In just a few short years Nintendo has successfully explored established gaming genres and made them so that both core and casual gamers could enjoy them. They did sports (Wii Sports), arcade games (Wii Play), fitness (Wii Fit) and music (Wii Music). With the success of these titles where does Nintendo go from there? What other genres can be explored in order to keep new and old players interested?
We are already getting a sequel to Wii Sports with enhanced 1:1 controls and there are rumors of Wii Fit 2 being made as we speak.
While these continue Nintendo's mission of games everyone can play they are mainly continuations of already popular, proven games.
What games could Nintendo make under the "Wii" banner that keeps pushing the ideas forward while still entertaining those that already played the existing titles?
Here are some ideas of where Nintendo could take the Wii series and its fans...
1. Wii Artist
Now, this is a game that I am surprised Nintendo has not decided to make. All of us growing up during the SNES era loved Mario Paint thanks to its easy to learn mechanics, quirky presentation and endless potential. What I realize now is that it was a classic Blue Ocean title. I find it funny how people complain about Nintendo doing these types of games now when they have been experimenting with the idea for years now, Mario Paint being an example of this.
So again, it surprises me that with the success of the Wii with non-players they have yet to announce a game that is a spiritual follow up to Mario Paint. And no, the doodle feature on the Photo Channel does not count.
Here's how I envision the game to be:
Like in Mario Paint the game loads an empty canvas, with your tools easily at your disposal. It works similarly to Mario Paint, with different colors, tools and features to enhance your artwork.
Now, the Wii remote could easily replicate the SNES mouse, except perhaps offer even more precision.
Just like in the original you can add funky stamps, based on Nintendo franchises, and even add Miis to your drawings!
With WiiConnect24 you can send your drawings and artwork to other players, even to those that don't have the game.
Of course, they could also add the music, sprite and animation creation tools, and once again further expand those concepts that uses the Wii remote and its features to the fullest. And just like Wii Music allowed you to share music videos you can send your animated movies, and hell, add the Miis too!
Really, Nintendo. This game can be made...
2. Wii Talent Studio
Those that follow Nintendo history closely know that for years they have tried to make games that implemented the player into the story and the game's world. They have tried doing this since the Famicom days with an add on that never materialized.
During the N64 days this idea came briefly to life, but the requirement of the 64 DD dampened its appeal and potential. But it was still a wondrous idea.
On the GC days, they brought the idea back at E3 2003, but like the 64 DD before it, it required other adds that and the appeal was, once more, limited.
Nintendo's main excuse is that these games saw no appeal or gameplay potential in the current market. But Nintendo has changed since then. We know have Wii Music, a game that would have been canceled during the N64 and GC days, and it shows Nintendo is bold with this decision.
So if Nintendo saw confidence in Wii Music why can't get go back to Talent Studio and release it under the Wii banner?
The best part about this is that the technology is easily available. Miis can be used as your avatar, and have them dance alongside Nintendo characters, customize their wardrobe or even make little movies like they did with the N64 talent studio. The storage shouldn't be a problem. The SD card could be used to storage creations and movies.
Or, in order to further customize your character you can grab a photo off the photo channel or SD card, cut a face and paste it onto a character model, and you have both a real and cartoony representation of your character.
Like Wii Music, I see people criticizing it for not having enough potential or even stuff to do. But, I think it will gather a loyal set of fans, both with core gamers and casuals. This might even create an emotional response in the players as they see each other acting out in funny scenes. Wii Speak can even be used to add voice to your characters.
3. Wii Dance
Now this is an obvious choice. You have the Wii balance and you have motion plus. Both can be used to carefully monitor your movements and see how well co-ordinated you are.
I could see Nintendo borrowing some ideas from the DDR series, but will focus on creating some new elements that make it different from any other dance game. If Wii Fit concentrated on balance and fitness Wii Dance could focus on developing body rhythm as a fitness method or for those that really want to dance.
Of course, people will crap on this idea because they are afraid of looking like massive toolboxes. But once more, I see the idea being praised by experts, claiming it could encourage children to step up and dance in a way that is deep but still accessible, like Wii Fit before it.
This is what I have for now. What else can you add to this quirky selection?
Topic: The next games in the "Wii" series (Read 10278 times)
