7 Wii games that were overlooked

Some great games just don't sell. Here is a list games available for the Wii that didn't sell well for a variety of reasons, but are worth a look nonetheless. You may even find some of them at bargain prices.

Godfather: Blackhand edition

Why it was overlooked: The game was a port of an aging PS2 game and as such featured sub-par visuals with some serious aliasing.


Why you should care: The motion controls really work and add a visceral edge to the game's combat. This early effort from EA made great use of the wiimote and nunchuck to enhance an already solid game.

Elebits

Why it was overlooked: Releasing the game in time for the Wii's launch window lead to the game featuring spartan graphics and underdeveloped missions that ultimately felt a little shallow. The cutesy nature of the game also felt at odds with the game essentially being an FPS.


Why you should care: The game was and remains today, very unique. An FPS puzzle game with excellently modeled physics and well calibrated Wii controls. It's the type of unique concept that the Wii was designed for, and a sequel should fulfill much of the promise this early title showed.

Dewy's adventure

Why it was overlooked: The presentation. Konami decided to opt for an incredibly cute art style for this platform game, with a soundtrack to match. Combined with a tough overall difficulty, it left gamers wondering who this game was meant for.


Why you should care: The presentation. The Wii is clearly not a powerhouse, and outside of Nintendo few developers have made an effort to push it. Konami the developers of Dewy, have gone to great effort to ensure the game is a technical marvel. Aliasing is minimized and Normal Mapping is featured on some of the game's vibrant cast of characters. The boss fights are well designed too.

Mercury Meltdown Revolution

Why it was overlooked: The Wii already had it's share of tilting maze games, so it was easy to dismiss this enhanced PSP port. The chunky graphics and limited availability didn't help either.


Why you should care: MMR is still the tilt 'em up king on the Wii. The controls are perfectly judged, the missions are plentiful and challenging, and it's damn good value at $20. Definitely worth hunting down.

Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

Why it was overlooked: Point and click adventures had long since gone out of style in the gaming world. Those with fond memories of games like Grim Fandango and Day of the Tentacle may have found the game's use of cel shading and primary colors a little embarrassing. Also, whoever thought of the name: Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure, deserves a swift kick in the behind. The project's initial code name: Treasure Island Z, was far better and would have saved it from sounding like second rate Nick Toons show.



Why you should care: Capcom showed with this game how to use the Wii to create a game that would be impossible on any other console, perhaps even better than Nintendo themselves. It also features a bold and detailed cartoony style that may divide opinion artistically, but definitely not technically.

Geometry Wars: Galaxies

Why it was overlooked: Priced at $40, the game seemed rather expensive for what was essentially a souped up $5 Xbox Live Arcade game. It also works best with the Wii classic controller which potentially adds another $20 to the price if you don't already own one.


Why you should care: The game is fun. It also has modes that extend the experience far beyond what Xbox Live gamers have. Spending 20+ hours competing against yourself and the online leaderboards will leave you in no doubt that the game fully justifies a $40 price tag.

Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

Why it was overlooked: Fire Emblem along with the Metroid series of games are perhaps Nintendo's most hardcore franchises. Fire Emblem therefore by its very nature has a limited appeal. Intelligent Systems also made no attempt to update the graphical presentation over the previous game in the series, nor did they make use of the Wii's unique controls.


Why you should care: It is an excellent strategy game. Clearly not for people with short attention spans; this game rewards patience and intelligence. It is also hard, even when played on the easy mode, which will come as a refreshing change to those that feel that modern games are too easy.