Nintendo Wii 2010 Best Games Preview

Overview: The Wii system launched alongside the last console Zelda title, the GameCube-converted Twilight Princess, back in the Fall of 2006 -- but rumor has it this Wii-specific installment in the series had already been in development for some time even before then. Not much is known about the next big Zelda game quite yet, but it is confirmed that it will require the MotionPlus peripheral for Link's swordplay and that it's supposed to be coming out this year -- Reggie's promising it's going to be perfect, too. We can't wait to learn the identity of the mysterious girl and all the other details of what will surely be one of the biggest Wii releases ever.

Why It's Hot: We are already getting mixed messages from Nintendo on the latest Legend of Zelda for Wii. We've been told the game is hitting this year, but then later countered by statements that "It'll come when it's perfect." Regardless of when we truly do get the next Zelda, it should come as no surprise that it'll be a game-changer, and one Nintendo fans can anticipate without worry of disappointment. Miyamoto and company have mentioned that the next Zelda will be a break from the formula, and a truly innovative affair. I'd expect Nintendo's latest tech advancement Wii MotionPlus will be a focal point, and with as much talk as there was about unused Wii horsepower in Twilight Princess I also expect Link's next adventure to be a feast for the eyes. If it's even Link, that is…
Overview: Video games are most often associated with fast action, high intensity and constant tension meant to get your blood pumping faster and faster -- so it was quite a shock when Nintendo introduced a game that tried a completely different approach and succeeded so well. 2008's Endless Ocean was a tranquil, calming, soothing-to-play underwater exploration experience, as it was a joy to just spend some time kicking around under the waves. Blue World, the upcoming sequel, is set to offer more of the same -- but with lots of improvements. Enhanced graphics, two-player online co-op and WiiSpeak support are just a few of the new additions you'll find when you dive in to relax a second time.

Why It's Hot: The first Endless Ocean came out of nowhere for me. What seemed like a casual-only, lackluster little diving game turned out to be a true sleeper hit, and I spent hours upon hours diving in multiplayer, snapping pictures of rare fish, evolving the story through side-quests, and taking on night excursions in Nintendo's innovative underwater adventure. We (myself and dive buddy Matt Casamassina) begged for more and the Big N has answered, bringing new dangers, more dive locations (including both fresh water and saltwater areas), and online Wii Speak support for a stronger multiplayer experience. Endless Ocean may not seem like the token "hardcore game" we often endorse, but trust me when I say you'll get pulled in by its strangely addictive design. Overview: Capcom brought classic 8-bit Mega Man action back with a vengeance in 2008, when Mega Man 9 blazed its way into the Wii Shop and reminded all of us gamers alive back in the '80s what real challenge was all about. Mega Man 10 is the inevitable follow-up, scheduled to arrive this mark and keep the pain coming -- unless you select the new Easy Mode. Yes, if you had trouble finishing 9, 10's got you covered with a concession that should let you at least see all the new bosses. Like Sheep Man. Gotta love Sheep Man.

Why It's Hot: After the rebirth of the Mega Man franchise with Mega Man 9 last year I started to wonder where Capcom would take their series next. Well, in typical fashion the company is out to sequel the hell out if its success, and I couldn't be happier. Mega Man 9 kicked off the world of 8-bit action once again, and Mega Man 10 is following in its footsteps, allowing for three playable characters, a new group of hilariously awesome robot masters, and even more nostalgic old-school action. It's more of the same, but when that "same" is responsible for many of the top titles in our industry's past it's hard not to get hyped for a little more 8-bit action from Capcom. Overview: Nintendo's famous fighting femme fatale, Samus Aran, has concluded her adventures in the Metroid Prime trilogy-- and now it's time for something new. The alien-blasting bounty hunter will return this year in Metroid: Other M, an all-new and re-imagined take on her world developed in a new partnership between Nintendo and Tecmo's Team Ninja. Early looks at the game from last year's E3 suggest that the gameplay style of this next mission for Samus might be a mix between first-person 3D shooting and more traditional 2D exploration. We're looking forward to finding that out for sure, later this year.

Why It's Hot: It's safe to say that nobody saw Metroid: Other M coming. As an all-new direction for one of Nintendo's longest-running franchises, M is out to turn the Metroid series on its head. From what I've seen so far is already evidence of its evolution, mixing what looks to be sidescrolling action with first person boss fights and intense action. It'll be tough to beat Retro's Prime series, but Team Ninja has a rich history of beautiful CG and action, and that's already evident in Other M's debut trailer. There's plenty of reasons to be excited for Other M's release, but remember: Metroid has a rich history of delayed releases, so being true fans means we'll be adding this little blurb every year until the game's real release date surfaces. From the looks of it though, Nintendo's latest Metroid offering looks to be well worth that wait. Overview: Just announced as a Wii exclusive a couple of weeks ago, NBA Jam is an all-new revival of a classic arcade sports design that had nearly every gamer alive in the '90s screaming "he's on fire!" while pumping quarter after quarter into its original Midway-developed coin-op cabinet. This reboot is set to offer the same style of over-the-top two-on-two hoops action with real NBA all-stars, along with a new and compellingly absurd visual style that renders the players' bodies in 3D, but uses comical photographic images for their faces. Sounds just like the sort of wackiness that'll fit right in with classic NBA Jam gameplay.

Why It's Hot: Back in the day NBA Jam introduced a new type of sports videogame that was based on fast-paced arcade action instead of realistic simulation. We played the holy heck out of the arcade original and can't wait to get back on the court. The primary designer and programmer on the classic game, Mark Turmell, is back as a consultant on this Wii edition. Early screenshots give us hope that the team is trying to replicate the look of NBA Jam with a modern twist. Several classic games have found new life on the Wii, so we have high hopes for the return of this one.
Overview: Originally intended to be a late 2009 release, Red Steel 2 is now scheduled to arrive and slice your mind in half this March. The MotionPlus-enhanced first-person shooter/slasher gives you control over a mercenary armed with both kinds of steel -- gun and sword. Pointing and aiming the pistol is handled by IR while the MotionPlus kicks in to translate your sword swipes to the screen in the closest 1:1 control the Wii's seen yet. And, if you don't yet have a MotionPlus for some reason, the game will ship to stores with one in the box -- ensuring you've got the right equipment to carve up some Jackals in old Caldera.

Why It's Hot: After the disappointing release of the original game it's safe to say I was very skeptical about Red Steel 2. Well, all skepticism left after my first playthrough the night before E3 kicked off. I played it, and then I played it again. And then again. And again. Red Steel 2 is an impressive FPS from top to bottom, as Ubisoft's shooter hits 60 frames per second with smooth controls, has more customization than most Wii games out there (save for Medal of Honor Heroes 2 and The Conduit) and blends impressive shooting with MotionPlus swordplay. I've seen a few levels from front to back, and already I'm happily convinced. Everything from the new visual look, the pseudo-western theme, and revolutionary controls are priming Ubisoft's second Red Steel for a successful Cinderella story.Overview: Just released in Japan this past October, Sin & Punishment 2 is the Wii-exclusive shooter sequel we never thought we'd see. The original Sin & Punishmentwas an incredible experience, an on-rails shooting design that tops the list of best games ever made for the Nintendo 64 -- but it never came to America. It was only through the Virtual Console a couple of years ago that we finally got to play it here in the States. But with an appreciative audience now established, we can look forward to a localized release of the new, over-the-top, kill-everything-that-moves adventure coming very, very soon.

Why It's Hot: What started as a Japan-only import from the N64 has since become one of the biggest fan-influenced moves I've seen from Nintendo in years. People begged for more, and the first acknowledgement of the fan support for Sin and Punishment came when Nintendo finally released the game stateside on October 1, 2007; seven years after its original Japan-only release. Momentum continued, with a partnership between Nintendo and Treasure unveiled a year ago with Sin and Punishment 2. Now US-bound, the long-awaited sequel is a nice little reminder that Nintendo still listens to its hardcore fan-base. I played it at E3 last year, and can't wait to play more. Overview: After the incredible success of Mario's first trip out to outer space, Nintendo's designers decided they weren't quite done with the idea -- so the plumber's going galactic again. Super Mario Galaxy 2 will be a direct sequel to the 2007 original Mario Galaxy, and promises to include even more mind-bending gravity puzzles, brilliantly colorful environments and incredible music than before. New additions to the design, too, will make their debut -- like Mario's new drill item that lets him bore straight through to the other side of spherical planetoids and the highly anticipated return of Yoshi (who'll have some brand-new tricks of his own).

Why It's Hot: Super Mario Galaxy headlines our Top 25 Wii Games list, so obviously we're hecka excited for the sequel. Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has told us that part two is being made for the hardcore Nintendo fans and will be a bit more challenging than the first game – which sounds great, considering so many Wii games are designed to be casual friendly. The first game is arguabl the prettiest on the system and the footage we've seen so far of Mario Galaxy 2 also looks beautiful. Plus, we haven't seen Yoshi in a 3D Mario game for a while and we can't wait to get back in the saddle.