Portable Planet

TheWii Virtual Console (Europe-style) goesall theway back to 1986 this week. It appears that the granddaddy of Excite Truck is coming back in a big way!

From Nintendo:

This week Nintendo Wiis Virtual Console has shifted up a gear to delight speed freaks across Europe. To celebrate the launch of high-octane off-road racer Excite Truck on the Wii, Virtual Console users will be able to rediscover Excitebike the classic game that inspired it. Launching on NES in 1986, this fast paced racer was one of the first titles to allow players to adjust the pitch of their bike after a jump to correctly land as well as being one of the first ever racing games with a Track Builder. Excitebike is now available to download from the Wii Shop Channel for 500 Wii Points.

Owners will also be treated with a selection of other Nintendo classics. The original home console appearance of Kirby can once again be enjoyed, in Kirbys Adventure originally for the Nintendo Entertainment System. This title features vast worlds, unlockable bonus levels and addictive minigames. It is available to download for 500 Points.

R-Type III: Third Lightning, an adrenaline filled side-scrolling shooter which made its debut on the Super Nintendo, is now available to download for 800 Points. This game was arguably the best in the R-Type series and saw the introduction of a refined weapon charging system.

New Adventure Island originally for the Turbografx (PC Engine), is also now available to download for 600 Wii Points. This adventure title, originally released by Hudson on the NES as Adventure Island Classic, is the first in a highly successful series of titles.

These great games will join the 49 classic titles already available for the Virtual Console in Europe.