come, my vc collection will finally be complete.

Awsome update for Japan. Space Invaders for the VCA is awsome, so is the original Phantasy Star, and Majora's Mask wasn't that bad on the GC or my game isn't that screwed up. But anyway this is great.

@ Adamant: And of course there's the Xbox Ninja Gaiden as well

I think Nintendo will SURPRISE us anyway or how... & without a doubt now, SSB64 will come out first & then ZeldaMM!
But if you look at it anyway you predict it here's our choices of predictions for when they MIGHT come out:
1) First off I'm glad my prediction of a May 18th release of Super Punch-Out was way far ahead, & that I'm SUPER HAPPY its coming out next Monday on March 30th!!
2) Nintendo will eventually give us SSB64 either on its decade anniversary, on April 27th... or might surprise us early & it'll be the #300 game of our VC library!!
3) Nintendo will give us Majora's Mask shortly after anyday Japan gets it sometime; which will be on any Tuesday of the month... which leaves it up to the next following week & Monday it could come out!!
4) Who knows if NOA will start doing 2 VC game releases now... with VC Arcade titles now coming!! Which means we're sooo close to getting #300 game... which is like 6 more and we are there!! So either!!!
5) Last but not least; CLEARLY WE DON'T have a say in what will be the #300 game... only NOA KNOWS!!! Which makes it the BIGGER MYSTERY... of which one will it be; SSB64 or ZeldaMM?!
And if all fails; it could take a while for Zelda MM to come out still... they did say Japan was getting it, but we might still have to wait a while for it to come out here in the US!! So that means May, June, July... or later in the year... who knows; its also a mystery of when it'll come out?!

Yes! Yes! Majora's Mask! Please head on to North America immediately after!

I want the 2nd best Zelda! I haven't played it in a few years

Good for Japan.

Majora's Mask- NOW. I'm salivating.

I'm looking forward to getting to play this one, I was an early adopter back in the day, and had moved on to another console when this was released. Here's hoping this comes stateside soon.

Ahh, Majora's Mask. Yep, bought this when it was first released in Australia. Was maybe better than Twilight Princess for me. At least MM had the classic Zelda theme music playing in the field area... The next real Zelda to be released for the Wii better have enough hits of nostalgia, please. Heck, a vastly updated and expanded 'A Link to the Past' in 3D would be good enough...

Only one that is vaguely interesting is Phantasy Star 1; I already have Majoras Mask on the N64 (gold cartridge too).

Majoras Mask is coming out sooon O YEEEAH!

FIRST, they could NEVER re-make a Link to the Past. nor should anyone EVER try to recreate that masterpiece.

Secondly Majoras Mask is awesome, on N64.

...as opposed to emulation/vc:P

@above

The game will be just as good on the VC as it is on the N64, plus you can play it with controllers without frail control sticks.

Thanks for the Ninja Gaiden feedback guys. The only thing I remember from the arcade was that it was really difficult; footage I've seen of the NES game made it seem more accessible.

I think I'll wait for a VCA release and see how well I like it 20 years later before jumping into the myriad console ones...

Secondly, i don't know if you know this but they did try to remake A Link To The Past, on the GBA.

That was a port. They didn't really change anything.

majora's mask... !!!

obligatory echo: good times for the virtual console, indeed!

I missed out on MM when it came out on the 64. I've since played it on the collectors edition disc, but it still didn't hook me. I got the ocarina back, and got out of the town, but I just had no urge to play it since then and thats as far as I've gotten.

Without spoiling it for me, is there actually some cool story elements? Or do you just get to enjoy a few different control schemes?

What great news about Majora's Mask! As has been said, I only hope that this emulation is better than the GameCube's virtually unplayable one! I also hope this doesn't take as long to reach Europe as Mario Golf for the N64 did as well! Considering the game's popularity I'm sure it will follow in the other territories soon after Japan get it... he says.

Okay, we already have 2 of the games, but...
MAJORA'S MASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
phantasy star, space invaders...
MAJORA'S MASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm seriously that excited about it, because I never had the chance to play it in the N64 era. Of course, it's gonna take a while, because Japan always gets the good games, like, a half a year in advance.

I just checked wikipedia. It seems that North America got some games earlier than japan and vice-versa. (If it came out the same day, Japan's date would be one day afte rNorth America because of timezone differences for an example if it came out the same day it would be like Sept.16 in North America and Japan would be Sept.17). The gap in between the dates ranges from like the same day to like 4 months(or more I didn't check them all). So there's no way to say if Japan is going to get Majora's mask before North America or if it will be months apart at all.
Here are the lists:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Virtual_Console_games_(North_America)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Virtual_Console_games_(Japan)

man i really want ssb, perfect dark and dk 64 before majoras, i liked the story in majoras but i never liked the concept in majora as much as other zeldas, masks were tedious lol

Why do people want super smash bros so bad? Just get brawl its much better. DK 64 I understand, that is a great game (but Majora's mask was much better). I want both Dk64 and Zelda MM on the vc soon. I can wait because I have majora's mask on the n64 still but the graphics on my n64 are fuzzy and not as sharp as the wii's. I also dont want to keep setting up my n64 everytime I want to play it. Whenever I want to switch back to tv I have to disconnect everything again and reconnect my direct tv box to my tv and its annoying. Lol the only vc games I have are OoT and Paper Mario so this will get me buying points again.

@timp29: "Without spoiling it for me, is there actually some cool story elements?"

Majora's Mask has the most involving story of all the Zelda games.

Majora's Mask just might be the greatest Zelda game ever. Even though I already own the gold-cartrige N64 edition of the game, I'll certainly be re-buying it just for convenience's sake. And the fact that it's totally sweet doesn't hurt either.

Best. Game. Ever.
I own the original gold-cart of Majora's Mask, but I may buy the VC version anyway. If they can manage to eliminate jaggies on HDTVs I'm in (I played it recently on my N64 and much to my dismay it was actually painful to look at.)

Whoa mama! Japan's gonna have one sweet month this month! It also gives me hope that Majora is coming here soon! I've been dying to see it; It's the only Zelda besides Wind Waker that I haven't played.

I might try Majora's Mask, I hear its extremly creepy and grim and all that, but I hate OoT so it might be a gamble.

Phantasy Star I will pass on, I love the game, but I already have it on my 360 via SMUC

I bought the GC version of Majoras Mask, but haven't played it in a while, can someone tell me what was so bad about the version?

The GC version had some weird slowdown/audio issues. Nothing too bad, but certainly noticeable, especially in the very-busy Clocktown scenes.

But the worst part was that the game would often crash when entering a hole or changing scenes, and you'd lose ALL of your progress up to that point. (Disabling the rumble feature is said to help, but by no means does it eliminate the possibility.)

In a "normal" Zelda game this would only be a slight inconvenience as you could save regularly, and wouldn't lose much headway in case of a crash. In Majora's Mask, for obvious reasons, constant saving was not a possibility.

It will be SO nice to have the game and not have to deal with those issues again!