4: “Super Bonk”
This game is weird.
“Super Bonk” was the flagship character of the TurboGrafx-16 before it became obsolete, paving the way for this large-skulled cave-boy’s debut on the SNES, Super Nintendo Entertainment System.This game is a classic platformer, but probably has more in common with hallucinogenic drugs than it does with other popular mainstays.
Bonk’s main attacks and movement all utilize his massive cranium, defying physics in the process, unless Super Bonk receives a power-up. From anger-induced, petrifying earthquakes and lizard-faced, steam-fuming giants to rage-riding (literally the word “RAGE!”) little person and egg-laying chickens, Super Bonk’s power-ups are as strange as they get.
This time-traveling caveman adventure is sold on the Wii’s Virtual Console for 800 points, equivalent to $8.
3: “Zombies Ate My Neighbors”
While technically also on the SEGA Genesis, “Zombies Ate My Neighbors” was one of the first co-operative zombie-killing games.
The player takes control of one of two too-cool-for-school ‘90s archetypes in an epic quest through various suburbs, malls, schools, haunted mansions and pyramids in an attempt to rescue your various neighbors before the zombies consume them.
The catch? Your arsenal of weaponry consists almost entirely of objects found around the neighborhood, including: water pistols, popsicles, soda cans, silverware, dishes, fire extinguishers and weed whackers.
With addicting gameplay and tongue-in-cheek humor, this gem is sold on the Wii’s Virtual Console for 800 points.
2: “Wild Guns”
This game is fun! I like to think this game was the inspiration for Will Smith’s movie, “Wild Wild West." Similar to “Zombies Ate My Neighbors," this game is a co-op experience with two stereotypically western-themed playable characters: Clint and Annie.
"Wild Guns" is a third-person fixed-viewpoint shooter in which Clint and Annie square off against the steampunk-inspired mechanic armies of ‘The Boss’ (what an original name). The gameplay is addictively fun, requiring precise dodging, special power-ups which change ammo type, varying stage locations and difficult-but-fun boss mechanics.
The game gets extremely difficult as the player approaches the final stages, but nabbing a friend and tackling the co-operative mode can alleviate frustration with its high-intensity gunfights and adrenaline-raising bosses.
Worth every penny, this game sells for $7.99 on the Wii U’s Nintendo eShop.
1: “EarthBound”
Underrated during its heyday, “EarthBound” has accrued a cult following.
This game follows a young boy named Ness from the country of Eagleland, representative of the United States, as he pursues an evil alien named Giygas who has covered the world in hatred. Ness and his friends — Paula, Jeff and Poo, must use a variety of childhood toys, including yo-yos, baseball bats and psionic powers to combat local wildlife, street thugs and corrupt police officers in a quest to save the world.
The gameplay takes inspiration from other popular role-playing titles, such as the “Dragon Quest” series, while diverging in a fresh and unique way. The tongue-in-cheek humor and charming narrative make this a unique gem among its peers.
This cult classic can be purchased from the Wii U’s Nintendo E-Shop for $9.99 and is worth the steep price.
