Biohazard Battle

The Wii Virtual Console release of Bio-Hazard Battle brings over the Mega Drive horizontal shooter; it has nothing to do with Resident Evil. Players choose among four biologically styled craft with different speeds and weapons, then work through eight scrolling stages of mutants, bullets and bosses. Its defining mechanic is the follower pod. As the craft moves, the pod shifts in the opposite direction, so weapon pickups change not only firepower but how players position themselves to cover threats. The opening stages allow newcomers to learn that relationship before tunnels, reversed scrolling and larger enemies demand tighter control. Two players can participate simultaneously, adding replay value to a compact arcade campaign. Insects, fish-like ships, animated organic scenery and uneasy music give the game an identity distinct from conventional space shooters, even if its overall structure remains familiar and its grotesque style is an acquired taste. A contemporary Wii-specific test found no major emulation problem, but noted slight flicker and slowdown in co-op. It also found rapid fire awkwardly placed on the Wii Remote; Nintendo officially lists Classic and GameCube controllers as alternatives. Nintendo closed new Wii Shop purchases in 2019, while previously bought content remains playable and can presently be redownloaded. This assessment concerns the quality and access conditions of that historical Wii release, not a claim that its old product page still permits purchase.

Who it is for: Fans of classic horizontal shooters who enjoy learning weapon angles or sharing a run locally.

Play notes: This is the historical Wii Virtual Console edition, not Resident Evil. New Wii Shop purchases are closed; Classic or GameCube controllers may be more comfortable than Wii Remote rapid fire.