Any "must have" Wii games?

[Gratch]

I've completely ignored the Wii so far, but finally broke down and bought one today so I could play Xenoblade Chronicles.  Just wondering if there are any real gems for the system that I need to check out as well.   I'm not a fan of Mario or Zelda games (blasphemous, I know), but maybe there's something else I should try.

[CeeKay]

I've heard good things about the Metroid Prime Trilogy re-released with Wii controls.  I had fun with Red Steel 2.  oh, and I absolutely loved The Godfather Blackhand Edition-  I need to replay that soon.

[PR_GMR]

If you've not played 'Zelda: Skyward Sword', don't call yourself a gamer. Just turn in your gamer card. 

[The Grue]

I question your taste if you don't like Mario games (the Mario Galaxy games, especially, are wonderful), but I will still try to help you out:

Kirby's Epic Yarn
Zack and Wiki
De Blob
Donkey Kong Country Returns
Punch-Out!
Super Paper Mario
Monster Hunter Tri
Rhythm Heaven Fever

Oh, yeah, and of course the Zelda and Mario games.

There are others that could be put on the list, but they eventually came out on other platforms, so not special to the Wii, like World of Goo and No More Heroes.

[Gratch]

There was an ultra-violent, highly stylized action game out of Japan a couple years back.  I remember thinking I needed to check out if I ever got a Wii, but now I can't remember the name of it.  Ring any bells?

I question your taste if you don't like Mario games (the Mario Galaxy games, especially, are wonderful)

Nothing against Mario per se, I really just don't enjoy platformers in general.

If you've not played 'Zelda: Skyward Sword', don't call yourself a gamer. Just turn in your gamer card.  

I honestly think Zelda might be the most overrated gaming series of all time.  (ducks)

[KC]

Mario Kart

[CeeKay]

There was an ultra-violent, highly stylized action game out of Japan a couple years back.  I remember thinking I needed to check out if I ever got a Wii, but now I can't remember the name of it.  Ring any bells?

No More Heroes?

[PR_GMR]

There was an ultra-violent, highly stylized action game out of Japan a couple years back.  I remember thinking I needed to check out if I ever got a Wii, but now I can't remember the name of it.  Ring any bells?

No More Heroes?

I think he means 'MadWorld'.

[Gratch]

Looks like there's a couple RPG's that are Wii exclusives.  Any thoughts on these?

-  Tales of Symphonia:  Dawn of the New World
-  Muramasa:  The Demon Blade
-  Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles:  Echoes of Time
-  Arc Rise Fantasia

[Kevin Grey]

There was an ultra-violent, highly stylized action game out of Japan a couple years back.  I remember thinking I needed to check out if I ever got a Wii, but now I can't remember the name of it.  Ring any bells?

No More Heroes or Mad World would be my guess.

You may want to try to the Trauma series of games since IIRC you enjoyed Persona 3's story and characters but not the gameplay.  The Trauma series aren't RPGs but they do have similar Atlus style stories and character designs.  

I know you like SRPGs- have you played the Fire Emblem series?  There is a FE entry on the Wii that is quite good but you really need to have played the Gamecube predecessor to get the most out of it.  Older Wiis are backwards compatible but I believe they removed BC from the latest models.  

[Gratch]

I know you like SRPGs- have you played the Fire Emblem series?  There is a FE entry on the Wii that is quite good but you really need to have played the Gamecube predecessor to get the most out of it.  Older Wiis are backwards compatible but I believe they removed BC from the latest models.  

For some reason, the FE games never clicked with me.  They always felt more like a puzzle game than an SRPG, and I couldn't really get into them.

No idea if I have an older or newer Wii.   Since I'm really only getting it for 2 games (Xenoblade & Last Story), I just grabbed whatever they had in stock. 

[Kevin Grey]

Maybe give "Fragile Dreams" a try.  I haven't played it but while the gameplay is supposed to be weak, I've heard excellent things about the story and world. 

[Devil]

Boom Blox

MLB Power Pro (if you can find it)

[CeeKay]

do you like the Silent Hill games?  is so Silent Hill Shattered Memories might be for you.

[Kagath]

No idea if I have an older or newer Wii.   Since I'm really only getting it for 2 games (Xenoblade & Last Story), I just grabbed whatever they had in stock. 

Was it new with a game? The smaller slimmed version doesn't have Gamecube compatibility if that ever becomes a concern.

[Laner]

There's other games besides Wii Bowling?

[Gratch]

No idea if I have an older or newer Wii.   Since I'm really only getting it for 2 games (Xenoblade & Last Story), I just grabbed whatever they had in stock. 

Was it new with a game? The smaller slimmed version doesn't have Gamecube compatibility if that ever becomes a concern.

Used unit from Gamestop.  The cheapest new one I could find was $149, and came with one Mario game or another.  Didn't really want to pay an extra $50 for something I'd never play.

Grabbed Muramasa:  The Demon Blade on the way home.  It got decent reviews and I'm a sucker for games with unique art direction.

[JCC]

Since you don't want to play Zelda or Mario, the easy recommendation is to pick up the Metroid Prime Trilogy if you've never given the series a try. It's 3 superb games. The first one in particular is an all time great.

Metroid Other M on the other hand, was shit.

[Kagath]

He'll have to pay a premium for the trilogy though.

I got lucky with mine on CL for $40 and it came with 2 other games I sold to make up a lot of the difference.

[Eel Snave]

There was an ultra-violent, highly stylized action game out of Japan a couple years back.  I remember thinking I needed to check out if I ever got a Wii, but now I can't remember the name of it.  Ring any bells?

I can't believe I know the answer to this but: Zangeki No Reginleiv?

[Gratch]

There was an ultra-violent, highly stylized action game out of Japan a couple years back.  I remember thinking I needed to check out if I ever got a Wii, but now I can't remember the name of it.  Ring any bells?

I can't believe I know the answer to this but: Zangeki No Reginleiv?

MadWorld was the one I was thinking of, but this looks kinda cool too.

[Bullwinkle]

There was an ultra-violent, highly stylized action game out of Japan a couple years back.  I remember thinking I needed to check out if I ever got a Wii, but now I can't remember the name of it.  Ring any bells?

I can't believe I know the answer to this but: Zangeki No Reginleiv?

MadWorld was the one I was thinking of, but this looks kinda cool too.

MadWorld is a lot of style but little substance.  May be worth a go if you can get it cheap, but really not great.

No More Heroes (or its sequel), OTOH, is worth it, if you haven't played it on PS3

[WorkingMike]

Okami is a great little game. I enjoyed A Boy and His Blob as well.

Did the Last Story come out yet? I heard good things about that.

[pr0ner]

I second both No More Heroes games and MadWorld.

[Gratch]

Okami is a great little game. I enjoyed A Boy and His Blob as well.

Did the Last Story come out yet? I heard good things about that.

Played Okami on PS2, thoroughly enjoyed it.

Last Story doesn't come out until June, I think.  Thanks Bob, as I've got to finish both Xenoblade and Diablo III by then.  And here I was thinking 2012 would be a slow gaming year for me!

[Purge]

I've got to finish [...] Diablo III by then.

Finish? How do you do that?

[Autistic Angel]

I've completely ignored the Wii so far, but finally broke down and bought one today so I could play Xenoblade Chronicles.  Just wondering if there are any real gems for the system that I need to check out as well.   I'm not a fan of Mario or Zelda games (blasphemous, I know), but maybe there's something else I should try.

What about Super Paper Mario?  Despite minor platforming with a dimensional twist, its stat-based active combat system, purchasable upgrades, and experience point progression make it very unlike a traditional Mario game.

Here, take a look at IGN's video review to get a sense of how it plays.  And if you want an even more traditional turn-based RPG experience, don't forget that the Wii is fully backwards compatible with the GameCube.  Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door is phenomenal game!

-Autistic Angel

[kronovan]

If you like survival Horror, the Resident Evil 4 remake still stands as the best game I've played on the Wii. Monster Hunter Tri is also a very good game.

[Gratch]

I've completely ignored the Wii so far, but finally broke down and bought one today so I could play Xenoblade Chronicles.  Just wondering if there are any real gems for the system that I need to check out as well.   I'm not a fan of Mario or Zelda games (blasphemous, I know), but maybe there's something else I should try.

What about Super Paper Mario?  Despite minor platforming with a dimensional twist, its stat-based active combat system, purchasable upgrades, and experience point progression make it very unlike a traditional Mario game.

Here, take a look at IGN's video review to get a sense of how it plays.  And if you want an even more traditional turn-based RPG experience, don't forget that the Wii is fully backwards compatible with the GameCube.  Paper Mario and the Thousand Year Door is phenomenal game!

-Autistic Angel

I dunno...other than gaining XP, it looks like same ol' platforming just with the 2D/3D element added.

[Rumpy]

In terms of first person shooters, Goldeneye is really quite decent for a Wii shooter, although with it coming out on the 360 and PS3 now, it might be a bit of a moot point. It also got quite hard towards the end, made harder by the imprecise aiming.

[The Grue]

I dunno...other than gaining XP, it looks like same ol' platforming just with the 2D/3D element added.

Ummmmmm...no.

[Bullwinkle]

In terms of first person shooters, Goldeneye is really quite decent for a Wii shooter, although with it coming out on the 360 and PS3 now, it might be a bit of a moot point. It also got quite hard towards the end, made harder by the imprecise aiming.

It came out for the other consoles in the Fall.

It was one of the best games in the FPS category on the Wii, though, for sure.

[Gratch]

I dunno...other than gaining XP, it looks like same ol' platforming just with the 2D/3D element added.

Ummmmmm...no.

Well, I'm convinced!   

All the gameplay video I've seen shows Mario running left to right (or back to front when switching planes), stomping on enemy's heads to kill them, timed jumps, and basic puzzle solving.  Guess I'm just not sure how that isn't pretty standard Mario platforming.

[The Grue]

Did you see any platforms?

[Bullwinkle]

I dunno...other than gaining XP, it looks like same ol' platforming just with the 2D/3D element added.

Ummmmmm...no.

Well, I'm convinced!  

All the gameplay video I've seen shows Mario running left to right (or back to front when switching planes), stomping on enemy's heads to kill them, timed jumps, and basic puzzle solving.  Guess I'm just not sure how that isn't pretty standard Mario platforming.

Because jumping on an enemy (or walking into one) takes you to an RPG battle scene.  There your different powers require you to do different things, usually with an arcadey feel.  For example, one power might bring up a power bar that fills.  If you time your button press right, Mario will jump on the enemy for more damage.  Another might have you furiously pounding the A button to send Koopas shell out with a lot of power.  Or maybe it's pulling the stick to the left, holding, then flicking it to the right.  Some moves are easier than others, some are more powerful.  All of them give the game a different feel than most other RPGs.  Certainly completely different than other Mario games.

There are also items you can use in battle, and, as mentioned, you play as more than just Mario.  You collect companions as you go, and they all have there own methods of fighting.

Also, this ain't no "Princess is in another castle" scenario.  There's a full story here.  And Mario and Co. wander into towns and converse with people to get quests or buy items or look for hidden stuff.  You know, like an RPG.  Unlike an RPG, there is some mild platforming involved to find said hidden stuff (though nothing like you find in typical Mario games).  Which makes it all very Mario.  As does the style and sense of humor in the games.

Really, these games are unlike any Mario game you've played, and they're unlike other RPGs.  And yet, they are quintessentially Mario RPGs.

[Harpua3]

Mario RPGs do indeed rock!

[Eel Snave]

No, no. Super Paper Mario is actually jumping on heads, etc. which Gratch doesn't like.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, on the other hand, takes you to the battle scenes. This game is superior to Super Paper Mario in almost every way.

[Gratch]

No, no. Super Paper Mario is actually jumping on heads, etc. which Gratch doesn't like.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, on the other hand, takes you to the battle scenes. This game is superior to Super Paper Mario in almost every way.

See, this is what I thought.  Thousand Year Door looks like it has turn-based battles, which make it infinitely more ineresting.  I might actually give that one a shot after Xenoblade.  Super Paper Mario looks like a regular Mario game, i.e. "jumping on heads".

[The Grue]

No, no. Super Paper Mario is actually jumping on heads, etc. which Gratch doesn't like.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, on the other hand, takes you to the battle scenes. This game is superior to Super Paper Mario in almost every way.

See, this is what I thought.  Thousand Year Door looks like it has turn-based battles, which make it infinitely more ineresting.  I might actually give that one a shot after Xenoblade.  Super Paper Mario looks like a regular Mario game, i.e. "jumping on heads".

He linked to Thousand Year Door and I thought that is what we were talking about.  Yeah, you should get Thousand Year Door.

[Gratch]

No, no. Super Paper Mario is actually jumping on heads, etc. which Gratch doesn't like.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door, on the other hand, takes you to the battle scenes. This game is superior to Super Paper Mario in almost every way.

See, this is what I thought.  Thousand Year Door looks like it has turn-based battles, which make it infinitely more ineresting.  I might actually give that one a shot after Xenoblade.  Super Paper Mario looks like a regular Mario game, i.e. "jumping on heads".

He linked to Thousand Year Door and I thought that is what we were talking about.  Yeah, you should get Thousand Year Door.

Heh, no wonder we were confused.  AA mentioned Thousand Year Door in his post, but linked to the IGN review of Super Paper Mario.  I was trying to figure out what in the world you guys were seeing that I wasn't!