The ‘Hanabi Festival’ is drawing to a close this week and Nintendo has been generous enough to bring over a classic that many have been screaming about since it originally missed out on a Western release on the Nintendo 64. Yes, finally Sin & Punishment, the Treasure-developed action game, is here on Virtual Console in Europe.

Originally all the voice work was translated into English and the game was indeed slated for a US release until Conker’s Bad Fur Day bombed in terms of sales and plans were scrapped. Now, though, even the in-game text has been given a special makeover, which more than justifies the extra points you need to spend on picking it up.

“First on the list this week is Sin And Punishment, the classic Nintendo 64 3D third-person shooter game, developed by Treasure Co. Ltd. Originally released in 2000, this non-stop action title will see you assuming the role of a young resistance fighter facing an onslaught of bio-genetic monsters called Ruffians. These monsters, originally bred to boost dwindling food stocks on Earth, have turned against their creators and are trying to take over! In order to save the planet players must battle their way across land, sea and skies collecting energy, time and point bonuses as they go. A cool head and a strong trigger finger are essential to defeating the hordes of enemies that stand between our hero and victory! To enable players to better enjoy this cult Japanese classic, some in-game text has been translated into English, especially for this Hanabi Festival release. Sin And Punishment can be yours to download now for 1200 Wii Points.”

But that is not the only game Nintendo is bringing this week, with Konami’s superb Gradius III, US Edition, coming to Europe:

“Next, buckle up and prepare for battle in Konami’s much-loved 1990 side-scrolling shooter Gradius III. Players seize control of their Vic Viper Starfighter and take on the armadas of the Bacterion Empire. With ten levels to fight through, players will have their work cut out for them! With a variety of different weapons at your disposal you can mix and match lasers, missiles and shields to create customised set-ups giving you a fighting chance. This Super Nintendo Entertainment System version, originally released in the U.S., comes to Europe for the first time and is available now for 900 Wii Points.

Wrapping things off, and outside of the Hanabi Festival, is Legend of Hero Tonma, a platform shooter where “players assume the role of Tonma, a trainee magician who must rescue a princess from prison, using magic spells to battle giant bosses and work their way through seven stages riddled with treasure chests and unusual power-ups” This game can be picked up for 600 Wii Points.

Finally, do not forget to pick up Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels as it will be removed from the servers on 30th September, 2007!

Let us know what games you decide to download and stick around for further updates here on Nintendic…