Q4 2009 gaming report - Nintendo Wii and DS

Solid games and solid quarters hit for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PSP but what about the more casual systems, the Nintendo Wii and DS? With simpler graphics and unique gameplay on both systems it’s the game that, the core mechanics that will need to wow gamers where the other systems can get their foot in the door with graphics and the wow factors. While the more casual approach has helped Nintendo the lack of solid gamers games has hurt the system. A few titles will appeal to owners of other consoles while still keeping with Nintendo’s simpler approach while the DS continues to turn out a ton of RPG type games. Let’s take a closer look at some of the better tiles to hit each system in Q4 of 2009.

Nintendo Wii – In place of ports from the big(er) boys the Wii has a slew of unique titles for very familiar franchises. These gamer’s games seem to be turning a corner in offering Wii only owners some good traditional gaming in place of the large casual offering. Who hit and just missed? Let’s see.

• Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers – The simpler version of Final Fantasy seen on Nintendo’s systems going back to GameCube continues to offer up good but not great RPG’ing. Fans of the series will want to check in but unless you're a gamer starved for some Wii RPG action, tread with caution.
• Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles – It’s not Resident Evil 5, a true shame. For RE fans its fun and engaging but nothing new.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Reflex Edition – CoD fans get excited but begin to question why Reflex is hitting when even a simpler Modern Warfare 2 would have been preferred? (See a trend with attempts at uniqueness?)
• Shaun White Snowboarding: World Stage – Going totally unique for the Wii, Shaun White nails the unique gameplay and gives Wii owners a new sport to engage in.
• Need for Speed: Nitro – Build for the Wii and it feels like it. Any racing fan with a Wii needs to get Nitro.
• Academy of Champions: Soccer – Minus the very kid friendly look, this soccer sim meets Hogwarts is fun and unique, a very nice entry by Ubisoft into a genre, sports, that seems to get butchered on the Wii.
• Food Network: Cook or Be Cooked – The instruction book comes with recipes which is icing on the cake for a great food simulation to compete with Cooking Mama.
• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games – Refined gameplay from the Summer version and with the balance board this is a great party game.
• A Boy and His Blob – The original was a classic game and the remake keeps the magic in place with storybook graphics that feel oh so right.
• Wii Fit Plus – A nice update fixing some issues from Wii Fit and adding in a slew of new exercises.
• Dragon Ball: Revenge of King Piccolo – On the list as it’s one of the best, is the best, young Goku adventure. Before Dragon Ball Z, Goku and Bulma had a ton of just as exciting adventures. These tales fit the Wii well in both look, feel and control.
• New Super Mario Bros. Wii – The gem, the game every Wii owner needs to have. Take the original Super Mario Bros. and give it a facelift Extreme Makeover would be envious of. Playing with buddies in an old world that is totally new. This title would be great on any system.
• Naruto Shippuden: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3 – CoNR3 continues a trend of solid Naruto fighting games dating back to the GameCube. Not spectacular but great with friends and reminiscent of the Smash Bros. titles.

Nintendo DS – The trend of role-playing games continues but the treasure of this quarter was Link jumping in a train. An odd mix with some rough spots but overall the lead car on another solid quarter for Nintendo’s handheld. 

• The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks – It’s Link as an engineer adventuring with Zelda (still has to rescue her body) and he gets to be a train conductor. Seems odd and waiting to get to a location can be a pain but overall it’s Zelda magic that kids and adults will dig.
• Assassin's Creed II: Discovery – A better effort than the PSP outing and a testament to Ubisoft in that it’s pushing more than console ports, or attempts at.
• Phantasy Star Zero – Such a great franchise that’s just faded. Great online gameplay before it’s time, Zero keeps the dream alive and rewards fans with a solid outing.
• Dragon Ball Z: Attack of the Saiyans – While the gameplay is nothing revolutionary this is a nod at the efforts of a new publisher to revive some great source material. In this case it’s the arrival of Vegeta getting the RPG treatment and seeing some content not in the anime is reason enough to play.
• Need for Speed: Nitro – Fun and some of the best racing on the DS.
• Atelier Annie: Alchemists of Sera Island – With a long, solid, history on the PS2 the Atelier franchise was with that system until the end. Is this the beginning of a new relationship on a new system, fans can hope and this offering is solid, unique and perfect for J-RPG fans.
• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky – The Dungeon series of games is standing so well on its own and shares more in common with the anime, the Pokémon driven episodes, than even the colored/gem based games. If you are not a fan of past Poke Dungeon games then take a pass, others it’s one of the better DS games.
• Space Invaders Extreme 2 – So much fun and it has boss fights. A few years back retro updates was all the rage and some of the stronger, such as Space Invaders, continue to thrive. This would be a perfect console download.

Overall the Nintendo Wii and DS continue to deliver a solid mix of titles. The sheer number of titles for each system and a less experience system owner segment leads to more bad purchased but hopefully this list will help to guide those looking for a solid gaming outing. The Wii stays consistent with a B as there is a lack of a top notch, new (new folks) title. The DS also gets a B due to a unique new title and a C worthy supporting cast.