This week features another duo of downloadable titles that will be exclusively available via your Nintendo Wii’s Virtual Console and WiiWare.  Space themed shooters seem to be the name of the game, as we get the opportunity to snag both another retro shoot ‘em up and a new age shooter.  Here is the breakdown:

WiiWare

Evasive Space – The folks at High Voltage Software are at it again, this time with a spacey shooter that is much more then just a mindless shoot ‘em up.  Imagine not only shooting for your life, but also having to navigate a maze of dastardly devices, all bent on your destruction.

Just to make things more difficult, there are different level objectives such as gathering collectible items or clearing a level within a specific time frame.  Plus, when you add in up to four player multiplayer, you are bound to have a winner.  The game will be available for purchase for 1000 Nintendo Points ($10.00).

Just to sweeten the pot, here is some action-packed gameplay footage:

Virtual Console

Life Force - Starting its life out as Salamander, a Japanese spin-off of the Gradius franchise, Life Forces was released in North America under the name Life Force.  The game is best known for making several innovations that have left their lasting impression on the shoot ‘em up genre.

Among the groundbreaking changes include the implementation of both horizontal and vertical stages, co-op for two players, and an improved power-up system.  Most of these changes were adopted by the other classic shooters of the day, further cementing it as one of the most influential titles of its era.  The game will be available for purchase for 500 Nintendo Points ($5.00).

For another trip down memory lane, take a look at the footage below:

There is a definite shoot ‘em up theme in the air this week at Nintendo HQ.  I could not be happier to see this long negelected genre get some well deserved love.  What genre do you want to see them delve into next week?