Here's Wikipedia's constantly updated list of Virtual Console games for North America.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Virtual_Console_games_%28North_America%29

Gradius is already on there. Battle City and Dr. Mario aren't, but Dr. Mario will be downloadable for Wii Ware next year, with online battle modes and even 4 player co-op!



For your PS2, I highly highly highly recommend Katamari Damacy. It's under $20 on eBay, and I think new copies are only $20 nowadays anyway, greatest hits style. That game is loads of fun, and has the best soundtrack in the world.

You can download the free demo for the 360 version to try it out first though.

I have found the terms "casual" and "hardcore" to be floating targets. I always thought of games that were very accessible to be casual, while games that required more investment in time/money/other game expierience to be hardcore. Many others use these terms to describe how many games you buy, if you hook your system up online, or if you like to play with others in person. Some relate it to how long you have been gaming.

For the most part I don't use those terms much because most people are using them to make themselves look cooler, or make others look bad.

Personally I think the Wii would be a good choice down the road as it offers great party games, and while the signing and rhythm games aren't fantastic there now, they will be soon. Also I have heard Civ rumors rumbling for the Wii. It really does make a good compliment to the 360, hence all the Wii60 propaganda. It is much better to call the Wii a party console vs. casual console.

For me personally I would be lambasted as a casual gamer by many eltists, and they would decry my tastes as ruin gaming. However I think my Mario Party, DDR, Warioware and WiiFit can combine well will my enjoyment of Xenogears, Street Fighter, and Bond.