Sometimes Virtual Console releases have a common theme between them, and sometimes they don’t. Today, it’s obvious that they go together like peas and carrots. One centers around farming, and the other is a fantasy shooter featuring a badass knight in magical armor who blasts elemental magic at his enemies. So, today’s theme is clearly the elements.
Harvest Moon for the Super Nintendo was the starting point for Natsume’s classic franchise, which hasn’t taken much of a break since it got started in 1996. Lords of Thunder takes the shooter genre and gives it a whole new look. There is nary a reference to outer space in this game, but there is a flying knight who’s on a quest to…you know…destroy evil, and stuff. Both are great games, and definitely worth a look.
Read on for the official descriptions from Nintendo:
Harvest Moon® (Super NES®, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points): You bought the farm, so now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and try living off the fat of the land. Fresh air and the beauty of the outdoors will be fulfilling, but a successful farm needs a lot of working capital as well. There are buildings on your property, but they are in need of livestock. You have a modest house, but if things get lonely in the field, it’s going to take a remodel to woo a female farming companion. Your challenge is to dig in and build your life as a farmer from the ground up. How you manage will determine the outcome, but remember: You always reap what you sow.
Lords of Thunder (TurboGrafx-16 CD-ROM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone – Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Lords of Thunder is a side-scrolling shooter that has you take on the role of a legendary warrior, blasting enemies to heavy-metal tunes. Your enemies are plotting to revive Zaggart, "The Dark One," who was sealed beneath the six continents of Mistral. It’s up to Landis, descendant of the heroic Dyu, to stop them. Choose the order in which to attack the six stages. Before each stage, select one of four magic armors and use crystals you’ve collected during your battles to buy items. Selecting the right armor for each stage is the key to your ultimate victory. Then get ready to face awesome enemies like a fire-spewing sea serpent or a giant insect. Whether it’s the fast-paced shooting or breaking into the fortress of a stage boss, you’ll be blown away by the intensity of Lords of Thunder.
