We’ve all been collectively holding out breath for Metroid, when is seemed pretty obvious all along what Nintendo would be doing with the virtual console leading up to the Metroid Prime release. What better way to drill up anticipation for the title then to get everyone interested in Metroid as a series in one month. Hence the birth of “Metroid month”. As some of you may be aware, the 20th of August marks the 20th anniversary of the series, so it’s a little sad in on respect that this title wasn’t released for it’s 20th year, but instead Super Metroid will steal the spotlight. Oh well, I think we can all safely call the 20th anniversary well celebrated with the revival of two gaming classics, and the first big first party effort from Nintendo since Twilight Princess at launch. I’m just giddy thinking about it.

Let’s not forget, there are actually two other titles out this week (like Nintendo expects anyone to really care). Full pricing and details after the jump.

Metroid (NES, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 500 Wii Points): The first installment of the immensely successful Metroid series introduces us to the hideous title creatures and the slick, cybernetic bounty hunter Samus Aran. As Samus, your mission is to penetrate the space pirates’ home planet, Zebes, and keep them from destroying the galaxy with the dangerous life forms known as Metroids. Metroid has all the high-tech weaponry, creepy tunnels and crawly alien creatures that anyone could ask for. With its deep and complex game play, excellent music and a rare sense of setting, it establishes a frightening ambiance that will haunt and entertain you for a very long time.

Shining in the Darkness (Sega Genesis, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Mild Fantasy Violence, 800 Wii Points): Dark Sol has vowed to reign over the enchanted Kingdom of Thornwood, and only you can stop him. Find the powerful Arms of Light and battle the deadly beasts that keep your people desperate and starving in this epic journey for peace. Roaming the dark Labyrinth, you’ll seek out enemies and collect weapons, all of which will help you pass the test of the Ancients and become a shining knight. Get into the adventure with a stunning 3-D perspective, amazing cinematic views and fast-paced scrolling. You’ll move from battle to battle, solving puzzles and discovering secret items in this engrossing struggle between good and evil.

Cratermaze (TurboGrafx16, 1 player, rated E for Everyone – Comic Mischief, 600 Wii Points): Cratermaze is a comical action game set in a parallel world. While on a trip through time, you and your friends are confronted by Kublai, henchman to the evil Zenzombie. He traps your friends at separate points in the space-time continuum. Now you must fight your way through 60 rounds of mazes to save your friends. Dinosaurs, ninjas, robots and other enemies lurk within the mazes, spanning from primitive times to the future. Escape the enemies by digging holes to trap them in and then filling the holes to finish them off. Collect all the chests within the time limit to get the key and exit to the next round. With special items such as shovels and spring platforms, Cratermaze takes its game play to new heights, making for an unforgettable gaming experience.