Following on from Quimby’s excellent article on the possibilities of the upcoming new Nintendo console (the Wii – though I still prefer Revolution) I’ve decided to take a look at some of the games that are going to be released on or around the middle of November – that is provided it is not delayed.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
It’s the long awaited return of Link in a more mature form; with this flagship launch title looking to be one of the darkest and most amazing adventures in the series yet.� When Link travels to the Twilight Realm he turns into a wolf.� You of course use the Wii control to full effect, swinging for sword attacks and even fishing (there’s my idea gone).� Similar to Ico you have a horse to explore the world, and by all accounts it is sounding like it is quite a decent size too.� This is one of the games that truly everyone is looking forward to seeing.
Super Mario Galaxy
Bizarre and odd storyline aside, Super Mario Galaxy is everything that Mario Sunshine should have been.� Point and drag using the Wii controller, move Mario around the worlds in a slingshot motion, control him a more typical fashion on the levels and much more.� Finally, a Mario game that could meet expectations.
Red Steel
This game is an Ubisoft exclusive that takes full advantage of the movement of the controller to offer precise first person shooting and sword action.� Again, bad storyline aside you can fully control your character as you move forward to engage in hand to hand combat with a katana and a variety of other weapons.� Swing, and it swings with you.� Or does it?� There’s still some controversy over whether it is ‘free’ or pattern movement based.� This certainly sounds like it could be a lot of fun in multiplayer mode.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz
Once again Ai Ai, Me Me, Gon Gon and Baby return to a Nintendo console, only this time the controls will be even better!� Super Monkey Ball has always been a favourite of mine so I really hope that the Wii control system manages to be both accurate and fun – sore wrists I do not want!� Interestingly this version of the game offers boss battles, and a curious ‘jump’ feature with a flick of the Wii controller.� If it is still kept simple that one extra movement feature could allow even more nefarious puzzles!
Well, there are four choice games there.� However, what I’d really like to see is developers being as creative as possible, really pushing out the boat to give an immersive, interactive but above all entertaining experience.� I’m sure we all have our ideas of what that could mean, and certainly if the suggestion from David on Quimby’s article is anything to go by, they can be very, very good indeed.� Here’s what I think would work on the Wii:
A Non-Generic Horror Game
Horror gaming has pretty much been dominated by Resident Evil for a while now.� Don’t get me wrong, I love Resident Evil, though I think the storyline is somewhat lacking, and a bit odd in a way only the Japanese can produce.� The other big hitter, though with equally (at times) odd story is of course Silent Hill.� A game focussed on atmosphere rather than survival or gunplay would work well on the Wii, due to the potential for interaction.� Imagine sweeping a flashlight over a dark, dusty room, uncovering a child’s doll staring up at you.� Suddenly you hear a noise, so you swing the controller around to be confronted by… well who knows what.� But you get the idea!� I guess the atmosphere conjured up would be more akin to the original Alone in the Dark than anything else.
A God Sim on a Console With Good Controls
The Wii, provided its’ accuracy holds up, could well mean a decent game involving some sort of strategy element.� I’d plump for a god sim in a similar vain to Black and White.� Using the unique Wii-mote should mean doing away with clunky, unresponsive joypad control.
MechWarrior Wii
I can’t help but think that Nintendo have discovered the true-life controls of a mech, were one to ever be made (I don’t think it will by the way, due to the profile and size of the thing but anyway).� As such, using the analogue stick to move your vast humanoid around the landscape would work really well, whilst utilising the remote for first person action would equally do.� For those of you who played Shogo: Mobile Armour Division you’ll have an idea of what I mean.� Perhaps an option to turn the mech into a vehicle of some kind could result in minigames of racing?� Certainly there would be scope for citywide destruction etc.
Well, there’s three ideas.� Hopefully we’ll be seeing lots more of the Wii, and frankly just writing this has restored my faith somewhat!