Nintendo has become Mr. Predictable when it comes to weekly releases for the Wii's online game services WiiWare and the Virtual Console. This week, however, the publisher add some unpredictability to the proceedings, teasing "a fun surprise coming soon for all our fans." The teaser came with a clue:

　　"From AZ to NC, if you're a fan, your applause could rattle your walls, windows, door. You might enjoy this news whether you live in a brick house or Vanderbilt dorm. Even people living along Route 286 in rural Pennsylvania ought to be excited. It'll feel like a bunch of birthday greetings and, really, who could ask for more?"

　　And, of course, Nintendo also revealed the Wii's newest additions. On WiiWare, Yuke's Company of America will exercise its newly established downloadable game arm with Evasive Space. Developed by High Voltage Software--better known as the studio behind the forthcoming The Conduit--Evasive Space is a top-down not-quite-shooter, in which players attempt to safely navigate away from hazards in an effort to collect items and ship upgrades. The game is available for 1,000 Wii points ($10).

　　The Virtual Console will power up the Vic Viper for another interstellar escapade in Life Force. A Gradius spin-off, Life Force offers six stages of horizontal and vertical top-down scroller shooting, where players must do battle against a variety of grotesque aliens while navigating their ship through hazardous environments. The game accommodates up to two players and runs 500 Wii points ($5).