Sonic Speeds Onto Virtual Console

Sonic makes a return to Nintendo's Virtual Console on the Wii this week, and he's bringing a dead samurai, an extraterrestrial soldier and a thug with him.

This time it's Sonic 3D: Flickies' Island (or Sonic 3D Blast, if you prefer), first released back in 1996 on the SEGA Mega Drive. Sonic has to reach the Chaos Emeralds and stop Dr... Well, you know the drill. This time, however, the round man's found and roboticised some odd birds called Flickies that can travel anywhere. They'll want saving, too. It's also 3D, if you hadn't gathered. It's yours for 800 Wii Points.

Also up for grabs is Samurai-Ghost, originally released on the Turbografx. Not to be confused with one of SPOnG's favourite samurai films, Ghost Dog, the game puts players in the role of dead swordsman, Kagekiyo. You'll need to power up his sword using spirit weapons to defeat the shogun Yoritomo and his horde of demons. 600 Wii Points is what it'll set you back.

Also on offer is Art of Fighting, first seeing the light of day on the Neo Geo back in 1992. You'd be forgiven for thinking it looks a smidge like Street Fighter 2, but the emphasis is on strategy and tactics as you battle the mobsterous Mr Big and attempt to rescue your sister. You can have it for 900 Wii Points.

Finally, we've got Alien Soldier from the Mega Drive. As Epsilon Eagle you'll be breaking up Scarlet, the strangely named criminal organisation you were once part of. It's all side scrolling and shooting as you battle through to take down the big boss, Xi-Tiger. You can get your grubby mitts on it for 800 Wii Points

This week's additions to Virtual Console bring the count up to 161 games now available.