It’s that time again, that time when SEGA of America naughtily dangles a selection of classic gaming titles before our eager eyes, but then conveniently fails to actually reveal when we’ll be able to download them via Nintendo’s Virtual Console system. That’s nice of them, eh? This time around the games on offer emanate from the Genesis/Mega Drive back catalogue, and they are as follows…

Wonder Boy in Monster World (Price not confirmed) – Monster World was a peaceful, happy place until one dark day an army of BioMeka monsters invaded. Playing as a young man named Shion, players vow to defeat the hostile foes and make the land peaceful once again. Attack enemies with swords and spears, and guard against incoming projectiles with shields and armour. Travel through the many different regions of Monster World and talk to the townspeople, collect money to buy items, and gather a large variety of weapons and magic. As players gradually progress, the weapons and equipment become more powerful, including suits of armour and boots.

Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle (Price not confirmed) – This classic title features Alex Kidd! Alex has given up hope that his kidnapped father, King Thor, will ever return to the kingdom on Planet Aries. Then when news arrives that King Thor was very much alive and being held captive on the planet Paperock, Alex races to his rescue. Throughout 11 levels, players will battle enemies and avoid obstacles while winning coins that will buy special items and vehicles. At the end of each level, players will encounter a boss and enter into a match of “Paper, Rock, Scissors.” Throwing the right symbols and players will move Alex ever closer to bringing King Thor home. However, throwing the wrong symbols will see Alex squashed like a bug beneath a heavy weight.

Virtua Fighter 2 (Price not confirmed) – Virtua Fighter was the first 3D fighting game in the industry and introduced eight unique characters, each with their own martial arts style. In Virtua Fighter 2, the intrepid fighters return to the World Fighting Tournament. Take to the stage to see who will claim the championship title; will it be Lau Chan, Kage Maru, Wolf Hawkfield, Jeffry McWild, Akira Yuki, Jacky Bryant, Sarah Bryant and Pai Chan.

“The Wii Shop Channel continues to be a great avenue for gamers who want instant access to classic SEGA Genesis titles,”

enthused Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President of Marketing at SEGA of America.

“Virtua Fighter 2, Alex Kidd in the Enchanted Castle, and Wonder Boy in Monster World, are all great titles that were popular hits in their day and now have a second life via Wii’s Virtual Console.”

In order to enjoy Nintendo’s Wii Shop Channel and download its wealth of classic games, users must first have access to a high-speed Internet connection (and a Wii, of course). Wii Points, the channel’s currency, can be purchased directly in high street retail stores, or online through the Wii Shop Channel by credit card.