It’s that time of the week again when Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel. Here are this week’s additions:

Lunar Pool (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Lunar Pool takes the historical game of billiards and reinvents it with a unique and futuristic flair. The rules are simple: All you need to do is use your cue stick to hit the white cue ball, causing it to hit the other numbered balls and make them go into the pockets. You can enjoy nearly unlimited game play with 30 tables, two different ball arrangements, and the ability to change the degree of friction on the table. You can play against a computer or another human player, so try challenging someone once you’ve got the hang of the game.

Ninja JaJaMaru-kun (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Take on the role of a ninja called JaJaMaru and rescue the captured Princess Sakura from the evil Namazu Dayuu in this action-packed game, previously unreleased outside of Japan. JaJaMaru must use his throwing stars to defeat the monsters lurking in each of Dayuu’s many hideouts. JaJaMaru has to be careful though, as each monster has its own unique weapon and method of attacking. The only way for him to advance is to break the floor bricks above him and move up and down between the levels of each round, defeating monsters as he goes. To help him, broken bricks sometimes reveal items that JaJaMaru can use to his advantage, possibly leading to the ultimate power-up: a ride on Gamapakun, the giant frog. Throw in some bonus stages and you’ve got a game with a style all its own.

Golden Axe III (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, Rated E10+ for Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): The once-peaceful kingdom so familiar to fans of the original Golden Axe is under threat once again. The Prince of Darkness has stolen the invaluable Golden Axe, taken over the kingdom and rendered its warriors harmless with an evil curse. One warrior breaks free from the curse and must defeat the prince and regain the Golden Axe to save the kingdom. In this one- or two-player action game, play as a giant, a panther or a sword-wielding human and fight your way to victory once again.

This week’s additions to the Wii Virtual Console service are two very rare ones: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, the sequel to the original SMB, and Sin & Punishment, an action-packed Japanese shooter that was never-before released in the West. Here’s the deal:

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points): Originally released in Japan as Super Mario Bros.2, this game has previously made only brief cameo appearances in the Western Hemisphere. Now available on the Virtual Console in all of its original splendor, Mario fans will appreciate the familiar look and feel of the game, while finding that its updated game play creates an entirely new challenge. No longer content just to wear different-colored overalls, Mario and Luigi also possess different skill sets: Mario can stop quicker, while Luigi can jump higher. In addition to the classic enemies already known to fans worldwide, there are also Poison Mushrooms, backward Warp Zones, and the occasional wind gust (which can help or hinder your progress) to take into account. And if that’s somehow not enough, expert players can go looking for the game’s secret worlds. So get ready to put your Mario skills to the ultimate test, and save the Princess again. Just don’t be surprised if she’s in another castle.

Sin & Punishment (Nintendo 64, 1-2 players, rated T for Teen - Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, 1,200 Wii Points): Created by the legendary development studio Treasure, this is a game that hard-core gamers and fans of Japanese imports recognize as one of the finest Nintendo 64 titles to have never previously reached North American shores. Its unique combination of English voice-overs with Japanese subtitles (preserved in this version) has only added to the enthusiasm for its eventual release here. Experience the frenetic pace of a classic shooter, while choosing from a variety of options and a number of different skill levels until you are ready to take on the full-blown challenge of Turbo Hard mode. Not to be outdone by the action, however, the intriguing story line gives the game its soul and draws you even further into the mix. Set in the near future, on an overpopulated Earth starved for resources, players uncover the intriguing mystery of two teenagers (Saki and Airan) and their battle against the Ruffians as they advance through level after level of nonstop action. Take a deep breath, gather your energy and prepare to see why this game is so highly praised.

The past week saw the addition of three new games on the American Virtual Console service. Here’s the scoop:

NES Play Action Football (NES, 1-4 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): “Ready! Hut hut hut…” Nintendo takes to the gridiron with the classic football powerhouse NES Play Action Football. Featuring a distinct overhead viewpoint that creates an almost 3-D field, the action is more simulation-based than many of the more arcade-based games of the time. Play through four 15-minute quarters (in accelerated time) and even substitute players when your first-stringers get tired. Want more options? Each of the eight available teams has multiple running/passing plays to choose from while on offense, as well as a wide selection of defensive schemes that can be run when you’re on the other side of the ball. And in addition to viewing two full teams on the screen at once without any slowdown, you’ll hear voice snippets at key points of the game. Line up, and see if you have what it takes to win the Power Bowl.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 800 Wii Points): Sonic and Tails are back for another adventure as they again battle the evil Dr. Eggman (aka Dr. Robotnik), who is desperately trying to collect all the Chaos Emeralds to rebuild his Death Egg. Our heroes must again find the Chaos Emeralds before Dr. Eggman does, but winning the race won’t be easy this time - a new adversary, Knuckles the Echidna, has arrived on the scene and will do whatever he can to keep Sonic and Tails from reaching their goal. Grab all the golden rings, find various bonus zones and overcome Knuckles and Dr. Eggman as you rocket through the third chapter in Sonic’s adventures.

Neutopia II (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 600 Wii Points): Experience improved graphics and controls in this exciting sequel to the action role-playing game Neutopia. Take on the role of the main hero’s son and watch as the story begins with the apparent revival of Dirth, the evil demon. Once again you’ll need to rely on your magic compass and the information you’ve gathered to find entrances to labyrinths and defeat the bosses in them. Make your way through the field, which can be tricky at times, to search for and find hidden information and items, or move blocks and destroy walls to uncover secret rooms. Like the original, this game has a save function, a finely tuned difficulty level and a fast-paced story, making it truly an RPG that everyone can enjoy.

This week has seen the release of four classic games on the Wii Virtual Console service. Here’s the deal:

Adventure Island (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points): A mysterious tropical paradise known as Adventure Island is the setting for this side-scrolling action game. The evil Witch Doctor has kidnapped Tina, the true love of Master Higgins. To save her, you must safely guide Master Higgins through eight perilous stages - including dense forests and creepy caves - while defeating all of the enemies in your path. Each area is made up of four rounds filled with enemies determined to stop you in your tracks. In addition, as time passes, Master Higgins’s vitality is automatically drained. To keep going, he must eat constantly by grabbing fruit, milk and whatever other goodies he can as he races toward his goal. Sometimes eggs containing miraculous items like axes to throw at enemies or honey that grants temporary invincibility will appear. Use items skillfully to help you clear the areas. At the end of each area you’ll face the Witch Doctor, who you must defeat to advance. Go, Master Higgins, go!

Donkey Kong Jr. Math (NES, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points): Learning can be fun, especially when you play along with Donkey Kong Jr. Practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division by directing Junior, a cute little monkey who must climb up and down vines to collect numbers and math symbols to solve the math problems his father gives him. Compete with a friend in a race to solve problems in Game A or add more challenge with Game B. Of course, you can also practice on your own. This game is perfect for younger players who are looking for a fun and easy way to develop their math skills.

Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone - Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): After hearing of the legendary treasure of King Nole, the elvish treasure hunter Nigel undertakes a quest to gather various pieces of the famed loot. His journey takes him through Mercator Island’s villages, caves and dungeons that hold King Nole’s riches. Along the way, he’ll have to help the inhabitants of the island while fighting against the treachery of Duke Mercator, who is searching for the treasure as well. A variety of obstacles and foes will try to deter Nigel, who must use all his wits and skills to defeat Duke Mercator and uncover the secret of King Nole’s treasure.

Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, rated E for Everyone - Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points): The hard-headed hero is back for more side-scrolling action in the third installment of the popular Bonk series. It’s up to Bonk once again to thwart the plans of the relentless evil King Drool. There are seven rounds scattered throughout the Dinosaur Kingdom, each one filled with fun contraptions and comical enemies. Grab a Flower Copter or exchange 16 Smileys at the end of each round to play up to eight different bonus stages. Or you can change the size of Bonk by grabbing the new red or blue candy items. Depending on the situation, you can change your size to bonk your way through a dead end or to get a hard-to-reach item. And if that’s not enough, you can grab a friend and put your heads together to defeat King Drool in the new two-player mode.

More new games are making their way to Wii’s Virtual Console service. This week’s Euro offering includes Wrecking Crew (NES), Lunar Pool (NES) and Neutopia (Turbografx). Scoop:

Originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987, Wrecking Crew sees Mario take on the unique role of demolition engineer. Players must identify the most effective route through the many enemy infested levels before demolishing all the structures. With a level editor allowing players to save and play their own creations as well as support for two players, Wrecking Crew™ is a blast for 500 Wii Points.

If you’re looking for something more traditional, why not have a go at Lunar Pool originally released on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991? Lunar Pool reinvents the classic game of pool by giving it a quirky and futuristic flair. Simply hit the cue ball with your cue and get as many of the other balls into the pockets as possible. With interchangeable features including different ball arrangements, multi-player and a varying degree of friction on the table, this game is sure to bring out the competitive side in anyone. Lunar Pool is available on Virtual Console this week for 500 Wii Points.

Rounding off this week’s Virtual Console offering is 1990 Turbografx classic Neutopia. This classic action RPG follows a young boy who sets off on an epic adventure to free a captive princess and recover medallions stolen by an evil Demon. Players must travel across land, sea and sky, solving puzzles and navigating through labyrinths as they hunt for hidden treasure and powerful equipment to aid them in their quest. Neutopia is available now for 600 Wii points.

This week’s European Virtual console offerings include Metroid (NES), Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting (SNES) and Silent Debuggers (TurboGrafx). Here’s the deal:

Metroid, originally available back in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, is a combination of action adventure and platform shooter, players assume the role of Samus Aran, a space bounty hunter, who is set the mission of saving the universe from the spread of ‘Metroids’, the most dangerous creatures in the galaxy. Using Samus’s trademark Morph Ball ability, players must search every nook and cranny of the planet Zebes and defeat the leader of the Space Pirates, Mother Brain, to restore peace to the galaxy once more. Available for 500 Wii Points, Metroid is out of this world and available now on Virtual Console.

Next up on Virtual Console this week is the much-loved Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting for Super Nintendo. Following the highly successful Capcom title Street Fighter II, Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting, originally released in 1993, boasts faster game play than its predecessor, as well as new and upgraded moves for each of the fighters. It also gives players the opportunity to fight as powerful bosses including Sagat, Balrog and M. Bison! So make sure your moves are ready for ultimate combat as Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting launches on the Virtual Console for 800 Wii Points!

A must have for this week is Silent Debuggers This unique first-person action adventure, released on Turbografx in 1991, is set in a time when space has been conquered and peace prevails. However, small criminal factions, known as ‘Bugs’, threaten the new found harmony. As the latest recruit of a crack team of ‘Debuggers’, players must explore the highly dangerous space station ‘Gane’, a place no Debugger has ever visited and returned from! This nail biting adventure is yours for 600 Wii Points!

Nintendo as well as Sega and Hudson Soft have announced their launch plans for Wii’s Virtual Console service, which will allow gamers to buy retro games for a price. The full launch lineup is below:

NES:

• Mario Bros.
  
• The Legend of Zelda
  
• Donkey Kong
  
• Donkey Kong Jr.
  
• Ice Hockey
  
• Pinball
  
• Soccer
  
• Tennis
  
• Urban Champion
  
• Wario’s Woods
  
• Baseball
  
• Solomon’s Key

SNES:

• F-Zero
  
• SimCity

Nintendo 64:

• Super Mario 64

Sega Genesis:

• Sonic the Hedgehog
  
• Altered Beast
  
• Golden Axe
  
• Columns
  
• Ecco the Dolphin
  
• Gunstar Heroes
  
• Space Harrier II
  
• Toe Jam & Earl
  
• Ristar
  
• Dr. Robotnik’s Mean Bean Machine

TurboGrafx-16:

• Bonk’s Adventure
  
• Super Star Soldier
  
• Victory Run
  
• Bomberman ‘93
  
• Dungeon Explorer

In the pricing department, Sega Genesis titles will go for 800 Wii Points ($8), N64 for 1000 ($10), TurboGrafx-16 for 600 ($6), and NES and SNES at 500 ($5) and 800 ($8), respectively.