Wii Games Worth Playing

Within the current generation the Wii has been openly mocked by critics and gamers as being less than a system and more as a toy. It’s understandable seeing that the Wii is absent of a lot of features that make other system so much more desirable such as a stable online gaming network and achievements/trophies. However despite these shortcomings this durable piece of hardware has a great selection of games and seeking thrills without achievements or just to wipe the collecting dust should definitely try these games:

10. Super Paper Mario
 

Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii
Genre: Platform, RPG
Release Date: April 9, 2007

Super Paper Mario succeeds as not only a RPG but as a platformer. Using concepts from both 3D and 2D environmental concepts the developers have built a clever amount of puzzles and an interesting battle system. Combined with over 20+ hour adventure and you have a title that will keep you busy for awhile.

9. Dead Space Extraction
 

Developer: Visceral Games / Eurocom
Publisher: EA
Platform: Wii, PS3
Genre: Rail-Shooter
Release Date: September 24, 2009

Bringing Dead Space to the Wii was a daring task but proved to be a great idea. Teaming up with Eurocom Visceral Games developed one of the best on-rail shooters on the Wii. Taking place before the events of the first game Dead Space Extraction shows how the initial outbreak happened on the USG Ishimura and the colony below. Instead of focusing on one character you take control of multiple people as they attempt to escape the undead hordes. Tackling the Necromorph army alone or with a friend is very fun as enemies’ sprints towards you and attempt to make you one of them. With precision controls and tense moments this is an excellent on-rail shooter.

8. Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

Developer: Eighting
Publisher: Capcom
Platform: Wii
Genre: Fighting
Release Date: December 2008

You wouldn’t think that the Wii would be able to put out an original fighting game that was actually good, but with Tatsunoko vs. Capcom defies this notion with a fast-pace and intense fighting game. If you are like me you won’t recognize more of the cast, but once you get into your first match you won’t care. With unlockable characters, online play, and fantastic fighting mechanics for both hardcore and rookies you have a rare experience from an unexpected system.

7. New Super Mario Bros. Wii
 

Developer: EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii
Genre: Platformer
Release Date: November 11, 2009

New Super Mario Bros. was Nintendo’s successful attempt to bring back the old-school experience of the original game. The developers used old mechanics such as 2D platforming and combined them with new elements such as four player cooperative play for a classic experience in a modern era. It’s hard not to be delighted to be playing with four people side by side rather than over the internet as you travel through the eight worlds and collect all the star coins.

6. Donkey Kong Country Returns

Developer: Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii
Genre: Platformer
Release Date: November 21, 2010

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a brutally difficult game that will test those who call themselves hardcore gamers, especially if you plan to collect all the KONG and puzzle pieces hidden in each stage. Set in an array of gorgeous jungles, beaches, and temples that are saturated with mine carts, barrels, enemies, and bananas of Donkey Kong’s past you will tackle on challenge after another. This game gives you room with little error and demands nothing less than perfection from the truly dedicated gamers. You may throw your controller in frustration but completing each stage ensures that you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you finally conquer it.

5. Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Developer: Ad Hoc development team
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii
Genre: Fighting, Action, Platformer
Release Date: March 9, 2008

Since its initial release in 1999 the Super Smash Bros. franchise has developed an intense fan base for the large roster and deep fighting mechanics. Bashing opponents with wacky weapons, memorable stages, and using signature attacks have delighted gamers for years. And now the latest addition in the franchise has the largest cast of characters that include characters outside Nintendo you can now settle who would win in a fight, Mario or Sonic online or offline. However if you don’t like the mechanics you can always download the mod Project M.

4. Super Mario Galaxy

Developer: EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii
Genre: Platformer
Release Date: November 12, 2007

The release of a Mario game is a monumental and predictable part of any Nintendo console. Super Mario Galaxy delivered what was expected of a Mario game with its brilliant level design, wacky physics, and fresh environments. Although the game is quite easy it is a must play for any Wii owner, especially those seeking to play it from a different perspective.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Developer: EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii, Gamecube 
Genre: Action-Adventure
Release Date: November 16, 2006


The realistic Legend of Zelda that people expected from The Legend of Zelda tech demo in 2000 finally became a reality with The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess in 2009. It was the last Gamecube title to be published by Nintendo and allowed players to undertake a brand new adventure within a more mature theme world. Taking place over 100 years after Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask the legendary hero Link must prevent Hyrule from being consumed by the parallel realm known as the Twilight Realm. To do this Link must travel between the realms as both a boy and wolves, with the aid of a mysterious creature called Midna, and stop the King of the Twilight.

Like many titles before it The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess focuses heavily on puzzle solving, intense boss fights, and exploration. While the Gamecube and Wii versions differ in controls both offer steady handling to conquer each dungeon and defeat each boss that waits at the end. Traveling to the Twilight is essential to the game’s plot and requires Link to become a wolf and allows him access to animalistic abilities such as biting, digging, follow scent trails, and faster movement. Midna rides on his back in this form and gives him information, assist Link in jumping large distances, create vulnerabilities in the ghost, known as Poes, which inhabit the land, and warp throughout certain areas in the world. But like all Legend of Zelda games you will still use bombs, boomerangs, bow and arrows, and version of the hookshot called the Clawshot. Like with Mario no Nintendo console is ever finished without a Zelda game and Twilight Princess showcases new improvements that raised the bar for future Zelda titles.

2. Metroid Prime: Trilogy

Developer: Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: FPS Adventure
Platform: Wii
Release Date: August 24, 2009

Released in 2009 the Metroid Prime: Trilogy was developed by Retro Studios with updated versions of the Metroid Prime games: Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2: Echoes, and Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Although Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echos were originally released for the Nintendo Gamecube they were updated with similar features that were introduced in Corruption such as motion control support, updated graphics, achievement system, and shorter loading times. All together these three games will not only require you skill and dedication but will change your opinion about the Wii.

Spanning three games the Metroid Prime series centered on a radioactive material known as Phazon. This destructive material was discovered by the Space Pirates in the first Metroid Prime and causes havoc on any planet or life exposed to the deadly substance. In each game Samus must tackle a new planets and enemies that have been affected by Phazon and prevent it from spreading, each with its own story and setting. Throughout these three games you will encounter a large array of enemies and worlds that will test your speed, accuracy, and dedication. While the Metroid Prime series puts you in a first person view the people at Retro studios maintained the same nostalgia found in traditional Metroid games such as familiar enemies and exploring for new upgrades, exploring areas, and collecting upgrades. Each game in the series was met with high critical acclaim and should be played by Metroid or action fans seeking new challenges with the legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran.

1. Super Mario Galaxy 2

Developer: EAD Tokyo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii
Genre: Platform
Release Date: May 23, 2010

Whether you believe it or not one of the greatest games of this generation is an exclusive on the Wii. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is one of the highest rated video game of all time because of its creativity and improvements from the original title. Taking place after the events of Super Mario Galaxy Mario must once again travel through an array of planets and galaxies to rescue Princess Peach from Koopa King Bowser. Traveling through over 40 galaxies and 7 seven different regions, each getting gradually difficult, and after the player collects all 120 golden stars there are still 120 green stars to obtain. These rare green gems can only be collected from precarious areas in order to unlock 2 new challenge areas. Those seeking to complete this game completely will have to become one with their inner Mario.

The environments and abilities in Super Mario Galaxy 2 is what most critics and players find to be the best parts of this fantastic title. Each level offer dynamic shifts within the stages such as changes in the background music and sudden redirection of the gravity pull. Prankster Comets, which were featured in the original game, appear when a Comet Medal is collected causing a mix or overlapping changes such as destroying all enemies, collecting purple coins, time limit, and avoiding Mario’s doppelgangers known as Cosmic Clones. However you are not alone in this adventure and can still acquire powers such as Drill Mario which allows him to burrow through certain planets and come out the other side, Cloud Mario can create temporary platforms, and Rock Mario that can smash through obstacles.  Players will also be able to switch between Luigi and be able to ride the notoriously popular dragon Yoshi in certain levels. If you are looking for an incredible fantasy rich game that will challenge you then look no further then Super Mario Galaxy 2. 

While the Wii has suffered in the previous years it has delivered its many great games. If you own a Wii and haven’t tried these games why not give it a chance, who knows you might consider it once again as a gaming console. 

Adam Siddiqui, NoobFeed (Twitter)