Pokemon Snap, Ghosts 'n Goblins and Baseball Stars 2 added to Virtual Console @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on December 10, 2007

News: New 'Gifting' feature added as well.

Tis the season to give the gift of Virtual Console games as Nintendo adds three new games to the service. After a few weeks of B-list titles, Nintendo looks to close out the year with a few bona fide classics such Ghosts 'n Goblins, Baseball Stars 2 and Pokemon Snap.

And since it's better to give than to receive, Nintendo has also launched a new "Gifting" service for the VC. With this new feature, Wii owners can input another person's Friend Code and send them the gift of a Virtual Console game. And if your friend already has the game you're trying to give, the VC will let you know so you can pick a different game.

Here's the full rundown on this week's releases:

Pokщmon Snap (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): As one of the most unique games in a renowned series, Pokщmon Snap was the first truly 3-D Pokщmon game and introduced the phenomenon to the Nintendo 64. Travel to Pokщmon Island and meet Professor Oak to begin a safari, taking the best possible photographs of 63 different Pokщmon as they exist in the wild, undisturbed by humans. This is not as easy as it soundsЧthe island has many types of climates and environments to explore, along with secret activities and hidden passages to discover. Plus, some of the Pokщmon can be a little shy and won't pose for the camera unless you tease them with special items. After you're done, submit one picture of each Pokщmon to Professor Oak, and he'll judge it based on size, pose, technique and number of Pokщmon captured.

Ghosts 'n Goblins (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for EveryoneЧMild Animated Violence, 500 Wii Points): Ghosts'n Goblins was a popular arcade game before it made the leap to the NES in 1986. Like later games in the series, Ghosts'n Goblins presents quite a challenge to players brave enough to take on the role of Arthur and delve into the realm of demons and monsters to rescue the kidnapped princess. Choose your weapons wisely and take advantage of their strengths to deal with the situation at hand. Pass through the six gates that stand between you and Astaroth, and teach him a lesson in chivalry he'll never forget. Demonstrating a high level of technical prowess for a game of its era, Ghosts'n Goblins presents a unique and unforgettable universe. The stage for adventure is set. Are you up to the test?

Baseball Stars 2 (NeoGeo, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points): Lace up your cleats and step onto the diamond with the pros of Baseball Stars 2. You'll find everything you'd expect in a classic game of baseball, but with an arcade feel and intense action that distinguish it from the pack. Pick one of six unique teams from cities around the world, then get ready for nine innings of excitement, whether you're taking on the computer in a 15-game tournament or squaring off against a friend. There are two modes of game play, so even the most inexperienced player can compete at the major-league level (with a little computer-aided fielding). Watch as the game develops through split-screen views and close-up shots worthy of any highlight film, and see if you can catch the numerous over-the-top animations of the large and detailed player models. Think you have what it takes to win the pennant?