The 50 Best Nintendo Wii Games - Part Two

I'm sure you read the title of this article and did a double take. Perhaps if you had a liquid in your mouth, you spit it all over your screen. Sorry about that. You might say to yourself, "The Wii doesn't even have ten games were playing, so how can you possibly list fifty?!" Well, this series of five articles is intended for such uninformed statements. You might look at a game on this list, and laugh. They might not all be AAA blockbusters, but a great game is a great game regardless of content or budget. Lots of people learned that lesson with the Wii and handhelds devices.

On this week's installment of The 50 Best Nintendo Wii Games, we have a cornucopia of genres and franchises being represented. We have platforming, shooting, survival-horror, swordplay, and even some golf thrown in for good measure (yes, golf). Perhaps this second list of ten best Wii games will pique your curiosity and make you "dust off" that Wii of yours and try a game out you would never have known about otherwise.

Once again, I remind people that only North American releases will be listed here. Sorry, Fatal Frame, Disaster, and Pandora's Tower fans.

Super Mario Galaxy 2

Here we are, starting off with one of the best games of this generation, Super Mario Galaxy 2. The game was essentially a game based on the ideas that the developers of the original Galaxy couldn't fit into that game. Super Mario Galaxy 2 brought with it a stiffer challenge, basically heeding the calls of those who criticized the first game for its ease of difficulty in most levels. And if a certain level is too difficult to complete for a player, that player can use the Cosmic Guide function to have the computer play through the level for them. However, the player won't earn a regular gold Power Star, they will be stuck with a bronze Power Star until they have completed the level on their own. The game itself, much like its predecessor, had so much innovative and intelligent level design, great ideas like a level that changes with the beat of the music or a 2D level that switches gravity on the fly, and a fantastic soundtrack. Super Mario Galaxy 2 is definitely not as groundbreaking as Mario's first 3D adventure on Wii, but I would dare say that it is no doubt superior. It oozes perfection within its creative levels, tight gameplay, and constant surprises. If you own a Wii and don't own this game, you are doing yourself a major disservice.

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

I said it in my review that many said that Capcom localizing their seventh game in their popular Vs. fighting series, Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, would not stand a chance of coming out legally outside of Japan. But with the help of Tatsunoko Production, Capcom was able to plow through the red tape and deliver the one of the greatest traditional fighting games of the generation. Multiple reviewers asked if the Wii was the right platform for the game, but then again, most of these people didn't and still don't view the Wii as a "real" gaming console (whatever that means), thinking the Wii didn't deserve "hardcore" games (how dare Nintendo steal our games!). Despite these doubts, Capcom has stated that the project was a success both critically, mechanically, and financially. Regardless, I enjoyed Tatsunoko vs. Capcom over Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for the reason that the gameplay was accessible enough for fighting game tyros like me (it used three buttons for attacks), yet containing enough depth for fighting game veterans. The gameplay generally involved two teams of two duking it out along a 2D axis. The characters and backgrounds themselves were modeled in 3D. Many Wii owners, including myself, can't thank Capcom and Tatsunoko Production enough for finding a way to bring this excellent fighter overseas. What it lacks in capable netcode, it contains enough characters, stages, and modes to make for a great game.

Red Steel 2

I never played the original Red Steel. I think it is safe to say I dodged a metaphorical bullet there. The original Red Steel was a Nintendo Wii launch title, and it was the first Wii game to be revealed with screenshots (aka bullshots). The game sold well, a million seller, but many who played through the game were left with a sour taste in their mouths. Perhaps they shouldn't have eaten the game (rimshot). This reason alone killed any enthusiasm for Ubisoft Paris's sequel, Red Steel 2, despite this sequel actually fulfilling the broken promises of the original game. In Red Steel 2, you were actually participating in not only great gun-fighting, but the swordplay portions of the title were excellent as well, utilizing Nintendo's then-new MotionPlus peripheral. You could switch between your gun and your katana at any time, opening up the gameplay possibilities exponentially. On the aesthetic side of things, Ubisoft Paris went with an impressive cel-shaded art style. The Wii was perfect for such an artistic choice as realism generally doesn't do well on the system. There is no doubt that the Wii launch's Red Steel took the wind out of the sails of the franchise for many people. It's a shame because Red Steel 2 is honest to goodness a terrific title with loads of personality and great gameplay.

Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition

I am calling it right now. Resident Evil 4 on Wii is the definitive version of the game. You may have played Resident Evil 4 on every possible device imaginable: GameCube, PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC, iOS, etc, but you have not played the most optimal experience until you try it out on the Wii. Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition contains all of the content you could want from the game, including the PlayStation 2's bonus content, such as Assignment Ada. However, what makes this version the bee's knees (how that turn of phrase fits in with the realm of Resident Evil 4 is beyond me) is the Wii remote's pointer functionality. Aiming with Leon's wide array of weaponry was never easier, more intuitive, and just a blast to do, and if you felt the game was too easy with this control setup or don't care for pointing the Wii remote at the screen (it is a huge workout to hold your arm up, after all), you could utilize the Classic Controller for a more traditional gameplay experience. Resident Evil 4 is one of the greatest games of all time, and it is likely the greatest survival-horror title, too. The Wii version just makes an already phenomenal game even more phenomenal.

Rayman Origins

Unlike most games that have been and will be listed on these fifty best Nintendo Wii games, Rayman Origins is also available on other platforms including the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo 3DS, and PlayStation Vita. It is really a tremendous title regardless what platform you play, and I would include Rayman Origins on a list for the fifty best HD games, too. Regardless, what makes Origins so invigorating and enjoyable to play is that it is 2D platforming fun in such sensational simplicity. You run, you jump, you traverse up walls, you glide, you swim, you collect Lums, save Electoons in cages in various hidden areas, and you go to the goal. The responsive and entertaining platforming is split up occasionally by segments where you ride on a mosquito, sucking in foes and shooting them out, in these auto-scrolling segments. Then there are treasure levels where you make a mad dash through a collapsing obstacle course as you chase a treasure chest. These are platforming nirvana as well as some of the most challenging segments of the game. But what Rayman Origins is also known for, outside of up to four players going through levels locally, is its impeccably spectacular art style. The game is absolutely gorgeous, HD or not. Rayman Origins is a modern classic, and I cannot wait for the mechanics of the game to be shown in all of its glory in Rayman Legends on Wii U.

We Love Golf!

Now I imagine you might be wondering how a cartoony golf game can be listed as one of the best games of a platform. Well, that's easy as on the PlayStation Portable Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee 2 would definitely make such a list. On Wii, Capcom and Camelot's We Love Golf! is such a title. Remember what I said earlier about a great game being a great game regardless of content. Using the Wii remote to pull it back to set the power of your shot was intuitive, and swinging the controller forward once the mark passes over a specific spot on the power gauge made for an easy-to-learn, hard-to-master golfing experience. The game takes you across eight unique courses and three short courses of the par 3 variety. There's English countrysides full of castles, Japanese gardens, sprawling deserts with ancient ruins, and sweltering jungles to perfect your swing in. Outside of the standard Tournament modes, there is Match Play to unlock new characters, modes that focus on specific shot types like approach shots, and for the North American and Australian versions, online play. While the cast of characters is on the vanilla side, unlockable costumes depicting characters from other Capcom series can be gained through accomplishing certain in-game goals. Such characters include Ryu and Ken from Street Fighter, Zack from the Wii's Zack & Wiki, Arthur from Ghost 'n' Goblins, and Apollo Justice from the Ace Attorney franchise. A superb game of golf, don't immediately write it off -- it's quite good once you get the "swing" of things.

Mario Kart Wii

Mario Kart might not be a series known for dramatic changes, but don't be fooled -- there are some significant changes that alter the mechanics and/or gameplay of each entry. For instance, with Mario Kart Wii, the addition of four more participants were race made for some chaotic and crazy rides. Besides karts, racers could now choose to hop on a bike, something that differed in handling (e.g. bikes couldn't take corners as sharply as a kart, but bikes could ride on one wheel for extra speed while sacrificing control). What makes Mario Kart Wii so spectacular is its wide range of well designed tracks such as Mario Circuit, Koopa Cape, Maple Treeway, Toad's Factory, Dry Dry Ruins, Grumble Volcano, Coconut Mall, among many others. Alongside the sixteen new tracks were sixteen of the retro variety from such games as Super Mario Kart, Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, and Mario Kart DS. There was also a stunning 24 character roster set across three weight types: light, medium, and heavy. Depending on the weight of a character, that roster member could only choose from a certain selection of karts and bikes. The kart and bike designs, having a grand amount to select from, were also a great inclusion. Perhaps what makes people return to Mario Kart Wii is the splendidly done online where, for the first time in the series, all tracks and battle courses were available to compete on. While much more dependent on luck than previous entries in the franchise, Mario Kart Wii is still a lovely entry in the legendary arcade racing series.

Monster Hunter Tri

Most probably know that the third mainline installment of the popular in Japan Monster Hunter franchise was originally intended for the PlayStation 3. However, the high cost of development and perhaps the popularity of the Wii console made Capcom change their minds on what platform to release the game on. Their end creation was Monster Hunter Tri. For those unaware of what the hubbub of the franchise is about, Monster Hunter Tri had players participating in quests to vanquish a certain monster prowling within one of the many sectors of a given land (split up by short loading screens). A monster could cross into any sector, so the player would have to keep up and keep track. When the monster was found, most of the time a battle of endurance took place, sometimes lasting upwards of a half hour in one encounter alone. The fun of the series not only comes from learning the attacking patterns of each monster, keeping not only your reflexes sharp but your weapon, and hacking away the monster until it is slain; but it comes from farming unique and more powerful equipment to make your warrior look and become more powerful. Online play allowed friends and total strangers from across the world to engage in the thrill of the hunt with other players. If you haven't yet checked out Monster Hunter Tri, you are best off waiting to get Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on either the Nintendo 3DS or Wii U when the game launches in March of next year.

Muramasa: The Demon Blade

Japanese art and mythology intertwine to forge Muramasa: The Demon Blade, a beautiful title for the Nintendo Wii. The game was developed by Vanillaware, makers of Odin Sphere, which Muramasa is the spiritual sequel of. The gameplay has you choosing between two characters, each with a different starting point within the game and alternate boss battles and story. The game is a 2D affair, and action-adventure game with role-playing elements. Each character begins with one of three swords, but there are over 100 to forge, find, and collect. Overuse of a sword will make it break, but a broken sword can mend itself over time through sheathing it. Muramasa: The Demon Blade is coming to the PlayStation Vita, no doubt with added content to sweeten the deal. No doubt this already gorgeous game will look even more fabulous on the Vita's large OLED screen. Whether you want to wait for that version or just pick up the cheaper Wii game is really up to you, but don't pass up on playing this title. It is an artistic delight on any platform with the gameplay to back it up.

No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle

The original No More Heroes was a fun but flawed game directed by Suda51 and released internationally in North America by Ubisoft of all publishers. Most of the problems I had with the original game have been fixed in its 2010 sequel, No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle. For one, gone is the need to make money in order to pay the fee to fight the next boss in the game. Also gone is the empty overworld map which tasked players with driving around a desolate Santa Destroy, searching for ways to make money, finding collectibles, and just slowing down the pace of the game. There are still ways to make money in Desperate Struggle, but these have been made into engaging (if not simplistic) 8-bit style games. But the main meat of the game comes from protagonist Travis Touchdown slicing and dicing his way through armies of enemies and taking on powerful bosses which stand in his way of becoming the number one assassin. To join you along the ride of excellent motion control combat is a wacky off-the-wall story with plenty of comedic moments, featuring pop culture references and "loads" of sexual innuendo. (See what I did there?) A poor seller -- send out a game to die never works for big sales -- No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle is a worthy action game for any Wii owners thirsty for a more adult experience than generally publicized on a Nintendo platform.

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There you have ten more terrific Wii titles to titillate your gaming senses. Perhaps a game that passed by you that was listed here is one that you will look into. The Nintendo Wii has a stellar amount of variety within its massive library. It's important to pick out the good among the many items of software that are bad. This list of fifty Wii games is intended to help you do just that, and I hope so far it has. Next Friday we will have the third sampling of Wii games that no open-minded gamer should ignore. We'll see you next week.

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - The Captivating Edition

Happy Presidents' Day, America. For everyone else it is still a special day as it's VGM day! For this edition of SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs it is all Capcom all the time. Five themes from various Capcom games; from old school to new school, we have a lot of fresh tunes to listen to. On the docket today are games like Street Fighter IV, Monster Hunter Tri, and Marvel VS. Capcom 3.

v46. Street Fighter IV (PS3, 360) - Volcanic Rim Stage


Early last week I reviewed Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition on the Nintendo 3DS. The game wasn't my first foray into the world of Street Fighter IV. I played the vanilla version as well as Super Street Fighter IV, but I couldn't get down the button combos. Thankfully the 3DS iteration allowed players to select moves via the touch screen. Onto the song itself, this is Oceania's theme. It borrows the main melody of Street Fighter IV and comes off as something from the 80s. It is an insanely catchy little ditty, one that made me select this volcanic stage just to hear this awesome song.

v47. Monster Hunter Tri (Wii) - Land and Sea Tremble - Ragiakrus


Performed by the FILMharmonic Orchestra, Land and Sea Tremble is the them heard as you do battle with the cover monster of Monster Hunter Tri, Ragiakrua, an underwater serpentine dragoon. If you aim to do battle with this behemoth-sized creature, I hope you have developed a sound game plan and brought as many potions and possible. The theme played is certainly bombastic, filled with tribal beats, sensational strings, and loud brass to accentuate the tension. It is my favorite piece from Monster Hunter Tri (voted best third-party exclusive on Wii by yours truly) soundtrack.

v48. Breath of Fire (SNES, GBA) - Day and Night


Let's step away from current gen music and head back to the past... the 16-bit past to be specific. Breath of Fire on the Super Nintendo was a joint effort by then Squaresoft and Capcom, and it was my first introduction to the RPG genre. Well, it was either that game or Final Fantasy II (IV). Day and Night is one of the many village/town themes heard in the game. This one is my personal favorite as you can imagine strolling through a countryside town, conversing with the villagers, and entering shops to boost your equipment. Some prefer Genesis music to SNES music, but I'm the opposite. I believe it is what you grew up with that affects your opinion on the matter.

v49. Marvel VS. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (PS3, 360) - Staff Roll


I was not amused when Capcom announced Ultimate Marvel VS. Capcom 3 a mere few months after just releasing the vanilla version, Marvel VS. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. It was like I purchased the wrong version and Capcom was mocking me for it. Regardless, of the two games I find that the original MvsC 3 possesses the better soundtrack. From the arcade victory theme to this staff roll theme beginning with delightful female vocals and then concluding with an epic and heroic symphonic theme, Fate of Two Worlds amazes with its musical beauty.

v50. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles (Wii) - The Theme of Alexia Type II


Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles focused on Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil: Code Veronica, and an all-new chapter set in South America. The game is one of the best on-rails light gun shooters on the market, and more people will get to play it when it comes to the PlayStation 3 some time soon. Nonetheless, the music is a Resident Evil fan's dream come true. Remixed and remastered music with huge orchestras and choirs highlight the majority of pieces in the game. The Theme of Alexia Type II was listed as one of my personally most cherished final boss themes. Take a listen to understand why, and if you own a Wii and lack this title, what are you waiting for-- an engraved invitation?

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It pleases me greatly that we've reached the fiftieth VGM! Next Monday is my birthday, so we will be celebrating with five more terrific tracks of video game music goodness. Stay tuned, friends! This week of SuperPhillip Central is going to be great too!

Surprising Sales: Games that Outperformed Expectations

As long-time readers know all too well, too many times on SuperPhillip Central we've talked about games that were overlooked, sold poorly, and didn't do well. Let's change that and focus on the games that did the opposite. These titles are ones that no one saw coming, sold relatively well, and put some money in the pockets of their publishers and developers. These are the types of feel-good success stories that make following the video game industry all the more enjoyable.

Demon's Souls (PS3)


Sony passed on publishing this game, so a combination of From Software and Atlus did the job instead. What to me is an effort in frustration with balls-to-the-wall challenging gameplay and an unrelenting and hardcore difficulty, Demon's Souls found a niche among PlayStation 3 owners yearning for a tight and cohesive experience. I consider these fine folk gluttons for punishment, but whatever floats their metaphorical boat, right? The game went on to sell under a million worldwide, but for niche companies like From Software and Atlus, this game was purely money in the bank. A tremendous surprise indeed.

Batman: Arkham Asylum (PS3, 360)


Past Batman games have been anything but major events. We've seen many developers try and try again. They all failed to varying degrees. That was until Rocksteady Games got hold of the license and created an incredible Metroidvania that not only wowed critics (including yours truly), but it also sold very, very well. This million-seller shows off what makes Batman so delicious as a character. The awesome villains, the rivalry with the Joker, the detective skills at work, and the mythos behind the cape and cowl. There's no question that come this October that Arkham City will no doubt light the world on fire in sales.

Catherine (PS3, 360)


The titular character of this game is such a tease. As Vincent, you're thrust into a love-triangle of devious proportions in this action-adventure game with clever puzzle elements. This decidedly Japanese-styled game seemed to be niche in the making, and perhaps it could be considered that. What I do know, however, is that Catherine is Atlus's best-selling game so far. This is a conclusion I could have never seen coming. From the anime art style to the questionable sexual situations, this game had "niche" steaming from its very core. Just goes to show you that you can't judge a book by its cover.

Xenoblade Chronicles (Wii)


Nintendo of America opted out of releasing Xenoblade Chronicles in North America much to the chagrin of loyal fans and JRPG lovers alike. In Europe and Japan, however, the game was released to moderate success. The party and family system as some like to refer to it as suddenly had one of the better RPGs of this generation, and it was literally out-of-stock in Europe. Tracking down a copy is currently an impossibility. Those who do possess a copy of the game are too busy partaking in the game's profusion of side quests, venturing through wide open worlds, and battling monstrous enemies to even care. Now if only NoA would get off their collective rear ends and localize the game for North American gamers...

Monster Hunter Tri (Wii)


In Japan there was no doubt that Monster Hunter would sell, regardless of the console. Even on the Wii which is known for not being overly kind to most third-party games a Monster Hunter game could do well. And it did. Now the West, like the menacing monsters of the game, was a different beast entirely. The formerly PlayStation-only franchise jumped ship to Nintendo, and Nintendo aggressively marketed the game in North America and Europe. What followed were approximately 800,000 units sold on both continents alone. A Wii third-party game success story? Now that's more like it, guys.

Kinect Sports (360)


Most of us didn't really know how Kinect would impact the market as much as it has. It seems to be cutting into the Wii's market. Who knows, who cares? The point is that without a capable killer-app to sell the peripheral to the masses, the Kinect was DOA. Fortunately, Rare put together an impressive sports package with Kinect Sports featuring events like volleyball, table tennis, and bowling, for starters. Who knew that Microsoft of all companies could pump out a friendly title for the casual market? Certainly not this blogger. Whether you're playing solo or have friends over for a party, Kinect Sports is one of the few software success stories on the Kinect. Plus it's a great way to get a wonderful workout!

Just Dance and Just Dance 2 (Wii)


In the past, dancing games and simulations were relegated to titles like Dance Dance Revolution which required a mat to play properly. Now with the advent of motion controls and more specifically the Wii remote, now we can dance without watching where we step. Ubisoft's breakout Just Dance franchise is stepping up to hit all three major platforms this go around, and it wouldn't have been possible without the unforseen success of series. Could you have imagined that waving your Wii remote around all willy-nilly would catch on so well? Well, to be fair, stranger things in this industry have happened...

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This could be the start of a new series of articles here at SuperPhillip Central. There's many more games that had little hype and ultimately had great success. Do you have some that I intentionally left out? (We gotta have something for future articles, right?) Let me and everyone else know in our comments section.

SuperPhillip's Favorite VGMs - A Fine November Day Edition

Welcome to Monday here at SuperPhillip Central. The work week/school week begins, but the VGMs are here to brighten your day! Today we have music from Mega Man 10, Monster Hunter Tri, and Mario Kart: Double Dash!! for starters. Why don't we get to it now?

v601. Mega Man 10 - Abandoned Memory

We kick off the next one-hundred with a track from the Rockman 10 Image Album which is an arranged version of the original 8-bit soundtrack. Our specimen this installment happens to be Abandoned Memory, the theme heard during Dr. Wily's first castle stage. I love it when it kicks in with the guitar riff. Mega Man 10 was much more enjoyable to me than Mega Man 9. Mega Man 9 just had too many cheap points that required the player knowing what was coming. Since when was I Psychicman?

v602. Mario Kart: Double Dash!! - Sherbet Land

Sherbet Land is among my favorite Mario Kart: Double Dash tracks. I love the festive winter theme, the Shy Guys skating on the ice, and the freezies at the end serving as a minefield of sorts. Some other of my favorite Double Dash tracks include Rainbow Road, Mushroom Bridge, Baby Park, Mario Circuit, Dino Dino Jungle, Peach Beach, Dai-- I think I'm listing them all, aren't I? Perhaps I should have listed the ones I didn't like instead!



v603. Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo - Fierce Battle

This theme from Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo puts you in the mood for a fight, doesn't it? Like most Dragon Ball or Dragon Ball Z games, the soundtrack is very well composed and catchy. We've already shown off two themes already, so here's a third to further whet your appetite. The game itself is a 2-1/2D beat-em-up with some platforming elements. You can find it for a low price of $19.99 at most retailers. Not a bad deal to jump at, especially for a Dragon Ball fan.



v604. LittleBigPlanet (PSP) - Neopolitan Dreams

LittleBigPlanet for the PlayStation Portable differed from its bigger brother by only have two different planes to run across instead of three. Despite this, the designers really showed how creative they are with the level design. It's just terrific. This theme, Neopolitan Dreams, plays in the very first level of the game. It gets you into the whole Play, Create, and Share mentality. If you own a PSP, do yourself a service to yourself and pick up LittleBigPlanet.

v605. Monster Hunter Tri - Sea and Land Tremble / Ragiakrus

Monster Hunter Tri and Picross 3D have become addictions of mine. I've continually played four hour sessions of the same darned game. Regardless, I'm always making a little progress or else why bother? This theme plays when hunting one of many huge monsters. As an early player, I always associate it with the bird-like creature, Qurupeco. Without the tribal beat, it sounds like something out of a Bond film. The music, not Qurupeco!

We part for now, but stay tuned for more musical magic with more of my patented VGMs! If you're curious as to future or past installments, check out my Youtube channel. Until we meet again, adieu.

More Stats According to the Nintendo Channel

Welcome to a wonderful Tuesday evening here at SuperPhillip Central. Why is it so wonderful? Well, it was raining heavily, but now the sun is shining and the evening is turning out great. Why not ring in a nice day with some more statistics from the Nintendo Channel. This time around, I'm choosing five select games to put under the playtime microscope. The first two have surpassed several games listed in my various top ten lists. The latter three are actually the 31st, 32nd, and 33rd spots on the Nintendo Channel's most played list. Let's get this party started, shall we?

Monster Hunter Tri - 38 Hrs. 25 Min.

Time in this game has been spent almost half and half I'd say between offline and online skirmishes. The game is full of content from weapons to upgrade, monsters to massacre, and of course, the thrill of the hunt to be had with friends! The game may be difficult to the outside gamer, but for those with a passion for learning a game inside and out and improving with it, you can't do much better than Monster Hunter 3. Online play is still enjoyable despite my lack of a keyboard to type messages with. Instead, I use the premade messages such as "Let's do this" and "Sorry..." If you're a fan of games that reward you for fighting smart and hard, Monster Hunter 3 may just be the game for you.


Super Mario Galaxy 2 - 36 Hrs. 2 Min.

Scoring an unprecedented perfect ten out of ten on SPC, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is definitely spectacular. Both my older brother and I have been playing through the game with each of us collecting the original 120 stars and besting Bowser for the final time. Now we're both scurrying to outdo one another in collecting the 120 green stars hidden throughout each galaxy in often death-defying locations. Aside from that, this game is a 3D platforming fan's dream with all of the creatively-designed levels filled with obstacles to dodge and platforms to leap on. Super Mario Galaxy 2 truly is a game that is out of this world.


Mario Super Sluggers - 15 Hrs. 7 Min.

Batter up! Baseball season is upon us, and so is Mario and the gang as you'll see shortly. Mario Super Sluggers takes the tried and true formula of the original Superstar Baseball game for Gamecube, adds in some motion control batting, and some updated visuals for an intriguing take on our nation's pastime. With multiple, themed courses some with hazards like Chain-Chomps and Piranha Plants to go to bat on as well as superstar moves for each player both offensively and defensively, and you have one heated game of baseball. Playing through the solo mode took plenty of my time as did multiplayer sessions with friends.


Mario Strikers Charged - 14 Hrs. 17 Min.

Mario just won't leave us alone on our list, will he? Never the mind as we're enjoying his company. Mario Strikers Charged by Next Level Games (who would later craft the fine Punch-Out!, also for Wii) was an excellent take on the world's favorite sport, football. See there? I called it football not soccer for my international readers! SP's got your back! Regardless, the game featured 3-on-3 linesmen each with their own deke moves and offensive abilities like the Hammer Bros' hammer spike. Oftentimes considered a cheap move to spam coincidentally. With plenty of characters and captains to choose, multiple arenas, and an impressive presentation, Mario Strikers Charged comes charging out onto the field as a winner.


Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers - 14 Hrs. 2 Min.

My only regret with Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers is that I only had time to play through it once. I didn't get to experience all the game offered, and it definitely offered an abundant amount of content. From fun mini-games to rewarding experimenting in combat, The Crystal Bearers was quite the enjoyable romp even if some of my fellow colleagues disagreed. Then there were medals, achievement-like rewards that lengthened playtime considerably. There's over 300 to collect, and with the new game plus option there was really no excuse not to give the game a second go-round. Curse this backlog of mine!


Have any Nintendo Channel data of mine that you would like to see? Hit me up with a comment in the section derived for comments-- the comments section!

Monster Hunter Tri (Wii) Review

It's been awhile since I've reviewed something big, y'know? Well, all that changes with this brand-new review of Monster Hunter Tri, the Wii's biggest third party game to date. Here's hoping sales continue to be positive for the title!

The Thrill of the Hunt

The Monster Hunter franchise is very big business over in the land of the rising sun. Over in our neck of the woods, however, the same cannot be said. After failed experiment after failed experiment, the series just hasn't caught on for most Western audiences. That said, Capcom is determined to make it work with a big, blockbuster advertising campaign and placing the series on this generation's most popular console, the Wii. The end result is none other than Monster Hunter 3... er... Monster Hunter Tri. Is this hunt one that you'll want to join in on?

A nameless fisherman's village is in need of a hero. A sea serpent constantly causes terror and peril whenever it reaches the village's shores. No, they don't need a hero. They need a monster hunter to save the day! That's where your character comes in (after setting your appearance, of course). Lagiacrus is one tough customer, so you won't be able to tackle it immediately. Instead, you take on oddjob requests to start off, slowing and gradually making your way up in the monster hunting ranks to finally put an end to the sea serpent once and for all.

Manage eye color, hair style, voice, and more
as you begin your Monster Hunter Tri experience.

A hunter is only as good as his (or her) weapon, and there's a mighty long list of weaponry to choose from. From powerful but slow great swords to long-distance attacking bowguns, there's a weapon for every type of player. And that's a good thing because each weapon plays and handles differently. As stated, the great sword is a powerful beast, but you leave yourself open after each swing. Meanwhile, the relatively weak sword and shield combo can slice and dice foes with ease with plenty of time to dodge attacks. There's no worry about being stuck with one weapon because you can exchange weapons between quests and upgrade them using gathered materials and drops from monsters. There's no experience to gain like a traditional action-RPG. Your armor and weapons do the growing, not the hunter him (or her) self. With repeated use, each weapon loses its luster and durability. By using whetstones to sharpen the blade of a given weapon, your attack strength will be at its maximum.

Starting off, you vanquish some Jaggis.

The road to being the ultimate monster hunter is paved with many obstacles and challenges. Starting off, you're relegated to tackling small monsters, gathering mushrooms and animal horns from the surrounding forests, and making your way up to larger encounters. By the end of the game, you're hunting two colossal monsters in the same quest. Once you complete an urgent quest such as slaying a specific monster to forward the story, you graduate to the next level of increasingly more difficult quests.

Quests themselves vary from objective to objective. Many have sub-missions to complete that are optional. Completing these awards you with more zenny, the currency of most Capcom games. One quest you'll be doing menial tasks such as gathering mushrooms, mining for ore, and taking out a set number of small nuisances while others you'll be hunting a giant monster such as a Barroth!

The Royal Ludroth is one mean hombre.

Each monster encounter is different from the last. That's just how it is with Monster Hunter Tri. The variables constantly change. A wounded monster will limp away to another area of the map, trying to fall asleep to regain its health. Sometimes a completely different monster will enter the fray out of nowhere. Now you have two monsters to contend with! Each monster has its own personality and attack patterns. Learning them is the difference between winning the hunt and fainting for a third time. In Monster Hunter, fainting three times in a mission is automatic failure. Then there's the strict time limits to worry about. Fifty minutes may seem like a lot of time to work with, but when your target is constantly moving from area to area, attacking you, and making life miserable for you, it becomes a problem. Some players may not like having to fight one monster for upwards of forty-five minutes only to lose in the end. That can be frustrating. Regardless, taking down a monster after such an exhausting battle is truly fulfilling, and I think that's where Monster Hunter Tri really shines.

Some quests require the player to capture a given monster instead of simply taking them out of commission. In these cases, you have to weaken the monster enough to make it look noticeably weak (i.e. limping from area to area). Then you have to set a trap be it a pitfall or shock trap, lure the enemy into the trap, and then pelt it with tranquilizers. A successful catch reaps more rewards than simply slaying it, so it's usually better to do things the hard way in this game.

You might want to rethink that strategy.

Likewise, the other side of the Monster Hunter Tri coin (or I guess zenny) is online play. Whereas offline takes place in a fisherman village, the online play occurs in a hustling, bustling city. You choose one of many servers to play on, select a city, and enter a room. Up to four people can share a room. Right away, let's get rid of the problems here. For one, you cannot message people or befriend others if they are not online at the same time as you are. Two, you cannot join quests already in progress, and three, Wii Speak is totally useless so get a functioning USB keyboard. If you can get beyond those caveats, you're in for one of the Wii's best multiplayer experiences to date.

As you complete online quests, you gain experience points. These points add up to total your Hunter Rank or HR. Your Hunter Rank determines what quests you can and cannot go on. So if you're in a party of four, and everyone is HR 20 and you're still HR9, you're out of luck. That said, the online quests heavily mirror the offline story mode's quests. However, there's some even crazier quests online than off, and with four players going after one colossal creature, the fun is at a feverish level. There are some really great times hunting monsters, participating in teamwork, and reaching a common goal. If you lack a keyboard or Wii Speak, you can use the in-game keyboard which works, but it's not very convenient for mid-battle play. There's also several preset phrases that can be displayed such as "let's do this" and "I'll lay the trap" to help out those unable or too lazy to type a message out themselves.

Underwater play is new to the franchise.

Monster Hunter Tri can be played with either the Wii remote and nunchuk combination (my preferred method of monster hunting) or with the Classic Controller. Some players might be put off by the sheer difficulty of the game. Others will lavish in its brutal challenge. A part of this comes from the lack of lock-on which to me, would totally ruin what makes this game great. It requires great skill to block and evade attacks from enemies as well as finding a window of opportunity to attack yourself. This is all the while managing and cycling through the necessary items such as healing potions, stamina-building rations and steaks, and status-effect changers like antidotes and manually moving around the camera. There's a lot to worry about other than the monsters you're currently facing whether it's weapon durability, fatigue, or other monsters in the same area.

Monster Hunter Tri is a gorgeous game with lots going on in the various environments. There are five major maps to hunt on, and each are divided up into areas or rooms. Transporting from area to area causes a brief, two second loading screen to pop up. It's a slight annoyance, but you really do get used to it. On the graphical side of the spectrum, you have vivacious visuals from the character models which change depending on what armor you are equipped with, the jaw-dropping backgrounds, and of course, the impressive monsters themselves. Sound-wise, the soundtrack is very summer blockbuster-esque with tribal drums, loud brass, and percussive strings. It's a well put together soundtrack overall.

He sure as hell isn't here for tickets to see Boston!

Overall, Monster Hunter Tri shines as one of the best presented third party games on Wii, and it's also one of the best online multiplayer games around despite its problems with communicating with others. It's a challenging yet rewarding title full of frustration for most players but the rewards definitely outweigh any irritation one may experience playing this game. You'll get your ass handed to you by a winged Rathian, and come back for more. That's just the addictive nature of the Monster Hunter series. I get it now. I get why this series is so beloved by our friends in the East. Give Monster Hunter Tri a chance, and while it may not be for you, at least you can say you've been there and done that. If you happen to love it like I do, that's just the icing on this incredibly sweet and delicious cake.

[SuperPhillip Says: 9.0/10]

Monster Hunter Tri (Wii) Launch Trailer

The day is almost upon us. The largest third party game yet has already sold over one million copies in its native homeland. Now it's time for the West's turn at Monster Hunter Tri for the Nintendo Wii. Watch this captivating launch trailer and see for yourself that the hunt is definitely on!

The thrill of the hunt starts here.

Monster Hunter Tri (Wii) Developer's Voice

Monster Hunter Tri seems to be the biggest third party game ever on the Wii. It's getting a massive marketing campaign, demos already at GameStop, and plenty of push. While I didn't spend too much time with the demo, I can't really say how the game holds up to previous installments. The minor fact that I've never played previous installments might have something more to do with that. Check out this video from the Nintendo Channel. It comes straight from the developer's mouth.

Direct Link Here