Today is the day that dreams come true. Like every other Monday since its release, the Virtual Console library has been augmented with a couple of new games; what makes this update special is that one of those games happens to be River City Ransom – one of the best side-scrolling beat-em-ups in existence.
River City Ransom is the story of Alex and Ryan, a pair of high schoolers who set out to rescue Ryan’s girlfriend from the gangs of River City. In addition to their hands and feet, the duo has a variety of weapons at their disposal, from sticks and chains to garbage cans and lead pipes. They can also learn special techniques via books purchased with money dropped by fallen foes. The RPG influence is evident, especially in the unique stat-growth system, but the game is fast-paced and action-packed. Don’t miss this one.
The other game that comes with today’s update is the second sequel in the long-running Phantasy Star series. Phantasy Star III was the second game in the series to grace the Sega Genesis, but received the worst critical reception of any of the three games on that console. Phantasy Star fans are sure to enjoy this one, regardless of that fact, so go grab it if you’re one of them.
From the press release:
River City Ransom (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older-Mild Suggestive Themes and Mild Violence, 500 Wii Points): River City Ransom takes place in River City, where our heroes, Alex and Ryan, find a letter on Ryan’s locker from a guy named Slick. The letter says that Ryan’s girlfriend, Cyndi, has been kidnapped, and Slick has taken River City hostage with the help of countless gangs and evil bosses. It’s up to our heroes to save poor Cyndi and free River City from the clutches of Slick and his underlings. You can play as Alex and take on the challenge alone or battle with two players simultaneously as Alex and Ryan. Kick and punch to fight your way through gang members, evil bosses and other goons, or use a variety of weapons including a chain whip, brass knuckles and a tire, to name a few. Raise your stats by eating right, and gain new techniques by reading books. With your fighting prowess and never-ending spirit, the bad guys won’t know what hit them.
Phantasy Star III Generations of Doom (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): As Rhys, the crown prince of the Orakian kingdom of Landen, you are engaged to be married to Maia, a woman from a rival kingdom. But Maia is kidnapped on your wedding day, setting you on a quest filled with twists and turns that will reintroduce you to people and places from previous Phantasy Star games. This epic spans several generations of characters, and your choices will dramatically impact the way the story unfolds, which makes it a great game to play all the way through more than once. In Phantasy Star III, things aren’t always what they seem-check it out and watch the mysteries unfold.
