Wii launch line-up preview – Part 1
In this two part feature, we take a look at some of the games that will be available on launch day, and within the first few months of the Wii’s life. The successful launch of a console requires a large selection of quality titles. Will Nintendo launch the Wii with a big bang, or will they repeat the mistakes of the Gamecube and launch a console alongside weak software.
In Part 1, we look at the likes of Zelda, Metroid Prime, Red Steel, WiiSports, and Excite Truck. Click continue reading for more.
Read Part 2 With the launch of the Wii expected within the next few months, we at Vooks thought it would be an appropriate time to take a look at what software would be available in the first few months of the Wiis life. This line up preview will feature two parts, each looking at five to six games.
Launching a console is a huge event for any gaming company, and it is vital that Nintendo do it right. Having a successful launch puts a console in a position where it is more likely to have a successful lifespan. The launch lineup for the Gamecube was weak, and though the Gamecube has not been a failure, it certainly could have performed much better. Was the launch to blame? Probably not entirely, but it certainly wasnt a good start.
Perhaps Nintendo have learnt some valuable lessons from the mistakes they made with the Gamecube. As far as launch lineup goes, it seems Nintendo have ensured that us gamers are provided with a great line up of games that spans for the first 6 months of the Wiis life. There are some fantastic looking games coming out with the Wii and after reading this list, we hope that you are as excited as we are.
Before I get onto the games, please be reminded that some of the games I will discuss are not due for release on the actual launch of the Wii, but rather in the proximity of about 6 months. Also, with Nintendo, delay is inevitable at times so any number of these games could be delayed. We hope that this is not the case but do not rule it out.
Now, onto the games!
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Action/Adventure
This is a game that Nintendo and gaming fans alike have been anticipating for a great length of time. Originally announced for the Gamecube, Twilight Princess (TP) is now going to be released, as an enhanced version, on the Wii. Its still coming out on the Gamecube though, which is only fair considering the wait weve endured for this game.
Each Nintendo console or handheld has with it at least one epic Zelda adventure. Whilst Wind Waker for the Cube was a great title, it left a sour taste in some peoples mouth. The cel-shaded graphics and drawn out sea exploration were the main culprits for criticism. However, TP has reverted back to normal graphics, which is pleasing to many fans of the Zelda series. Nintendo have worked on this title for several years now and it has been promised to deliver hours upon hours of game time. In fact, Eijo Aonuma has suggested that players that explore the game and complete all side quests could expect in excess of 100 hours of gameplay.
In this entry to the Legend of Zelda series, Link is befriended by a Witch called Midna after stumbling into the Twilight. Together they will travel the great Kingdom in search for answers.
Using the capabilities of the Wii, TP will allow us to use the Wii-mote as a sword, shield, bow, and even a fishing rod. Furthermore, the motion sensing nunchuk can also be used for various special attacks. The prospect of playing through a Zelda game with such interactivity is an exciting one, and we can only hope Nintendo pull it off.
TP also adds some new elements, such as the ability for Link to turn into a Wolf. The game seems to have an animal element as Link can also interact with various animals in the game. We can also expect some great big, bad dungeons filled with huge, imposing bosses. What towns will Links adventure take him to? What people will he meet? What evil does Ganondorf have install this time? No doubt these questions will be answered as we are transported into a mythical world with our hero Link.
TP is simply looking amazing, theres no other way to put it. We could dribble on for hours and hours about what details we know. We could analysis screenshots and movies into the early hours of the morning but we all know this game will be awesome. The only things Nintendo need to ensure is that the Wii-mote/nunchuk is used effectively and adds to the experience, not detracts from it, and that the game adds enough original ideas. Weve all played the collect mystical items in various dungeons before defeating Ganondorf plot before. Thats not to say we dont want dungeons, but we do need something else. Hopefully the ability to turn into the Wolf will be integral part of the game, and not just a gimmicky extra.
TP is expected on launch day for the Wii and it is certainly one of the most anticipated games here at Vooks.
Metroid Prime: Corruption
Developer: Retro Studios
Genre: First person adventure
Corruption is another game that is made even more exciting due to the nature of the Wii console, in particular the Wii-mote and nunchuk. Everything about Corruption seems pretty similar to both Echoes and Prime. The game even looks pretty similar visually, although Corruption seems to boast slightly nicer graphics. That said, even a 3rd installment of this series would be a bonus at launch, even if it were just another installment. However, the Wii-mote/nunchuk combination means playing Corruption will be a totally new experience.
Using the unique control scheme, we can now control Samus with more interactivity than ever. By using hand gestures, we can make Samus turn or use her equipment such as the grapple beam. The Wii-mote will be used to aim meaning youll have to have quick reflexes or risk being destroyed by an army of space pirates. Using the analogue on the nunchuk to move and the Wii-mote to look around looks like a great combination. This is the type of game that really suits the Wii. Hopefully Retro can truly utilise the potential of the Wii in a way that makes as reconsider how first person shooters are played. Could this combination even topple the mouse and keyboard as the best way to play FPS?
Corruption does not have a multiplayer mode but Retro have shared thoughts that the WiiConnect24 service might be of use for this game. Retro have also mentioned that the game will involve less scanning, and new beams will add onto already existing beams, rather then being totally new.
Corruption is shaping up to be another stellar installment from the people at Retro. How will it play on the Wii? Reports from E3 suggest that whilst it was good, it could have been better in some regards. Will Retro be able to perfect the control scheme in the next few months? Will Corruption force us to acknowledge a new king of FPS control? Only time can tell. Corruption has been confirmed as a launch title so start saving your money.
Red Steel
Developer: Ubisoft
Genre: First person shooter
Red Steel came from nowhere yet it created quite a buzz in the gaming community. It is certainly one of the most talked about and anticipated games from a 3rd party developer. It is the kind of game Nintendo loyalist love. One that has mature written all over it, one that Nintendo fans can display proudly and without shame. Red Steel is a game that involves guns, swords, kidnappings, the Yakuza, and vengeance all the ingredients you need for an excellent, mature title.
Red Steel is another game that is made more exciting due to the nature of the Wii. Had Nintendos next console just been more powerful, then this game would probably not have even existed. If it did, then it surely wouldnt have generated that much excitement. With the Wii-mote and nunchuk though, we can engage in swords fights that require us to actually swing the Wii-mote like a sword. Aiming a gun will also require the Wii-mote, in a similar way to Corruption.
Red Steel was a disappointment at E3 this year, and the controls just didnt seem to work very well. However, Ubisoft are one of the most talented developers out there and we at VOOKS still anticipate this title very much. We are confident that Ubisoft have taken the criticism on board and put much effort into improving the game. Red Steel has enormous potential and hopefully Ubisoft can tap into that. Its not often that a 3rd party developer can generate so much excitement and discussion for a game on a Nintendo console. Red Steel has done that though, and now its up to Ubisoft to deliver the goods.
Red Steel is definitely a game to keep an eye on in the coming months prior to launch. The prospect of having a sword fight with a Yakuza gang member is flat out awesome, and if the control scheme for the Wii can truly revolutionise FPSs, then Red Steel will be the perfect vessel to show us.
A more in depth preview of Red Steel is available in the previews section.
WiiSports
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Sports
WiiSports is an interesting little title from Nintendo themselves. It comes across as a game that is nothing more than a glorified tech-demo, the kind of game that shows people just what the Wii can do but little else. It may end up that this is infact the case, and the game might even be packaged with the Wii.
Right now, there are four confirmed sports to be included in WiiSports. They are baseball, golf, tennis, and a plane game. The graphics are quite basic and primitive in WiiSports. In fact, they appear to be no better then a really good N64 game which is disappointing. Though we are accustomed to the fact that gameplay is more important then graphics, we still expect at least Gamecube quality visuals. Well, at least I do. That said, WiiSports is still intriguing and has earned itself quite a bit of anticipation from Vooks staff.
Each game is made to utilise the capabilities of the Wii-mote. For example, you can use the Wii-mote and swing it like a baseball bat or tennis racquet. In fact, the only thing you need to play these games is the Wii-mote. The Wii-mote is so versatile you can even hit a tennis ball with back of front spin. The degree to of force you use will also influence how hard you hit a tennis ball, baseball, or even golf ball. In WiiPlane, you use the Wii-mote to guide a plane around various landscapes.
It is obvious Nintendo are creating this game with simplicity in mind. They want this game to be playable by all people, regardless of their experience with games. For example, the baseball game only involves pitching and hitting a ball for as many home runs as possible. There are no bases to cover, no team, no fielding. This may mean the game loses its appeal after a short while but it will certainly be a good game for people who need to get accustomed to the Wii, which is all of us. Nintendo might add some more depth to each game within the WiiSports lineup. However, like I said, it may be more of a tech demo that may come with the Wii or be a cheaper title.
What will become of WiiSports? Will it be the party game that we all must own or will it just be a budget title aimed at showing what the Wii can do? Well know the answer to these questions in a few months time.
ExciteTruck
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Racing
Another title from Nintendo, ExciteTruck is a new installment in the Excite
ExciteTruck looks like it will be a lot of fun, especially with a few friends around. Racing trucks might not seem that exciting, but with the Wii-mote it will be a totally different experience. The game looks pretty good graphically and it seems to include some nice large landscapes to race over. For the adrenalin junky out their, ExciteTruck might just be the game for you come launch day.
Join as next week for Part 2 where we look at several tantalizing titles such as Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Sonic the Hedgehog.
