Nintendo Wii: Most Wanted Games
What Wii Want
By James Temperton
The Wii is out right now in the USA and in celebration of this fact (and to ignore that we don't get it for another three weeks in Europe...), the team have huddled together once more to list their three most wanted Wii titles. An eceletic mix with one recurring theme: Zelda. Yup, we all love the sound of Zelda it would seem. Agree with our views? Let us know what you think and tell us your most wanted titles by commenting below.
James Temperton
Wii Sports: I've been extolling the virtues of Wii Sports ever since it was announced and having spent quite a bit of time with the game I really can't wait to get my hands on it in just over a week's time. Many people fail to appreciate this titles depth, but it is one of the best aspects of the game. In tennis you can do all sorts of different shots, all of which depend on how you 'hit' the ball. The compilation of titles is excellent and will ensure that everyone appreciates this whole new way to play videogames. Fantastic stuff and I can't wait for more!
Super Mario Galaxy: Everyone might be harping on about Zelda, but hardly anyone is mentioning Nintendo's biggest and in my opinion best franchise, Mario. Sure, it might not be out until 2007 and its lack of presence in the launch line-up is probably a bit of a silly decision, but having played it I can confirm this: it is brilliant. In my opinion, this could be one of the greatest videogames of all time and a true benchmark to show how excellently conventional games can be worked into the Wii's unique hardware. It looks stunning, it's great fun to play and I simply can't wait to give the full version a go next year.
Wario Ware: Simply put: stupid. This game is one of the most ridiculous creations ever. The use of the Wii controller makes everyone look like a total idiot as they rotate their hips, balance it on their hand, wave it around frantically and do things that look hideously suspicious and just plain hilarious (see our Wii Tour Video Report). And it is just as fun to play as it is to watch. Well, tell a lie, it is more fun. Zany, whacky, loopy, however you want to put it, this game is sublime and an excellent example of gaming at its idiotic best. Who cares about graphics and surround sound, you'll have so much fun with this title that you wont care. Shame it misses out on launch, but it is most definitely on my list of titles to pick up.
John Boyle
Pro Wiivolution Soccer: Confession time, I’m a Rangers fan. It’s true, I adore the team in royal blue and I follow them somewhat obsessively. It follows then that in order to hide from the recent domestic problems the team has been having that I’d like to dive into a football game to delude myself that my team is actually doing rather well. Unlike certain other staff members my love is for the Pro Evo franchise and the thought of a Wii version is simply orgasmic. Simply astoundingly realistic gameplay combined with exquisite multiplayer gaming makes a superb game and in the days of “all access gaming” this is a game that could bring so many gamers into gaming. After all, what self respecting football fan of any age could watch someone waving around a Wiimote and sending the ball into the back of the net without wanting a go?
Super Mario Galaxy: I never get into the pre-Mario game hype, the rest of the internet fiddles furiously over the latest trailer and screenshots like chimps at the zoo but I never see the appeal. That’s until it’s released of course, then the typical Miyamoto magic engulfs my soul and the 6 year old inside me is taken aback by the somewhat limitless charm of Mario’s world. The new iteration seems to be no different as I’ve had no interest in it whatsoever, but I glanced at the C3 playtests lately and saw many positive adjectives used. I can see my life being donated to Mario in 2007, whether I want it to be or not.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl: It feels so obvious to put this in here but this must be the most eagerly awaited game on the Wii, kinda ironic that it’s not going to make use of the Wiimote but who cares when the game will be this good. Let’s face it, single player could be omitted as long as it has traditional 4-player mode as simply speaking Melee was one of the best multiplayer games ever created. All signs are pointing to this being special; with it being delayed so as to make it perfect, not having Wiimote functionality shoved in and of course Solid Snake. It’s shaping up to be the game everyone will want to play and the game that will be in the Wii from now until the end of the consoles life. Oh yeah, and did I mention online play...prepare to see an angry Scotsman kick ass as Link.
Adam Riley
Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer: The Winning Eleven series, or Pro Evolution Soccer to us Europeans, is by far the best in the football genre with its arcade feel being lessened over the years to mix in a healthy amount of realism to the point where with the latest PES6 you do wonder how they can make it even better. Cue the Nintendo Wii…Konami has confirmed that a version of WE/PES is in development for the new system and they are currently trying out the best ways to make good use of the unique control system. The mind boggles at what they may come up with, but as long as it does not detract from the general feel of the traditional game we will be more than happy!
Sword of Legendia: Those of you that know me will realise how much of an RPG fan I am. Now, when Namco announces a new Tales role-playing project, I will definitely be the first to jump to attention. However, this time the company has not announced something directly linked to that series, but it is still an RPG announcement nonetheless. Other than the title of the game, we know nothing other than its genre, although many are speculating it will be related to Tales of Legendia, what many deem the weakest iteration of the Tales franchise. Whatever the case, Namco is already willing to climb on-board the Wii train, which is never a bad thing at all. Let us hope they do not feel inclined to add pointless Wii-control movements in, though...
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers: Possibly going hand-in-hand with the Nintendo DS version, Ring of Fates, which has now been in the works since the release of the portable platform, The Crystal Bearers is by far one of the most important releases for the Wii. Originally touted as a launch game, Square Enix has now pushed it to a 2007 launch instead, which many see as a positive thing, since it means the RPG will likely make strong use of the Wi-Fi online functionality, as well as being far more impacting on a visual level than some of the other Third Party offerings that are currently showing up right now. You certainly cannot go too wrong with Square Enix and Final Fantasy is such a massive franchise it will definitely rake in the sales numbers.
Mike Mason
Trauma Centre: Second Opinion: If you ignored Trauma Centre on DS - shame on you. Luckily, you get a chance to redeem yourselves by buying Second Opinion on Wii, a 'Wiimake' of the original with new features and storylines. It looks far better than the DS version visually (as you'd hope) and despite not operating directly with a stylus, it apparently feels like a much better game than the original. Scalpel...
Sonic And The Secret Rings: It's 3D Sonic. Warning alarms! This looks different though, with it being a more linear game than the other 3D versions. Move right, move left, jump, repeat. Usually this could be a bad thing, but it could be just what Sonic needs to get the same critical acclaim in 3D as he used to in 2D. None of his bizarre collection of friends are around this time either - bonus (though I do wish for Tails and Knuckles)!
Wii Sports: I wasn't one of the great believers in Wii Sports (in fact, my opinion on my third most-wanted Wii game is changing by the day - tomorrow it might be Zelda). However, with the Iwata Asks series of interviews and numerous preview clips, I've been convinced that it's deeper than it originally looked. The first Wii game I'll be playing will be this, and I can't wait to don my boxing gloves and wield my tennis racquet come launch day.
Reece Warrender
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: Okay where do I start? I could just put “Zelda” as my explanation and leave it at that but ill push myself to explain what that one word represents. Zelda could possibly be the single reason that I am now such an avid gamer and currently in the career of developing games myself. The day I got Zelda: Link to the Past was possibly the day games went from fun, to pieces of art, a job, a life, a love. Any series that creates a smile from a sprite, sound or screen will always be highly anticipated.
Super Mario Galaxy: Could you imagine a Nintendo console without Mario, it’s like salt and vinegar, no one would dare use one without the other. The concept of a plumber being able to achieve anything more than fixing my sink (and probably overcharging me) is crazy enough, now there throwing him into space! There is nothing that could keep me from wondering what crazy situations they are putting the poor plumber in this time, and sure as green pipes are present, so will I be.
Virtual Console: Okay so the Virtual Console might not be a title as such but considering it was (at the beginning at least) the only reason that I was purchasing a Wii, it needs to be on here. Playing endless high budget dressed to impress current generation games as I do, you will notice it eventually starts to feel like gaming and working has become one, that’s when its time to get out the SNES. The only game I have ever completed more than five times, Super Metroid. Music that makes me sit and smile like a mental patient, Zelda LTTP. Creative genius that makes me consider throwing away my current generation consoles, Chrono Trigger. It’s clear why I feel like a little boy again, Christmas comes in the form of retro.
Barry Lewis
Red Steel: It’s not the most obvious choice for an anticipated Wii game, but it is one I’m looking forward to. Before readers point out a not-so-great review of the game I’ll state that I’m avoiding the actual reviews - good or bad - and this is why. Games like Odama and Geist show that while doing something new a developer opens their door to critique, and I’m more than willing to give Red Steel its chance just for doing something new in the land of gaming. If the frame rate drops I’ll raise an eyebrow, if the controls are a little clunky I’ll get over it, but I’m sure that there’s a bloody good one waiting for me – with or without its faults.
Battalion Wars: This probably falls into the aforementioned class of ‘fantastic game, if not perfect’. The biggest problem I had with Battalion Wars most certainly wasn’t the lack of online, nor was it the lack of multiplayer, but it was the lack of intuition in the control method. I got used to this problem but hopefully the pointer control, tied in with the nunchuk, can really make Battalion Wars an intuitive and well-rounded game. There’s even multiplayer and online this time, so everybody should be happy.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: It had to come, so here it is. Moan all you like about what platform this started on, the Wii version is THE definitive production of the latest Zelda title. For the first time I’ve isolated myself from a game, not entirely purposeful at first (damn PC’s!), and when I get my Wii reviews sorted Zelda and me have a two-week holiday booked. Expect a lack of online presence, perhaps even personal hygiene, come Saturday the 23rd of December...because after that Zelda owns my Wiimote clutching body.
Karn Spydar Lee Bianco
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: Once you play it you will understand exactly why the Wii version is the one to own, not the GameCube iteration – provided you have the console available. Any doubts I may have had after the negative reports about the game’s controls well and truly faded after just ten minutes of play time. TP feels exquisite, every single motion is hugely fluid, I can barely begin to wonder how brilliant the final game will be with hours of combat like the section I played. Not to mention the game itself in all its epic glory, with a core foundation as good as this I can see replay value to be at an all-time high without a doubt, going back to a ‘normal’ Zelda will never be the same again, though…
Sonic and the Secret Rings: As a huge Sonic fan I suppose there was never any chance that ‘The Secret Rings’ could miss my most anticipated list, but I feel it is a choice that can justified beyond mere fanboy urges. Of course the main reasons have been discussed thousands of times before; it looks fantastic and is set to be a return to simplistic ‘2D-esque’ gameplay. Beyond this, though I feel drawn to the title because it uses the Wii-mote. I know, how ‘vein’ of me, or whatever it is you’re actualy thinking, but after experiencing just how much more enjoyable the controller can make a franchise like Zelda (which I already list amongst my favourite games of all time) I can’t help but feel if the same can be applied to Sonic, I will be a very happy man indeed.
Super Mario Galaxy: My lack of original reasons here work on two levels, one: it’s Mario; and two: it uses the Wii-mote. I haven’t had the pleasure of playing this particular title yet, but from initial impressions and gameplay videos it looks to do to the Mario franchise what has been done to Zelda with Twilight Princess, except even more innovatively and ‘wackyily’. As long as the genius’ at Nintendo can cram in a bounty of unique and exciting ideas and not resort to gimmicks, I can see this becoming one of the greatest Mario titles of all time, and the promise of a 3D game superior to Mario 64 is an offer I can’t see anyone refusing.
Phil Beveridge
Wii Sports: It’s such a simple game, but it’s definitely one that I’m going to be looking forward to. Some of you may already know this, but I’m the one of the only staff members here at Cubed3 who has yet to play the goodness that is the Nintendo Wii. So when I receive my shiny new console on that cold December morning, this game will be the first experience of the Wii that I will have. And I’m sure it’ll be a new experience for many other players, gamers and non-gamers alike. It’s specifically designed to train you in the usage of the Wiimote, showing you that pretty much anything is possible with this new system’s control mechanism. When I pick up that tennis racket / bowling ball / baseball bat for the first time, I know it’ll be something special I’ll remember for a long time.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess: I’m sure many of the other contributors to this article will be mentioning this game in their top three most anticipated Wii games, but it’s to be expected. This is the only game I’ll be buying at launch (along with the above, obviously), and in my opinion, it’s the only game that I’ll need for a while. Websites which have posted reviews are claiming a 100+ hour game, the biggest Zelda game that’s ever been made. Most are saying it even towers over the legendary ‘Ocarina of Time’, but we’ll just have to play it in a few weeks time to find out. This is a launch title that should definitely be in everyone’s collection.
Kororinpa: And finally, just to be different from the other staff, a game that hardly nobody has heard of before. It happens to be a launch day release in Japan, so hopefully we’ll see more good things about it. Think Super Monkey Ball...without the monkeys. It seems very reminiscent of Marble Madness for the Mega Drive, where you guide a marble round a course - but by moving the Wii controller, you’re rotating the entire course like a huge labyrinth, in order to collect the crystal shards scattered around. It may seem a little quirky, or like a Monkey Ball knock-off, but in my opinion it’s definitely one to look out for.
Copyright 2007 | Content modified from Wikipedia