Purely Opinion – Duck Hunt on the Wii U VC deserves our support
I’m usually hesitant to plunk down money on a game I already own. I do make exceptions (if it’s a director’s cut for example) but more often than not I’m content with what I have. In the case of Duck Hunt’s recent VC release however, I made an exception.
It’s not because the game is brilliant. To be clear, I do find Duck Hunt quite fun! But honestly, a lot of that stems from its iconic status as an NES classic, and the nostalgia that comes attached with it. That’s why I haven’t even attempted to review it. While retro gamers like me still adore Duck Hunt, modern ones may scoff questioning how it measures up to more modern expectations. Wherever you fall on the issue is fair enough. For me, repurchasing the game wasn’t just to evoke warm childhood memories. My hope is that its success on the Virtual Console will lead to more Zapper games being released.
In issue #17 of PNM, I wrote about the Zapper for our ‘Linking You To The Past’ feature, and it reminded me that there were several good games for the beloved accessory. Just looking at first party efforts alone, I’d love to play the impressive arcade port of Wild Gunman! How about quirky Zapper controller platformer Gumshoe? And how could I neglect to mention Barker Bill’s Trick Shooting, which atones for Duck Hunt’s omission by letting us shoot the laughing dog (in the least violent, family friendly way of course).
Modern TV’s mean the Zapper library is getting less accessible by the day. Even if it isn’t the perfect substitute, the Wiimote is still a fine fill in. Duck Hunt even has a couple of little touches that I appreciate – crosshairs appearing on the TV (which are thankfully optional) and a Zapper like clicking noise coming from the Wiimote’s speaker.
At the end of the day $5 is a small investment. Worst case scenario I get easy access to a game I’m fond of. It’s possible the release was simply to tie into the combo’s appearance in the new Smash Bros. But I hope Duck Hunt’s VC release is a sign of more Zapper games to come!
December 31, 2014
I downloaded Duck Hunt and this new version is alright, but I have a NES hooked up to a CRT TV for Zapper games and it’s still the best way to play Duck Hunt. I also hope that Nintendo releases more Zapper games on the Virtual Console – the history of these games will be preserved, and it’s a great way for younger gamers to try them out.
I know it’s dorky, but I still own 2 NES consoles, 2 Zappers, and 2 CRT TVs; if one of each of them fails at some point, I’ll have a back-up.
January 1, 2015
Sounds sensible enough to me. I also have two NES consoles and two Zappers (a red & a grey one)
Thanks for the comments. :)
January 2, 2015
With that being said I may have to pick this up. I miss Duck Hunt to be honest with you. I still have the Super Mario/Duck Hunt NES cartage. The problem is I don’t have the working NES to go with it.
January 2, 2015
It holds up well for some nostalgic fun. Playing with someone else is especially entertaining when they control the flight of the duck.
January 3, 2015
Yes, the nostalgic fun sounds great, I also love to share the old games with my son. So I think I will be downloading this on Friday.
January 2, 2015
I was very surprised that Duck Hunt finally got a VC release. Obviously Duck Hunt appearing in Super Smash Bros 4 played was a factor but I still didn’t see it coming. This has great potential for VC rereleases of SNES Super Scope games, like Yoshi’s Safari for example, as well as other NES Zapper/Light Gun series games.
January 2, 2015
Scope games would be great as well! Make it happen Nintendo.
January 3, 2015
I would love the chance to play Yoshi’s Safari!