This week's DLC: Blaster Master returns, Alien Breed reborn

I've been thinking lately about doing a roundup every Monday of all of the week's major releases while our front page calendar and The Verdict do a damn fine job of noting the newest releases, I figure if I'm going to sing the praises of DLC every week, I might as well note what's landing on store shelves this week. But when you consider the above-average quality of the Wii and Xbox online marketplaces compared to this week's retail output of Bookworm and Reader Rabbit Kindergarten, I think I'll stick to the downloadable wares until next year.

Did you know that the team that made Worms had another franchise up their sleeves? The long-languishing Alien Breed series, which went dormant after five released during the early 90s, will be resurrected on Xbox Live with Alien Breed Evolution (Episode 1) due on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. If the (Episode 1) is any indication, we'll see a few more episodes of this top-down shooter series.

Nintendo is once again packing their DSi and Wii stores to the gills with new content. Blaster Master, confirmed for a December release upon the resurrection of Sunsoft, is coming to the Virtual Console, alongside Earthworm Jim 2. WiiWare will be receiving a racing game, an action game, and two puzzle titles this week, while the DSi is getting the iPhone favorite Bejeweled Twist, along with three sim titles. If you've ever wanted to try simulating a pet shop, a diner, or a social life in Miami, you might want to hit the DSi store.

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I've been thinking lately about doing a roundup every Monday of all of the week's major releases while our front page calendar and The Verdict do a damn fine job of noting the newest releases, I figure if I'm going to sing the praises of DLC every week, I might as well note what's landing on store shelves this week. But when you consider the above-average quality of the Wii and Xbox online marketplaces compared to this week's retail output of Bookworm and Reader Rabbit Kindergarten, I think I'll stick to the downloadable wares until next year.

Did you know that the team that made Worms had another franchise up their sleeves? The long-languishing Alien Breed series, which went dormant after five released during the early 90s, will be resurrected on Xbox Live with Alien Breed Evolution (Episode 1) due on Xbox Live Arcade this Wednesday. If the (Episode 1) is any indication, we'll see a few more episodes of this top-down shooter series.

Nintendo is once again packing their DSi and Wii stores to the gills with new content. Blaster Master, confirmed for a December release upon the resurrection of Sunsoft, is coming to the Virtual Console, alongside Earthworm Jim 2. WiiWare will be receiving a racing game, an action game, and two puzzle titles this week, while the DSi is getting the iPhone favorite Bejeweled Twist, along with three sim titles. If you've ever wanted to try simulating a pet shop, a diner, or a social life in Miami, you might want to hit the DSi store.

Any of these games appeal to you guys? I might get Blaster Master, even if I still don't understand why a kid would go through so much trouble to save a frog. A cat, I can understand. More details about the Wii and DS downloads are below.

NINTENDO DOWNLOAD: 11 NEW DOWNLOADS BLAST THEIR WAY TO NINTENDO SYSTEMS

Dec. 14, 2009

The first of this week's new Virtual Console releases gives new meaning to the term "underground legend," sending players down a mysterious manhole for a classic subterranean adventure. Another fine addition to the Virtual Console section of the Wii Shop Channel features the iconic hero Earthworm Jim in a fun-packed sequel from the SEGA Genesis era. For the Nintendo DSiWare service, a slate of five new games includes everything from the pets of LITTLEST PET SHOP to animated puzzles, cooking and magic tricks. For fans of the WiiWare service, fast-paced stunt driving and Moki-herding mayhem are among the latest arrivals. Whether you're downloading for yourself or seeking cool, convenient gifts for everyone on your holiday list, look no further than the Wii Shop Channel and Nintendo DSi Shop for instant gratification.

Virtual Console

Blaster Master

Original platform: NES

Publisher: Sunsoft

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) - Mild Fantasy Violence

Price: 500 Wii Points

Description: The New York sewers were never like this. You've fallen down a hidden manhole into a world of creatures so terrifying they'd scare the rats away. You can panic and perish, or blast your way through an endless maze of tunnels in search of secret passages to your escape. Masters of the Caverns lay waiting - prehistoric creatures so powerful and gigantic they literally fill your screen. Load your arsenal and get ready for Blaster Master.

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