A Look at 2010 in Gaming (Wii)
A Look at 2010 in Gaming
Without question, 2009 was the Wii’s worst year on the market. Not only did its hardware sales slow down, but it also did not receive any game that will truly stand out in memory, barring maybe a couple.
It looks like the Wii will be back in 2010, and with a vengeance as it gets what is arguably the best lineup any console has had in recent memory.
————————————————————————————————————————————————-
WII:
Like we have done with the PS3 and the Xbox 360, we will be having an in-depth look at the Wii’s lineup in 2010, as it looks to win back hardcore gamers into its fold.
TATSUNOKO VS CAPCOM: ULTIMATE ALL STARS:
Tatsunoko VS Capcom made waves when it was released in Japan for catering to the old school of fighting. However, it was extremely unlikely that this game would ever hit the west, thanks in no small part due to numerous licensing issues. However, Capcom have managed to figure a way out and Tatsunoko VS Capcom looks set to be not only one of this generation’s definitive fighters, but also one of the best games next year.
NO MORE HEROES 2: DESPERATE STRUGGLE:
The sequel to the stylish and ultra-violent No More Heroes, Desperate Struggle is out to refine the already sound formula of the first to perfection, and to provide the ultimate hardcore gaming experience on the Wii. Wielding two katana blades will be awesome, and No More Heroes 2 just can’t come soon enough.
RED STEEL 2:
The original Red Steel was a (rather disastrous) Wii launch title but it didn’t exactly work out the way it should have as it evidently demanded too much of the underpowered Wii. Not so with the sequel, though. With a visual pallet that harkens to the graphical style of the Prince of Persia games, and gameplay built around the exclusive use of Wii MotionPlus, Red Steel 2 will not only right the wrongs of the first game, but it might also prove to be one of next year’s best gameplay experiences.
MONSTER HUNTER 3:
The Monster Hunter series comes to the Wii and with the transition, it finally realises its full potential. With gorgeous visuals, and the addictive gameplay that has come to be a trademark of the series, Monster Hunter 3 also moves the series online, thus positioning it as the viable competitor to Pokemon. We can be pretty sure that this game will not only be the best in the series, but also one of the best games on the console next year,
SIN AND PUNISHMENT 2:
Very few Nintendo first party games are actually violent in the traditional sense of the word, but the original Sin and Punishment brought style to killing. Now, the sequel to the N64 on-rail shooter is set to hit the Wii and it looks like it will finally defy the many misconceptions and prejudices that are held against the on-rail shooting genre. Keep your eye out for this one.
EPIC MICKEY:
When Disney Interactive announced a complete re-imagining of the universally loved Mickey Mouse, there were many who had apprehensions. But when the first concept art, and subsequently screen shots, for the game Epic Mickey were released, everybody was convinced. Epic Mickey moves the character into a post apocalyptic setting and combines it with the gameplay of Okami. An unlikely mix for sure, but one that promises intriguing possibilities. Watch this space for more.
THE GRINDER:
High Voltage Software’s first attempt at making a true hardcore game for the Wii may not have had the desired outcome, but they are still at it. Next year, they bring us The Grinder, which looks to be the Wii’s very own Left 4 Dead. Will it be good or bad? Have High Voltage learned from their mistakes? Well, we’ll find out soon, won’t we?
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA:
This is possibly going to be the biggest title of 2010. If it releases, that is. So far, all we’ve seen of this game is one tantalising piece of concept art. That’s it. No trailers, no screenshots, nothing. But we have been told that this game is a reboot of the Zelda series, that it uses the Wii motion plus, and that it will be finally shown at E3 2010. Because this is Nintendo, and because we’re suckers for anything Zelda, that will do for now.
METROID: OTHER M
So Team Ninja’s working on a Metroid title, huh? That’s a recipe for potential disaster, but from whatever we’ve seen of this game so far, it seems to be a gorgeous re-imagining of Super Metroid. It also looks to be a narrative based Metroid game that finally clears up several mysteries surrounding everybody’s favourite Bounty Hunter. Not much is known at the moment, but hey, it’s Metroid. Anything will fly.
SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2:
Another 3D Super Mario title on the same Nintendo home console and in less than three years, and featuring Yoshi to boot? God, Nintendo must really love us. The sequel to what is arguably this generation’s best game is set to hit the Wii next year, and Miyamoto promises it will be bigger, better and harder than the original Super Mario Galaxy. We have literally wet our pants with glee.
TALES OF GRACES:
A new Wii exclusive instalment in Namco’s Tales series, Tales of Graces looks gorgeous from whatever we have seen of it so far. With an anime style cel-shaded visual pallet, and the old school JRPG gameplay that the Tales series is renowned for, this is one title to keep an eye on next year. Watch this space.
DRAGON QUEST X:
What could be the biggest release in Japan next year, Dragon Quest X hits the Wii less than a year after Dragon Quest IX was released for the DS. Being the sequel to one of the only games to have received a 40/40 from Famitsu, and to a title that sold three million copies on its first day in the market, expectations are high from this one. Coming from Square Enix, we can be sure that Dragon Quest X will not disappoint.
MORE TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Endless Ocean 2: Beautiful Ocean
Gladiator A.D
————————————————————————————————————————————————-
That is all for the Wii. Which games are you looking forward to the most? Tell us via your comments.
Check back tomorrow for the DS’s lineup of 2010.
Also See:
A Look at 2010 in Gaming (PS3)
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
Bad reviews be damned, I liked Red Steel and am looking forward to the sequel. Epic Mickey looks pretty good, too.