It seems that the popularity of the Wii isn't just a boon to countless multiplayer mini-game collections and other waggle-infused monstrosities. Thankfully another genre has been resurrected, left for dead by nearly everyone who thought the first-person shooter was the be-all, end-all genre. Good thing, too, because light gun games have always held a special place in my arcade-loving heart. Maybe it’s the immediate thrill of picking up a plastic rifle and blasting my way through areas, or maybe its the simple pleasures of mowing down countless groups of enemies. Whatever the reason its a real treat to know that thanks to some intrepid developers out there and the convenient use of the Wii's native point and blasting capabilities it looks like we'll be getting even more arcade action at home. If that sounds like a good thing, then chances are you'll find much to love about Sega's Ghost Squad

Those familiar with the cream of the light gun shooter crop are probably familiar with Sega's own AM2 R&D department, as they've created some of the most ingenious and beloved games in the genre. From the House of the Dead and Virtua Cop series, you can bet that Ghost Squad is certainly in good hands here and the quality definitely shows. Although not entirely a new creation, this one first appeared in arcades in 2004 on the Xbox-based Chihiro arcade hardware. So while there's a few age spots on the surface, the real question is whether or not the home version can rekindle the excitement of an arcade game most people have probably never heard of? Well, with Wiimote in hand (or even better, the Zapper) that answer is a sounding "YES!"

A basic rule is to just avoid the game's story and plotline and concentrate on the great gameplay and massive amount of options literally on hand. The cheesy story bits only add to the game's charm and arcade roots as you'll soon be having far too much fun blasting and shooting your way through multiple levels of ingeniously designed levels the way the best shooters seem to be able to. The game's core gameplay has three interconnected missions, which will have you infiltrating a mountain villa to save international leaders, saving the president onboard Air Force One, and going Rambo in the jungle in order to take down terrorist group Indigo Wolves.

Completing the game in a single run won't take any real time at all, but the real value in playing Ghost Squad is knowing there's more than just the core game. Since the objectives branch out into different areas, from initiating hand-to-hand combat, securing hostages, and disarming bombs, chances are you'll never get bored. The way these parts are played out may seem simple, but very satisfying all a lot of fun. Completing the game in a single run won't take any time at all, but the real value here is the built-in obsessive nature of collection and completing everything- and I mean EVERYTHING. If you're the type that needs to pick up every secret, kill every enemy and discover every minute little secret than you might as well set up some time for this game now.

Even better is the inclusion of online rankings, as you'll be able to post your collection for all the world to see. It may not be online multiplayer, but it's a nice touch and should be standard with all games for the console from now on.

Along the way you'll find yourself busy leveling up, which really helps in the rather extensive customizable areas. There's a nearly obscene amount of features that can be tweaked and upgrades, from powerful weapons to precision tools of destruction. Heck, you'll even find some bizarre costumes that can be unlocked, just the thing to fulfill those dreams of eliminating international terrorism while dressed like a panda bear. Like everything else about the game, just go with it and don't look back - you'll be much happier.

With so many shooters coming out for the shooter-friendly Wii console, it's nice to see one game not ashamed of its arcade roots. While the basic set-up does use the now familiar reticule for aiming, those looking for more of a challenge can go sans help and rely on their pure killer instincts instead. Everything else is handled admirably, from aiming to reloading the play is silky smooth. Those thinking the Zapper peripheral as an unnecessary add-on will do good to eat crow now and just pick the thing up now, as the game plays 100% better with it. It may not bring all the arcade experience home (there's no recoil feature), but its the best solution available.

Those lucky enough to have spent some time with an actual arcade cabinet won't find any real surprises with how the game looks, as its a faithful conversion through and through. Although based on the original Xbox hardware, those familiar with the many Dreamcast light gun shooters will feel right at home with the visuals. The Wii version bumps the game to a nice 480p output, but scrimps on any real 16:9 widescreen output, settling for a still-satisfactory 4:3 aspect ratio. As the arcade original had the same standard, there's no real use complaining as the game still looks great. The sound is ridiculously cheesy, with now familiar super cheesy voices and forgettable music... but absolutely welcome, as is the major usage of the Wiimote speaker. Get ready to keep a fresh battery supply, because you're going to need it!

Ghost Squad knows its roots and thankfully doesn't apologize for being one, which in this day and age of mixed genres and hybrid shooters. It's literally a respectful nod to other arcade shooters from the 1990s by delivering more than enough action and variety to satisfy the hardcore set, yet accessible enough to bring in a whole new gaggle of fans who might've otherwise passed on by. The core game itself may be a bit on the short side, but there's plenty of replay value to keep gamers coming back from more, from the crazy 4-play mode to customizing your weapons and costumes, to a plethora of obscure modes and mini-missions. Plus, with its ridiculously low price there's no reason not to pick up a copy, grab a friend (or two) and join the fun right now - at least you'll save those quarters!