BIT.TRIP VOIDPublisher: Aksys Games Developer: Gaijin Games Cost: 600 Points Players: 1-2 Release Date: November 23, 2009 The third entry in the Bit.Trip series, Void mixes things up once more in the gameplay department. You control a black void with the objective being to grab as much black dots as possible while avoiding the white ones. As simplistic as this may sound, the challenge quickly ramps up along with the energetic beats and the traveling dots. With this game being just as impressive as the first two titles, the Bit.Trip franchise is one of the most consistent WiiWare series in terms of gameplay. This is one void you won't want to avoid. (Editor's Note: This final sentence is just too ridiculous to remove.) - Pedro Hernandez |
|
Castlvania: The Adventure RebirthPublisher: Konami Developer: Konami Cost: 1000 Points Players: 1 Release Date: December 28, 2009 Konami has been having great success with their Rebirth series, which has previously included such old-school remakes as Contra and Gradius. Castlevania: The Adventure, however, seemed like a strange game to draw inspiration from. Beginning life (and infamy) as a nearly unplayable Game Boy launch title, Castlevania: The Adventure was marred with unbearable slowdown, very strict jumping, and exaggerated knockback. Since its 1989 release, the game has garnered a well-earned hatred. Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth, however, is not so much a remake or even a re-imagining, but it is instead a breathtaking collection of fan service. In terms of gameplay, it feels like an easier version of Rondo of Blood with the aesthetic stylings of one of the recent DS games, or perhaps the oft-forgotten Genesis entry, Bloodlines. This excellent WiiWare title features branching paths, two gameplay styles, and a truly epic Dracula finale. To its discredit, however, Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth lacks a save feature. While, on the surface, this may seem like an app killer, reality dictates that the game is barely an hour long after you acclimate yourself to its particularities, and that hour is worth every precious zombie-whipping second. I may not be able to speak for Contra Rebirth or Gradius Rebirth, but Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth is a fantastic example of a new "old" game, one that franchise fans and old-school alums alike can enjoy. - Zachary Miller |
|
The Magic ObeliskPublisher: Game Arts Developer: Game Arts Cost: 600 Points Players: 1 Release Date: December 28, 2009 Never mind its fairy tale themes, The Magic Obelisk is one of the most challenging puzzle titles on the service. It's also one of the most inspired thanks to the usage of light and shadows to guide your character through the whimsical worlds as its central gameplay theme. The game highly impresses in the visuals and sound department, showing sights and sounds ripped out of your favorite bedtime stories. If you can forgive the challenge and control issues, The Magic Obelisk is a worthy pick-up. - Pedro Hernandez |
|
Art of BalancePublisher: Shin'en Multimedia Developer: Shin'en Multimedia Cost: 800 Points Players: 1-2 Release Date: February 15, 2010 I can't really put into words the kind of satisfaction one receives when they realize that, in fact, the dumbbell shape goes under the rectangle block, but let me assure you of this: it is plentiful. Shin'en's Art of Balance is quickly becoming a personal favorite of mine, and if you give it a chance, it'll be easy to see why. In each level, you're given a set of shapes. All you have to do is stack them in a way so that they don't fall down, getting steadily more difficult with each stage. If you're a fan of Jenga, this is an absolute no-brainer, especially considering its multiplayer mode. - Karl Castaneda |
|
Mega Man 10Publisher: Capcom Developer: Inti Creates Cost: 1000 Points Players: 1 Release Date: March 1, 2010 If Mega Man 9 covered the most respected games in the series – Mega Man 2-4 – then this newest entry covers the most ridiculed: 5 and 6. Known for their gimmicky levels and occasionally ridiculous bosses (Tomahawk Man?), the last two NES Mega Man games are bizarre and often maligned, but still excellent in terms of level design and challenge. Mega Man 10 aims to best those games. Want crazy level design? Try Strike Man’s stage, complete with robotic soccer goalies and rocket-powered baseballs. Want some silly bosses? It doesn't get much "worse" than Sheep Man and Pump Man. The Wily stages are a bit more doable here than in Mega Man 9, especially since the developers built a handy grinding stage into the final fight. Every bit as charming as its predecessor, Mega Man 10 is not a game to be missed. - Zachary Miller |
|
Cave StoryPublisher: Nicalis Developer: Nicalis/Studio Pixel Cost: 1200 Points Players: 1 Release Date: March 22, 2010 From such simple beginnings! Cave Story was created by a single man as a labor of love and released to an unsuspected public as PC freeware in 2004. Everybody loved it, and it was recently given new life on WiiWare, including retouched graphics, new music, and new gameplay modes. How would one describe Cave Story? Imagine a late-era NES game with the gameplay polish of modern titles. Imagine the shoot-'em-up sidescrolling of Contra with the backtracking and upgrade system of Metroid. Now throw in weapon upgrades a la Ratchet & Clank. Oh, but we can't forget the RPG trappings too, like chatting up NPCs and going on quests. Cave Story is a remarkable mixture of genres that you'd never think could actually work, but does, and does wonderfully. Add in a surprisingly engaging story and some massive boss encounters, and you've got yourself a must-own WiiWare title with replayability in spades. You may argue that the PC version, which is still around, is free. To this I would agree, but would add that the WiiWare version offers far more content and, importantly, the hope of a sequel. – Zachary Miller |
|
Tales of Monkey IslandPublisher: Telltale Games Developer: Telltale Games Cost: 1000 Points Players: 1 Release Date: July 27, 2009 (first episode) February 1, 2010 (final episode) With franchise revivals being the "cool" thing in the industry at the moment, it's no surprise that Telltale Games brought back the Monkey Island franchise, and used their point-and-click know-how to present us a series that is classic yet still enjoyable today. Tales of Monkey Island features a cohesive storyline that is developed throughout its five episodes. Even if this makes the game less accessible than previous Telltale Games efforts, the storyline is excellent and will inspire you to invest in the complete season. - Pedro Hernandez |
|
WarioWare D.I.Y. ShowcasePublisher: Nintendo Developer: Nintendo Cost: 800 Points Players: 1 Release Date: March 29, 2010 The DS version delivers the most complex game creation tools ever seen in a Nintendo title. Showcase, the WiiWare companion, lets you show off your creativity in a manner most impressive. The ability to interact with the DS version and upload your creations as well as export Showcase's content and download new games more than complements the D.I.Y. experience. It's also very fun thanks to its collection of silly pre-made games that has made the Nintendo franchise one of the wackiest in the industry. - Pedro Hernandez |
|
