With Wii on Top, Nintendo Focuses on Good Games
Nintendo's Wii didn't get much respect when it was unveiled at E3 a few years back, but the Big N quickly silenced the critics when gamers worldwide bought every Wii they could get their hands on, out-pacing the competition by miles (it's now the number 1 console in the U.S. in terms of sales) and spawning something of a cultural phenomenon along the way. But, many of those gamers are now complaining that there aren't enough good games out for the system. Understandably, Nintendo focused on games at this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), which was held earlier this week in Los Angeles. Here are some of the great ones the company has on display.
'Wii Sports Resort'
'Wii Sports' is the best-selling game on the Wii -- largely because it's also included for free with the console. But, it's undoubtedly also one of the most fun games for the system. Nintendo's hoping to find that success again with 'Wii Sports Resort,' a new release that offers a bunch of new, simple games like archery, swordfighting, and Frisbee. All of those mini-games rely on the new Motion Plus accessory, which will be included with the game when it ships on July 26th.
'Super Mario Bros. Wii'
'New Super Mario Bros.' on the DS was a huge success for Nintendo, updating the classic 2-D platform with flashier graphics, new power-ups, and new levels. Now Nintendo's doing it on the Wii with a similar looking title called 'Super Mario Bros. Wii.' The big news here is that the game will support up to four players, meaning you and three friends can race and hop through levels, crushing Koopa and his minions all the while. A few minutes of time with the game was enough to convince us that it should be a blast when it ships this holiday season.
'Wii Fit Plus'
The Wii Fit sold like hotcakes when it was released last year. Then, much like with the Wii itself, many of its users just stopped using it, partly because the included selection of games was pretty minimal. Nintendo is fixing that with 'Wii Fit Plus.' It's a new collection of games that will have you navigating through obstacle courses and even riding Segway scooters, all with nothing more than the Balance Board accessory. It'll also include a series of new workouts, and will let you compare scores with friends online (not to mention having you do silly looking things like flap your arms as if you're flying -- don't laugh, it's actually good for you). The title is due out this Fall -- if you already own a Balance Board, then you won't have to shell out for a new one, since the new title will come in a game-only package.
'Super Mario Galaxy 2'
'Super Mario Galaxy' was the first proper Mario title for the Wii, a great game, and naturally a huge success. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Nintendo is simply giving gamers more of what they want with 'Super Mario Galaxy 2.' Little is known about the title at this point, other than the fact that Mario's zinging around in space again, and that faithful dino/steed Yoshi will be making an appearance. Sadly, we won't be seeing 'Galaxy 2' until 2010.
'Metroid: Other M'
Looking for a little more Samus in your life? Nintendo is, too, and is getting this latest dose from an unfamiliar source -- Team Ninja. That's the developer behind the always action-packed 'Ninja Gaiden,' and it should inject a strong dose of adrenaline into a series that's fun, but perhaps a little slower than it needs to be. The game is called 'Metroid: Other M,' but beyond that not a lot is known -- except that it, too, isn't due until next year.
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