Trust us, it's a blast!

It's that special time of the week again! Thanks to Nintendo's consistent WiiWare Weekly service updates, it's Christmas (or respective holiday sensation) every Monday! New titles are available every week for Nintendo's Virtual Console and WiiWare downloadable services, and we'll guide you through what's hot and what's better left on the floor. But quality is key, and you can bet we love the good stuff!

Rather than focus on the Virtual Console with this week's trio of releases, it's all about the WiiWare and what's new and exciting for Nintendo's original downloadable game service.  Art and galaxies collide, while a classic party game returns to reclaim its crown and show a new generation of imitators just how party is done right.  Meanwhile, the Virtual Console gets some truly intense side-scrolling action with a familiar face (or should that be helmet?), and itchy trigger-fingers everywhere bow down in thanks.  Plenty of action for everyone this week, and that's saying something.

Quite a big day for Nintendo's original gaming service, and thanks to a good mix of variety there should be enough for everyone to find a little magic with this week's offerings. 

Super Turrican 2 (Super Nintendo) 800 Wii Points

Even more Turrican action hits the Virtual Console this week as the second game in the side-scrolling spectacular for the Super Nintendo makes it retro-debut.  Most definitely earning its Super status, the return of the franchise for Nintendo's 16-bitter gave fans everything they dreamed an update to the series could ever want, including a very Bionic Commando-like extender, as well as all the trademark carnage they couldn't live without.  Don't believe me, as the official blub below should reinforce it for you:

As the last survivor of the United Freedom Forces, it is your duty to destroy the Machine's forces that have devastated the galaxy. Fight through countless hordes of enemies using everything at your disposal. Use weapons and power-ups to fight back the tide of oncoming enemies. Use special abilities like the Energy Wheel and Cyberfist to find secret areas and score extra lives. When your lives and continues are gone, the mission ends. You are the galaxy's last hope. Are you up to the challenge?

See what I'm talking about?  'When your lives and continues are gone, the mission ends.'  Truer words were never spoken, and for the legion of Turrican fans out there (yes, even you Super Turrican fans) the second appearance for the reliable SNES should make plenty of you very, very happy.  But note, only true action fans need apply!

Art Style: Orbient (WiiWare) 600 Wii Points

Perhaps this week's most unknown commodity (actually, that's pretty much a fact), Art Style: Orbient hits the WiiWare service this week with all the noise of a feather hitting a pillow.  That is to say, most people have never heard a blip about this intriguing sounding, yet unfamiliar gravity-laced galaxy explorer.  What a shame, as the idea itself sounds interesting, if not entirely relaxing.  Full blurb just below:

Explore the universe like never before in Art Style: ORBIENT. Take control of gravity and anti-gravity and carefully maneuver your small star through 50 stages set in multiple galaxies. Collide with other stars to absorb them and make your own star expand in size, or capture the stars in your orbit and have them become your satellites. Space isn't empty, though, and you'll have to avoid bumping into obstacles or getting pulled into a black hole. If you feel like relaxing while still being challenged, this is the game for you. Its combination of simple controls, atmospheric sound and unique environment make for an experience unlike any other.

While little is known about Nintendo's secretive style-game, word on the street has ears buzzing about just what's there.  Its too bad there isn't a better method for getting the folks excited about what's available for the WiiWare, as many times the first time we hear about new product is when they're released.  Seems a bit anti-progressive to me, and I suspect many of you out there would agree.

Bomberman Blast (WiiWare) 1,000 Wii Points

It might have taken forever, but at long last a proper Bomberman game finally hits the Nintendo Wii with this week's release of Bomberman Blast!  With plenty of multiplayer madness and online competitive play, our diminutive hero makes up for a series of mini-game mistakes big-time with a real take on the classic party game. 

A brand new addition to the Bomberman series is available on WiiWare. Up to eight players can battle online simultaneously via Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. Simple controls make this a great game for family and friends to enjoy anytime. You can trigger new items by shaking the Wii Remote™ controller, creating new levels of Bomberman excitement. You can even take the intensity up another notch by adding your own Mii™ caricatures to the mix. Battle results can be recorded on the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Ranking, so you can see how you stack up against others around the globe. This title will prove to be a blast for everyone--from those who've never touched a Bomberman game to the Bomberman masters.

Traditional Bomberman action, massive online multiplayer, good waggle implementation, Mii's for everyone, and ranking...what's not to love?  The classic franchise hits the WiiWare this week with a bang (no pun intended), and there's no doubt that many a Bomberman fan have their day fully planned.  A true classic returns, and its about time!