While the PS3 and Xbox 360 delivered in droves in Q1 the Nintendo DS and Wii both continued their steady release of solid titles, not a ton mind you, but enough solid titles to please both casual and hardcore gamers alike. The Wii will soon get some completion in the PS3 new controller and the DS has increased its size so Nintendo keeps on rolling and adjusting to a competitive market. How did the games fare in Q1 2010, let’s take a look …
Nintendo Wii – Love the anime feel, just love it and so should Wii owners for the variety.
- Red Steel 2 – The new setting and art style works much better than the original and takes on a cowboy genre lacking in … well really any titles.
- Endless Ocean: Blue World – It’s swimming around an ocean … ok it’s more than just that but what a fun, relaxing way to spend time. Explore sunken ships, marine life all across the globe.
- Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love – Mechs, monsters and dating, oh my! Starved Sakura Taisen fans finally get one of the long running games (fifth actually) in this unique title. The sim based dating story moves the game along with a fairly deep strategy role-playing game wrapped around.
- Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon – Not quite a creep fest but it has it antsy moments and a unique way of using the Wii-mote. Also a very pretty game with that anime look.
- Shiren the Wanderer – A wandering samurai in an ancient Japanese setting with tons of J-mythology thrown in everywhere. Sounds like a standard Atlus title.
- Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars – Brining over such an excellent fighter is a no brainer by Capcom but one that does not have Marvel but instead Tatsunoko was bold and welcome. Great cast of fighters with a deep anime heritage. One of the best titles on Wii, easily a top 3 fighter on the Wii.
- No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle – Story is still a bit out there but all the third-person style and action is back and a bit more polished. Great gameplay, a true gamer’s game.
- The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces – A flight combat title perfect for the Wii build on top of a deep anime based story. Story aside the gameplay stands very well on its own and is a welcome addition to the Wii library of games.
- Pokémon HeartGold Version & Pokémon SoulSilver Version – Not even going to comment. It’s more Pokémon with a take-with-you pet and hours of refined gameplay. Guess I did comment.
- WarioWare D.I.Y. – Mini-games with the classic Wario twist. It’s odd but fun.
- Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey – Not the traditional Shin Megami Tensei game and that’s saying something. It’s a RPG, quirky and not for everyone but fans of the SMT franchise should rent first as it’s not the norm.
- Infinite Space – A deep and engaging space combat simulation where gamers build their fleet and take on incredible space forces in an operatic story. Niche but worth the try for anyone interested in the genre as a whole.
- Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing – Like cart racers? Starving for more Mario Kart? Take Sonic and his Sega buddies for a spin. Same formula, same great gameplay.
- Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth – The Ace Attorney series is established and well done. This is the next step in the series, one that is not too original but delivers what’s expected.
- Glory of Heracles – Taking advantage of all the mythology based stories and movies? Recommended for gamers who can’t get enough mythology.
- Sands of Destruction – A fun and original RPG from Sega that has a 12-episode anime series from FUNimation. The story is decent as is the gameplay and overall it’s just a solid title.
The first quarter of 2010 delivered great titles on every system and while things may slow in Q2 there is more than enough great gaming on the market to consume gamers hours, days, weeks and dollars well into the fall. What a great beginning to a new year.
