Sure, Virtual Console has sucked lately, but at least it looks like Nintendo of America is going to release EarthBound.
The cult classic Super Nintendo role-playing game was given a rating by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board this week. This means that it's ready to be released in the U.S. The only question now is when. It's not necessarily soon: While most games that get an ESRB rating are usually released on Virtual Console very quickly, some have languished in limbo for months.
Other news from the ESRB ratings list: Several WiiWare games, including many not officially announced for U.S. release, have appeared on the site. If these represent the launch-window games, then it seems like the American launch lineup will be... well, a bit like the Japanese one. List below.
- Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King (Square Enix, rated E)
- *Dr. Mario Wii *(Nintendo, rated E)
- Gyrostarr (High Voltage Software, rated E)
- V.I.P. Casino: Blackjack (High Voltage Software, rated T)
- Magnetica Twist (Nintendo, rated E)
- *Family Ping Pong *(Aksys Games, rated E)
- *Pop *(Nnooo, rated E)
- Critter Round-Up (Konami, rated E)
- Defend Your Castle (X-Gen Studios, rated E)
- TV Show King (Gameloft, rated E)
- Block Breaker Deluxe (Gameloft, rated E)
- *Star Soldier R *(Hudson, rated E)
Now, of course the list doesn't make any distinction between disc-based Wii games and WiiWare downloadable ones. So if this list has any errors or omissions, let me know.
