Q1 2009 gaming report – Wii & DS

Having covered the PS3 and Xbox 360 it’s now time to take a look at the Nintendo Wii and DS. The games for these systems are unique, which can be both good and bad. Unique controls and touch screen interface allow for innovation but sometimes the dated graphics can be a hindrance. The more casual approach has also flooded store shelves with games that are … less than desirable. That being said below are games that the more traditional gamer (not casual) will enjoy. Some niche, others long running franchises, let’s take a look.
Nintendo Wii – One very original, third-party (surprise) title highlights a quarter filled with familiar names. The Wii is put to good use with these titles but sadly there are a few titles with high hopes that just fall short.

MadWorld – Stylish and violent. There is something very Sin City about this the design and this over-the-top competition where the blood flows freely should not be missed by any mature gamer. Great voice work too btw.

Deadly Creatures – Who knew a game staring a very realistic spider and scorpion and two rednecks could be so witty. Sure to go down as a hidden gem.

Rune Factory Frontier – Harvest and build relationships, it works and the Wii is the perfect location for a game like this.

The House of the Dead: Overkill & Dead Rising: Chop Till You Drop – Two titles with tons of the undead from two publishers. Fans of Resident Evil can’t go wrong with some exaggerated zombie killing fit for the grind house.

Dis-honorable Mention – These familiar titles miss the mark. Sonic is all over the place recently and Tenchu is better on PSP. Final Fantasy … it’s the same game as on the DS. Sonic and the Black Knight, Tenchu: Shadow Assassins, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time

Nintendo DS - 10+ titles deep on the really good gaming scale for the DS. Most are of the RPG variety and there seems be to a strong industry move to strategy/tactical role-playing games for new and established franchises. No complaint here, but this scan be very niche.

Pokémon Platinum – Essentially Diamond/Peral with new content and Pokémon. The formula is not new, but works so well. If you’ve never dug Pokémon, Platinum will not change your mind, but for fans it really is a must have just like Emerald was.

Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars – More old-school GTA then new but updated with new storyline. Good for GTA fans, others it’s a mixed bag, again if you like the franchise check it out.

Lux-Pain – A stylus mystery with all the style of Persona. Packed in art book just adds to an excellent game CSI fans will dig … with an anime design (actually, more X-Files in mystery).

Suikoden Tierkreis – As good as it ever was. One of the best looking DS titles with lush backgrounds and its one great role-playing game.

TrackMania DS – A PC title that works beyond any hope on the DS. Design and share tracks, race and just enjoy. Racing fans, this is a must have as it’s fun and original, hard to say on a flooded DS market.

Avalon Code – On the list for one aspect alone, re-writing the book of chaos … it was chaos right? The graphics are not that great but it’s an original title that is very enjoyable.

Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon – The original proves that game play is the name of the game. Not as pretty as pretty much every title on the list but the story and game play shine through and shows how all games of this type should be built. (Except losing allies for good when they die.)

Dragon Quest V: Hand of the Heavenly Bride – How did it take this long for the Dragon Quest series to get proper release in the states? By far Hand of the Heavenly Bride is the best yet on the DS and its use of both screens to show more map and game play is excellent.

Blue Dragon Plus – Just like its 360 big brother Plus is a very kid friendly title. It picks up where the game left off and offers a hybrid strategy/action role-playing format that works best when all characters just bum rush one opponent at a time, not too many tactics needed.

Honorable Mention – Kid friendly, simple but enjoyable, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time. Good on the DS, but the same game Wii. Why not bundle these together? Legacy of Y’s: Books I & II, another remake but does not hold up as well as DQ. Valkyrie Profile: Covenant of the Plume … long title for a game that comes up just a bit short.

Overall Grades – The Wii gets a C- as there are just not that many good, not even great, just good games coming out while the DS gets a solid B. Quite a few memorable gaming experiences on the DS but too many of them are role-playing variety which will turn off most DS’ers. With the Xbox 360 and PS3 in the books along with Wii and DS all that’s left is a look at PS2, PSP and a few PC titles.

Source: James Fleenor