Top 10 Most Anticipated Wii Games of 2008 December 28, 2007
Nintendo’s just thrown a slew of great games your way this holiday season, but we know how you, the gamer, are always thinking ahead to what’s next, leaving little time to savor what’s readily available.
We’re willing to feed that hunger and provide you with a preview of the top 10 most anticipated Wii games of 2008. If this doesn’t whet your appetite, consider yourself insatiable.
10. Endless Ocean (Nintendo)
Release Date: 01/25/08
Japan and PAL land have already received this diving sim/non-game but we in the states are still patiently waiting for this title to…put us to sleep, in a good way. Endless Ocean puts players in control of a diver who is in charge of a bevy of duties, not the least of which is cataloging the entire ocean for an encyclopedia. Though it seems a daunting task, Endless Ocean is all about putting players in control of how much time and effort they put into the (non)game. Simply interested in diving? Go for it. Want to take tourists down to pet clown fish? Pet away. Want to listen to your own MP3’s while exploring? Be my guest. Besides looking like one of the most relaxing games to date on any console, Endless Ocean is coming to the states at the attractive price of $29.99. Take the plunge.
9. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: The Crystal Bearers
Release Date: Winter 2008
Though, admittedly, not much is known about the title yet, Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles is a game that means alot to us as Wii gamers. It’s going to be the first (barring Super Paper Mario) true RPG to hit the Wii (in the states at least). It’s a continual sign of the regenerating relationship between Nintendo and Square Enix (Mario RPG sequel anyone?), and its also the sequel to a successful and enjoyable gamecube title. We all know that nearly requiring a GBA and friends to play with was the biggest obstacle with the original CC title, it seems we weren’t the only ones. Square Enix has stated that this next iteration in the series will be more single player focused. Initial reports also hinted that the game would use the nunchuk+wiimote combo for control, possibly hinting at an action based fighting system. In development for over two years now, this game is hopefully shaping up to be one of the Wii’s best in ‘08.
8. Sid Meier’s Civilization: Revolution
Release Date: Fall 2008
Deservedly gracing the list at number eight, Wii owners should embrace Civilization: Revolution (CR) when it comes to the Wii in the fall of 2008. Civilization is one the longest standing, most loved, turn-based strategy/sim titles that’s ever existed. Unfortunately, its never made the jump to consoles (successfully). Most agreed that when the Wii remote was first revealed that Nintendo may have finally found a solution to bringing real-time and turn-based strategy games onto consoles. Additionally, CR is taking the Civilization forumula and tuning it in a way that makes even more sense for console gaming. Expect simpler, more intuitive menus as well as a tweaked difficulty. All of these things may add up to Civilization: Revolution being a runaway hit. Fingers crossed for online functionality and no worries about an immersive and expansive singleplayer experience, get ready to build an empire from the ground up.
7. Samba De Amigo
Release Date: Spring 2008
Move over Guitar Hero, it just got way cooler to shake maraca’s. Originally released for the ill-fated Dreamcast, Samba De Amigo is a classic rhythm game that has you shaking maraca’s to all kinds of crazy songs. For the best comparison, you might look at Nintendo’s bongos peripheral and the Donkey Konga titles, but most would agree that Samba De Amigo trumps the Konga series easily. It looks like it may be a remake of the original, with a few new features coming in, but that shouldn’t be an issue due to the fact that most of you have never played the original. Most gamers anticipating this title are hoping for Maraca peripherals but the game may just use the wiimote and nunchuk. Personally, I wouldn’t mind a Maraca shell akin to the zapper. As with Civilization, the addition of online functionality would put this game over the top. Guitar Hero III has proven (among other things) that rhythm games work well on Wii, and online matches work just as good. The venerable development studio, Gearbox Software, is handling the development of the game and it looks to be shaping up nicely.
6. Wii Fit
Release Date: Spring 2008
Quit rolling your eyes. The same people who scoff at the idea of Wii Fit have also put countless hours into Wii Sports. The concept of Wii Fit is simple. A packed-in Balance Board is able to measure pressure applied by the left and right foot, and puts the player through a series of minigames using the Balance Board. It is also able to measure a player’s Body Mass Index(BMI) and track their progress. While Wii Fit is sure to be a hit with the casual crowd, I’m confident that hardcore gamers will be able to enjoy the majority of the game’s minigames. Put down the cheese puffs, put on your headband, and join in with the fall of traditional gaming! <–That one’s for all the dramatic gamers.
5. Spore
Release Date: Winter 2008 (or two thousand never?)
Wii fans were pleasantly surprised when Sims creator Will Wright confirmed that Spore would be coming to the Wii. Even more affirmation was brought about when Wright denounced next-gen game development and its focus on graphics. Spore is the (overly) ambitious game that Wright has been working on for the past couple years. The game allows players to bring a primordial mess of an animal from the stone age to the space age. In the beginning, you’ll have the ability to completely customize a character that continually evolves with the enviroment. As civilization develops, you then not only control your character but also start controlling city production and overseeing whole towns. The game takes you all the way to the point of interplanetary travel. Innovative design abilities and near complete control over whats happening make Spore one of the most highly anticipated games of 2008. We should caution that Spore has already been delayed several times and it seems there might be an extremely good chance of this game not coming out in 2008, but one can hope, right?
4. King Story (Project O)
Release Date: Winter (?) 2008
We can only hope that King Story comes stateside in 2008 (or at all). A simulation/RPG title that seems to borrow elements of gameplay from Harvest Moon, initial King Story screens have already proven it to be one of the prettiest Wii titles to date. King Story puts players in charge of a King named Corobo Bread. Corobo used to be a normal child until he found a magical crown that allows him to run his own kingdom as players see fit. The king controls groups of villagers and places them in certain places to make them do different jobs that expand and build up the city. The usual tasks crop up like milking cows, harvesting crops, defending your city against fire-breathing dragons, keeping your citizens hap-
Wait what? Dragons or no dragons, this hefty exclusive is shaping up nicely.
3. Mario Kart Wii
Release Date: Spring 2008
There isn’t much to say. Mario Kart is coming to the Wii and Wii owners should be extremely thankful. Looking to build upon the runaway success Mario Kart DS was, Mario Kart Wii will be putting players online in up to 12 (or more) player races and will also be the first time motorbikes have been available to ride on. Players should help that new additions of features like a track editor and online leaderboards make it into the game. It’d be great to be able to download the top ghost for each track, a feature I loved in the 64 version. Official details about riders and courses is still limited but Wii owners owe it to themselves to pick up the sequel to the game that created an entire genre.
2. No More Heroes (Ubisoft)
Release Date: 02/05/2008
The next game from the eccentric Japanese game guru, Goichi Suda (Suda 51), No More Heroes focuses around Travis Touchdown, an assassin in a town full of assassin’s, Santa Destroy. A sandbox style game, Travis is trying to work his way up the assassin’s leaderboard by knocking each one off, one by one. The unique style seen in the game is a signature of Suda 51’s. While the game might look boxy to some, its actually a visually impressive game with stark contrast in environments and character models.Travis earns money to buy the right to fight each assassin, by doing sidejobs like collecting trash and mowing people’s lawns. Oh, you also save your progress by dropping a duece. Day one purchase confirmed.
1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (Nintendo)
Release Date: 02/10/2008
Predictable, right? We can’t help it! Everyone’s insanely hyped for the newest iteration of the Smash Bros. series. If you haven’t been keeping up with the myriad of features packed into this game, you might have issues. This game will feature all the wacky four player free-for-all fighting of the past two titles, with the addition of new characters, new levels, online play, spectator mode, stickers, photo sharing, level building just to name a few of the biggest announcements. If Super Mario Galaxy was the definitive Wii title of 2007, we can say with certainly that Super Smash Bros. Brawl will be the definitive Wii title of 2008.
Honorable mentions: Fragile (Namco RPG), Wii Music, Hoshi no Kirby, Wiiware (in general), Nitrobike, Oboro Muramasa Youtouden (Vanillaware RPG), Monster Hunter 3 Freedom, Animal Crossing Wii
(Bumped 1 time for the new year)
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November 27th, 2007 at 9:48 pm
No More Heroes in front of Mario Kart Wii? What?
November 27th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
No Animal Crossing. This is without a doubt the #1 anticipated title of 2008.
November 27th, 2007 at 10:58 pm
the ones I’m looking forward to are ssmb animal crossing wiu music wiu fit civilization and spore. But they are all must play games!!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:03 pm
animal crossing will be good…but two things:
1) I’m worried we might not see it this year
2) I wanted to show that there are plenty of good 3rd party titles (exclusives even) lined up for the Wii in 08
November 27th, 2007 at 11:58 pm
Glad No More Heroes got the recognition, it is definantly hyped among the hardcore wii fans.
November 28th, 2007 at 12:16 am
isn’t the final fantasy game going to be a wii ware game?
November 28th, 2007 at 12:40 am
There are two FF:CC games hitting the Wii. One is disc based, the other is a Wiiware title.
Confusing, I know.
November 28th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
definitely nailed the top three. i didn’t realize there would be a civilization game on wii, but i’m looking forwards to it
November 28th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
of course super smash bros is the “#1 anticipated title”, with all the hype of the weekly dojo updates it is hard not to have this game on the back of your mind.
mario kart will be the one to get in 2008, along with wii fit.
November 28th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
Brawl, Heroes, spore, are all im really interested in.
Endless ocean SUCKS. It’s out in Europe. terrible game, boring, no fun at all.
November 28th, 2007 at 6:15 pm
fuck y did i buy a wii???? these game are the best of 08. they all suck!
November 28th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
? Whats planned for PS3 and 360 in 08?
November 28th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
Lol, nothing good this year? All of those will be quality titles, all worth getting.
You pathetic person….
November 28th, 2007 at 11:24 pm
WOW various sucky games…
WII FIT!?!?!?!
YA [Cencored] WITH MEEEEEEEEEEEEE?!
The only good title here is Brawl….
Let’s hope Mario Kart don’t suck like Double dash did…then we’ll have two
November 29th, 2007 at 1:09 am
what are you looking forward to?
November 29th, 2007 at 11:26 am
i seriously cannot wait for super smash bros to come out…not because i want it…because i am tired of the daily dojo updates! when is the next update? is big bird throwing a fireball at master chief this time? this game will disappoint, just like the previous ones.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Except for Endless Ocean, Wii Fit, and Samba de Amigo these are all possible AAA games with the exception of Brawl, Spore, and No More Heroes which are all obvious AAA games
November 30th, 2007 at 10:16 am
[...] Un bell’articolo ci presenta i 10 giochi più attesi per il 2008. La mia preferenza cade senza dubbio sul WiiFit che non vedo l’ora di potermi mettere in casa! [fonte WiiNintendo.net] [...]
November 30th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
i didnt like animal crossing, and david, ssbb is definately #1 anticipated, but the top 3 are great
December 1st, 2007 at 10:37 pm
Hello, I’m a strongly opinionated Gamestop manager, so by managing a gamestop, I get to play with a lot of differnt games! I also like to use profane languege where it’s not nessassary, so this had been edited by a blogger. Anyway, I believe that Super Smash Brothers Brawl will be incredibly awesome. It is my most anticipated game! I cannot speak for everyone visiting and posting on this site, but I would like to chare my opinion! I’m also a big fan of Halo 3, but it’s not for the Nintendo Wii console, since this site mainly deals with Nintendo related stories, I will leave Halo 3 for another time.
I stongly enjoyed the other Super Smash Brothers games, I belive people who don’t like them, just never got a chace to play them in all their glory: Meaning with friends etc. Since a lot of people have pre-ordered Super Smash Brothers Brawl, I belive it will sell very well, and be very popular.
December 2nd, 2007 at 12:11 am
Well Daniel, I have to agree, Super Smash Bros Brawl probably will be a big seller, and a very good game. I also had a blast with the other ‘Smash Bros games. Though I haven’t had a lot of chances to play Halo 3, from I HAVE played, it’s pretty fun. It’s cool that you get to manage a gamestop; getting to play all those games without having to buy them must make it an awesome job!
December 15th, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Where the heck is star wars the force unleashed? if that’s not a game to look forward to, no game is, especially for the wii, it’s going to rock!
December 19th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
@Aleks
I agree. I can’t believe Star Wars: The Force Unleashed didn’t make the list. Light sabers, Wii remote Telekenisis? It’s going to be insanely cool (I hope) ::Rubs hands eagerly::
December 23rd, 2007 at 3:31 pm
*coughSporecough*
December 28th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
ummm all this games suck ecept mario kart and ssmb the rest of the games are for little kids like ANIMAL CROSSING anywys they should of had the sonic riders game to up there that comes out jan. 8 anyways I should of nvr got the wii if there only be 3 good games in 08 i should of gotten the 360 or Ps3 dont buy the wii in 08 wait a year to many mini games and baby games for 9 year olds and 10
December 28th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
lol look I bet when SSBB comes out ill be *sick* for the next days lol
(im serious)
December 28th, 2007 at 4:30 pm
@Silas
Why did you get a Wii, then?
December 28th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
how did this get 7000 views when everything else has like 200… I’m confused. It’s not like it’s amazing news or anything x-D
December 28th, 2007 at 4:57 pm
Original content?
December 28th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
What number would The House of the Dead 2 & 3 place?
// Roth
December 28th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
“how did this get 7000 views when everything else has like 200… I’m confused. It’s not like it’s amazing news or anything x-D”
It’s like that on most Original content if you look at the reviews most of them have a couple of thousand, but 7,000 is high.
December 28th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
That’s an impressive list full of quality titles.
However, what really impresses me is FloatingWorld’s professionalism towards the slew of people coming here claiming that they own a Wii and aren’t satisfied.
I’d never be able to keep myself so well-mannered in that situation.
Anyways, awesome games! However, I’d put Okami as number four.
December 28th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
I’m so glad I have a Wii rather than a 360 or PS3. What would I be getting in 08 if I didn’t have a Wii.
GTA 4 is the only thing, seriously.
December 28th, 2007 at 7:52 pm
like, the only reason i got a wii was for Super Mario Galaxy And SSBB, but i ticked that there is no GTA 4 too.
December 28th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
IS ANIMAL crossing , id ont have it for gamecube but i hear its good
December 28th, 2007 at 9:28 pm
where the fuck is the force unleashed? where the hell are all the action and adventure games? wtf is up with this game kid stuff. animal crossing? who wants fucking animal crossing? smash bros and spore look pretty good. theres gotta be some better third party stuff for a console that sells like the wii does! who wants to play some gay ocean game anyway? give us the real shit!
December 28th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
LOL Didja just updated this post or something…? @_W
Owell here is my Top 10 Most Anticipated Wii Games of 2008~!
1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
2. No More Heroes
3. Tales of Symphonia: Knight of Ratatosk
4. Baroque
5. Animal Crossing Wii
6. Harvest Moon Heroes
7. Sega Superstar Tennis
8. Alive
9. Oneechanbara R
10. Dragon Quest Swords: The Masked Queen and the Tower of Mirrors
December 28th, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I agree with David, Animal Crossing would be my number 1
December 29th, 2007 at 12:26 am
I’m in it for Red Steel 2 as well as Okami. \:D/
// Roth
December 29th, 2007 at 1:56 am
Brawl, Animal Crossing, No More Heros, and Mario Kart are where its at.
December 29th, 2007 at 5:30 am
Good list but No More Heroes is overrated IMO. Animal Crossing + active Wifi with downloadable items and events = instant win
December 29th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
but i make origional content videos and they only get a few hundred views.
Anyways. Nice article ^_^
December 29th, 2007 at 12:34 pm
good list. i’m excited for 2008. anyone else? haha
December 29th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
I agree worth some people that this list is crap. Animal Crossing, Wii Fit aren’t up there? Endless Ocean looks like CRAP. Did you even try or open gamefaqs and write down the top 10 games in there.
December 29th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
Endless Ocean is looking beautiful, one of the Wii’s best-looking games IMO and it seems like a cool concept.
December 29th, 2007 at 6:11 pm
Wii Fit is on there. I can also guarantee that GameFAQS would leave about half of this list off.
December 30th, 2007 at 8:56 am
What about Okami?
January 9th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Brawl and Mario Kart wins. Thanks for the mention of WiiWare and Wii Music.
And what’s with the mention of No More Heros being above Mario Kart?
Hm. I’m curious to see how fun Samba De Amigo is…
February 22nd, 2008 at 10:52 am
this lineup for 2008 is all kid stuff. I like the wii but I am seriously considering buying a system with more adult games and a tad bit less colorful and simple graphics. Maybe I can get my wii remote to work on a PS3 or something. Let me call my hacker friends or something.
All Wii’d out!
February 25th, 2008 at 6:50 am
What about Rock Band for the Nintendo Wii?? Isn’t that coming out this year?
March 2nd, 2008 at 8:39 am
wtf wheres mario cart and i think the should make super mario motocross that would be sick
March 7th, 2008 at 11:05 pm
these should be called the gayest Wii Games of 08. Except “No More Heroes”
Something has got to be done with these amateur titles. This has got to stop!
June 24th, 2008 at 10:48 am
@Wii Wii
You do realize the only game that came out on that list is No More Heroes – unless your calling the Nintendo games amateur.
Oh and endless.