When Friday rolls around, those in Europe know that they're due for their update for Virtual Console or WiiWare titles. With Nintendo of Europe choosing to alternate between each, the surprises seemed to be nil.

That is, until NoE announced that its Hanabi Festival will return once more, for a third go-around. The Hanabi Festival is NoE's showcase of import titles that will make their way onto the region's Virtual Console. Two games made their way onto the service this week.

The highlight of the two is Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars for the SNES. One of the most popular games to grace the end of the console's lifespan, this Square-developed masterpiece brought Nintendo's iconic mascot, Mario, into his first foray into the world of RPGs. Enshrined next to the likes of Final Fantasy VI and Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG brought more interactive elements to standard RPG fare, with timed button presses used to strengthen attacks. Doubly special for Europeans, they'll get to experience the game officially for the first time.


The other game to make its way to the Virtual Console is a familiar favorite: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, for the NES. It originally was a part of Europe's first Hanabi Festival, but then it was only a limited time purchase. Now the game is back and will permanently be on the service. The game is notable for the increase in difficulty, and its non-release outside of Japan, instead replaced with a reskinned Doki Doki Panic.
(SMB: All-Stars version depicted)

Recap:

SNES: Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, 1 Player, 900 Points - Import

NES: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, 1 Player, 600 Points - Import

Keep track of the latest VC releases with the 2008 edition of What's New on VC? in the Wii Virtual Console forum.