The Nintendo Wii had a disappointing 2008 for hardcore fans although it managed to break sales records. Nintendo hopes to reconnect with their fans in 2009, starting with their spring lineup. So which titles stand heads and shoulders above the rests? Here are the top five most anticipated Nintendo Wii games of the spring.
5. Sonic and the Black Knight
Publisher: Sega, Developer: Sonic Team, Original Release Date: March 3, ESRB Rating: E 10+
Every time a Sonic platformer title appear on the Nintendo Wii, both Sega and Nintendo fans can’t hope but get excited. After returning to the old-school roots with Sonic and the Secret Rings, Sega expands on the formula by adding swords to the mix for Sonic and the Black Knight. With multiplayer modes to boot, this spring title should be one of the best platformers on the Nintendo Wii.
4. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time
Publisher: Square Enix, Developer: Square Enix, Original Release Date: March 24, ESRB Rating: E 10+
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles was one of the best cooperative games available on the Nintendo Gamecube.Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time is bringing that gameplay element to the next level byallowing Nintendo DS and Nintendo Wii users the ability to play together.Add in the seamlessly transition from single-player to multiplayer and you get one of the best cooperative video games on the Nintendo Wii with this spring title.
3. The Little King’s Story
Publisher: XSEED Games, Developer: Cing/Town Factory, Original Release Date: May 15, ESRB Rating: RP
One may be surprised to see so few Nintendo Wii simulation games that take complete advantage of the pointer controls of the system. The Little King’s Story is a mix between Sim City and Animal Crossing in which players have to build a kingdom while also taking requests from its citizens at the same time. Thanks to the unique blend of genres, this spring title should fill in the much needed niche of simulation games on the Nintendo Wii.
2. MadWorld
Publisher: Sega, Developer: Platinum Games, Original Release Date: March 10, ESRB Rating: M
Two of the biggest hurdles facing the Nintendo Wii are the lack of visually impressive games and the shortage of mature-rated titles. MadWorld takes care of both of these issues by offering an intense and ultra-violent video game with dazzling graphic novel visuals (similar to Sim City). With some of the gaming industry most-respected developers at the helm, MadWorld is one title hardcore gamers should keep an eye on when it comes out this spring.
1. New Play Control! Pikmin
Publisher: Nintendo, Developer: Nintendo, Original Release Date: March 9, ESRB Rating: E
Nintendo rely heavily on franchises that they created decades ago. One of their newer franchises was Pikmin. Coming straight from the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto (creator of Mario, Zelda and countless other classics), Pikmin is an adventure title with a strategic twist. You must command the friendly but mysterious plant-like creatures to help you recover your missing spaceship parts. With the added pointer function of the Wii Remote and a budgeted price of $29.99, New Play Control! Pikmin is the most anticipated Nintendo Wii game of the spring.
