Most Anticipated Wii Games of 2011
Like always, the Wii is in a bit of a predicament at the start of the year. It’s got the outstanding game that Nintendo fans most desire in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, but not a whole lot more at this early stage of 2011.
There’s the title that’s shaping up to be one of the best of the year that’ll probably slip under the radar in the West, in The Last Story. Then there’s the third party FPS, Conduit 2 from Sega, and the second rate first party Nintendo title, Mario Sports Mix.
What I’ve done there is outline the basic principle of a Wii release schedule in January. There are a few titles you can place on your wish list right now, but they are far and few among some ailing gaps of concern. Expect those to fill-up somewhat, as Nintendo spring a few surprises on us and announce some big games for the end of the year at E3. If we’re lucky, several third party developers might also get in on the act.
But now, let’s take a look at the most anticipated Wii games, that we know about, for 2011.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Australian Release Date: TBA 2011
Hype Meter: HIGH
Why Is It Going To Be Awesome?
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is the Wii game to own in 2011. It’s likely to be released towards the end of the year, and at this stage is going to be the biggest Wii game of ’11.
Skyward Sword will essentially be the first original Zelda game on Wii, five years into the console’s lifespan. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was released as a launch title, but was ported from the fizzling GameCube.
Zelda: Skyward Sword takes the popular series into bizarre territory once again, with our hero Link this time hailing from a city floating in the clouds. It’ll place a greater emphasis on combat than previous games, with MotionPlus allowing for more control over swordplay.
Mario Sports Mix
Australian Release Date: January 27, 2011
Hype Meter: MEDIUM
Why Is It Going To Be Awesome?
Mario Sports Mix is our first anticipated game off the production line, arriving at the end of the month. Mario Sports Mix will offer a similar experience to previous Mario Sports Games but, as the title suggests, offers more variety. It includes four playable sports, hockey, basketball, volleyball and dodgeball, with a Mario twist and online multiplayer for up to four people.
Conduit 2
Australian Release Date: TBA 2011 (Feb 15 in NA)
Hype Meter: HIGH
Why Is It Going To Be Awesome?
The Wii looks like the perfect platform for FPS games on paper, but in theory it hasn’t eventuated. You can count the number of quality shooters on one hand, and The Conduit was long considered the best of the bunch; however, it was still riddled with flaws. Conduit 2 drops the “the” and looks to improve on the series. Once again it’ll push the boundaries of the console and become a contender for best looking game on Wii. It’ll introduce MotionPlus but will follow Goldeneye’s lead and also allow use of the Classic Controller (Pro) and Headbanger headset. At this stage, it’s shaping up to be the best shooter on Wii in 2011.
Xenoblade (Monado: Beginning of the World)
Australian Release Date: TBA
Hype Meter: MEDIUM
Why Is It Going To Be Awesome?
Monado: Beginning of the World, or
Xenoblade as it is known as in Japan, is an RPG developed by Monolith Soft of the highest quality. Unfortunately, it still has a “TBA” date for America, and isn’t even on Australia’s release schedule, but we expect it to land sometime in 2011.
Xenoblade is an instalment in the legendary Xeno series, although it has no connection to past titles. While its core is an RPG, it’s been combined with shooter elements, which should assist Nintendo in their bid to introduce more Japanese-born games into English regions.
Kirby’s Epic Yarn
Australian Release Date: February 26, 2011
Hype Meter: LOW-MEDIUM
Why Is It Going To Be Awesome?
It’s hard to label Kirby’s Epic Yarn as “most anticipated” as the boat has well and truly sailed. Anyone who was genuinely excited has probably imported by now, as the delay just isn’t good enough in this day and age. Having said that, it’ll still be one of the most popular Wii titles in early 2011, and at last gives us something to enjoy in the otherwise fairly bare February.
de Blob 2
Australian Release Date: February 24, 2011
Hype Meter: MEDIUM
Why Is It Going To Be Awesome?
de Blob 2 is no longer a Wii exclusive, but it doesn’t need to be, it’s about time Wii owners learnt to share their good games. The first game was one of the most innovative on the platform when it was released back in 2008, and is still one of the best third party Wii games available. The sequel looks to expand on that, and better yet, comes from Blue Tongue Entertainment, a Melbourne-based developer.
The Last Story
Australian Release Date: TBA
Hype Meter: HIGH
Why Is It Going To Be Awesome?
The Last Story is close to knocking Zelda off its perch of most anticipated game in Japan, and deserves a similar pre-release following in the Western World. It’s a collaboration between Mistwalker and Nintendo, with the former being well respected in the RPG community. The Last Story is promised to be a “a new form of RPG by choosing the universal theme of human emotion.” The visuals and artistic design will be top notch, and the sound track, from famed Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu, will round out the package. The Last Story is one of the most intriguing prospects of 2011, and deserves more recognition internationally, assuming we see a local release.
What are your most anticipated Wii games of 2011?