Every year we like to recognize the best in gaming on Nintendo consoles.
Wii - Best Action/Adventure Game
As Wario's zany WarioWare mini-game series conquered Nintendo's various platforms, his once-mighty adventuring persona faded into mediocrity. Wario Land: Shake It! is a return to Wario's roots, reminding gamers of what made the anti-hero's action games so popular.
While it may seem odd to award this category to such a traditional platformer, we just couldn't resist this polished title from Good Feel and Nintendo. Its familiar controls and game structure belie intricate design that encourages exploration, finesse, and experimentation well after completing the main story. Wario's humble move set is fully exploited by hidden levels, alternate paths, and challenging optional missions, demonstrating the power of simple but versatile controls. The series' tradition of passionate, unconventional presentation is alive and well, thanks to the game's hand-drawn environments and decidedly moody soundtrack. Bravo, Wario.
Runner-up: Okami
