Our latest game reviews - Nintendo Wii
1 year ago - 
Rhythm Heaven Fever - 7.6
In 2009, North American gamers were introduced to a brand new concept by Kazuyoshi Osawa - who had previously worked on WarioWare titles - when Nintendo brought over Rhythm Heaven for the DS from Japan. The game was aiming for the same type of “pick up and play”, accessible fun that the WarioWare games offer. Three years later, Nintendo brings us the sequel, this time on the Wii, which gives us similar mechanics and a slew of new mini-games. Will it be enough to convince gamers to...
Rhythm Heaven Fever - 7.6In 2009, North American gamers were introduced to a brand new concept by Kazuyoshi Osawa - who had previously worked on WarioWare titles - when Nintendo brought over Rhythm Heaven for the DS from Japan. The game was aiming for the same type of “pick up and play”, accessible fun that the WarioWare games offer. Three years later, Nintendo brings us the sequel, this time on the Wii, which gives us similar mechanics and a slew of new mini-games. Will it be enough to convince gamers to...
1 year ago - (WiiWare) Zombii Attack - 2.0
It was almost eriely timely when this review showed up. I was Tweeting about the Wii being essentially dead (beyond 1st party, of course) just as Zombii Attack, a WiiWare title, showed up in my Inbox. Now, my stance hasn’t changed, mind you, but I did think it was a bit coincidental as I haven’t reviewed a WiiWare game in well over a year (it was And Yet It Moves, if you are curious). But I digress... Zombii Attack is about...well...a zombie attack. The apocalypse has finally...
(WiiWare) Zombii Attack - 2.0It was almost eriely timely when this review showed up. I was Tweeting about the Wii being essentially dead (beyond 1st party, of course) just as Zombii Attack, a WiiWare title, showed up in my Inbox. Now, my stance hasn’t changed, mind you, but I did think it was a bit coincidental as I haven’t reviewed a WiiWare game in well over a year (it was And Yet It Moves, if you are curious). But I digress... Zombii Attack is about...well...a zombie attack. The apocalypse has finally...
1 year ago - Fortune Street - 6.8
Board-game style video games can often be a kind of hit or miss thing. Titles such as the popular Mario Party find itself in great success, releasing sequel after sequel and continuing to be a series that is loved by gamers to this day. However, games that try to bank off that success could easily be a failure. Yes, I’m looking at you, Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt. The conflict that remains with any game of this genre is the question of "why should I put away the board in favor of the...
Fortune Street - 6.8Board-game style video games can often be a kind of hit or miss thing. Titles such as the popular Mario Party find itself in great success, releasing sequel after sequel and continuing to be a series that is loved by gamers to this day. However, games that try to bank off that success could easily be a failure. Yes, I’m looking at you, Rugrats: Scavenger Hunt. The conflict that remains with any game of this genre is the question of "why should I put away the board in favor of the...
1 year ago - Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, The - 9.4
The Legend of Zelda is one of gaming’s most cherished franchises. Nintendo’s iconic adventure series is not only beloved by fans and critics alike, but it’s also influenced dozens upon dozens of other gaming franchises. With The Legend of Zelda: The Skyward Sword, Nintendo shows that there’s still plenty of room for innovation in the series, as well as the fact that gameplay mechanics devised twenty-five years ago are still relevant and engaging today. Though the...
Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, The - 9.4The Legend of Zelda is one of gaming’s most cherished franchises. Nintendo’s iconic adventure series is not only beloved by fans and critics alike, but it’s also influenced dozens upon dozens of other gaming franchises. With The Legend of Zelda: The Skyward Sword, Nintendo shows that there’s still plenty of room for innovation in the series, as well as the fact that gameplay mechanics devised twenty-five years ago are still relevant and engaging today. Though the...
1 year ago - Rayman Origins - 9.0
Let’s take a moment to look at our video game collection for this generation. The large majority of us have at least one or two multiplayer-heavy shooters that we pick up every so often. We also have the third person action adventure games such as Uncharted, Batman, and The Legend of Zelda series. Now let’s wind the clocks back to the age of the Nintendo and Super Nintendo Entertainment systems. The difference is of no surprise, and understandable. While the platforming genre is...
Rayman Origins - 9.0Let’s take a moment to look at our video game collection for this generation. The large majority of us have at least one or two multiplayer-heavy shooters that we pick up every so often. We also have the third person action adventure games such as Uncharted, Batman, and The Legend of Zelda series. Now let’s wind the clocks back to the age of the Nintendo and Super Nintendo Entertainment systems. The difference is of no surprise, and understandable. While the platforming genre is...
1 year ago - The Adventures of Tintin: The Game - 6.9
While the level of quality entertainment provided by Steven Spielberg’s latest animated blockbuster, The Adventures of Tintin and the Secret of the Unicorn, doesn’t need to be established, the inevitable video game adaptation tied in with the release of the film does have a lot to prove. Knowing that these adaptations don’t always rhyme with quality, where does this version of Tintin’s adventures stand in the grand scheme of things? Let’s find out! One thing...
The Adventures of Tintin: The Game - 6.9While the level of quality entertainment provided by Steven Spielberg’s latest animated blockbuster, The Adventures of Tintin and the Secret of the Unicorn, doesn’t need to be established, the inevitable video game adaptation tied in with the release of the film does have a lot to prove. Knowing that these adaptations don’t always rhyme with quality, where does this version of Tintin’s adventures stand in the grand scheme of things? Let’s find out! One thing...
1 year ago - Disney Universe - 6.0
As the holidays roll around, we can all agree that it’s important to think about the kids. Taking this into consideration, developers would be wise to release wacky, kid-friendly games as the season of giving draws near, and as usual, we have those titles that stand out, those that are rushed out, and those that are just merely okay. As October came to a close, publisher Disney Interactive Studios worked with developer Eurocom to give us Disney Universe. While children are easily...
Disney Universe - 6.0As the holidays roll around, we can all agree that it’s important to think about the kids. Taking this into consideration, developers would be wise to release wacky, kid-friendly games as the season of giving draws near, and as usual, we have those titles that stand out, those that are rushed out, and those that are just merely okay. As October came to a close, publisher Disney Interactive Studios worked with developer Eurocom to give us Disney Universe. While children are easily...
1 year ago - The Black Eyed Peas Experience - 3.9
It can be hard to imagine a better fit than the hit dance/music group sensation, The Black Eyed Peas, and party-style dance games. The two go together like peanut butter and jelly. What’s even harder to imagine is how this concept can turn out so poorly, or not be fun for people into the genre in general. Casual gamer or not, take a moment to think about how enjoyable it could be to have friends over, dancing to the catchy tunes of the Peas, along with the stars themselves right on your...
The Black Eyed Peas Experience - 3.9It can be hard to imagine a better fit than the hit dance/music group sensation, The Black Eyed Peas, and party-style dance games. The two go together like peanut butter and jelly. What’s even harder to imagine is how this concept can turn out so poorly, or not be fun for people into the genre in general. Casual gamer or not, take a moment to think about how enjoyable it could be to have friends over, dancing to the catchy tunes of the Peas, along with the stars themselves right on your...
2 years ago - The Conduit 2 - 6.3
The Wii should be the perfect console for first-person shooters. But for whatever reason, the genre just hasn’t taken off on Nintendo’s home platform like I thought it would. Although, that small detail hasn’t stopped developer High Voltage from releasing a sequel to their 2009 title, The Conduit. Though the first game was only mildly received, the cliffhanger ending made it appear as if a sequel was definitely coming. Despite being delayed, Conduit 2 (they dropped the...
The Conduit 2 - 6.3The Wii should be the perfect console for first-person shooters. But for whatever reason, the genre just hasn’t taken off on Nintendo’s home platform like I thought it would. Although, that small detail hasn’t stopped developer High Voltage from releasing a sequel to their 2009 title, The Conduit. Though the first game was only mildly received, the cliffhanger ending made it appear as if a sequel was definitely coming. Despite being delayed, Conduit 2 (they dropped the...
2 years ago - Mario Sports Mix - 7.6
After Tennis, Soccer, Baseball and the Mario/Sonic Olympic Games, here comes Mario Sports Mix, the newest installment of sports compilation games featuring our favorite plumber and his posse. What’s new this time around? Well, four sports (Hockey, Dodgeball, Basketball and Volleyball) are being featured for the first time ever. Wait? What? They aren’t new? You are correct. Hockey was featured in the Olympic Games, Basketball in Mario Hoops 3 on 3 and Volleyball in some Mario Party...
Mario Sports Mix - 7.6After Tennis, Soccer, Baseball and the Mario/Sonic Olympic Games, here comes Mario Sports Mix, the newest installment of sports compilation games featuring our favorite plumber and his posse. What’s new this time around? Well, four sports (Hockey, Dodgeball, Basketball and Volleyball) are being featured for the first time ever. Wait? What? They aren’t new? You are correct. Hockey was featured in the Olympic Games, Basketball in Mario Hoops 3 on 3 and Volleyball in some Mario Party...
2 years ago - Naruto: Dragon Blade Chronicles - 3.4
First off, I have to make myself clear on something: I am not a fan of Naruto. Don’t get me wrong! I don’t hate the series at all, I just don’t have much interest in it. I watched a few episodes of the anime, but it wasn’t my thing. However, I have played a Naruto game or two in my time and they weren’t too bad. So, I figured I would approach this game with complete neutrality since after all, a brand does not make or break a game. As such, I went into this game...
Naruto: Dragon Blade Chronicles - 3.4First off, I have to make myself clear on something: I am not a fan of Naruto. Don’t get me wrong! I don’t hate the series at all, I just don’t have much interest in it. I watched a few episodes of the anime, but it wasn’t my thing. However, I have played a Naruto game or two in my time and they weren’t too bad. So, I figured I would approach this game with complete neutrality since after all, a brand does not make or break a game. As such, I went into this game...
2 years ago - Disney Epic Mickey - 8.0
M-I-C....K-E-Y...M-O-U-S-E...what does that spell? Joy if you ask me. Mickey Mouse is one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. From his roots in Steamboat Willy to his modern day Disney Channel 3D incarnation, this is one mouse who’s pretty much done it all. In fact, these days it seems like his fame has gone to his head because he doesn’t take staring roles that often anymore, especially when compared to how much he did back before I was born. So it came as a...
Disney Epic Mickey - 8.0M-I-C....K-E-Y...M-O-U-S-E...what does that spell? Joy if you ask me. Mickey Mouse is one of the most iconic animated characters of all time. From his roots in Steamboat Willy to his modern day Disney Channel 3D incarnation, this is one mouse who’s pretty much done it all. In fact, these days it seems like his fame has gone to his head because he doesn’t take staring roles that often anymore, especially when compared to how much he did back before I was born. So it came as a...
2 years ago - Michael Jackson The Experience - 7.9
When rumors started swirling about Michael Jackson making a video game after his tragic death, two choices came up: a Moonwalker remake and a Karaoke title. At the time, both Kinect and Move weren’t much publicized and while the Wii already had an important dancing franchise going on with Just Dance, most people automatically linked the King of Pop video game project to be something related to Singstar, mostly because of the relationship between MJ and Sony. Months passed and to our...
Michael Jackson The Experience - 7.9When rumors started swirling about Michael Jackson making a video game after his tragic death, two choices came up: a Moonwalker remake and a Karaoke title. At the time, both Kinect and Move weren’t much publicized and while the Wii already had an important dancing franchise going on with Just Dance, most people automatically linked the King of Pop video game project to be something related to Singstar, mostly because of the relationship between MJ and Sony. Months passed and to our...
2 years ago - Namco Museum Megamix - 5.0
You know what I hate about writing a review for a compilation title? Trying to find something positive to say when there’s clearly nothing great to mention. Like the Wii didn’t have enough compilation titles to offer as it is, Namco decided to take their entire 2007 Museum Mix pack (9 original games and five remixes), add an extra remixed game (Grobda) alongside the original versions of four of the the six “remixed” titles, dump five old games, slap the...
Namco Museum Megamix - 5.0You know what I hate about writing a review for a compilation title? Trying to find something positive to say when there’s clearly nothing great to mention. Like the Wii didn’t have enough compilation titles to offer as it is, Namco decided to take their entire 2007 Museum Mix pack (9 original games and five remixes), add an extra remixed game (Grobda) alongside the original versions of four of the the six “remixed” titles, dump five old games, slap the...
2 years ago - GoldenEye 007 - 8.5
Fact: Everyone would love to see the good old GoldenEye N64 game hit XBLA, PSN, WiiWare. Fact: It will never happen Despite the rampant and incessant demands from nostalgic gamers, Activision and Eurocom decided to pay homage to the classic title by creating a brand new, 21st century Bond game exclusively for the Wii. Note that this isn’t a remake of the N64 classic. Although, for any die-hard fan that finds himself booting his good old N64 cartridge from time to time, it does feel...
GoldenEye 007 - 8.5Fact: Everyone would love to see the good old GoldenEye N64 game hit XBLA, PSN, WiiWare. Fact: It will never happen Despite the rampant and incessant demands from nostalgic gamers, Activision and Eurocom decided to pay homage to the classic title by creating a brand new, 21st century Bond game exclusively for the Wii. Note that this isn’t a remake of the N64 classic. Although, for any die-hard fan that finds himself booting his good old N64 cartridge from time to time, it does feel...
2 years ago - Donkey Kong Country Returns - 9.3
For some of us, Donkey Kong Country was the Super Mario Bros. of the Super Nintendo. Classic platforming at its best. Amazing visuals at the time, a timeless soundtrack and of course, the lovable Donkey/Diddy Kong duo alongside a cast of colorful characters. I still remember flipping through the pages of my Nintendo Power magazine, digesting every single detail about the game...and yes, I was the proud owner of the famous VHS preview tape. Anywho, even though the games that followed...
Donkey Kong Country Returns - 9.3For some of us, Donkey Kong Country was the Super Mario Bros. of the Super Nintendo. Classic platforming at its best. Amazing visuals at the time, a timeless soundtrack and of course, the lovable Donkey/Diddy Kong duo alongside a cast of colorful characters. I still remember flipping through the pages of my Nintendo Power magazine, digesting every single detail about the game...and yes, I was the proud owner of the famous VHS preview tape. Anywho, even though the games that followed...
2 years ago - Just Dance 2 - 8.8
Just Dance 2, Ubisoft’s sequel to the very successful and popular Just Dance on the Wii, had me sweating and dancing to some current and classic hits over the last couple of days. The first two things that I’ve discovered are that one, I have actually enjoyed the genre, and two, I’m terribly out of shape. But enough about me, let’s get to the game. The basics are pretty simple and pretty predictable. Armed with your Wiimote, you’ll select your way to the Dance...
Just Dance 2 - 8.8Just Dance 2, Ubisoft’s sequel to the very successful and popular Just Dance on the Wii, had me sweating and dancing to some current and classic hits over the last couple of days. The first two things that I’ve discovered are that one, I have actually enjoyed the genre, and two, I’m terribly out of shape. But enough about me, let’s get to the game. The basics are pretty simple and pretty predictable. Armed with your Wiimote, you’ll select your way to the Dance...
2 years ago - Dragon's Lair Trilogy - 6.6
This review will certainly be the shortest I may have written in my whole career. I mean, what can be said about Dragon’s Lair that hasn’t been said countless times before? Nothing….absolutely nothing! So why do a review of the recently released Wii compilation? Simply because, until proven contrary, there are still a large group of people who have never played (or in some cases even heard of) Dragon’s Lair, Dragon’s Lair II and Space Age. Also because Digital...
Dragon's Lair Trilogy - 6.6This review will certainly be the shortest I may have written in my whole career. I mean, what can be said about Dragon’s Lair that hasn’t been said countless times before? Nothing….absolutely nothing! So why do a review of the recently released Wii compilation? Simply because, until proven contrary, there are still a large group of people who have never played (or in some cases even heard of) Dragon’s Lair, Dragon’s Lair II and Space Age. Also because Digital...
2 years ago - Kirby's Epic Yarn - 9.2
Of all of Nintendo’s franchise characters, Kirby has to be the most adorable of the bunch. Regardless of its stature, the pink ball almost always manages to bring a smile to any gamer’s face, young or old. As well as being so kind to the eyes, games that feature Kirby have often gone against conventional platform mechanics; typically offering something not found in other games. His latest adventure, Kirby’s Epic Yarn goes in a very different direction than what you’d...
Kirby's Epic Yarn - 9.2Of all of Nintendo’s franchise characters, Kirby has to be the most adorable of the bunch. Regardless of its stature, the pink ball almost always manages to bring a smile to any gamer’s face, young or old. As well as being so kind to the eyes, games that feature Kirby have often gone against conventional platform mechanics; typically offering something not found in other games. His latest adventure, Kirby’s Epic Yarn goes in a very different direction than what you’d...
2 years ago - DJ Hero 2 - 9.5
Despite a glowing welcome by critics, it seemed like the first DJ Hero game never got the respect it deserved from the gaming public. In a time where the words “innovation” and “novelty” are being spit out by many without really understanding their meaning, Activision and UK-based developer FreeStyleGames thought it was time to re-educate folks by introducing something new to a stratosphere dominated by drums, guitars and microphones. Here we are twelve months...
DJ Hero 2 - 9.5Despite a glowing welcome by critics, it seemed like the first DJ Hero game never got the respect it deserved from the gaming public. In a time where the words “innovation” and “novelty” are being spit out by many without really understanding their meaning, Activision and UK-based developer FreeStyleGames thought it was time to re-educate folks by introducing something new to a stratosphere dominated by drums, guitars and microphones. Here we are twelve months...
2 years ago - Wii Party - 7.0
When Nintendo revealed Wii Party for the first time, I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. After a few good compilation games like Wii Play, Mario Party 8, Rayman Raving Rabbids and WarioWare Smooth Moves, the market has been seriously flooded with an impressive number of low-quality games, which would take ¾ of this review if I decided to name them all. Matter of fact, it’s rather surprising that Nintendo waited this long to release another take on the genre. Despite its...
Wii Party - 7.0When Nintendo revealed Wii Party for the first time, I couldn’t stop myself from laughing. After a few good compilation games like Wii Play, Mario Party 8, Rayman Raving Rabbids and WarioWare Smooth Moves, the market has been seriously flooded with an impressive number of low-quality games, which would take ¾ of this review if I decided to name them all. Matter of fact, it’s rather surprising that Nintendo waited this long to release another take on the genre. Despite its...
2 years ago - FIFA Soccer 11 - 8.3
Since its first release back in 2007, The FIFA series on the Nintendo Wii has tried to find its footing as a sports game. The first few installments focused more on offering the simulation side of the sport while FIFA 10 and 2010 World Cup took a more arcade approach. This year, FIFA 11 looks to offer the best of both worlds by giving soccer fans the ability to play both styles in a number of different modes. As well as giving fans the option of what style to play, a new mode has been...
FIFA Soccer 11 - 8.3Since its first release back in 2007, The FIFA series on the Nintendo Wii has tried to find its footing as a sports game. The first few installments focused more on offering the simulation side of the sport while FIFA 10 and 2010 World Cup took a more arcade approach. This year, FIFA 11 looks to offer the best of both worlds by giving soccer fans the ability to play both styles in a number of different modes. As well as giving fans the option of what style to play, a new mode has been...
2 years ago - Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions - 8.3
Spider-Man, Spider-Man, web-slinging on the Wii, Spider-Man. Get ready friends as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Men (yes, plural!) gets ready to swing into action and defeat the denizens of the underworld in multi-dimensional action! Alright, that’s enough of the retro cartoon-esque setup; let’s get on with the show. I’ve had the opportunity to sit down and spend some quality time with Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions for the Wii. It’s been a long time since...
Spiderman: Shattered Dimensions - 8.3Spider-Man, Spider-Man, web-slinging on the Wii, Spider-Man. Get ready friends as your friendly neighborhood Spider-Men (yes, plural!) gets ready to swing into action and defeat the denizens of the underworld in multi-dimensional action! Alright, that’s enough of the retro cartoon-esque setup; let’s get on with the show. I’ve had the opportunity to sit down and spend some quality time with Spider-Man Shattered Dimensions for the Wii. It’s been a long time since...
2 years ago - NBA Jam - 8.3
While I’ve enjoyed playing the technically-evolved games like NBA Live (Elite) and NBA 2K for the past ten years, the NBA Jam franchise never left my heart. Memories of me playing in the arcades and stealing quarters from my mother’s jar to play as the mighty Chicago Bulls are forever engraved in my brain. After a conclusive experience with an early build at E3, I finally got to play the full retail version of NBA Jam and while it doesn’t really recapture the full experience...
NBA Jam - 8.3While I’ve enjoyed playing the technically-evolved games like NBA Live (Elite) and NBA 2K for the past ten years, the NBA Jam franchise never left my heart. Memories of me playing in the arcades and stealing quarters from my mother’s jar to play as the mighty Chicago Bulls are forever engraved in my brain. After a conclusive experience with an early build at E3, I finally got to play the full retail version of NBA Jam and while it doesn’t really recapture the full experience...
2 years ago - Gunblade NY - LA Machineguns Arcade Hits - 5.8
Unless you were an arcade junkie back in the nineties, the names Gunblade NY: Special Air Assault Force and LA Machineguns: Rage of the Machines won’t ring a bell. They weren’t the most popular arcade intellectual properties out there either but some of us found ourselves spending a few random quarters in between House of the Dead and Mortal Kombat rounds. I mean, you couldn’t leave the arcade with quarters in your pockets, right?! More than 10 years later, SEGA thought it...
Gunblade NY - LA Machineguns Arcade Hits - 5.8Unless you were an arcade junkie back in the nineties, the names Gunblade NY: Special Air Assault Force and LA Machineguns: Rage of the Machines won’t ring a bell. They weren’t the most popular arcade intellectual properties out there either but some of us found ourselves spending a few random quarters in between House of the Dead and Mortal Kombat rounds. I mean, you couldn’t leave the arcade with quarters in your pockets, right?! More than 10 years later, SEGA thought it...
2 years ago - NHL 2K11 - 7.5
NHL 2K is no longer the lone ice warrior on the Wii. However, Electronic Arts went in a different direction by offering less features and banked on the fun/casual aspect. No one can argue with that way of thinking. The number of quality games on Nintendo’s console has been diluted in the last two years and in my opinion, developers should always go that route when putting together a motion-controlled game on a console that has been behind the curve with its hardware specs since its...
NHL 2K11 - 7.5NHL 2K is no longer the lone ice warrior on the Wii. However, Electronic Arts went in a different direction by offering less features and banked on the fun/casual aspect. No one can argue with that way of thinking. The number of quality games on Nintendo’s console has been diluted in the last two years and in my opinion, developers should always go that route when putting together a motion-controlled game on a console that has been behind the curve with its hardware specs since its...
2 years ago - NHL Slapshot - 8.5
We (and by we I mean Canadians) love hockey. It’s a fact. When it comes down to hockey games, the EA Sports NHL franchise on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 has set a high bar. So high that 2K Sports was forced to put its NHL 2K franchise on hiatus and return to the drawing board. Except on the Wii, where 2K has been releasing a hockey game annually over the last three years. EA Canada had the enormous task to show the hockey video game consumer that they too can make a good hockey...
NHL Slapshot - 8.5We (and by we I mean Canadians) love hockey. It’s a fact. When it comes down to hockey games, the EA Sports NHL franchise on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 has set a high bar. So high that 2K Sports was forced to put its NHL 2K franchise on hiatus and return to the drawing board. Except on the Wii, where 2K has been releasing a hockey game annually over the last three years. EA Canada had the enormous task to show the hockey video game consumer that they too can make a good hockey...
2 years ago - Grease: The Video Game - 6.3
Grease: The Official Video Game... Just the title alone has the power to either skyrocket your interest to the roof or completely repulse you. If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times: games based on lucrative movie licenses are often more about the quick cash-out rather than having to deal with an honest product that doesn’t aspire to be a “killer app”. In the case of this particular game, which presents itself as a karaoke/mini-game compilation, the...
Grease: The Video Game - 6.3Grease: The Official Video Game... Just the title alone has the power to either skyrocket your interest to the roof or completely repulse you. If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a million times: games based on lucrative movie licenses are often more about the quick cash-out rather than having to deal with an honest product that doesn’t aspire to be a “killer app”. In the case of this particular game, which presents itself as a karaoke/mini-game compilation, the...
2 years ago - (WiiWare) And Yet It Moves - 8.2
It’s funny how much Indie games impress me. You would think that with all the high profile, AAA titles that hit my hands, Indie games would pale in comparison. And if I took the superficial route, they probably would. However, Indie games carry that certain special something that the big boys don’t. I don’t know if it’s the lack of a big budget, the smaller development teams or just the brazen chances taken by venturing into the unique frontiers a new IP offers (and...
(WiiWare) And Yet It Moves - 8.2It’s funny how much Indie games impress me. You would think that with all the high profile, AAA titles that hit my hands, Indie games would pale in comparison. And if I took the superficial route, they probably would. However, Indie games carry that certain special something that the big boys don’t. I don’t know if it’s the lack of a big budget, the smaller development teams or just the brazen chances taken by venturing into the unique frontiers a new IP offers (and...
2 years ago - Metroid: Other M - 8.4
I’d be willing to bet that when many of the Metroid fan insert their copy of Other M into their Wii, they’ll be doing so with at least a slight amount of trepidation. At E3 2009, the game was a surprise announcement hiding another surprise: Other M would be co-developed by Nintendo and Team Ninja, a studio known for its predilection to graphically intensive action. A curious choice for a franchise defined by exploration. Even after the masterful Prime series proved change could...
Metroid: Other M - 8.4I’d be willing to bet that when many of the Metroid fan insert their copy of Other M into their Wii, they’ll be doing so with at least a slight amount of trepidation. At E3 2009, the game was a surprise announcement hiding another surprise: Other M would be co-developed by Nintendo and Team Ninja, a studio known for its predilection to graphically intensive action. A curious choice for a franchise defined by exploration. Even after the masterful Prime series proved change could...
2 years ago - Madden NFL 11 - 7.9
In all honesty, I don’t spend as much time with my Wii as I do with the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. I don’t consider myself a Nintendo “power user”, but there are games that have a certain appeal to me. This is especially true when taking the Wii motion controls into account, and while the Nintendo-branded games all deserve my attention, I have a particular interest in sport games. Electronic Arts has been trying extremely hard to make their existing sport franchises...
Madden NFL 11 - 7.9In all honesty, I don’t spend as much time with my Wii as I do with the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. I don’t consider myself a Nintendo “power user”, but there are games that have a certain appeal to me. This is especially true when taking the Wii motion controls into account, and while the Nintendo-branded games all deserve my attention, I have a particular interest in sport games. Electronic Arts has been trying extremely hard to make their existing sport franchises...
2 years ago - Transformers: Cybertron Adventures - 4.4
The Transformers license has spawned many bad games in its long history. In fact, I can’t recall a single one that I was impressed with until Activision’s recent release of War For Cybertron for the Xbox 360 and PS3. As with any licensed property, it comes as little surprise that launching alongside them are versions for every other platform. Oddly, even taking the difference in hardware into account, the quality difference between Cybertron Adventures and War For Cybertron is...
Transformers: Cybertron Adventures - 4.4The Transformers license has spawned many bad games in its long history. In fact, I can’t recall a single one that I was impressed with until Activision’s recent release of War For Cybertron for the Xbox 360 and PS3. As with any licensed property, it comes as little surprise that launching alongside them are versions for every other platform. Oddly, even taking the difference in hardware into account, the quality difference between Cybertron Adventures and War For Cybertron is...
2 years ago - Sin & Punishment: Star Successor - 8.9
To many, the first Sin & Punishment was touted as one of the coolest games never to come out in North America. Originally made for the Nintendo 64, the fast-paced action-shooter only recently saw a release in this part of the world via the Virtual Console. Thanks to its success as a downloadable game, a sequel was announced last year, and now Sin & Punishment: Star Successor is available for your shooting enjoyment. For those who have been longing for a challenge, Star Successor...
Sin & Punishment: Star Successor - 8.9To many, the first Sin & Punishment was touted as one of the coolest games never to come out in North America. Originally made for the Nintendo 64, the fast-paced action-shooter only recently saw a release in this part of the world via the Virtual Console. Thanks to its success as a downloadable game, a sequel was announced last year, and now Sin & Punishment: Star Successor is available for your shooting enjoyment. For those who have been longing for a challenge, Star Successor...
2 years ago - Dance on Broadway - 6.4
The music genre has been flooded with instrument-based titles for quite some time. While we have had our fair share of different games that let us "play" instruments, there haven’t been that many popular "dancing" related titles to talk about. That changed late last year when Ubisoft gave Nintendo Wii owners Just Dance, and its popularity surprised nearly everyone. That game continues to see itself amongst the top selling games after 6 months on store shelves, and it...
Dance on Broadway - 6.4The music genre has been flooded with instrument-based titles for quite some time. While we have had our fair share of different games that let us "play" instruments, there haven’t been that many popular "dancing" related titles to talk about. That changed late last year when Ubisoft gave Nintendo Wii owners Just Dance, and its popularity surprised nearly everyone. That game continues to see itself amongst the top selling games after 6 months on store shelves, and it...
2 years ago - Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 - 8.8
Tiger Woods plays golf. I make this statement simply in case anyone has forgotten this fact. EA Tiburon makes games. Probably not as big a revelation as the prior statement, but true, nonetheless. The review contained within is for one of those games, which as it happens, features Tiger Woods. That’s right, the official fifth game of Tigers Woods PGA Tour has launched for the Wii. So let’s take a look at what everyone here should be focusing on; Not the man...
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 - 8.8Tiger Woods plays golf. I make this statement simply in case anyone has forgotten this fact. EA Tiburon makes games. Probably not as big a revelation as the prior statement, but true, nonetheless. The review contained within is for one of those games, which as it happens, features Tiger Woods. That’s right, the official fifth game of Tigers Woods PGA Tour has launched for the Wii. So let’s take a look at what everyone here should be focusing on; Not the man...
2 years ago - Monster Hunter Tri - 7.7
Hello. My name is Justin Arruda and I am a Phantasy Star Online addict. I’ve been clean for 7 years now, but a new threat has appeared. Monster Hunter Tri wants to take hold of my life with copeous amounts of looting, upgrading and online play as it makes its way onto the Wii. Does it succeed in making me fall off the wagon? Let’s take a look... Gameplay Where to begin? With a combined play time of 15 hours between campaign and multi-player, there is an exhaustive list of...
Monster Hunter Tri - 7.7Hello. My name is Justin Arruda and I am a Phantasy Star Online addict. I’ve been clean for 7 years now, but a new threat has appeared. Monster Hunter Tri wants to take hold of my life with copeous amounts of looting, upgrading and online play as it makes its way onto the Wii. Does it succeed in making me fall off the wagon? Let’s take a look... Gameplay Where to begin? With a combined play time of 15 hours between campaign and multi-player, there is an exhaustive list of...
2 years ago - Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands - 7.9
It has become trendy for developers to release significantly different games on the Wii in comparison to what we see on the other two consoles. In some cases, the change pays off, and in others the final product is just a mess. Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is the latest game to see a completely different gaming experience from it’s Xbox 360/PS3 sibling and for the most part, the game stands on its own but still has problems that hold it back from sheer greatness. Gameplay...
Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands - 7.9It has become trendy for developers to release significantly different games on the Wii in comparison to what we see on the other two consoles. In some cases, the change pays off, and in others the final product is just a mess. Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands is the latest game to see a completely different gaming experience from it’s Xbox 360/PS3 sibling and for the most part, the game stands on its own but still has problems that hold it back from sheer greatness. Gameplay...
2 years ago - Trauma Team - 8.3
If you’re a fan of medical dramas, chances are you’ve already checked out at least one of the Trauma Center games for the Wii or DS. Having played the original two games in the series, I had to wonder just how much gas the old girl had left in her tense and precise gameplay. Atlus’ response to my trepidations about a third game in the series? You ain’t seen nothing yet, kids. Gameplay The previous entries in the Trauma Center series have been somewhat limited in...
Trauma Team - 8.3If you’re a fan of medical dramas, chances are you’ve already checked out at least one of the Trauma Center games for the Wii or DS. Having played the original two games in the series, I had to wonder just how much gas the old girl had left in her tense and precise gameplay. Atlus’ response to my trepidations about a third game in the series? You ain’t seen nothing yet, kids. Gameplay The previous entries in the Trauma Center series have been somewhat limited in...
2 years ago - Super Mario Galaxy 2 - 9.9
I have to admit, when I first heard that Nintendo was making a direct sequel to Super Mario Galaxy, I was excited, but also a little wary. I mean, the company hasn’t made a direct sequel to a console Mario game since the SNES. Of course, this is Nintendo’s franchise we’re talking about. They wouldn’t make the game if they couldn’t expand on the original idea, would they? If I have to answer that question, you haven’t paid Nintendo enough attention....
Super Mario Galaxy 2 - 9.9I have to admit, when I first heard that Nintendo was making a direct sequel to Super Mario Galaxy, I was excited, but also a little wary. I mean, the company hasn’t made a direct sequel to a console Mario game since the SNES. Of course, this is Nintendo’s franchise we’re talking about. They wouldn’t make the game if they couldn’t expand on the original idea, would they? If I have to answer that question, you haven’t paid Nintendo enough attention....
3 years ago - 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa - 8.5
EA Sports’ FIFA series on the Wii has seen a lot of changes over the last few years. The series began in the hopes of bringing a realistic simulated experience to the Wii but that has since changed drastically. 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa puts more attention on offering fast paced action with long range goals, momentum shifts and an almost non-existent defensive game. If you throw away any thoughts of getting a true simulation of the sport, you’ll actually have a lot of fun...
2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa - 8.5EA Sports’ FIFA series on the Wii has seen a lot of changes over the last few years. The series began in the hopes of bringing a realistic simulated experience to the Wii but that has since changed drastically. 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa puts more attention on offering fast paced action with long range goals, momentum shifts and an almost non-existent defensive game. If you throw away any thoughts of getting a true simulation of the sport, you’ll actually have a lot of fun...
3 years ago - Red Steel 2 - 7.3
After the colossal disappointment that was the original Red Steel, Ubisoft decided to take a sharp turn away from the first game in an effort to redefine what the franchise is all about. Sure, your hero still wields both gun and sword, but in no other aspect does Red Steel 2 relate to the initial entry in the franchise. Ubisoft Paris has brought in new characters, a new art style and new controls in an effort to right the wrongs of the Wii launch title. But did they succeed? There are two...
Red Steel 2 - 7.3After the colossal disappointment that was the original Red Steel, Ubisoft decided to take a sharp turn away from the first game in an effort to redefine what the franchise is all about. Sure, your hero still wields both gun and sword, but in no other aspect does Red Steel 2 relate to the initial entry in the franchise. Ubisoft Paris has brought in new characters, a new art style and new controls in an effort to right the wrongs of the Wii launch title. But did they succeed? There are two...
3 years ago - How To Train Your Dragon - 6.4
I’ve always been a strong believer that it’s a difficult task for developers to make games that tie into the children’s movies. The cycle for development has a strict deadline, for one. I mean, the game has to be ready to go at roughly the same time as the movie and sometimes even weeks before. Game makers also don’t have as much familiarity with the subject matter as the writers of the film do, which can lead to weak scripts. From there, you’ve got scheduling...
How To Train Your Dragon - 6.4I’ve always been a strong believer that it’s a difficult task for developers to make games that tie into the children’s movies. The cycle for development has a strict deadline, for one. I mean, the game has to be ready to go at roughly the same time as the movie and sometimes even weeks before. Game makers also don’t have as much familiarity with the subject matter as the writers of the film do, which can lead to weak scripts. From there, you’ve got scheduling...
3 years ago - (WiiWare) Rage of the Gladiator - 8.1
Ok, I’ll be completely honest here, I had no clue what Rage of the Gladiator was until I was approached to do the review. This kind of thing happens more than you would think considering the sheer amount of games that come out each week. So, when I get my hands on one I know nothing about, it’s almost like Christmas morning. Most of the time, it’s a shag sweater that my aunt spent a week knitting for me. But, every now and then, it’s a shiny Red...
(WiiWare) Rage of the Gladiator - 8.1Ok, I’ll be completely honest here, I had no clue what Rage of the Gladiator was until I was approached to do the review. This kind of thing happens more than you would think considering the sheer amount of games that come out each week. So, when I get my hands on one I know nothing about, it’s almost like Christmas morning. Most of the time, it’s a shag sweater that my aunt spent a week knitting for me. But, every now and then, it’s a shiny Red...
3 years ago - (WiiWare) Max & the Magic Marker - 7.7
Drawing was a magical experience for me when I was a kid. I could create entire worlds out of a box of Crayons and a few sheets of paper. Of course, my ego directed me elsewhere when I realized my artistic skills never evolved past the first grade. But, I wonder if I would have kept at it if I was able to truly bring my imagination to life? The guys at Press Play must have wondered the same thing, as they’ve given us a glimpse at what that might actually be like in...
(WiiWare) Max & the Magic Marker - 7.7Drawing was a magical experience for me when I was a kid. I could create entire worlds out of a box of Crayons and a few sheets of paper. Of course, my ego directed me elsewhere when I realized my artistic skills never evolved past the first grade. But, I wonder if I would have kept at it if I was able to truly bring my imagination to life? The guys at Press Play must have wondered the same thing, as they’ve given us a glimpse at what that might actually be like in...
3 years ago - Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll - 5.9
If rolling a monkey around in a transparent ball, through an obstacle course is your idea of fun, then you’ll be glad to know that another Monkey Ball title is rolling towards you. Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll is the latest Monkey Ball offering from SEGA. While the first Wii title, Banana Blitz, was a solid entry with some interesting features, like jumping and boss battles, Step & Roll strips away all of that and leaves you with a more...
Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll - 5.9If rolling a monkey around in a transparent ball, through an obstacle course is your idea of fun, then you’ll be glad to know that another Monkey Ball title is rolling towards you. Super Monkey Ball: Step & Roll is the latest Monkey Ball offering from SEGA. While the first Wii title, Banana Blitz, was a solid entry with some interesting features, like jumping and boss battles, Step & Roll strips away all of that and leaves you with a more...
3 years ago - (WiiWare) Ghostslayer - 8.2
When I first heard about the Wii’s motion sensing capability and all the gameplay possibilities, I looked forward to slashing enemies to pieces. Sure, Wii Bowling and Tennis sounded like fun, but what I really wanted to do was wield a virtual claymore and stab virtual enemies in the face. I was unsatisfied with the simplified slashing in Red Steel and disappointed when I found out a new accessory, the Wii MotionPlus, was required to make realistic...
(WiiWare) Ghostslayer - 8.2When I first heard about the Wii’s motion sensing capability and all the gameplay possibilities, I looked forward to slashing enemies to pieces. Sure, Wii Bowling and Tennis sounded like fun, but what I really wanted to do was wield a virtual claymore and stab virtual enemies in the face. I was unsatisfied with the simplified slashing in Red Steel and disappointed when I found out a new accessory, the Wii MotionPlus, was required to make realistic...
3 years ago - The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces - 7.3
You would assume that there would be more flight combat games on the Wii due, in part, to the ability to use your Wii Remote as a flight stick. There have only been a few titles in the past but none have been really memorable. The latest game to attempt to break away from this stigma is The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces, based on the long running Japanese series of Novels. While the game may not be memorable, there is still enough here to give flying fans something to scratch that itch....
The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces - 7.3You would assume that there would be more flight combat games on the Wii due, in part, to the ability to use your Wii Remote as a flight stick. There have only been a few titles in the past but none have been really memorable. The latest game to attempt to break away from this stigma is The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces, based on the long running Japanese series of Novels. While the game may not be memorable, there is still enough here to give flying fans something to scratch that itch....
3 years ago - No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle - 8.0
There is a famous quote that says, “Writing is rewriting.” Writers are told to make every word count. First drafts are always just that. Novelists make sure that every element of their story has meaning, while screenwriters constantly trim their scenes to include only what is needed. It appears that Suda 51 took this advice to heart while developing No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle. While the original No More Heroes could be an irreverent and entertaining game, it was held...
No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle - 8.0There is a famous quote that says, “Writing is rewriting.” Writers are told to make every word count. First drafts are always just that. Novelists make sure that every element of their story has meaning, while screenwriters constantly trim their scenes to include only what is needed. It appears that Suda 51 took this advice to heart while developing No More Heroes: Desperate Struggle. While the original No More Heroes could be an irreverent and entertaining game, it was held...
3 years ago - (WiiWare) Chronos Twins DX - 3.9
Chronos Twins DX is a platform game where the hook is that you control your character in two time periods simultaneously. When I first learned this, I thought, “Why did it take so long for somebody to make a game like this? And why isn’t it on the DS?” Turns out the WiiWare title is a remake of a 2007 DS game released in Europe. Has North America been missing out? Gameplay The story in Chronos Twins DX is really secondary to the gameplay and clearly just an excuse for...
(WiiWare) Chronos Twins DX - 3.9Chronos Twins DX is a platform game where the hook is that you control your character in two time periods simultaneously. When I first learned this, I thought, “Why did it take so long for somebody to make a game like this? And why isn’t it on the DS?” Turns out the WiiWare title is a remake of a 2007 DS game released in Europe. Has North America been missing out? Gameplay The story in Chronos Twins DX is really secondary to the gameplay and clearly just an excuse for...
3 years ago - Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers - 6.5
Generations of gamers have grown up and experienced various forms of the Final Fantasy universe. From the NES era to recent titles, the series has offered some really interesting ways for RPG fans to enjoy themselves. The Crystal Chronicles games on Nintendo consoles have taken the series in a different direction, offering a multiplayer experience geared more towards real-time action, instead of turn-based combat. The latest game in the series, The Crystal Bearers, attempts to give you an...
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers - 6.5Generations of gamers have grown up and experienced various forms of the Final Fantasy universe. From the NES era to recent titles, the series has offered some really interesting ways for RPG fans to enjoy themselves. The Crystal Chronicles games on Nintendo consoles have taken the series in a different direction, offering a multiplayer experience geared more towards real-time action, instead of turn-based combat. The latest game in the series, The Crystal Bearers, attempts to give you an...
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