Virtual Console Roundup

Street Fighter II: The World Warrior

• Platform: SNES
• Wii Points: 800

It is, of course, the Greatest Fighting Game EVAH. There really shouldn't be too much debate on that front. What is worthy of debate is whether or not you should download this particular version.

Just as with Streets of Rage, the knowledge that this was merely the opening salvo in a series that had yet to hit its peak might lead you to be prudent with your points. And, really, I wouldn't blame you. Certainly, the line-up of just eight fighters - beautifully balanced though they may be - feels limiting compared to the larger casts of later sequels.

If, for some unfathomable reason, you haven't yet managed to obtain a copy of Street Fighter II from the numerous compilations and re-releases already available then you'll certainly get 800 points' worth of entertainment out of this download - especially if you have two controllers. However, patience is advised. Wait and see if any of the Turbo follow-ups crop up before making the investment.

9/10

Super Mario 64

• Platform: N64
• Wii Points: 1000

"Please come to the castle. I've baked a cake for you." Such an inauspicious opening, and yet...

I remember my first encounter with Mario 64 very clearly. I was on the staff of a PlayStation magazine, and everyone was giddy as a goose about upcoming 3D titles like Tomb Raider and Resident Evil. Violent, scary, generous of breast and wearing very tight shorts - the future of gaming seemed pretty clear. The grown-ups were here to stay, and kiddie crap was history.

Then the first N64 arrived in the office and a bright and colourful game that looked like it took place in Tellytubbyland attracted an immediate crowd. That "look at me!" tracking shot around the castle, followed by Mario - in 3D! - bursting out of a green pipe? How weird, and yet so right, those analogue controls felt? The fluid camera? Exquisitely designed levels that begged for exploration? And those wonderful flying sections, where the exhilaration of swooping through the air couldn't be dimmed by the lack of grungy colours or sexualised violence? It was sublime.

Right then, the chasm between Nintendo and the rest of the industry - a chasm that would ultimately lead them to forge their own next gen path with the Wii - tore open in front of us. We all eventually sloped back to the PlayStation paddock, and continued to enthuse about games with stodgy controls and broken cameras, but inside I think we all knew that there was another way.

So, yes, it's the greatest platform game of all time and an eleven-year-old title that, chunky polygons aside, still looks like it could have been released last year. Feel free to insert your obvious "Wii is just a fancy GameCube" retorts here. 1000 Points is a hefty price but, as with all four N64 titles on the VC, it's worth every penny. Point. Whatever. Get it.

10/10