This week's sojourn into the games of yesteryear steps somewhat into modern territory with the first appearance of a CD-Rom game for the TurboGrafx16 on Virtual Console. Two other games, Ninja Gaiden II and Metal Marines also make an appearance.

Gate of Thunder (which you can buy for 800 Wii Points) was the first game on that platform to be release on compact disc and see you take control of the Hunting Dog ship and battle deadly Obbellon fighters. 

The game sees you blast through stages while using all three of the weapons at your disposal and receiving support from ally Wild Cat ships. Switch through power-up options to change the direction of your attack. You'll have to blast in front of and behind you to survive all seven stages. Hard-core shooting-game fans looking for a challenge can select HARD or DEVIL mode to experience even more intense action!

Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (which will set you back 500 Wii Points) sees you take the role of Ryu Hayabusa and rescue Irene Lew, a former CIA agent, from evil nasty Ashtar. Ryu must destroy the Sword of Chaos, a weapon of great power forged from the bone of a demon. Use techniques such as the Fire Wheel or the Windmill Throwing Star and attack while holding on to walls and ladders. Use the most innovative technique of all - the ability to create Shadow Clones, orange shadow versions of Ryu that will constantly follow him, repeating previous actions (moving or attacking) in a delayed cycle.

Metal Marines (cost: 800 Wii Points): Set in the near future, most of Earth has been disintegrated in the chaos of the Anti-matter War. This real-time strategy game portrays the Colonies' Allied Force - the Metal Marines - in their epic struggle against General Zorgeuf and the Imperial Federation, who are bent on world domination. Commanding the Metal Marines across a series of battles, the player must strategically allocate resources, ready supplies, manage funds and move troops in an effort to outwit and outmove the opponent.

These new classic games go live at 9 am Pacific time.