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Wii offers C64 titles on the Virtual Console 24 Feb, 2009, 05:50 / 8 comments

By Jason


Starting today, Nintendo has added the Commodore 64 to its list of platforms with classic games available for download through its Virtual Console service. The "launch games" are International Karate, The Last Ninja, and Pitstop II.

Why is this relevant? Well, because the original versions of Maniac Mansion and Zak McKracken and the Alien Mindbenders were released for the Commodore, and they are undeniable classics of the system's library, so maybe we'll see them offered at some point? Of course, it's not like any LucasArts game for the NES, SNES, or N64 have been made available, but maybe that Fate of Atlantis bonus feature in the new Indy game bodes well for the future?

Or not. But let us also not forget that the entirety of LEC's pre-Maniac catalog was ported to the C64, including PHM Pegasus, Labyrinth, Koronis Rift, The Eidolon, Rescue on Fractalus!, and yes, even the immortal Ballblazer. The company's earliest development efforts were considered state of the art for their time, and it would be really cool if they found their way to the homes of Wii owners 25 years later. It's also kind of really weird to be reminded that there was actually a time when LEC did nothing but develop original games, and merely licensed the Star Wars and Indy brands to other publishers for quick, risk-free money. They at least seem to be coming full circle in the latter regard.
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8 Comments

  • Capn_Nacho on 25 Feb, 2009, 03:23…
    Isn't Zombies Ate My Neighbors on Virtual Console in the United States?

    (Alt. Isn't ZAMN on VC in the US?)
  • Udvarnoky on 25 Feb, 2009, 03:24…
    No. It was rumored like two years ago, but unfortunately nothing ever came of it.

    It's a shame. That's a fun game.
  • Capn_Nacho on 25 Feb, 2009, 16:13…
    Huh, I didn't realize that. :< Yeah, a shame.
  • JohnGreenArt on 25 Feb, 2009, 03:14…
    As someone who made a few C64 games, I'm curious how one goes about getting them on to the Virtual Console...
  • Udvarnoky on 25 Feb, 2009, 03:23…
    I'm guessing creating some sort of line of communication between Nintendo and whoever owns the rights to the game in question.
  • Lagomorph on 24 Feb, 2009, 11:23…
    Wow, I didn't realise they didn't already offer C64 titles in Amerika.
    We've got 'm for like a year now in Europe.
    Nothing from early Lucasarts yet though...
  • Udvarnoky on 24 Feb, 2009, 13:58…
    It's true, C64 titles were murmured about since pretty much the beginning, but apparently they're only just getting around to doing them here.
  • jp-30 on 24 Feb, 2009, 22:08…
    And still no sign of C64 titles in NZ / Australia's Wiiware service.

    Oh well, at least we got "Onslaught" early.