Ok, this is a different kind of online discussion. I don't want to get into bashing or praising of the Virtual Console or how Nintendo has handled online so far.
Instead, I want to look at games coming out in the future and discuss whether they must go online or not. What games does Nintendo really need to push online play in to not only compete but possibly even take a strong stand beside their competition in offering great online experience.
Mario Party 8: Although this seems like a perfect online game, I don't think it is necessary to be online. This game is more about the social party than the online party, and as such it is not a big deal if online is not an option. Would it help the experience, sure but it won't break the experience.
Battalion Wars 2: This game is a must for online. For one it is a game that defines Nintendo perfectly. Great game play and experience that is playable with all ages but not just for children. The art style is unique and fantastic. 2-4 player online would be brilliant.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl: I would not have said this game MUST be online, but Nintendo did, and as such it is the biggest most important game Nintendo can make online...and it must play perfectly.
Nintendo First Person Shooter: Most people (including me) believed Metroid Prime 3 would be the game to go online...however it is debatable if this franchise has what it takes to be a great online experience. However, a game that almost everyone agrees would be great online experience is Geist. With work in balancing the system better than the original series, and pushing the ghost elements further you can have a very unique and exciting online experience. But, will this game happen? I think Nintendo realizes the potential of Geist and Battalion Wars even if they didn't sell well...and I believe Nintendo will give both franchises another chance on Wii.
Wii Sports 2: I can't tell you how important it is to get Wii Sports 2 out for 2007 holiday season. Wii Sports is the title that has brought the casual gamer to the living room to play games. Wii Sports 2 needs to happen sooner than later, and it needs to be the game that introduces casual gamers to online gaming.
Animal Crossing Wii: The Animal Crossing experience has already done online with a handheld system. Not allowing the console to go online is a push in the other direction.
Pokemon Wii: The consoles need a TRUE Pokemon game. This hasn't happened yet, because the franchise started as a communal experience for portable gaming. With the Wii online potential this is the first Nintendo console that can bring a communal experience to a Pokemon game, and therefore it should happen...and must happen.
Any thoughts and suggestions? What games do believe Nintendo must bring online? Why? And what games can leave the online experience out of the equation.