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We went into 2010 much like we are going into 2011, not knowing what Nintendo & Co. had in store for Wii. Sure, we knew about Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, but other than that, the lineup looked bleak. But as always, Nintendo had an “ace” up its sleeve, or maybe it would be more correct to say “aces.” Out of seemingly nowhere, here came Kirby and Donkey Kong, looking better than ever, along with a reimagining of the classic GoldenEye 007. Yes, 2010 was quite the year for Nintendo fans. Wii owners received new games in virtually every Nintendo series, from Mario to Sin & Punishment. But only one game can be named game of the year, and which will it be?
BEST WII GAME
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Was there ever any doubt? Super Mario Galaxy 2 was the highest rated game of 2010, and is the third highest rated game of all time according to GameRankings, right behind its predecessor. Just what is it that makes Galaxy 2 so good? Maybe it was the game’s dazzling graphics or amazing gameplay. Maybe it was the fantastic score from the Mario Galaxy Orchestra, or maybe it was just the sheer amount of fun we had while we played it. You know what, it was all of those things and more. The diversity of the levels, the challenge of getting every star, and all of those things we’ve already mentioned make this not only the best Wii game of 2010, but possibly the best Wii game yet. From the first time you set foot on Starship Mario to your climactic final battle with Bowser, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will never cease to amaze you. Just when you think Nintendo’s development team is out of ideas for levels, it’ll surprise you once again.
BEST WII GAME RUNNERS-UP
Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Kirby has always been Nintendo’s go-to character for new ideas. On the DS, we got Kirby: Canvas Curse, and now on Wii we have Kirby’s Epic Yarn. It may have “Epic” in the title, but it wasn’t epic enough to beat Galaxy 2. What it was, though, was a solid platformer with stylish graphics and interesting concepts. Everything in the game is made of textile materials, which gives the game its unique look. Nintendo had made levels of the same materials in Yoshi’s Story, but in Epic Yarn the concept is taken to a new level by developers Good Feel. Kirby may not have his classic powers, but he has some crazy new ones, like turning into a fire truck, and being able to literally pull enemies apart– both new and seasoned gamers alike will be hard-pressed to put this one down.
GoldenEye 007
The last game to have “GoldenEye” in its title was a mediocre shooter by EA: a poor attempt to cash in on the GoldenEye name. So you can see why there might have been some apprehension when this remake was announced, but developer Eurocom delivered and delivered big time. GoldenEye 007 is easily one of the best shooters on Wii. It is a reimagining of the 1995 movie / 1997 game, with Daniel Craig replacing Pierce Brosnan. The game is more physical, and flows together much better than the original. Toss in online multiplayer and extremely customizable controls, and you have a must-have for Wii shooter fans. If anything, what one thing the game could have used was bots, which the GameCube Bond games had.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All Stars
When we first played Tatsunoko vs. Capcom at E3 2009, we knew it was something special. It is the first Vs. game in over seven years, and is exclusive to Wii. It features a wide variety of characters, and even includes online play. If you are a Wii owner who loves fighting games, this is it. Unfortunately, the online play isn’t perfect, and the game doesn’t feature any characters from Tatsunoko’s “Samurai Pizza Cats,” but don’t let that stop you from enjoying one of Wii’s best in 2010.
BEST WII GAME HONORABLE MENTIONS
Metroid: Other M and Sin & Punishment: Star Successor
WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?
Tell us which of the above titles you’d pick as the winner, or if you think another game is more deserving, select “Other” and tell us in the comments!
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