On Wii Virtual Console today: Sega Master System debuts with Wonder Boy, plus Cruis’n USA

Get a Wii Points Card at AmazonToday Nintendo adds new classic games to the popular Wii Shop Channel. The games go live at 9AM Pacific time. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at stores like Amazon (see to your right).

It’s only fair that after the Commodore 64 debuted on the European Wii Virtual Console last Friday, that today America sees the debut of the Sega Master System emulating Wonder Boy on the Wii. We’ve included videos of each of today’s games for nostalgia’s sake or so you can see if it’s for you.

This week’s new games are:

Wonder Boy on Sega Master SystemWonder Boy (Sega Master System, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone — Comic Mischief, 500 Wii Points = $5): As Tom-Tom the Wonder Boy, it’s up to you to rescue your girlfriend Tanya from the vile clutches of the monster that has kidnapped her. To do so, you must navigate a series of worlds in a race against time to reach your goal. Along the way, you’ll battle foes and collect fruit that will add to the amount of time you have to complete your mission. You can also receive helpful power-ups from various eggs, but make sure to avoid the bad eggs and poisonous mushrooms that sap your precious vitality. Find the magic doll in each level to open up hidden areas, and make it to the very end of your journey to rescue your one true love.

Cruis'n USA on N64Cruis’n USA (Nintendo 64, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points = $10): Ever felt like driving to the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore and the White House in one day? Well then, gear up to put your racing skills to the test in a frantic trip across the United States, following a route that you won’t find on any map. Whether it’s the rolling hills of Appalachia, the flowing cornfields of Iowa or the crowded tunnels below Chicago, you’ll find yourself too focused on the intense racing action to worry about the scenery. Get started by picking from a garage full of cars to find the one that best suits your style—if you’re good enough, you’ll even find a few hidden ones to round out your selection. Then choose one of three different playing perspectives and get ready to hang on tight. With five difficulty levels, the ability to remove traffic or other racers, and two- player simultaneous racing, it’s enough to make you forget all about finding that next rest stop. Just watch out for the cows, OK?