Blaster Master Blasts on to VC This Monday, Sunsoft Acquires Nihon Telenet Library

Fans of the Virtual Console may have much to look forward to, thanks to Sunsoft.

First, as we had already heard, Blaster Master is coming to the Virtual Console this month, but we now have a date. According to Sunsoft’s website (via GoNintendo), we’ll be trekking deep below the surface of the Earth as soon as this Monday.

But, that’s only the beginning. Via GoNintendo, Sunsoft has announced on their website that they have “completed the purchase of the entire software library of defunct Japanese game publisher Nihon Telenet. This transfer of intellectual property gives Sunsoft the ability to publish or remake over 100 Telenet titles originally published on key platforms like Nintendo Entertainment System, SEGA Genesis/SEGA CD, and PC-Engine/Turbografx, and Sony Playstation.”

The sizable library of games includes titles such as the Valis series, El Viento, Earnest Evans, Tenshi No Uta (Poems of the Angel), Exile, and the Cosmic Fantasy series. Sunsoft’s release notes, “One of the interesting trademarks of a Telenet game was that it was not uncommon to see characters from one title make a guest appearance in a different Telenet game or series.”

“I am proud to have succeeded in creating a home for this large family of key software,” said Suncorporation Chief Executive Officer Kiharu Yoshida. “We plan to carefully cultivate the great software base we have purchased with this transaction.”

“After Telenet closed, I was sure there was a way to keep their great ideas and characters alive,” said Gaijinworks President Victor Ireland, “and I’m extremely happy that Sunsoft has stepped into that role. There are numerous fantastic products to work with in this acquisition, and there is nothing but amazing possibilities for the Telenet IP as a whole.”

Initial plans are to quickly begin publication of the original software releases on Virtual Console systems available on the Wii and other platforms. Then new development of key titles in the library will be initiated, targeting the best and most-wanted to be remade for current consoles and services. Given that many of the Telenet series had only one of the installments released in the US, some of these Virtual Console and remade releases will be seen for the first time in Western markets.

In the coming months, the order of release for titles from this library will be announced and publication will begin, events sure to work game fans into a frothing lather. Suggestions and comments for the games to be chosen are welcome and can be made on the new Sunsoft USA message boards at www.sunsoftgames.com.

It’s a pretty cool gesture, letting fans comment on which games they want to see released. Hopefully this will help bulk up the Virtual Console’s library a bit more.