This week we offer you Part 2 in looking at some of the Wii games that will be available launch day and beyond. In this edition, we look at Sonic Wild Fire, Super Monkey Ball, Super Mario Galaxy, and Smash Bros. Brawl. We hope you enjoy the article!
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Read Part 1 Title: Sonic: Wild Fire
Developer: Sega
Genre: Platform, action
Sonic: Wild Fire is another exclusive Wii title from a third-party developer, this time Sega. Modern Sonic games have not fared as well earlier titles that graced the likes of the Sega Mega Drive. Many of us have missed the simple, yet incredibly addictive gameplay that was the staple of the Sonic franchise. However, Wild Fire promises to be a return to form as Sonic and co. once again return to what they do best running at high speeds from the beginning of the level till the end. In doing so, you need to also collect coins and avoid the various enemies scattered throughout the level. Its Sonic as we know and love it.
Of course, all this is going to be done with the new Wii-mote. To play Wild Fire, you simply hold the control in a horizontal position, much like the original NES pad. You then tilt the control either left or right to steer move Sonic. To jump, all you need to do is tap the 2 button. This simple control scheme emphasizes the direction Nintendo want to take with video games; by offering games that can be played and enjoyed by all people, whether new to games or seasoned professionals.
Naturally, the game does offer slightly more then running and jumping. For example, the length of time you spend holding the 2 button will affect the length of time Sonic jumps. Furthermore, by moving the Wii-mote in a downward movement when Sonic is airborne, Sonic can perform an attack. The game offers an automatic targeting system meaning you need only focus on the downward movement, and not where youre facing so to speak.
Much like previous Sonic games, the levels will be scattered with various environmental objects that will either help or hinder your progress. Expect a collection of traps such as pits and helpful additions such as turbo pads, which will increase your speed for a brief period of time.
Wild Fire is set in an Arabian theme so we can expect some nice scenery, though we might not get time to appreciate it with the intense speed. The aim of the game is to simply reach the end of the level and progress onto the next. However, there is a points system whereby you can unlock goodies such as secret levels. Sega have also suggested that the Chaos Emeralds would be in the game, and collecting them would allow Sonic to upgrade his abilities. Just what abilities Sonic can receive remains to be seen.
Wild Fire is looking like a return to form for the much-loved Sega mascot. By returning to the simplistic gameplay of yesteryear, in combination with the Wii-mote abilities, Wild Fire is shaping up to be a blast. It is certainly a game to keep an eye out, especially for any announcements regarding to multiplayer or the WiiConnect24 service.
Title: Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz
Developer: Sega
Genre: Action/Puzzle
When I first began to understand how the Wii-mote and Nunchuk would work, once of the first games that I thought would suit the control scheme perfectly was Super Monkey Ball. You do, after all, tilt the levels in Monkey Ball in order for you to roll the Monkeys around. Instead of using the analogue control stick to manipulate the level, you could simply use the Wii-mote to tilt the levels around. Using an entire control, rather then just the analogue, would offer more precision and easier control. That was my view of the matter anyway.
It came as no surprise when Sega announced that they would be making a new entry in the Monkey Ball franchise for the Wii. As I already mentioned, the game just seems to fit the Wii perfectly. The game appears to be much the same as previous installments. Simply roll your chosen monkey around the level, collect the bananas and reach the goal. Of course, the levels become increasingly harder and seriously frustrating in later levels. Levels are filled with hazards such as bumps, thin pathways, sharp turns, moving obstacles, and so forth. Its a fun and challenging concept and trying to complete all levels will test all your skills.
The main game in Monkey Ball is good fun, yet the multiplayer mini-games are where the real entertainment begins. The E3 Demo of Banana blitz contains 12 mini-games, which is a fantastic sign. Each game uses the Wii-mote and Nunchuk in different ways, and if they can provide as much fun as some of the previous mini-games did, then Banana Blitz is shaping up to be a very solid title.
The games available on the E3 demo included ;
Whack-a-mole, ring toss, jump rope, darts, high-wire act, fruit basket, hammer throw, fish catcher, hovercraft race, flag panic, alien attack, and hurdle race.
How many games appear in the final version remains to be seen, but if get in the vicinity of 12, then Banana Blitz could be both an excellent action/puzzle game and brilliant party game with a few friends.
Title: Super Mario Galaxy
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Platform
Although SMG isnt scheduled for launch day, it has been promised for a release early next year. In any case, it is just too hard to resist talking about the next Mario Platformer. Super Mario 64 is still one of the very best examples of brilliant game design, even still today. Mario 64 was a marvelous transition from 2D to 3D and upon playing the game for the first time; you felt like you had just been transported into an entirely new universe. It was a magical experience that will forever be remember by gaming enthusiast.
Super Mario Sunshine was a great game in my opinion, though it didnt have the same impact that Mario 64 did. Though, expected Sunshine to live up to Mario 64 was perhaps a little irrational, considering the change from 2D to 3D cannot be replicated. Whatever your opinion on Sunshine, it was Marios flagship title for the Gamecube. Super Mario Galaxy is Nintendos next flagship title, and the first for the Wii.
Weve been waiting for information on Marios next platform title for quite some time. In fact, some of us were still asking where it was, even with Sunshine released. Even to this very day, many of us are still confused as to whether Galaxy will be the proper sequel (Mario 128 as it has been dubbed) to Mario 64. Is galaxy this sequel? Does Mario 128 even exist? Are we to hard to please? I can only answer one of these questions, as Im in the same position as every Nintendo fan in regards to Mario 128. That all said, Galaxy is certainly looking like a promising title for the Wii.
SMG obviously takes place in space, which should be an interesting change of pace. The E3 demo showed Mario exploring various small planets, often proceeding from one planet to the next quite quickly. We expect that some planets will be quite large and often plenty of land to run, jump, and flip around on. Perhaps there will be major planets (or levels) in game, each connected by a series of smaller planets.
The obvious question that comes to mind when we consider SMG is how it will work with the new control set-up for the Wii. Well, you control Marios movement with the analogue stick on the Nunchuk attachment allowing you to explore the vast universe with great ease. A button on the Nunchuk can also be pressed to centre the camera if you feel the need. Tapping the A button on the Wii-mote will cause Mario to jump. Different combinations of pressing A will lead to different jumps, such as the triple jump for example. The motion sensing abilities of the Wii-mote are utilized in several different ways; for example, twisting the Wii-mote will cause Mario to perform a twist move in the game. Marios twist, which, incidentally, can also be performed with the Nunchuk, can be sued to fend of enemies, hit switches, or break open boxes as just a few examples.
As Mario explores the various planets, and you can walk around the whole planet, even if it means being upside down, the player uses the combination of the Nunchuk and Wii-mote to play the game. In the E3 demo, you could move from one planet to another by touching a star, which launched you onto the next planet. There some interesting boss fights demoed too (see pictures/movies) that require you to use the twist move. For example, an octopus-like creature that spat balls at you required you to do the twist (or spin, which sounds better) move in order for Mario to knock the balls back at the boss.
We still have much to learn about SMG, but it was certainly exciting to see some footage and read some impressions based on the E3 2006 demo. Mario games are always extremely popular and well received by gamers. With the use of the ingenious Wii-mote and Nunchuk, SMG may possibly be one of the most exciting and fresh Mario titles to grace a Nintendo console ever. Bring on 2007.
Title: Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Developer: Nintendo
Genre: Fighting
One of the biggest surprises of E3 this year was the announcement of a new Smash Bros. title for the Wii. Although some of us expected news on a new Smash Bros., Nintendos keynote address passed without any mention of such news. We just assumed that a new Smash Bros. wasnt on the horizon just yet. However, Nintendo did release a movie and information on Brawl in a private revealing during E3. When the movie and information was released onto the Internet, it sent a shockwave of excitement around the globe.
The movie was a masterpiece in terms of creating excitement and salivating inducing anticipation. It was oozing with style as it showcased some of the characters in Smash Bros. fighting with some well-orchestrated music in the background. As the likes of Mario and Link were fighting, they appeared to transform from Gamecube character models to newer models, representing what they will look like in the Wii version. The movie also showed some new items, such as a Smash Bros. logo that allowed characters to perform what look like special moves.
However, the most important piece of information the movie revealed was the new characters we can expect. The movie started to focus on the new characters, including Meta-Knight, Kid Icarus, Wario, Zero-Suit Samus, and Snake, from Metal Gear Solid fame. The inclusion of Snake was perhaps the most talked about aspect of the movie, and it prompted gamers to discuss what other third party characters might appear in the game.
At the moment, Smash Bros. Brawl is still a good year of and we dont really know what to expect from this title. It has been confirmed that it will include online mode, which is essential if you ask me. In fact, a well designed and in depth online mode would make this a candidate for best multiplayer game. We also know that the game will remain true to its roots, not taking advantage of the Wiis motion sensing capabilities. We just know that it will be another Nintendo smash fest feature beloved characters from the video game world. I hope Nintendo take the next year to truly implement a fantastic online mode for Smash Bros., as I look forward to fighting gamers from around the world. Hopefully the WiiConnect24 service can also be used, allowing us to download new character suits, items, levels, and even characters
Expect Smash Bros. Brawl sometime next year, possibly in the middle to later part of the year.
We hope you enjoyed our look at some of the Wii games coming out in the next year or so. In the future, we will look at some more games, including Nintendo’s new IPs, Project H.A.M.M.E.R and Disaster: Day of Crisis. Furthermore, we will look at a plethora of other titles such as Elebits, Madden 2007, Rayman: Raving Rabbids, and plenty more.
I would like to acknowledge www.wii.ign.com for the list of mini-games available on Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz.
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