GameZone’s very serious list of top 50 Wii games (#20 – #11)

For the record, the Wii wasn’t a bad gaming machine. Sure, it brought forth a new dawn of horribly offensive shovelware, but it still had plenty of hits worth playing. Case in point: We’re showing you 50 of the top Wii games ever released, proving doubters the world over completely wrong. It hasn’t exactly been easy, but once we got going, finding solid, recommendable Wii games became a much smoother process. We’ve already presented 30 of the best games on Nintendo’s previous console. Now it’s time to take a look at 10 more as our coverage of the top 50 Wii games continues.

#50 – #41, #40 – #31, #30 – #21

20. Super Paper Mario

Super Paper Mario

The Paper Mario games were previously known for their outstanding turn-based RPG gameplay and clever storytelling. Super Paper Mario retained the comedic narrative while going in a new direction gameplay-wise. What you got was a 2D platformer that had some light action-RPG elements. Super Paper Mario was more fast-paced than its predecessors, and it provided a completely different type of world for players to explore. Mario could turn the 2D landscape sideways and discover secrets and new paths. No, this wasn’t a turn-based Mario RPG — it was a completely new experience that was absolutely delightful.

19. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Metroid Prime 3

While Metroid Prime 3: Corruption didn’t do much to change the formula that was so successful in its two console predecessors, it was still a total blast. Players entered the visor of intergalactic bounty hunter extraordinaire Samus Aran once more, and this time they had stellar motion controls to enhance the experience. The game didn't do much to change things up, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing. Corruption was a true thrill ride on the Wii and to this day remains one of the finest examples of Wii Remote motion controls done right.

18. Muramasa: The Demon Blade

Muramasa

Do you know how good Muramasa: The Demon Blade is? It’s so good that it’s being remade on the Vita. Perhaps the game wasn’t played by the widest audience upon its initial launch, but that didn’t reflect its sheer quality. Muramasa was a stylish action-RPG that really kept players engaged. It was a one-of-a-kind title on the Wii, and we never really saw anything like it on the system again.

17. No More Heroes

No More Heroes

Whenever people complain about how the Wii “is just for kids,” we like to recommend No More Heroes. Concocted by the eccentric mind of Suda51, this Grasshopper Manufacture-developed title was easily one of the freshest experiences at the time of its release. The game focused on a goofy otaku named Travis Touchdown who won a beam katana in an online auction and found himself with no money. So what did he do? He took on waves of bad guys and strong bosses to become the top assassin in the world. The story was offbeat, the characters were hilarious, and the action was bloody. No More Heroes was definitely a good time.

16. Xenoblade Chronicles

Xenoblade Chronicles

RPG nuts were clamoring for Xenoblade Chronicles for quite some time, and it seemed as though the game would never see the light of day in North America. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case, and we were treated to one of the better RPGs of the year. With a sprawling world, an interesting story, and compelling characters, Xenoblade Chronicles was a true masterpiece. Seriously, when you entered those massive lands, you realized all of that fan ruckus was totally worth it.

15. Donkey Kong Country Returns

Donkey Kong Country Returns

Retro Studios excelled in reviving the Metroid franchise and infusing it with a brand new sense of style. It makes sense then that the developer’s abilities were employed once more, this time for the Donkey Kong series. When it launched on the Wii, Donkey Kong Country Returns was true to its name: It was a return to form for the series. The game was surprisingly challenging, and it really harked back to the SNES days when platformers weren’t afraid to really punish players. High level of difficulty aside, Donkey Kong Country Returns remains one of the most accessible, intuitive, and polished 2D platformers on the Wii.

14. A Boy and His Blob

A Boy and His Blob

A Boy and His Blob may very well be the most beautiful game to ever launch on the Wii. The hand-drawn look, fluid animations, and stunning level design left absolutely nothing to be desired. Then there’s the gameplay, which was rich with fun platforming and tough puzzles. A Boy and His Blob managed to surpass the NES original that it was based on in every way, and it delivered one of the most heartwarming experiences that could ever be conceived.

13. Monster Hunter Tri

Monster Hunter Tri

Was it a bit weird that a Monster Hunter game was releasing exclusively on the Wii? Considering the series’ reliance on online multiplayer, yes, that would be a fair argument. Still, Monster Hunter Tri was a successful action-RPG that was rife with bold visuals, breathtaking beasts, and excellent online features. This was the best game in the Monster Hunter franchise at the time of its release, and after seeing the Wii come and go, it’s obvious that it featured the best online experience on the console bar none.

12. Kirby’s Epic Yarn

Kirby's Epic Yarn

If there’s one thing that shines through in every single Kirby game, it’s undeniable charm. Kirby’s Epic Yarn was able to trump previous games with one of the most impressively endearing art styles in the history of the franchise. The entire thing looked like a work of yarn, string, patches, and buttons, and it was incredibly beautiful to behold. Secrets could be uncovered behind every lose strand of yarn or every flap of cloth, providing an inviting experience that encouraged players to just let go and explore to their heart’s content. Epic Yarn also featured brilliant platforming. The game was never challenging, but it was enticing and rewarding the entire time.

11. Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition

Resident Evil 4

As great as Resident Evil 4 originally was, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition was able to eclipse the initial versions of the game. This was more than just a standard port job — this was the definitive version of Resident Evil 4. The game included all the extra content from previous releases and some of the best motion controls on the system. The result was a prime example of Wii remakes actually functioning the way they were supposed to. (Hear that, Far Cry Vengeance?)

Join us next time when we take a look at the top 10 games to land on the Wii.

Want to talk about indie games, Kirby, or cheap pizza? Follow me on Twitter @dr_davidsanchez.