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WiiWare Reviews A - G | WiiWare Reviews H - R | WiiWare Reviews S - Z
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Welcome to PALGN's WiiWare Review section. In this article we review all of the titles available on Nintendo's WiiWare service and give our verdict as to whether they are worth a download or not. While the Virtual Console is focused on bringing out the gaming classics from a variety of past consoles, WiiWare is all about the originality, with titles that are unique to the service.
In this article we have rated each WiiWare title with the rating “Yes, No” or “Maybe”. A description of the rating system can be found below. Games for WiiWare will range in price, with games currently on the service ranging from 800 - 1500 points. Nintendo is selling 1000 Wii Points for $15, or 2000 Wii Points for $30, so 100 Wii Points is equal to $1.50. This article will be updated at the start of each month with our reviews of all new additions to the WiiWare service, so make sure to check back regularly.
Our WiiWare ratings system
We've given every game a 'buy' rating of 'Yes', 'Maybe', or 'No'
Yes means this is a very high quality game, and we have no problem recommending it to anyone as long as they like the genre.
Maybe means we think the game is good, but not necessarily for everyone. If you know the game or like the sound of the description, go for it
No means that we don't recommend the title at all.
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Games listed in alphabetical order
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Actionloop Twist
Price: 1000 Points
A casual puzzle game that should be familiar to anybody who experienced it on the Nintendo DS, Actionloop Twist has you sitting in the centre of the screen, shooting coloured 'gemstones' at a line of differently coloured gemstones all circling around you frantically, trying to match 3 or more so that they will explode and give you points. It's all about combos and getting a high score for the most part, but there's also a quest mode where you're given a variety of challenges which you must complete to progress within the core gameplay. With a simple art style, the game can be a lot of fun and is quite addictive at times, with simple and effective use of the Wii's control system. While there is no online multiplayer, we still found ourselves completely hooked, and can safely recommend this to anybody in need of a new puzzler on WiiWare.
Worth buying? Yes
Alien Crush Returns
Price: 800 points
Alien Crush Returns is a remake of the 1988 original pinball-sim Alien Crush. The game features 3D graphics and utilises the Wii's motion sensing technology to tilt the table. New to the series are Action Balls, which are pinballs with special attributes. A few examples include the Boost Ball which is faster and stronger than other pinballs, and the Split Ball which temporarily splits into two balls. There are a total of three tables to play on, as well as a six stage story mode and online multiplayer. Additional stages and Action Balls are planned to be made available for download in the future. Unfortunately, the title’s main draw back is that it’s a tad on the short side, though with extra content on the way it will hopefully breathe new life in to what is otherwise an addictive pinball-sim.
Worth buying? Yes
Art Style: CUBELLO
Price: 600 points
CUBELLO is the first of the Art Style games in our list, a series is best known for having games that aren’t necessarily flashy or complicated. Each game has simplistic, yet additive gameplay. The concept behind CUBELLO is that everything is made entirely out of cubes. Each stage features a different structure and you have to slowly get rid of the cubes until nothing but the core remains. To do this, you must match four or more same-coloured-cubes by shooting… you guessed it… cubes at them. If you run out of cubes before reaching the core however, you’ll fail. Despite sounding a little too simple, it’s highly addictive and should keep puzzle fans amused for hours on end.
Worth buying? Yes
Art Style: ORBIENT
Price: 600 points
Chronically the third game in the Art Style series, ORBIENT is set in space and has you controlling a star. Your main goal is to absorb same-sized stars to become bigger, but you must also avoid colliding with objects and falling into black holes. Again, it’s such a simple concept but has an addictive quality and uniqueness to it. This one comes highly recommended.
Worth buying? Yes
Art Style: ROTOHEX
Price: 600 points
Probably the most thought provoking entry amongst the current Art Style games on WiiWare, ROTOHEX sees players trying to completely fill hexagon shapes so that are a single colour. Triangles drop down into the hexagon, and you must rotate them and mix their colours to achievement your goal. It’s a game that can’t really be put into words in such a small paragraph, but rest assured it’s just as addictive and unique as the other Art Style games.
Worth buying? Yes
Bang!
Price: 600 points
Another puzzle game – if you’re sick of them now wait until you get towards the bottom of the list. The gameplay is simple enough; you basically have to clear objects that are on the playing grid by banging them with an over-sized hammer. Objects can range from fruit, to seashells. It almost goes without saying there’s next to no challenge involved, and with a cluttered library of puzzle games already on the WiiWare service, it’s hard to recommend Bang! to anyone.
Worth buying? No
Beer Pong: Frat Party Games*
Price: 800 points
*Not available in Australia as of March 20th, 2009
We can remember the first and last time we played the real Beer Pong. We were at a friend’s place and someone suggested playing it. We’re not quite sure what happened after that - things got really competitive, the rounds kept on going and going, and the next thing we knew we woke up in a park wearing nothing but boxers with the words “Take me drunk, I’m home” written on our chest in permanent marker. Like the real thing, Beer Pong: Frat Party Games initially sounds like an engaging experience, but after a while you’ll get a mind numbing headache and never want to play it again.
Worth buying? No
Block Breaker Deluxe
Price: 800 Points
Bouncing a ball back and forth with a paddle to try and hit things might not sound like an appealing concept, but any fan of Breakout would probably disagree. Block Breaker Deluxe takes that basic concept and then makes it look over-the-top and crazy with lots of visually stimulating bells and whistles, while keeping the core gameplay pretty much the same. It's based on a mobile phone game, but don't let that put you off - it's still a surprisingly addictive experience. While it may seem like a bit of a 'been there done that' experience in the eyes of many, the game itself is solid and has enough features and gameplay modifiers to keep you coming back for another session time and time again. If you like the initial gameplay design, then you'll find this one hard to put down.
Worth buying? Maybe
Bomberman Blast
Price: 1000 points
We’ve always been fans of the blue bomber, so you can imagine our excitement when news surfaced that Bomberman would be making an appearance on WiiWare. Bomberman Blast is entirely focused on multiplayer action, complete with online play and several new features. To name a few, there are rockets and shields which let you fly around the stage and protect you from bomb blasts respectively, and the ability to use your Miis and upload scores to online ranking boards. We admit it’s all a bit pricey at 1000 points, but the gameplay is still strong and should keep you entertained for hours on end.
Worth buying? Yes
Brain Challenge
Price: 1000 points
When Nintendo released Brain Training on the Nintendo DS it set off a wave of Brain-themed videogames. We’re seeing them everywhere now days – mobile phones, PSP, XBLA, PSN – with some being better than others. Thankfully, Brain Challenge is one of the better releases and has an excellent range of tests and challenges. Challenges are based on five key areas - logic, maths, memory, visual and focus - most of which are self explanatory. If you feel the need to dust of the grey matter and put those maths skills to work, then Brain Challenge comes highly recommended.
Worth buying? Yes
Cocoto Fishing Master
Price: 700 Points
We've already discussed how fishing games don't work in the past, but then there is the occasional odd exception where they somehow manage to translate the mundane task of putting a rod in the water and waiting patiently into an entertaining gameplay experience. Cocoto Fishing Master... doesn't do this. It's a port of a game of the same name that was released on the PS2 and Gamecube back in 2005, and if the warning bells aren't ringing yet, they should be. You row out into the ocean and try to catch all kinds of fish, but the game is incredibly simple and easy to play, which makes it really seem like it's just one minigame that has been fleshed out in an attempt to extend the longevity. Fishing games do work sometimes, don't get us wrong, but Cocoto really doesn't.
Worth buying? No
Critter Round-Up
Price: 1000 points
A puzzle game from the minds at Konami, Critter Round-Up sees players assume the role of a farmer who has to capture all the escaped farm animals by building fences around them. Aside from separating the animals, players must also avoid running into them and keep predators away. Occasionally, presents will appear in stages, which will provide you with food to attract animals or repellent to keep them at bay. While the game can be fun in short bursts, over an extended period things tend to get a little stale due to repetition. It’s certainly not the worst WiiWare puzzler available, but it’s not the best either.
Worth buying? Maybe
Cue Sports: Snooker vs. Billiards
Price: 800 points
One of the more appealing mini-games in Wii Play was pool. A pool stick is, generally, not one of the first things you would think of as an extension of the Wii remote. Having seen the concept work so well in Wii Play, many gamers had high hopes a future retail release would be able to topple it and provide a more in-depth experience. Well, we’re still waiting for that retail release, but at least WiiWare has come to the rescue. Cue Sports: Snooker vs. Billiards features the following cue games: billiards, eight ball pool, nine ball pool, rotation and snooker. Along with Midnight Pool, which is also reviewed in this round-up, cue sport fanatics really have some good times ahead.
Worth buying? Yes
Defend Your Castle
Price: 500 points
Defend Your Castle actually started out as a free Flash-based web game that was created by Xgen Studios. Having proved popular over time, the studio saw fit to release it on the WiiWare service with improved visuals. Other than that the premise is largely unchanged, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Players basically defend their castle from hordes of incoming enemies by clicking and tossing them aside. For 500 points, there’s really no reason you should think twice about getting this. It’s perfect for letting out anger and wildly flinging your arms about – of course you can expect tired arms the next day. Regardless, it’s certainly worth a look.
Worth buying? Yes
Dr. Mario & Germ Buster
Price: 1000 Points
PALGN Review: 7.0
The classic puzzler is back and now it's on WiiWare - Dr. Mario was one of those incredibly addictive puzzle games many years ago and so it's no surprise that the same level of enjoyment has found its way to 2008 where the game is still as fun as ever. Basically, for those of you unaware, you have to line up and match vitamins that drop down on the screen, Tetris-style, in an effort to eliminate all the viruses you possibly can. The purchase on WiiWare also comes with Germ Buster, which is a slight variation of the same game, except with more Wii-centric controls. The main drawcard here is Dr. Mario though, and with online play included in the package, it's a puzzler that's hard to pass up.
Worth buying? Yes
Family Glide Hockey
Price: 500 points
Do you like the sound of beating your virtual family at a game of air-hockey? If you do, avoid this trash of a WiiWare title. Players have to wave the Wii remote to swing their paddle, while using either the D-Pad or Nunchuck controller to aim their shots. It’s completely unimaginative, ugly and doesn’t fully realise the capabilities of the Wii remote.
Worth buying? No
Family Table Tennis
Price: 800 points
As its name suggests, Family Table Tennis is a table tennis simulation game. The game plays similarly to Tennis in Wii Sports in that the computer moves your character around, allowing you to focus sorely on swinging your arm and making the perfect shots. While the title may be appealing to small children, it doesn’t feature a lot of depth gameplay wise and is absolutely horrible on the eyes with its lacklustre presentation. Do yourself a favour and stick to Wii Sports.
Worth buying? No
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King
Price: 1500 Points
You should be no stranger to the Final Fantasy franchise by now, just as you should be no stranger to the Crystal Chronicles versions of the trademark RPG series, which has appeared on the Gamecube and Nintendo DS previously. In My Life as a King, your goal is a bit less RPGish, in that you'll have to build a Kingdom from scratch in order to get new residents and be as successful a ruler as possible. It's enjoyable, and features the trademark style that we're used to from Square Enix, so if you're a fan of good ole Final Fantasy at all, then this should be a definite purchase. However, be warned that more downloadable content is already available, and more is coming in the future. 1500 Points may not seem so bad at first, but how does another 2000 or so make you feel? It should be noted the extra content isn't compulsory, it just enhances the experience, so it's really up to you whether or not it's worth the extra dosh.
Worth buying? Yes
Fun! Fun! Minigolf
Price: 900 points
It’s time to get the clubs out and gear up for some golfing! Or not. While Fun! Fun! Minigolf is a decent mini-golf sim, it has an uneven difficulty level. One minute you’ll be scoring hole-in-one’s with ease, the next you’ll be tossing your Wii remote across the room in a fit of rage as your ball wonders to an out of bounds area. On the plus side, the game is easily one of the better looking WiiWare games available, and it’s certainly worth a look if you the patience to master the more challenging holes.
Worth buying? Maybe
Helix
Price: 1000 points
Helix is a rhythm action game that was developed by Ghost Fire Games. The game can be played using either one or two Wii remotes, and requires players to repeat gestures that are made by an on-screen robot. You’ll begin each session with a health meter, and each time you mess up a gesture it will slowly deplete. The music has a techno and European club vibe, so if that’s not your scene you’re better off avoiding Helix. For everyone else, be warned that on higher difficulty settings it’s easy to break a sweat as the gestures become far more rapid and intense.
Worth buying? Maybe
Home Sweet Home
Price: 1000 points
A simulation game which is also available on PC, Home Sweet Home sees players assume the role of a home decorator. Your primary goal is simple enough – design a blue print for your (or a client’s) dream home and send in your construction team to do the dirty work. The game has quite a few similarities to The Sims, and even has a fixed isometric view. If you want a decent game that lets you hone your designing skills then Home Sweet Home should appeal to you to some degree, otherwise there are better offerings available for the PC.
Worth buying? Maybe
Jungle Speed
Price: 1000 points
Jungle Speed is based on the French card game of the same name where players are given a stack of cards that they must get rid of. To do this, each player takes turns turning the top card of their stack face-up, revealing a symbol. Should that symbol match another player's card, then a duel begins which sees both players attempt to grab a wooden statue in the centre of the table. If you don't get the statue, then the cards that player has revealed are added to your stack. The WiiWare version can actually be played with 8-players, with half the players using Wii remotes and the other half using the Nunchuck attachments. Assuming you have eight friends to play with, things can get pretty intense in multiplayer. Otherwise, solo sessions tend to be a bore. Considering it’s cheaper than the physical version, we’re positive Jungle Speed will find its way into the hearts of a few gamers.
Worth buying? Maybe
Lonpos
Price: 800 points
Based on the popular Japanese logic puzzle game of the same name, Lonpos is very simple to play but can also get quite addictive. The objective is simple enough: you have to rotate and place different shaped beads, called pentominoes, on a board by filling empty spaces. While a quirky title, it unfortunately lacks a defining quality to stand out from the dozens of other puzzles games in the WiiWare library, so put this one down as a maybe.
Worth buying? Maybe
LostWinds
Price: 1000 Points
PALGN Review: 8.0
In what is one of the most unique experiences available on the Wii, being able to control the wind using the Wii remote seems like one of those genius ideas that makes you wonder why nobody ever thought of it until now. LostWinds is a fantastic little game, where puzzles and basic platforming are the order of the day, with the catch being that your character, Toku, can literally ride the wind which allows him to reach higher ledges, leap across large gaps with ease and progress through the game. The art direction is superb and the game, albeit a little short, is easily one of the best titles available on WiiWare, and comes with our highest recommendation.
Worth buying? Yes
MaBoShi: The Three Shape Arcade
Price: 800 points
Every so often a puzzle game is released that is so original in concept and design that it stands above all. Wii owners are lucky then that they can download MaBoShi. The general idea behind it is there are three mini-games are present on one screen, and in each one you must score 1 million points. A major twist however is that what you do in one mini-game will affect what happens in the others. To truly grasp just how unique this idea is, you have to play with two other people. Each person controls one mini-game, and with the constant influence by other players, it truly is a sight to behold.
Worth buying? Yes
Mega Man 9
Price: 1000 points
PALGN Review: 8.5
Arguably one of the most anticipated downloadable titles of 2008, Mega Man 9 returns the blue hero to the 8-bit glory days. Just like the originals, your main goal to traverse through levels shooting up robot enemies until you eventually reach the level’s boss. By defeating the boss, you’ll gain new weapons and abilities for Mega Man. Unless you have something against old-school platforming fun, there’s little reason why you shouldn’t add Mega Man 9 to your collection - just keep in mind it is very challenging and not for the faint hearted.
Worth buying? Yes
Midnight Bowling
Price: 800 points
Unlike GameLoft’s successful Midnight Pool (see below), Midnight Bowling is a terrible effort from the developer. While the visuals and presentation are quite eye-catching for a WiiWare game, it just fails completely in its control scheme. In Wii Sports, players could control when they released the ball and could tilt the Wii remote as they motioned a throw to curve it. In Midnight Bowling, there’s no such thing. You simply swing your arm – the game automatically decides when to let go – and then as the ball rolls towards the pins you have to twist and jerk the Wii remote to aim. It’s unrealistic and just stupid. Put this on the avoid list, right under Elf Bowling 1 & 2.
Worth buying? No
Midnight Pool
Price: 800 points
Based on the mobile phone game of the same name, Midnight Pool is probably one of the only pool titles on Wii that can actually top Wii Play (along with the previously reviewed Cue Sports: Snooker vs. Billiards). The controls are spot on – you use the Wii remote’s pointer function or D-Pad to aim your shot, and then simply motion the Wii remote like a virtual pool stick to hit the cue ball. It’s clear, simple and straight to the point - there’s not much more you could ask for in a game of this nature. For those who are curious, you can play 8-Ball US rules, 8-Ball UK rules and 9-Ball, so there’s a little variety to keep you playing for a while. It’s a must for all fans of the sport.
Worth buying? Yes
My Aquarium
Price: 500 points
There’s just something relaxing about virtual fish aquariums. Perhaps it’s the sound of bubbles forming and floating to the top of the screen, or maybe it’s the calmness of the blue water. Whatever the reason, My Aquarium is perfect for those who like the idea of being able to customise their aquarium without having to worry about feeding the fish or keeping the water at a constant temperature. There are literally dozens of fish and plant species you can put in your tank, and you can even change the background and colour of gravel stones to suit your personality. Just be warned this isn’t a traditional game, so don’t go expecting objectives or a groundbreaking experience.
Worth buying? Yes
My Pokémon Ranch
Price: 1000 points
Pokémon Ranch is best described as an extension to Pokémon Diamond/Pearl on the Nintendo DS. The game lets you transfer and interact with Pokémon from your Diamond/Pearl save. Activities include sitting around a camp fire, riding your Pokémon, and even taking photos and sending them to friends via WiiConnect24. To be quite frank, to get the most out of this title you’ll need to own Diamond/Pearl as it gives you challenges every day such as capturing a specific Pokémon and transferring it to the ranch. Even then, there’s not a lot that will hold your interest.
Worth buying? No
Niki - Rock 'n' Ball*
Price: 500 points
*Not available in Australia as of March 20th, 2009
Developer Bplus’ second WiiWare offering is a simple yet fun action game. Players assume the role of Niki, a strange ball creature who goes through levels rolling and jumping over enemies, as well as collecting ZeLeLi pearls. It’s a quirky title that has several addictive qualities such as score boards and co-op multiplayer. However, some may find the controls are a little unresponsive at times which can dampen the experience.
Worth buying? Maybe
Onslaught
Price: 1000 points
The first FPS for the WiiWare library and yet another title developed by those crazy folk at Hudson soft. Typically, the Wii remote's pointer function is to aim weapons, while players can also motion the Nunchuck to throw grenades and waggle the Wii remote to reload their weapons. There’s also both competitive and co-op online modes available, which is arguably one of the best features about the game. Unfortunately, the single-player campaign can at times feel a little repetitive, though in a strange way also satisfying. As a whole package it’s definitely worth a look, but if you’re looking for a strong solo session you may want to invest in something different.
Worth buying? Maybe
Pirates: The Key of Dreams
Price: 1000 points
The last time we went on a cruise we ended up getting sea sick. Perhaps it was the waves rocking the ship back and forth, or maybe it was the spread at the four all you can eat buffets. Either way, Pirates: The Key of Dreams isn’t a much better experience. The game primarily requires players to travel the vast seas and combat other ships, as well as recruit new crew members and assign them to different jobs. While showing some initial promise, it falls short due to repetitive gameplay and some sloppy design choices. Multiplayer adds a little fun here and there, but otherwise you’re better off keeping your feet on dry land.
Worth buying? No
Pit Crew Panic!
Price: 500 points
Behind every motorsport legend are the pit crews. They are the people who can spot what’s wrong with the car and fix it in an instant – they are, in many respects, the lifeline of every racer’s potential victory. In Pit Crew Panic you act as the manager of a pit crew and tell your team what needs fixing. Feel like a hands-on approach? Why not help the team out by grabbing a repair tool and put those motion controls to work? Indeed it is quite a novel idea, unfortunetly it’s hampered by repetitive gameplay and a lack of refinement. Still, at 500 points it might keep your younger sibling amused for a few hours.
Worth buying? Maybe
Plättchen Twist 'n' Paint
Price: 1500 points
A “puzzle shooter” developed in Austria, Plättchen: Twist 'n' Paint was one of the first WiiWare titles to be formally announced. The aim of the game is simple enough; players have to shoot and paint different panels and match them with others of the same colour. The game features over 100 levels in the single-player mode and allows up to eight people to play simultaneously. For such a simple concept however, the mechanics don’t quite work and are derailed by poor implementation. Coupled with a higher price point than our American allies (the game costs 1000 points in America – 500 points less than PAL regions), this one falls to the bottom end of the WiiWare pile.
Worth buying? No
Pop
Price: 700 points
Developed in Australia by Nnooo, Pop is one of the more simple yet addictive offerings on the WiiWare service. Players ultimately just have to pop bubbles to extend their time limit, allowing them to rank in high scores. It’s difficult to describe what’s so good about the title - we suppose it’s just relaxing and is the perfect time killer while waiting for dinner to finish.
Worth buying? Yes
Pop Them, Drop Them SameGame
Price: 500 points
Probably one of the weirdest names for a WiiWare game, Pop Them, Drop Them SameGame is a very simple yet engaging puzzle game. The basic idea is to clear all blocks on your screen by matching them up with blocks of the same colour. The catch though is that you can only move existing groups of blocks, not individual ones. At 500 points, it’s a very reasonable price and should be considered by all puzzle fans.
Worth buying? Yes
Pop-up Pirate!
Price: 500 points
Remember growing up there was that really cool toy where you would shove swords in a plastic barrel until a pirate popped out? Remember how you got sick of it after 20 minutes? Apply that to this videogame adaptation of Tomy’s Pop-up Pirate and you’ll be left wondering just why this came to be. On the plus side, at least you won’t lose any of those plastic swords.
Worth buying? No
Potpourrii: A delicate mixture of challenge and fun!
Price: 800 points
Yet another puzzle game on the WiiWare service, Potpourrii is centred around the theme of seasons (Winter, Spring, etc) and has players matching up different seasonal spirits to make them disappear. The twist is that instead of just creating a cluster of three or more spirits of the same type, you also have to add a spirit from the succeeding season. An example are Winter spirits, which can be cleared by adding a Spring spirit to the cluster. While the game is unique and tries to do things a bit differently, unfortunately the gameplay feels a little too slow. This takes away a lot of the challenge that is present in other puzzlers and makes things far too easy, which is a shame given the lovely art direction and inspiring soundtrack.
Worth buying? No
Snowboard Riot
Price: 1000 points
As you can probably guess from its title, Snowboard Riot is a racing game. Trying to emulate Mario Kart, the game makes heavy use of weaponry such as missiles and mines to hinder other players’ progression. Unfortunately there is very limited balance, and quite often it feels like the winner of each race is determined by their reliance on weapons rather than skill. There are a few perks here and there such as online multiplayer and support for the Wii Balance Board peripheral, but otherwise it’s a standard racer that should be given the cold shoulder (get it? Snowboarding… Cold… Yeah, this writer has an odd sense of humour).
Worth buying? No
Space Invaders Get Even
Price: 500 points
Tired of the constant rehashing of the original Space Invaders? Want something a little different? Well, Space Invaders Get Even might be the thing you’re looking for. The game puts a twist on the usual gameplay by letting you play as the invaders and command the invasion of Earth. Move a giant UFO using the Nunchuck’s analogue stick, while command a swarm of more than 100 invaders by pointing the Wii remote on the screen. The starting pack costs a reasonable 500 points, but sadly it only features two stages and a boss battle. Additional packs are available for 500 points each, so if you feel compelled to continue annihilating humanity it will cost you a fair bit.
Worth buying? Maybe
SPOGS Racing*
Price: 1000 points
*Not available in Australia as of March 20th, 2009
Right down at the bottom of the WiiWare library is SPOGS Racing. The game had quite a few good ideas going for it, namely the Crash 'N Grab feature which allowed players to steal parts from other racers to enhance their vehicle’s attributes such as speed and acceleration. Sadly with frustrating AI, lackluster visuals and sound, and unrefined gameplay, the entire game is just poorly implemented. Avoid at all costs.
Worth buying? No
Star Soldier R
Price: 800 Points
Star Soldier R is a revamped version of the classic shooter of the same name. With so many re-releases over the years, it wouldn't surprise us if everybody had played a game from the Star Soldier franchise at some point, but for those who haven't, basically it's a very basic yet very addictive shooting game where you destroy enemy ships, earn power-ups and go for that ultimate prize in arcade gaming: the elusive high score. Star Soldier R is fun, but certainly doesn't feature the same replay value as some other titles available on WiiWare unless you're an absolute fan. Still, it's also the cheapest game available on the service, and if you have the spare points and an interest in shooting things and blowing stuff up, you may find it worthwhile to give it a download.
Worth buying? Maybe
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People - Episode 1: Homestar Ruiner
Price: 1000 points
PALGN Review: 7.0
Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People is a point-and-click adventure which is based on the Homestar Runner web cartoons. In the game, players take on the role of Strong Bad as he tries to compete against Homestar Runner in the Tri-annual Race. In addition, you can interact with other characters from the series and play a top-down mini-game of boxing. While the series is primarily aimed at Homestar Runner fans, there’s still more than enough charm and odd jokes that will appeal to newcomers.
Worth buying? Yes
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People - Episode 2: Strong Badia the Free
Price: 1000 points
PALGN Review: 7.5
Strong Bad Episode 2: Strong Badia the Free is the second entry in the Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People series. In Episode 2, The King of Town has installed an e-mail tax, which leads to Strong Bad being placed under house arrest. Even with an explosive collar around his neck, Strong Bad uses the opportunity to unite the citizens against The King of Town. It’s safe to assume that if you enjoyed Homestar Runner, Strong Badia the Free will be right up your alley.
Worth buying? Yes
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People - Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands
Price: 1000 points
PALGN Review: 7.0
Strong Bad Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands is the third entry in the Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People series. In Episode 3, Strong Bad's FunMachine breaks down so he enters a Battle Royale of the Bands contest so that he can use the prize money to fix it. Again, the title will appeal to anyone who enjoyed the Homestar Runner web cartoons or the previous Strong Bad games.
Worth buying? Yes
Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People - Episode 4: Dangeresque 3: The Criminal Projective
Price: 1000 points
PALGN Review: 8.0
Strong Bad Episode 4: Dangeresque 3: The Criminal Projective is the fourth entry in the Strong Bad’s Cool Game for Attractive People series. In Episode 4, Strong Bad invites his friends over to watch the new Dangeresque 3 movie. As he puts the movie on, players see that Strong Bad plas the role of Dangeresque, while Homestar Runner stars alongside him as Dangeresque Too. The pair try to solve crimes in the fictional Brainblow city. If you haven’t figured out the pattern yet, this game comes recommended to Homestar Runner fans and anyone who enjoyed the previous episodes.
Worth buying? Yes
Strong Bad's Cool Game For Attractive People - Episode 5: 8-Bit Is Enough
Price: 1000 points
PALGN Review: 8.0
8-Bit is Enough is the fifth (and final?) entry in the Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People series. In this episode, the one-armed fire breathing dragon Trogdor wreaks havoc across Free Country USA, and Strong Bad must find a way to defeat him and keep the videogame world and real world separate. Considered to be one of the better entries, it almost goes without saying it's a must if you enjoyed any of the previous episodes.
Worth buying? Yes
Sudoku Challenge!
Price: 500 points
There’s not much to say about this one really – it’s Sudoku in WiiWare form. The game features both Original and Grand Sudoku (where you play five Sudoku grids at once) gameplay modes, three difficulty levels and, apparently, over 100,000,000 Sudoku puzzles. While there are dozens of websites that offer free Sudoku puzzles and are compatible with Wii internet browser, put this one down as a maybe since it’s only 500 points and is presented a little better.
Worth buying? Maybe
Tetris Party
Price: 1200 points
Tetris finally makes its way to the Wii, and to prove the aging franchise can still stand above other puzzlers on the market, the developers have incorporated a number of unique and engaging gameplay modes. As well as a classic mode, there’s Wii Balance Board Tetris where players use the Balance Board peripheral to control the falling blocks, and co-op Tetris where two players team up to clear lines. Additionally, there’s a Field Climber mode where you have to guide a tiny man to the top of the screen by building a pathway, and the ability to play competitively online against friends or random strangers. To be quite frank, there’s a considerable amount of content on offer and it’s at a great price as well. This one should be at the top of any puzzle fan’s list.
Worth buying? Yes
The Incredible Maze
Price: 500 points
There’s not a lot that’s incredible about this one. Players simply have to guide a ball through mazes by tilting the Wii remote. To keep you on your toes however, you have to avoid hazards such as holes in the floor, and also make use of jump pads and sliding blocks to reach the exit. Additional there are Time Attack and Challenge modes, and the option to control the ball using the Wii Balance Board. It’s worth noting The Incredible Maze has only a basic presentation, and quite a few players have found the motion controls to be too sensitive and clunky. On the plus side it is only 500 points, so if you can ignore its shortcomings it might be some cheap fun if you’re bored on a Sunday afternoon.
Worth buying? Maybe
Toki Tori
Price: 900 Points
PALGN Review: 7.5
Toki Tori is a puzzle game where you play as a newly hatched chicken who must find his unhatched siblings by traversing through 70 levels or so. It's a mixture of puzzling and platforming, and the game is very addictive and quite challenging - more than you'd expect, in fact. You can even get a friend to grab a second Wii remote to try and attempt to help you out in some of the more complicated levels. Toki Tori has a colourful and visually entertaining art style with cute characters and varied environments, and is definitely worth picking up if you like puzzle games at all.
Worth buying? Yes
TV Show King
Price: 1000 Points
Jumping on the bandwagon of popularity most likely brought on by the Buzz! franchise, TV Show King certainly is built on similar foundations. With over 3000 questions available (and some of them specific to Australia), trivia buffs should find some serious enjoyment here. Multiplayer is where it's really at though, so if you don't have anybody to play it with, you'll probably find that it's a rather shallow experience. While the price point is cheap, consider your friends and if they are into trivia games as well, because otherwise it could end up being a rather unused download and certainly not worth the price-tag that could be spent elsewhere.
Worth buying? Maybe
Wild West Guns
Price: 1000 points
A traditional light-gun shooter set in the Wild West, Wild West Guns takes players across the desert to locations including a saloon, cemeteries, and even a locomotive. Your primary goal is to shoot targets, which include vultures, greedy gold diggers and robbers. The game also supports the Wii Zapper peripheral, which gives you the perfect excuse to dust off that hunk of plastic. It’s a fairly standard light-gun game really, you just shoot targets and aim to reach your high scores. What’s presented though is a fun, old-school shooter, and in the end that’s where it counts the most.
Worth buying? Yes
World of Goo
Price: 1500 points
World of Goo is a quirky puzzle game which was remarkably created by a development team of just two people. The gameplay is fairly simple to pick-up;
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