Christmas Buyer's Guide - Nintendo Wii

Wii Feature | This is what Wii want for Christmas.

Despite having a light year and facing some PAL delays, the Nintendo Wii has surged into the lead across the entire globe. The Wii has outsold it's predecessor, the GameCube, within the first year of it's release and just like it's little cousin, the DS, it has been gobbling up sales records to boot. Even though it seems like there weren't many releases, the few that did come along happened to be some of the best that your hard earned dollar could buy. Not to mention, the Wii is the home of a game that scored 10/10 from PALGN, only the second game to receive that honour in our five years of operation. Here are a couple of the games that managed to stand out from the field.

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Excite Truck

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Monster Games Inc.
Publisher: Nintendo

It's been nearly twenty years since Excite Bike was first released, though there was something of a follow-up on the N64. Right at the beginning of the year, Excite Truck carried the lineage of fast and furious arcade racing. Though is wasn't universally well received, we believe it's one of the most enjoyable arcade racers in years. Once you get used to them, you'll find that the controls are extremely well tuned.

Our review said: Excite Truck is fast, it’s frantic and it controls well, so there’s plenty of fun here to be had, but it's also one of those games that - despite having few actual flaws - isn’t quite worthy of a high score. There’s little to complain about, but it’s not something that screams ‘must own’. The use of the flexible star rating system means anyone can play it and enjoy it too, while more dedicated gamers will appreciate its hidden depths when playing through Super Excite mode and onwards. It’s perhaps a strange comparison to make, but Excite Truck is a lot like Yoshi’s Island in that respect. Nintendo’s platformer wasn’t exactly the hardest game in the world, but it was the depth of its score system that provided the challenge. If you're looking for some mindless fun, then Excite Truck is well worth a look. [FULL REVIEW: 7.0]

Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-4
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega

We never thought that we would see the day where Mario and Sonic would be competing directly against one another in a single game. We'll have to wait until next year before we get to really get the battle royale going, but for now we can see which of the perennial mascots is fastest, which can jump the highest or throw the furthest in Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games. It may be a bit early for the Olympics, but that's not going to stop this competitive bunch.

Our review said: The sheer wealth of content in Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games makes the title easy to recommend. It is a little disappointing you'll need to play through the single player mode to access some of the multiplayer games and adding Mario and Sonic to a licensed Olympic Games title doesn't really change things the game too much (apart from adding a bit of novelty). That said, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games is unquestionably one of the best Olympic titles released and a great debut for Mario and Sonic. Now for that 2D platformer... [FULL REVIEW: 7.0]

Mario Strikers Charged Football

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-4
Developer: Next Level Games
Publisher: Nintendo

Mario Strikers Charged Football was the first title to allow players to compete online over their Wiis. It happens to be quite a lot of fun as well, as Mario Strikers Charged Football does a very good job of creating a fast and frenetic brand of football with the usual Mario twists.

Our review said: Mario Strikers Charged Football is a game that is very easy to recommend. If you're a serious football fan then wait for FIFA 08 but if you love Mario and friends and want to have a bit of fun on the soccer pitch then you won't be disappointed by Strikers Charged. As the first game to utilise Wi-Fi there are still improvements to be made but overall it's a very respectable debut for Nintendo's foray into online gaming for the Wii. [FULL REVIEW: 7.5]

Mercury Meltdown Revolution

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Ignition Entertainment
Publisher: Ignition Entertainment

There's something oddly compelling about manuevering a glob of mercury through puzzle ridden courses. While Mercury Meltdown Revolution has been released on the PS2 and PSP, it really found its home on the Wii, with the most complete effort yet. It many not be very original, but it's certainly a very enjoyable puzzle game to boot.

Our review said: We're the first to complain about unjustified Wii ports. Third party publishers were certainly caught off guard by the runaway success of the Wii and this has meant several very average Wii titles. Mercury Meltdown Revolution however is not one of them. The Wii controls suit the title perfectly and it feels like the game belongs on the Wii. With an extensive and addictive single player mode and some thoroughly enjoyable party games for multiplayer gaming Mercury Meltdown Revolution comes highly recommended for those who want a decent puzzle game on the Wii. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Retro Studios
Publisher: Nintendo

One of the major complaints leveled against Metroid Prime 3: Corruption has been that it is too similar to its predecessors. But given that Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2 were among the best games of last generation, that's certainly not a bad thing. It is the best shooter and adventure title for the Wii, as well as being a stunning piece of software. Miss out at your own peril.

Our review said: this game is too good to let a couple of disappointing aspects prevent it from being an absolute must own game for the Wii. With its wonderful control, consistently superb level design, rewarding puzzles and gorgeous graphics it’s by far and away the best original Wii release since Zelda. At around 15-20 hours, its length is up there with the previous games (providing you keep away from the easiest setting which is stupidly easy, you have been warned), plus the ‘achievement’ style award system for unlocking bonus content means many will feel the need to return once Samus has finished her quest. With this rich, absorbing and rewarding world at our fingertips it’s game like Metroid Prime 3: Corruption that provide a fine example of why we play games in the first place. [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]

Rayman: Raving Rabbids 2

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-4
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

It seems that one bout of crazy bunnies wasn't enough, and now they're back for more. Rayman: Raving Rabbids 2 follows up directly from last year's nutball fest with another set of crazy and sometimes disturbing mini-games and screaming rabbids. It's a game that might do pretty well in the latter stages of the next Christmas party.

Our review said: Although the single-player experience isn’t as engaging as it was last year, Raving Rabbids 2 improves in a number of areas. All mini-games are designed to incorporate multiplayer, there’s a new online ranking system and the shooting mini-games have backgrounds taken from real locations. If you intend to play this with friends and family, Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 will last you a long time, otherwise don’t go expecting too much from this sequel. [FULL REVIEW: 7.0]

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

The first game to receive top marks from PALGN, is also one of the best games on the Wii. Among some Wii specific additions, time has been kind to Resident Evil 4 as it still holds up as an intense and enjoyable shooter, and the Wii controls are a knockout, adding a level of precision previously unseen in 3rd person shooters.

Our review said: It’s been a couple of years, but RE4 has aged very well, and holds its own admirably against anything on the market today. No matter what your gaming background, everyone will find something to love with the revolutionary RE4 gameplay. It’s the best version, has the best graphics, and the most gameplay content. What’s not to love? It is a grand testament to the abilities of Capcom, and one of the very best games on the Wii. If you’ve played it before, there’s no better time than now to experience Resident Evil 4, one of the greatest games ever made. If you have never played it, go to the store and buy it now. No question about it. [FULL REVIEW: 9.0]

Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom

Before next-gen owners get their mits on Resident Evil 5, Wii owners get a look at Capcom's crack at trying to provide a decent Resident Evil shooter. Covering most of the earlier sagas, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles provides a different insight into the events on the train, in the mansion and in Raccoon City. At the same time, you can also get a buddy to tag along in a co-operative mode. [FULL REVIEW: Coming Soon]

Super Mario Galaxy

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo

In many ways the true follow up to the N64 masterpiece, Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy is the second and most recent game on this list to receive a perfect score from PALGN. Basically, there is so much right about the game and so little wrong, as Mario once again proves why he is the industry frontrunner. The game is sure to satisfy long time fans and newcomers alike. If you're unsure about the Wii, this might be the game to change your mind.

Our review said: Sometimes a game of such high quality comes along and you’ve just got to hold your hands up and say well done. Super Mario Galaxy delivers blistering quality in every area, whether it’s level design, the soundtrack, boss fights, graphics or controls. It feels familiar but fresh thanks to the sheer amount of ideas and creativity put into each and every level. Like so many lesser games do, corners haven’t been cut by reusing ideas over and over or artificially extending the length of the game with collect-a-thons. Practically every level offers something different from the one before it and it’s a game that will surprise and delight more the deeper you explore. There's no such thing as a perfect game, but Super Mario Galaxy comes as close as you're ever likely to get. An essential experience for all gamers. [FULL REVIEW: 10.0]

Super Paper Mario

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo

A five month wait for a PAL release was worth it. While it did make a rather drastic departure from its two predecessors, it creates something rather unique. Not quite an RPG, not quite a platformer, it's probably best described as a puzzle game. You will be able to seamlessly move between a 2D and 3D in order to help you solve the puzzles, and the game is full of witty and humerous dialogue.

Our review said: To be overly negative about Super Paper Mario would be unfair. The game does have some good ideas, especially later on when the whole 2D>3D idea is push commendably well. Also, it does have some highly memorable moments, especially the space/underwater shooter sections as well as the whole retro-styled Bitlands section which is like some wacky NES Super Mario Bros tribute. It’s just not a highly exciting game to play. Its enjoyable and its worth your time but it doesn’t grip you in the way it should. If you can forgive the pun for a second, this is a game that has all the right ingredients on paper, but in practice it just doesn’t quite work. [FULL REVIEW: 7.5]

Warioware: Smooth Moves

Release Date: Out Now
Players: 1-2
Developer: Intelligent Systems
Publisher: Nintendo

Warioware: Smooth Moves may not be one of the longest or deepest games out there, but it sure is a heck of a lot of fun. With over 200 typically quirky mini-games, the game has been designed completely with the Wiis functionality in mind. On your own, you can wipe through it rather quickly, but if you can get a couple of friends together, then you've got hours of crazy fun at your disposal.

Our review said: Much like WarioWare Touched!, Smooth Moves is a great way of showing off some of the gameplay possibilities that are presented by Nintendo’s new hardware. Our only major criticism would be the game's long-term appeal. Even with around 200 mini-games and a handful of extras, the WarioWare formula was devised originally with handheld play in mind, so the same structure on a console means its lifespan doesn’t hold up as well as it maybe should. Apart from that, there’s very little reason to avoid the latest WarioWare offering. It’s hilarious, it’s superb fun, it’s packed full of fresh ideas and it’s now a wonderful multiplayer game to boot. [FULL REVIEW: 8.0]

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Christmas Buyer's Guide - Nintendo Wii

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