The Nintendo Wii is a home video game console released on November 19, 2006. The Wii's main selling point was the innovative use of motion controls that its signature Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers allowed for. It became the best selling home console of its respective generation of hardware.
I didn't get a Wii this generation. I've played plenty of Wii games at other people homes, but I've never had one sitting in front of my TV and I've never beaten any one title. I now have the opportunity to get a Wii for cheaper than the price of a new Wii Mini (hint: It's from a dude...'s girlfriend). With the benefit of hindsight I have cherry picked a select 20 titles that represent the cream of the crop of Wii experiences. Just looking at the list makes me excited! I am, however, only one man. After perusing this subjective data, can you think you anything that deserves to be added? You can tell by some of the sequels represented here that I don't have any interest in playing the original...yet. UPDATED THRICE!
Looks good. Glad to see Donkey Kong Country Returns on the list - they were my favorite SNES games, and it seemed like despite the excitement at the E3 press conference it came out, sold, and was subsequently forgotten.
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Another pro tip: skip The Last Story. Also, Radiant Dawn if this is your first Fire Emblem.
The Last Story is already near to the end of the list. It looks pretty great. I've played Fire Emblem and The Sacred Stones on handhelds (I played the latter as a 3DS download). I goddamn love that franchise, even though I'm probably terrible at it.
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Well, I wouldn't say don't play it but yeah... the first one is better.
Really? Interesting, I'll play the first one then. Why is the 2nd title inferior?
Mostly story and writing stuff. On paper the second one should be better, it has more weapon variety, better graphics (at least a better framerate), better mini-games (a vital part of the experience).
But something about it just isn't as good as the first. There's also some bad missions later on where you play as characters other than Travis.
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Well, I wouldn't say don't play it but yeah... the first one is better.
Really? Interesting, I'll play the first one then. Why is the 2nd title inferior?
Mostly story and writing stuff. On paper the second one should be better, it has more weapon variety, better graphics (at least a better framerate), better mini-games (a vital part of the experience).
But something about it just isn't as good as the first. There's also some bad missions later on where you play as characters other than Travis.
There is just more heart in the first one. The boss character designs are just way cooler although there are still some bad-ass boss fights in the second game too.
The Last Story is already near to the end of the list. It looks pretty great.
Looks can be deceiving.
I've played Fire Emblem and The Sacred Stones on handhelds (I played the latter as a 3DS download). I goddamn love that franchise, even though I'm probably terrible at it.
I didn't find My Life as King to be particularly special or interesting. I'd suggest Kirby's Return to Dreamland, Rhythm Heaven Fever, Pikmin 2, or Little King's Story over that, but I can't speak to your preferences.
The Last Story is already near to the end of the list. It looks pretty great.
Looks can be deceiving.
I've played Fire Emblem and The Sacred Stones on handhelds (I played the latter as a 3DS download). I goddamn love that franchise, even though I'm probably terrible at it.
Then play Fire Emblem to your heart's content!
Didn't you write a blog review of The Last Story? I'll have to give that another read.
I didn't find My Life as King to be particularly special or interesting. I'd suggest Kirby's Return to Dreamland, Rhythm Heaven Fever, Pikmin 2, or Little King's Story over that, but I can't speak to your preferences.
With two votes it's cemented: I'll skip My Life as a King, and play My Little King's Story. I didn't know there was a Pikmin game that came out for the Wii. I guess it most have been a re-release judging by it's original release date.
Kirby's Return to Dreamland got skipped because I already had a bunch of 2D platformers on the list, but I'll add it anyway because what the hell why not. Rhythm Heaven Fever as well, although I don't know if I'll ever get to that. I don't plan on getting a next-gen console right away like I did this past gen; I'm going to spend the time waiting for a good library to build up playing Wii games.
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Another pro tip: skip The Last Story. Also, Radiant Dawn if this is your first Fire Emblem.
Radiant Dawn is definitely not for newcomers, but VGK is completely wrong on The Last Story. Play it. Just don't go in expecting a grand and original narrative.
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Another pro tip: skip The Last Story. Also, Radiant Dawn if this is your first Fire Emblem.
Radiant Dawn is definitely not for newcomers, but VGK is completely wrong on The Last Story. Play it. Just don't go in expecting a grand and original narrative.
Hmm. With that info, here's my thought process via sort of decent example: I ended up positive overall on Final Fantasy 13 because of the combat, although I didn't have much interest in the story. Same kind of situation w/The Last Story?
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Well, I wouldn't say don't play it but yeah... the first one is better.
Really? Interesting, I'll play the first one then. Why is the 2nd title inferior?
Mostly story and writing stuff. On paper the second one should be better, it has more weapon variety, better graphics (at least a better framerate), better mini-games (a vital part of the experience).
But something about it just isn't as good as the first. There's also some bad missions later on where you play as characters other than Travis.
I'll try the first one then. Both games seemed pretty similar from Giant Bomb coverage so I just assumed the second game was better to play.
Cool list I agree with everything I have played that is on here. Though I would say that brawl should be on there it would mean I would call for a game that I have not played to be removed, and that is dumb.
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Another pro tip: skip The Last Story. Also, Radiant Dawn if this is your first Fire Emblem.
Radiant Dawn is definitely not for newcomers, but VGK is completely wrong on The Last Story. Play it. Just don't go in expecting a grand and original narrative.
Hmm. With that info, here's my thought process via sort of decent example: I ended up positive overall on Final Fantasy 13 because of the combat, although I didn't have much interest in the story. Same kind of situation w/The Last Story?
The Last Story is what I would call a classic Sakaguchi story. If you know the sorts of characters he likes to write and the sort of romantic stories he likes to tell, and if you're a fan his work, then it might be one for you. The gameplay is among the most unique you'll find in any JRPG; it has its rough spots, and the sidequesting leaves a lot to be desired, but in the 25 or so hours it took me to complete the game, I enjoyed my time with it.
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Well, I wouldn't say don't play it but yeah... the first one is better.
Really? Interesting, I'll play the first one then. Why is the 2nd title inferior?
Mostly story and writing stuff. On paper the second one should be better, it has more weapon variety, better graphics (at least a better framerate), better mini-games (a vital part of the experience).
But something about it just isn't as good as the first. There's also some bad missions later on where you play as characters other than Travis.
There is just more heart in the first one. The boss character designs are just way cooler although there are still some bad-ass boss fights in the second game too.
I played way more No More Heroes 2 than I did 1. I thought the soundtrack was better. But I yeah the 3rd rank battle had that 20 minute parking lot battle and the 2nd shinobu level were not good.
It is a good story. I found it enjoyable and I like the characters.
Well, there's nothing I can resp-
Also, this is my obligatory "PUT OTHER M ON THAT LIST" demand, because I will champion that game if no one else will.
That reminds me.
I'll add both to the party. I didn't put Other M on the list because I assumed I would get Metroid burnout after the Trilogy collection (I know they don't play at all the same) but if I don't get Wii-arthritis by the time I get through the majority of the games I'll give them both a try. It's too bad that you can't get Wii games on the super cheap at this point because there's plenty here that I won't be able to borrow and it seems you can't find Wii titles for less than $20-30, not that that's surprising.
Cool list I agree with everything I have played that is on here. Though I would say that brawl should be on there it would mean I would call for a game that I have not played to be removed, and that is dumb.
I thought about Brawl, but as far as I'm aware the value of those games has always been in the multi-player, and I don't plan on playing it a bunch over time when I could be burning through all those other titles instead. I've played plenty of Smash Bros though, mad respect for those games.
@Brendan: While you are mostly correct in the assumption that the games are primarily multiplayer. My brother and I sunk hours into campaign and survival matches. I did this solo too and it always primed me for facing up against my brothers and my dad in the game.
Though for me honestly most of it is nostalgia glasses as it was the first Wii game I fell in love with. The game still holds up, but yes the key of the experience is the multiplayer, and a fantastic one at that.
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Another pro tip: skip The Last Story. Also, Radiant Dawn if this is your first Fire Emblem.
Radiant Dawn is definitely not for newcomers, but VGK is completely wrong on The Last Story. Play it. Just don't go in expecting a grand and original narrative.
Hmm. With that info, here's my thought process via sort of decent example: I ended up positive overall on Final Fantasy 13 because of the combat, although I didn't have much interest in the story. Same kind of situation w/The Last Story?
The Last Story is what I would call a classic Sakaguchi story. If you know the sorts of characters he likes to write and the sort of romantic stories he likes to tell, and if you're a fan his work, then it might be one for you. The gameplay is among the most unique you'll find in any JRPG; it has its rough spots, and the sidequesting leaves a lot to be desired, but in the 25 or so hours it took me to complete the game, I enjoyed my time with it.
I'll take an optimistic approach to it then, thanks. Both that game and Xenoblade Chronicles look cool, but wasn't there a 3rd game that came out of the whole Project Rainfall initiative? I remember there being a third one that wasn't well received, but I'm not sure.
Pandora's Tower is the third one. The Last Story is the "wasn't well received" one.
Just looked it up: I guess the fact that it's not out yet locally is the reason that I couldn't remember it. Adding it to the list! Dear lord this list is getting exhausting.
@Brendan: As I'm currently in the process of writing a review for Pandora's Tower, I'll go ahead and say you should add that one too.
The three Operation Rainfall games are all so different that it's a matter of personal taste which is best/worst. Pandora's Tower is a bit more like a kinetic character action game with a heavier-than-usual RPG emphasis (I don't want to compare it too directly, but it's like the 3D Castlevanias. But, you know, good), as opposed to the more-or-less straightforward RPGs that the other two are.
I'm passing out for the night, but thanks a lot for the suggestions people! I went from 20 to 26 worthy games on this list, but if anyone happens to see this thread with any other great ideas I'll check back. I'm untainted like falling snow! (If you know how snowflakes are formed, then disregard the previous statement).
I thought Wii Sports Resort was fun from what I played of it at a friends house. I found Super Paper Mario disappointing. I played for about an hour waiting for it to become an RPG, but it turns out the game is a platformer. I played a little more and it was just plain boring to me. Also, try Sin and Punishment: Star Successor if you like shmups, Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom if you like fighters, and Trauma Team.
Pro tip: Don't play No More Heroes 2, play the first one.
Another pro tip: skip The Last Story. Also, Radiant Dawn if this is your first Fire Emblem.
Radiant Dawn is definitely not for newcomers, but VGK is completely wrong on The Last Story. Play it. Just don't go in expecting a grand and original narrative.
Hmm. With that info, here's my thought process via sort of decent example: I ended up positive overall on Final Fantasy 13 because of the combat, although I didn't have much interest in the story. Same kind of situation w/The Last Story?
The Last Story is what I would call a classic Sakaguchi story. If you know the sorts of characters he likes to write and the sort of romantic stories he likes to tell, and if you're a fan his work, then it might be one for you. The gameplay is among the most unique you'll find in any JRPG; it has its rough spots, and the sidequesting leaves a lot to be desired, but in the 25 or so hours it took me to complete the game, I enjoyed my time with it.
I'll take an optimistic approach to it then, thanks. Both that game and Xenoblade Chronicles look cool, but wasn't there a 3rd game that came out of the whole Project Rainfall initiative? I remember there being a third one that wasn't well received, but I'm not sure.
Pandora's Tower. It was recently announced for U.S. release this spring, but no date's been set yet.
EDIT: Whoops! That base has already been covered, I see.
The title says top 20 but there's 26 games on the list. I feel lied to.
On topic of all of those the only ones i'm really interested in are the Super Mario Galaxy games, Metroid Prime Trilogy and Xenoblade Chronicles since i heard it's a lot like FF XII and FF XII is one of the greatest game ever made of course.
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