The Nintendo Wii video game console hit the market in a flurry in 2006. Unlike many video game consoles, Nintendo Wii encourages a social gaming experience. According to Forbes, despite the economic slowdown the demand for Wii consoles and games remains high. We love our Wii.
Large franchises continue to introduce well-known video games for Wii, as do small upstarts with creative ideas for the Wii, like World of Goo. With so many video games from which to choose, make sure you have the following top ten 2008 games or at least put them on your holiday wish list. This list includes games for hard core gamers and fun loving gamers from kids to parents and grandparents.
2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: Super Smash Bros Brawl
Super Smash Bros. Brawl, released March 9, 2008, is one of the must-have games for the Nintendo Wii system. This arcade style fighting game introduces a new cast of characters, gadgets, and tricks to the original Super Smash Bros. game created for the Game Cube. Unlike other Wii video games, Super Smash Bros. Brawl requires a more traditional game controller, which fans of the franchise seem to appreciate.
2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: World of Goo
World of Goo is a puzzling construction game or a construction game puzzle full of goo. Either way you describe it, World of Goo allows players to construct a myriad of projects using droplets of goo. When not bonded with other goo droplets, they wonder through the game. Your job is to build a structure that will allow the goo droplets to reach a pipe through which they will be sucked. Once you achieve that, you move to the next level of goo. The challenge is ongoing and the scenarios ever changing in this surprising hit Nintendo Wii video game.
2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: Mario Kart Wii
Any Mario game is destined for greatness on any gaming platform, including Mario Kart for Nintendo Wii. Mario practically birthed the modern video gaming era, and he’s performed well on every video game system since. Add two-wheelers and stunts to the traditional go-cart with guns video games and you have the formula for Mario Kart Wii. Gamers from the youngest to the oldest will discover and enjoy new stunts while collecting goodies and avoiding pitfalls. This is a fun-filled multi-player game which allows for dozens of combinations of play. It is responsive to the Wii driving wheel tool and it doesn’t take long to get used to one of the best tracks we’ve seen from the view of our Mario Kart.
2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: Guitar Hero World Tour
Guitar Hero has taken the video gaming world by storm, combining the favorite of two hobbies: gaming and music. Guitar Hero possible proves that everyone really does “Wanna be a Rock Star.” At least the game gives them the opportunity, including the Guitar Hero World Tour for Nintendo Wii. Guitar Hero World Tour, on all systems, has set out to catch up to Rockband that rocked its way into the exclusive music franchise Guitar Hero had created. World Tour offers players the chance to record and upload their own music. In most cases, the music is a little scary, but the fun had created the music makes the game well worth the purchase. Make sure you are getting the package and not just the game when you buy Nintendo Wii Guitar Hero World Tour. Games and guitars are sold separately, but to ensure you have everything you need, I recommend you pick up the deal as a package. You’ll probably save a few bucks that way, too. The good news is that Guitar Hero is compatible with Rock Band instruments, as well.
2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: Animal Crossing, City Folk
In an ideal world, if you could live like you wanted and spend time how you wanted what would you do? That is exactly what you do in the Animal Crossing franchise. Nintendo Wii’s addition to the franchise: Animal Crossing, City Folk life is still only as hectic as you make it but there are different things to do and more ways to spend your time and money. Meet your neighbors, shop in the city, or rummage through boutiques in town. It’s up to the players to work together to build an ideal town. The object of the game is to build relationships with simulated players who each have “experiences” of their own that make them unique.
Animal Crossing has always been a relaxing and game filled with simple challenges, the same ones we negotiate in day to day life. The beauty of the Animal Crossing video game is that it allows you to express your personality, customizing your home, furniture, clothes and accessories.
Some might think it is a dumbed-down version of a Sims type game. More realistically, it is a slower, more realistic version of a game that teaches relational and negotiation skills at a pace that doesn’t get your blood racing. Adults and kids alike enjoy this game because it provides a little bit of relaxation in a hectic virtual world.
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2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: Family Party, 30 Great Games
This is a prediction of what will become a popular and best selling game for Nintendo Wii. Family Party will offer 30 games that involve everything from shooting games, obstacle courses, memory games and more. Like the original Sports Pack that comes with the Wii game system, the Family Party Pack has a variety of games that will keep friends and family entertained for hours. This video game will exploit one of the best features of Nintendo Wii, the social bonding and game playing experience. It isn’t on any top ten of best sellers yet, because it has yet to be released, but I’m willing to bet it will become one of their top sellers as the Nintendo Wii system continues to bring friends and families together across age and gender gaps. Release date is December 2.
2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: Shaun White Snowboarding
This is the type of game Wii players love, interactive fun that provides a work-out and simulated skiing without the dangers of getting hurt. Ubisoft has already introduced Shaun White games on other systems, but the Nintendo Wii offers an element of control and realism that cannot be achieved standard gaming consoles. This game uses the Wii Fit board, but has standards align their body on it as if it were a snowboard. You then lean and push your weight in the direction you want to go. Shaun White Snowboarding video game for Nintendo Wii provides everything that the Wii is about. It is one game where you have no choice but to get up and experience the game.
2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: Sonic Unleashed
Sonic Unleashed was just released for the Nintendo Wii on November 18. Relying on a franchise favorite, Sonic, a new twist on the hedgehog games. Sega previously released Mario and Sonic at the Olympics, Sonic and the Secret Rings, and Sonic Spin for the Wii. After Sonic has taken some hits for the previous games it is hoped that Sonic Unleashed will renew interest in the franchise. Sonic is accompanied by a Werehog in this platform game that has a variety of levels and bosses to be conquered. Gamers enjoy the Sonic speed levels the best in Sonic Unleashed. Hardcore Sonic “speed” fans have not been as receptive as other Wii gamers, but overall the game gets good ratings and reviews. Sonic and Werehog work their way through a labyrinth of temples to graduate from one level to the next. Sonic is a classic that always ends up in our every growing stockpile of video games. Plus, with the Wii platform ideal for social gaming, this game fits nicely into a top ten cache of Nintendo Wii 2008 games. The only thing I haven’t quite figured out on Sonic Unleashed is the purpose of the Werehog. Sega can do better characters than that!
2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: WWE Smackdown 2009
I would be remiss, not to mention have my Wii controller taken away, if I failed to mention the recent release of WWE Smackdown. Year after year, release after release gamers snap up WWE video games. Released November 9, the projections for WWE Smackdown 2009 video game for the Nintendo Wii system are the same. Wii.ign.com, already lists WWE Smackdown as the top Wii video game you must own this year. Unlock top characters and Smackdown challenges for the ultimate in WWE video simulation.
2008 Top Nintendo Wii Video Games: Wii Fit
Wii Fit was introduced earlier this year. While it may not be a favorite of the traditional gamer, Wii fit is attracting parents and even grandparents to the video game console. Wii Fit offers a fitness chart for each player. It uses a balancing board to deliver information about body alignment and strength to the video console. It even keeps track of your body mass index and helps keep track of your progress toward fitness goals.
Sources:
Irwin, Mary Jane, “Games We Play: Wee Games, Big Ambitions,” Forbes.com
Irwin, Mary Jane, “Recession Proof Wii,” Forbes.com
“Nintendo Wii,”www.nintendo.com
“Sonic Unleashed,” Gametrailers.com
“World of Goo,” 2DBoy.com
