It may be Memorial Day across North America; the chance to remember late members of the military, family or just the chance to gather for a day with the folks, but Nintendo’s grease monkeys have strived to provide you with the latest trio of Virtual Console releases on time. And here we are, too, to give you the low down. Until next week, enjoy!

The first retrograde goodie for you this week is ActRaiser, first released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990. As sometimes happens after an original launch in Japan, the difficulty of the game was tamed down for Western audiences, although the title’s “Professional” mode does provide the chance to up the anty if you so wish. If there was any persuasive remark with regards to ActRaiser’s quality, it’s been named amongst GameSpot’s Greatest Games of All Time. Of course, if you disagree with their editorial stance, then just go with the oodles of other praise it’s received over the years.

Battle for supremecy in Square’s ActRaisers!

ActRaiser™ (SNES®, 1 player, 800 Wii Points):

A masterpiece of game design originally released in the early days of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System®, ActRaiser’s enduring popularity stems from its revolutionary combination of action- and simulation-based game play. The user plays the role of the Master, a dethroned deity whose once-idyllic world has fallen under the control of the Evil One. Stripped of godly power, the Master must somehow put an end to the Evil One’s reign and rebuild his desolate realm. Game play alternates between two modes: Action and Simulation. In Action mode, the Master must battle against impossible odds to pacify six lands. Pacifying a land unlocks Simulation mode. In this mode, the Master must oversee the development and repopulation of the territory he has reclaimed. In doing so, he will gain followers who gradually restore his godly might, empowering him to take back the next land and, ultimately, defeat the Evil One.

Second this week is Kid chameleon, released for the Sega Genesis in May, 1992. Everyone loves game trivia, and here’s some for you: Look out for the reference to rock gods, Led Zeppelin in the introduction screens to the title’s urban levels.

Kid Chameleon™ (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points):

The local arcade is packed with kids, all lining up to play the latest, most realistic videogame they’ve ever seen. It’s called Wild Side, and it uses holographic images to immerse the player in a strange world. But there’s a problem… Kids are literally getting sucked into the game, and now several of them are trapped.Throughout more than 100 levels, you’ll take on several different forms, such as a Berzerker, a Micromax, a Maniaxe or a Skycutter, which will make you much more powerful. It’s up to you, Kid Chameleon, the best gamer in town, to getyourself inside the game so that you can defeat the game’s boss and bring your friends back to reality.

Lastly this week is J.J. & Jeff (known as Kato-chan and Ken-chan in Japan), and is loosely based on the then popular television show, Fun TV with Kato-chan and Ken-chan. Although criticised for being sanatized for Western audiences, if you’re a fan of potty humour, then it might just be worth a pop.

J.J. & JEFF (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, 600 Wii Points):

This comical action game features two bungling detectives, J.J. and JEFF, as they travel through a total of six fields. One day, a request comes into their office to take a case that requires them to “rescue a wealthy man who’s been kidnapped.” Choose between the two characters and set off alone to outwit your partner and save the day. Each field is broken down into four areas, where enemies, as well as your partner, will try to keep you from your goal. There are many items throughout each area. Kick around in various locations to make them appear.Jump and spray-paint your way toward your goal. If you find a hidden room, you can regain health while being completely entertained by its short sketch and surreal allure.

Which of the three will you plump for this week?