The Wii Launch Games

[Taltos]

The Legend of Zelda : * The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
* Wii Sports
* Excite Truck
* Call of Duty 3
* Marvel: Ultimate Alliance
* Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam
* Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2
* Trauma Center: Second Opinion
* Madden NFL 07
* Need for Speed Carbon
* Happy Feet
* Rampage: Total Destruction
* The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
* The Ant Bully
* Elebits
* Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz
* Metal Slug Anthology
* Super Swing Golf
* Avatar: The Last Airbender
* Cars
* SpongeBob SquarePants: Creature from the Krusty Krab
* Far Cry: Vengeance
* Red Steel
* GT Pro Series
* Monster 4x4 World Circuit
* Rayman Raving Rabbids
* Open Season
* Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent


When broken down its 10 Good looking Originals, 9 Ports some look better than others, and 10 childish games that will sell the toys-r-us systems.

heres my ranked 5 games id buy on launch, if i were ever to do something so silly.


5. Elebits -Cool concept, and full 3d immersion, is the reason for the wii.

4 Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz -Like Rayman its guaranteed enjoyment, yet i hear it gets frustrating.

3. Zelda -why not number one? Because i don't have the skill or patience to finish such epic games.

2. Red Steel -Blood lust must be satiated! Though, i should wait for Metroid or the inevitable star wars slasher, which are guaranteed to be light years beyond this.

1. Rayman -Raving Rabbids -looks like fun, its defiantly a safe buy that I would get tons of play out of.

[GozertheGozarian]

Not a single game I'd be interested in.

[JDogindy]

Zelda is going to be the de facto game this holiday year. And I'm really going to enjoy Budokai Tenkaichi 2.

But, why the hell is there Cars, Ant Bully, and Super Monkey Ball? The first two are almost in DVD, and nobody likes the latter anymore*.

Of course, I can't get this; I'm getting a DS for Christmas (and I will this time).

*Just a generalization

[Black Atom]

7 Cartoon-based games? Any chance any of those won't blow?

[Sparda]

Only game I'll get at launch is Zelda. This is the first time since SNES that I'm buying a nintendo system and while I'm at it, I'll buy the RE games for gamecube.

[kel25]

Only Marvel: Ultimate Alliance interests me. Considering there was only a handful of games I liked between N64 and GameCube, I think I'll pass on the Wii.

[Tish-the-Scorpion]

i'm not really thrilled over the launch titles either.but ultimate alliance,metroid,and zelda,are deffinatly on my list.

[Black Atom]

Yeah, kinda disappointing. Nintendo should've had a whole slew of games that take advantage of the Wii's unique mechanics (updated Duck Hunt, anyone?) lined up for this launch instead of bullcrap ports and franchise games. They need to play to their strengths and stack the launch with games the whole fam can play on Christmas morning.

[nervmeister]

(updated Duck Hunt, anyone?) Christ almighty! What is going through your mind?

[Gozwald73]

What?!? No Justice League Heroes?!?

<sulks in corner; bottom lip pouting>

[yeoman]

Yeo demands Smash Bros.!

Yeah. I can skip this and wait for that and play Zelda then.

So far, only the PS3 is looking to have a lot of decent games I want, and that's gonna take a mightly big price dip before I buy one.

Stupid Sony.

[Fish Sauce]

I will be grabbing a Wii and Zelda. Chances are my next purchase will be Smash Bros, which should be awesome.

[ReZourceman]

Whoo Hoo lots of lovely Nintendo threads. Hi guys.

So whos pre-ordered their Wii?

[Captain Murphy]

No smash bros?

[Xero Kaiser]

No, Smash Bros isn't due out for a while yet.

The only games I'm interested in are DBZ:BT2 and Zelda, and I don't need a Wii for either of them.

Mario Galaxy and SSBB need to hurry up

[ReZourceman]

Speaking of Smash Bros, a new trailer was released today. Sorry no link, but its online somewhere/multiple places.

[Taltos]

youre all on crack! This is a great launch line-up!


But, why the hell is there Cars, Ant Bully, and Super Monkey Ball? The first two are almost in DVD, and nobody likes the latter anymore*.
little kids need games too. As far as Super Monkey Ball, I want it, and it seems to be one of the most anticipated wii games at ign.


7 Cartoon-based games? Any chance any of those won't blow?
There not for you, why would you even care? Besides theres 22 more games to choose from and i doubt anyone wants to buy more than three games at launch.


Yeah, kinda disappointing. Nintendo should've had a whole slew of games that take advantage of the Wii's unique mechanics (updated Duck Hunt, anyone?) lined up for this launch instead of bullcrap ports and franchise games. They need to play to their strengths and stack the launch with games the whole fam can play on Christmas morning.
wii sports, Rayman, Super Monkey Ball, Elebits, Super Swing Golf, Trauma Center, and Excite Truck are all games you described as what "Nintendo should of made." If theyre not then can you explain to me what these mystery games would look like? please dont say cooking sims.


So far, only the PS3 is looking to have a lot of decent games I want, and that's gonna take a mightly big price dip before I buy one.
There the same ports that are available on wii and 360.The general consensus is that they have only one original game that may be worth a launch day pickup, the name esapes me.

[ReZourceman]

Sorry...I didnt read this thread.

You dont like the line-up, WTF is wrong with you..theres over 25 Games!!!

[Phrozen]

Zelda, Wii Sports, and Red Steel look fun. Won't be buying Madden. I will wait for NCAA to come out.

[Agent Helix]

I think Elebits and Red Steel are going to be the real litmus test. Those two games, in particular, seem to be the most geared towards the unique aspects and function of the Wii controller, and Elebits looks like it may have the potential to be the next Katamari Damacy.

Beyond that, Metal Slug Anthology? Oh, yes please.

[Mike Pothier]

Awesome launch lineup. The fact that there is more then 5 games alone is a good sign.

As for what I'll get, probably Zelda, COD3, Excite Truck, Super Swing Golf, Trauma Center and Far Cry. I'd add Red Steel, but I've heard mixed reactions, so I think I'll wait on the reviews and perhaps rent it first.

[Agent Helix]

Personally, I think Red Steel is going to be one of those clunky "starting" games. An interesting showcase for the capabilities of the new control scheme, but ultimately not that great. However, I think it'll be a stepping stone so that, a year down the line, we may see some really amazing stuff based on those ideas.

I mean, come on, the idea of LucasArts doing a game for the Wii with full freedom of lightsaber fighting...

[Silliw 2]

Awesome lineup. Might have to get a Wii now.

Plus, Mario Galaxy and SSB:B are supposed to realease not too long after!

[El Santo]

I'm kind of looking forward to Metal Slug Anthology, and the new Zelda game and Red Steel look cool too. But I'm also kinda sketchy on the Wii as a viable system...it's the weakest system graphically, and I haven't heard anything about it's raw processing power in general. It's got a great, innovative controller, but that's kind of a gimmick in my eyes. I'd love to see a system like the Wii succeed, but my mind tells me that Nintendo didn't aim high enough. *shrug*

[Jabuka]

cant wait till Zelda and red steel i should try out cartmans plan :D.

[Mike Pothier]

I'm kind of looking forward to Metal Slug Anthology, and the new Zelda game and Red Steel look cool too. But I'm also kinda sketchy on the Wii as a viable system...it's the weakest system graphically, and I haven't heard anything about it's raw processing power in general. It's got a great, innovative controller, but that's kind of a gimmick in my eyes. I'd love to see a system like the Wii succeed, but my mind tells me that Nintendo didn't aim high enough. *shrug*

The PS2 didn't have the firepower of GC or Xbox, but it still soundly spanked them in sales. The Wii might not look as snazzy as the 360 or the PS3, but it will hold its own graphically, and in the end its the games that matter.

[El Santo]

The PS2 didn't have the firepower of GC or Xbox, but it still soundly spanked them in sales. The Wii might not look as snazzy as the 360 or the PS3, but it will hold its own graphically, and in the end its the games that matter.

The PS2 had a game library advantage that the Wii can't really claim. Square is still in Sony's corner, and Final Fantasy is basically a guaranteed must-have game at this point. I had a GC, and though I loved the system itself (convenient, portable, fast-loading), the games were such that I eventually sold it back to Gamestop. Too many of their franchises have a "kiddy" feel to it. I *like* Mario Kart, but I'd also like to have something more mature available too. That's my biggest concern with the Wii, and why I'm taking a "wait and see" approach with it. It's got a nice price point, but I have a feeling like I'm not the audience Nintendo wants to sell to anymore.

[Agent Helix]

Square's been in Nintendo's corner for the past few years, as well. Sony's lost almost all of their exclusives by this point. Really, the only major exclusive franchise they have left in the upcoming console iteration is Metal Gear.

[El Santo]

Square's been in Nintendo's corner for the past few years, as well. Sony's lost almost all of their exclusives by this point. Really, the only major exclusive franchise they have left in the upcoming console iteration is Metal Gear.
Yeah...oh wait, where's that gamecube version of FFXII? Or even the XBOX version of Bully? Sony still has plenty of strong franchises on exclusive deals, or something almost as good (PS2 getting GTA titles a good year or two before they go anywhere else). I certainly am not looking forward to the 600 dollar console becoming the "must have" of the generation, but I have a sinking feeling that's what's going to happen.

[Agent Helix]

Sony's contract with Rockstar expires at the end of this year, I believe. I think Bully is actually the last Sony premium game they've got. Once it expires, Sony no longer has them under their banner, and I don't believe it's been renewed.

As for Final Fantasy? Oh well.. uh.. boo hoo, I guess. Those games are kind of crap. But Square does publish games for Nintendo, which was my point. They published a few GameCube titles, and are on-board with the Wii, as well.

[Astonishing X-Fan]

Like the PS3 lineup, not much there. Only a couple games I really have any interest in, the rest of the good stuff I can already play on my 360.

Honestly, both the PS3 and Wii lineups look a lot better if you don't have a 360. But for people who do have one, it's really nothing special.

Not sure if I'll get one at launch or wait. I want Zelda for sure, and Red Steel looks interesting. We'll see how much spare cash I have, but November is a fantastic month for 360 games so I'm going to have to be pretty impressed by Nintendo.

[El Santo]

Sony's contract with Rockstar expires at the end of this year, I believe. I think Bully is actually the last Sony premium game they've got. Once it expires, Sony no longer has them under their banner, and I don't believe it's been renewed.

As for Final Fantasy? Oh well.. uh.. boo hoo, I guess. Those games are kind of crap. But Square does publish games for Nintendo, which was my point. They published a few GameCube titles, and are on-board with the Wii, as well.
Yes, but what was the last *good* game Square released for a nintendo console (no, those ports to the GBA and DS don't count)?

Plus all of the good strategy RPGs (Disgaea, La Pucelle, etc.) are all on Playstation with no Nintendo ports, or even equivalent competitors.

[Mike Pothier]

*sighs* THE POINT I made is that in the end, its the games that matter. The PS2 won because it had the games, not the graphics. If the Wii can keep up a steady stream of games to match the 360 and the PS3, then it can keep up with them in overall sales. Maybe even surpass them.

[Agent Helix]

Yes, but what was the last *good* game Square released for a nintendo console (no, those ports to the GBA and DS don't count)?

Plus all of the good strategy RPGs (Disgaea, La Pucelle, etc.) are all on Playstation with no Nintendo ports, or even equivalent competitors.

So get a PS3.

[El Santo]

*sighs* THE POINT I made is that in the end, its the games that matter. The PS2 won because it had the games, not the graphics. If the Wii can keep up a steady stream of games to match the 360 and the PS3, then it can keep up with them in overall sales. Maybe even surpass them.
Yes. And I sincerely hope that Nintendo is taking a different approach with game releases than they did with the Gamecube. I'd really like it if the Wii had games I wanted to play on them, both cool, new, Wii-type games (Red Steel), and more traditional fun (like rpgs and strategy rpgs, racing games, some good sports games, etc.).

But, I have trouble putting faith in Nintendo to do so. If they get some really good 3rd party support (which is what I'm doubting), then yes, this will be awesome.

[Sanagi]

The first hands-on impressions of Zelda are online. (http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3154917) The impressions are, in brief, very good. It sounds like the adaptation of the game to the Wii controller is going to work well.

[JDogindy]

Speaking of Smash Bros, a new trailer was released today. Sorry no link, but its online somewhere/multiple places.

http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/supersmashbros/video_player.html?id=KycxlDX45bgPszHc

It features the current ones that were mentioned at the beginning, and it does show a few of Snake's moves. It is also confirmed that Fox McCloud is playable, too.

[Fish Sauce]

http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/supersmashbros/video_player.html?id=KycxlDX45bgPszHc

It features the current ones that were mentioned at the beginning, and it does show a few of Snake's moves. It is also confirmed that Fox McCloud is playable, too.

Woo, Smash Bros! And the new characters look a lot better than Roy and Marth in Melee.

[DrewTheXenocide]

http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/supersmashbros/video_player.html?id=KycxlDX45bgPszHc

It features the current ones that were mentioned at the beginning, and it does show a few of Snake's moves. It is also confirmed that Fox McCloud is playable, too.
Why wouldn't he be?

[Jabuka]

I love the new yoshi island level and mario kart level but for some reason im getting the weard feeling I wont like this new one as much as the old one.(smash bros.)

[kel25]

*sighs* THE POINT I made is that in the end, its the games that matter. The PS2 won because it had the games, not the graphics. If the Wii can keep up a steady stream of games to match the 360 and the PS3, then it can keep up with them in overall sales. Maybe even surpass them.I’m one of those people that’s more into a system for the games then the graphics a system can do. That’s why I have such a hard time backing Nintendo for their past few systems.

Oh sure they’ve had a few great titles but so many of their games seem to be a gimmick with Mario to help push sales. On top of that so many games seem to be targeted towards younger kids. I tend to prefer playing RPGs but about the only title Nintendo pushes is Zelda. A series I’ve lost all interest in because nearly every story is the same.

What I’m trying to say is that I feel that Nintendo games tends to lack variety. Because of that I have less interest in the Wii than I do for the Xbox 360 or PS3.

Out off all the systems and I’m not really interested in any of the starting line ups. The best games for systems tend to start coming out once the system has been on the market for a year or two.

[adamthered]

My wife and I have Zelda, Trauma Center, and Red Steel on preorder for launch.

And some of those "kiddy" games like Monkey Ball, well, my wife loves those. Monkey Ball actually got her into gaming. Sometimes I have to yank her DS out of her hands so we can spend time together :D

[Mike Pothier]

I’m one of those people that’s more into a system for the games then the graphics a system can do. That’s why I have such a hard time backing Nintendo for their past few systems.

Oh sure they’ve had a few great titles but so many of their games seem to be a gimmick with Mario to help push sales. On top of that so many games seem to be targeted towards younger kids. I tend to prefer playing RPGs but about the only title Nintendo pushes is Zelda. A series I’ve lost all interest in because nearly every story is the same.

What I’m trying to say is that I feel that Nintendo games tends to lack variety. Because of that I have less interest in the Wii than I do for the Xbox 360 or PS3.

Out off all the systems and I’m not really interested in any of the starting line ups. The best games for systems tend to start coming out once the system has been on the market for a year or two.

No one is saying Nintendo doesn't have an uphill battle ahead of them. They took a huge hit in the N64 era because virtually all 3rd party developers jumped ship. The GC was a step in the right direction, but they still have a long ways to go. Hopefully the Wii will repair this and allow Nintendo to have a good selection of third party games.

[Bobthguy]

Personally I think Zelda should be really good but why make a whole new system for it along with the other games. The graphics barely improved compared to the gamecube and I just think that all these new systems are ripoff's because the compaies wan't more money. And the new features for the system are the only thing they could add to make it look worthwhile but it might get repetitive playing games like that. I think they should actually make some real upgrades in graphics and just release the system when it's actually worthwhile.

[Mike Pothier]

Personally I think Zelda should be really good but why make a whole new system for it along with the other games. The graphics barely improved compared to the gamecube and I just think that all these new systems are ripoff's because the compaies wan't more money. And the new features for the system are the only thing they could add to make it look worthwhile but it might get repetitive playing games like that. I think they should actually make some real upgrades in graphics and just release the system when it's actually worthwhile.

Okay, you're going to have to edit your post a bit, because I can barely read it. All I can make out is that you seem to think they made the Wii FOR Zelda, not the other way around...

[LiNo]

Personally I think Zelda should be really good but why make a whole new system for it along with the other games. The graphics barely improved compared to the gamecube and I just think that all these new systems are ripoff's because the compaies wan't more money. And the new features for the system are the only thing they could add to make it look worthwhile but it might get repetitive playing games like that. I think they should actually make some real upgrades in graphics and just release the system when it's actually worthwhile.
While the Wii doesn't have that much over the GC in processing power, we didn't get to see the best that the GC could offer until Resident Evil 4 came out near the end of the system's lifetime. Graphically that game was often compared to X-Box 360 visuals - a huge leap past other games in the GC library, as happened with Donkey Kong Country on SNES.

I think that there is potential for the Wii to blow us away graphics-wise if developers put some work into it.

That said, graphics should not be the be all and end all of games - Nintendo have seemingly led the way for decades, with most of their innovations adopted by competitors (analog stick as standard controller, rumble feature, 4 controller ports, and now their Wii-mote motion sensor capability is being aped at the last minute by Sony for the PS3) and in-house first party games regarded among the best of all time (Has there been a better 3d platformer than Super Mario 64 or A better adventure game than Ocarina of Time?).

There's no reason to doubt their ability.

[Xero Kaiser]

Graphically that game was often compared to X-Box 360 visuals -

Since when?

[Taltos]

Since when?
i often compare the two.

[Xero Kaiser]

RE4 was one of the best looking games last gen, but you aren't about to tell me that it looks like a damn 360 game

http://media.gamebattles.com/cube/screens/2005/085/475_1118068085_383_1.jpg
http://img391.imageshack.us/img391/7259/gow1mj9.jpg

RE4 still looks good. But it's nowhere near the next-gen stuff, unless the only 360 game you've ever seen is GUN

[Taltos]

Gears of war isnt even out yet (i think) besides that i havent been impressed by any of this next-gen stuff. Keep in mind ive seen/played most of the big titles.

[Kid Kamikaze10]

Gears of war isnt even out yet (i think) besides that i havent been impressed by any of this next-gen stuff. Keep in mind ive seen/played most of the big titles.

Okay, but his point was that RE4 should not be compared graphically to 360 titles (unless you're talking about games like Samurai Warriors 2, or something).

And you say you haven't been impressed with many of the next-gen titles, and yet you are talking as if the Wii will change that? If you're talking gameplay-wise, then fine, you're being subjective, nothing wrong with that. If you are talking graphically, then I call BS.


NOTE- Gears of War is coming out very soon, I think this week.

[Xero Kaiser]

Gears of war isnt even out yet (i think)

Yes it is.

And what difference would it make if it wasn't? Crysis isn't out yet either, that doesn't change the fact that RE4 can't touch it graphically

[Taltos]

Okay, but his point was that RE4 should not be compared graphically to 360 titles (unless you're talking about games like Samurai Warriors 2, or something).I think its comparable to Call of duty, its obvious which is better but the difference doesn't warrant the purchase of a new system.


And you say you haven't been impressed with many of the next-gen titles, and yet you are talking as if the Wii will change that? If you're talking gameplay-wise, then fine, you're being subjective, nothing wrong with that. If you are talking graphically, then I call BS.
no I'm not. We were talking about the 360's graphics and i said i wasn't impressed. I am not being subjective and regardless of your "BS call" ive logged well over 200 hours on 360, and have yet to be wowed.


NOTE- Gears of War is coming out very soon, I think this week.
this on the other hand looks very pretty.

[Kid Kamikaze10]

I think its comparable to Call of duty, its obvious which is better but the difference doesn't warrant the purchase of a new system.


But should not be compared to games like Dead Rising and Oblivion.



no I'm not. We were talking about the 360's graphics and i said i wasn't impressed. I am not being subjective and regardless of your "BS call" ive logged well over 200 hours on 360, and have yet to be wowed.


Yes, you are being subjective, on both graphics and gameplay, but as I said, that's not a bad thing.

Not to mention, check out the old PS2 games. Their graphics suck (especially The Bouncer), that's more than likely the case for the 360 launch titles. Even at that, it's difficult to not be impressed by the details, how many characters can be put on screen, the different innovations they are doing in terms of motion capturing (see Mass Effect), etc.

Or maybe it's because I'm thinking too much about the programming end of this discussion.

[Xero Kaiser]

Their graphics suck (especially The Bouncer),

You sure you have that right? The Bouncer was one of the better looking PS2 games in it's entire lifespan, certainly the best looking game around launch. The game itself sucked, but it looked pretty.


I think its comparable to Call of duty, its obvious which is better but the difference doesn't warrant the purchase of a new system.

Being obviously inferior to a multiplatform launch game does not put RE4 on the X360's level