State of the Console: Wii Celebrates its 2nd Anniversary Today: Let's Look At The Wii's Best Games

Filed in archive Wii on November 19, 2008

Nintendo's quirky little box made its debut two years ago today. So today is a great time to reflect on what Nintendo has accomplished as well as what hasn't quite worked out.

This was a machine that was causing controversy from the start, at least in the world of video game enthusiasts. As is well known, the console was originally called "Revolution," and nothing was known about it. It seemed as if every little detail caused uproar: its comparatively low specifications, "budget" price, and motion controls all sent message boards into a furious rage. Of course the coup de grace was the name itself, when it was changed from Revolution to Wii.

Yet it is the games that matter when it comes to consoles. So let's take a look at what I'd consider to be the must buy, must play experiences on the system, leaving out two games: Wii Sports, which is a terrific game and a pack-in (so you already have it), and Wii Play, which is bought mainly for the extra controller (you probably have it).

Also note we are only covering exclusives to the console (yes, I allowed two "special cases," so sue me!!!):

10. Rayman Raving Rabbids

Yes, mini-game compilations are the Wii's bread and butter. The dirty secret to these types of games, however, is that the better ones are pretty fun to play by yourself, too. And Rayman was one of the first out the shoot, and remains one of the finest efforts in the genre. (Note: Technically, this game is multi-platform, but the other versions are fundamentally different)

9. Red Steel

Battle lines get drawn over this early effort. Someone really took me to task in the comments the last time I said anything nice about this game. But the simple fact is that all the haters are folks who played this game for an hour and tossed it in the dust bin when it was discovered that the swordplay was scripted and (THE HORROR) there wasn't any BLOOD (OMG, NO BLOOD!).

The simple fact is, this is a fun first person shooter that isn't WWII, in space, or horror themed, and has multiple strengths: fun scripted sequences like the harrowing car wash shootout as well as the Matrix inspired lobby blast-a-thon, complete with concrete pillars shattering all over the room.

8. Sonic and the Secret Rings

Despite SEGA's penchant for awful voice over work, this game stands out as the one Sonic game in recent memory that actually returns to his true calling card: Speed. A sort of "on-rails" platformer, it also features some of the finest graphics on Wii. A sequel to this game is forthcoming, so now might be a good time to cheaply experience the first adventure.

7. Mario Kart Wii

Considered my many to be the finest Mario Kart since the original SNES offering, Kart on Wii offers amazing track design and tremendous multiplayer, especially online. This is Nintendo's finest online effort and hopefully a sign of things to come.
6. Zack and Wiki: The Quest for Barbaros Treasure
5. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
4. No More Heroes
3. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
2. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
1. Super Mario Galaxy