Quantcast Wii Retrospect 2012+: The Twilight Years - Cheap Ass Gamer
Check out the Price Tracker to see all of today's price drops! Follow CAG USA Video Game Deals on Twitter CAG Facebook CAG RSS Feed
Home

Search Bar

This search bar is a powerful tool for navigating CAG. You can use it to find the lowest prices on games, trade-in values, search members, forum and blog topics, and much more.

After searching for a game title, click the icon to pop-up a window with pricing information.

After typing in what you are looking for, you can filter your results by clicking on one of the tabs that pops up from the top of the search bar.

Tips

Looking for a game on a specific platform? Type in the platform name with the title!
Example: guitar hero 360

You don't need to click a pop-up tab to filter results. Just type what you are looking for right into the search bar.
Example: gears of war prices
Example: ninjatown review

Go Back   Cheap Ass Gamer > Community Lists > Wii Retrospect 2012+: The Twilight Years

views
518
replies
4
games
14

Wii Retrospect 2012+: The Twilight Years

Posted by Billytwoshoes.
Links to other lists:

Wii Retrospect 2006
Wii Retrospect 2007
Wii Retrospect 2008
Wii Retrospect 2009
Wii Retrospect 2010
Wii Retrospect 2011

In my continuing saga to chronicle every year of the Wii, this edition focuses on 2012 and beyond. With the Wii U launch set for November of that year, the remaining months for the Wii as the main Nintendo console were dwindling for the earlier part of 2012, with the new releases available following suit. It was not uncommon to only have one decent game come out per month, with some months taking a miss all together. The only bright spots in the 2012 year for NA Wii owners were the Operation Rainfall titles (some of them at least, as Meat Loaf puts it, two out of three ain't bad), and some great 1st party efforts from Nintendo. For third party games, it was a wasteland for the system, though there were still a few gems here and there.

WiiWare still had games coming out on a regular basis, but most all of them were garbage not worth a fraction of their cost. The big story this year was the release of La-Mulana, which was promised years ago and finally came to fruition on the service. Retro City Rampage is still scheduled to release this year, though with Wii U in full force, I don't have much hope for any future WiiWare games.

I did things a bit differently for this list, as instead of searching for the best 30 games of the year, I only put the games that I would consider purchase worthy, and I will add to this list as the Wii rides into the sunset as an officially retro console. As always, I put these games in chronological order, with my personal experience with the game and series as a whole. Please feel free to add in your personal favorites not mentioned in the comments below.

Wii newcomers and backloggers alike, here is the list for 2012 - End of Time (or at least until I get bored):
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
$18.90 from Play-Asia Prices
Release Date: February 13th, 2012; Played?: Yes
With the first home console release of the Rhythm Heaven series, Fever introduces the crazy Japanese rhythm mini game fiesta to the average Nintendo Joe gamer in the West (those that didn't play the DS version, that is), requiring only one or two button presses to jam along to the beat. Even though this is two players maximum, Fever's quirky and entertaining visuals make for a great party game experience in addition to the single player enjoyment. Not only was the MSRP price of $29.99 reasonable enough for the content included, but this has also been the subject of sales, so finding a new copy for $15 or less shouldn't prove to be too difficult. Released a day before Valentines day in the US, I'm curious if anyone in the country gave this as a gift for their (video game) lover?
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
$42.75 from Amazon Prices
Release Date: February 27th, 2012; Played?: No
Out of all the Nintendo franchises, Pokemon received one of the worst representations on the Wii platform, though that isn't all that unheard of on non-portable consoles anyhow. With PokePark 2, the sequel to the original PokePark from 2010, players take direct control of four different Pokemon in a 3D environment, where your goal is to interact with the Park's residents either playfully or through direct real time battles to progress the main storyline. Probably a release strictly for the fans, younger gamers can get into the variety of gameplay modes, while adults can appreciate the improvements made from the original. Whether or not this is worth the $30+ price tag is widely variable to the individual, or depending on how hard your kids beg for it.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
$42.91 from Amazon Prices
Release Date: March 11th, 2012; Played?: No (might get it someday)
Coming in at almost an unheard of 5 year hiatus between its last release, Mario Party 9 had some unusual hype to live up to. A few months ago, uninformed yet eager gamers were burnt by the release of Fortune Street (which is nothing like Mario Party), so consumers were equal parts relieved and gun-shy towards Nintendo and this latest installment. Thankfully the fears were unfounded, and with the new side emphasis on co-op game play (players move together in one cart, co-op boss battle at the end of the board), it is unique enough to stand beside its 8 predecessors. A great buy for $30 or less if you can, and unlikely this will ever be included as a Selects release in the future. Also major plus for the psychedelic and groovy cover art.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
Release Date: April 6th, 2012; Played?: Yes
Was it an Operation Rainfall success story, or just NoA's plan all along to delay it's release until 2012? While I lean more towards the latter, Xenoblade was a critical achievement and a huge boon for the Wii fanboy, and easily fills a slot in the top 10 (maybe even top 3?) Wii games ever for those that play it. As the best JRPG available for the platform, it is not unheard of for gamers to clock 200+ hours in experiencing this game to the fullest. Don't ever expect to get this on the cheap, though, as its Gamestop exclusive retail release status means even used copies go for at least forty bucks, though for the entertainment value it is completely worth it.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
Release Date: May 10th, 2012; Played?: No
The only exception to my rule of 'No VC releases', I included this game because not only was 2012 a little dry on content, but also because it is the first time the final chapter in the Wonder Boy / Monster World saga was released stateside. If you are interested in a 2D side scrolling action RPG from the Mega Drive / Genesis era, this would be one of your best bets, which the 900 Wii point price is more than justified.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
$21.90 from Play-Asia Prices
Release Date: June 10th, 2012; Played?: No (newest edition to my backlog)
As the improved sequel from the original GCN release, Pikmin 2 became a collector's item on the Cube for its enjoyable RTS gameplay and lovable characters. While most of the world saw the Wii New Play Control debut way back in 2009, North American gamers had to wait three full years to get their hands on the incredible re-release. Good things come to those who wait, as the $20 Nintendo Selects price point more than made up for the delay (more than likely to promote the upcoming Pikmin 3 release). As used Gamecube copies still bring $30+ on Ebay, I would suspect even the Selects title to increase in value over time, so if you see a sale, nab it while you can.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
$29.99 from Amazon Prices
Release Date: August 14th, 2012; Played?: No
Yes, we all get the direct analogy / play on words that 'The Last Story' is a very fitting title released in the eclipsing Wii console lifetime, let's just get that out of the way right now. Though not as unanimously positively received as Xenoblade was, this Operation Rainfall game had a refreshing mix of action / RTS battles blended into the standard JRPG format, along with some online gameplay to offer increased longevity. Though some people on here were lucky enough to score this for next to nothing, I would expect this game to have a higher value over time, so any sales you may find, you would be wise to capitalize on.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
$37.51 from Amazon Prices
Release Date: September 16th, 2012; Played?: No (Some of the originals yes, this is in my mighty backlog)
Comparisons have been made between the lovable pink puffball and the Grim Reaper, when it comes to the end of life for Nintendo consoles, that is. No need for tears with this 20th anniversary collection, as Nintendo has learned from the mistakes made on the Mario ROM dump to put together a great anthology for gamers to be proud of, with 6 titles covering the main Dream Land lineage across four different platforms. Add in the collectable book, soundtrack CD, virtual museum timeline, additional challenge stages a la KRtD, and even a few Kirby cartoons, the $40 MRSP listing seems about right. If you happen to find this game for $30 or less, it would be a shrewd move to include it in your collection, no telling if this will become a rarity over time.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
Release Date: September 20th, 2012; Played?: Yes
After a three year struggle to be released on the platform, La-Mulana was certainly worth the wait for the stalwart Wii gamer (for those that resisted the charms of the earlier freeware and PC updated releases). The best way to describe this gem would be Indiana Jones meets Metroid, as you are given free reign to explore an ancient temple, obtaining various items to help you progress deeper into the catacomb depths. Expect a tough as nails gameplay to match the retro graphics, along with tons of secret passageways and items, this game will definitely test your skills (and patience) as a gamer. For the 1000 Wii price point, it may very well be the best purchase you can possibly make for the WiiWare service, go give developer Nigoro your support now!
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
$79.90 from Play-Asia Prices
Release Date: October 21th, 2012; Played?: No
Activition's Giants marks the age of dual Nintendo console releases, where you have to decide if you want to work with the new Wii U format, or stay dedicated to the aging Wii platform for a few more rounds. No matter which version you choose, expect your bank account to drop significantly as you plunk down more cash for the latest figurines, unless you are content with using the predecessor's statues, which are compatible in the new game. Of course they had to release stronger variants of those same characters, so only the backward compatible portal of power will provide any true solace for your wallet. Oh right, the gameplay. Well, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, that should sum it up nicely.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
Release Date: November 13th, 2012; Played?: No (only played Lego SWII at the moment)
Lego games have been going for close to a decade now, and developer Traveler's Tales have done their best at milking just about every demographic they can think of. Though Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes was also released in 2012, I have to give the nod to the adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien's IP, as I think this is the most exciting avenue in years for the franchise. Two new features draw particular interest, in that your characters will collect items as they progress in an RPG format, and a free roam format of Middle Earth, rather than just the segmented levels of previous entries. Plus who wouldn't want to see Lego-fied version of Gimli and Gollum / Smeagol?
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
$25.90 from Play-Asia Prices
Release Date: November 18th, 2012; Played?: No (May do so after I play the first)
As the sequel to the original Wii exclusive, the Mouse is going multiplatform now, with releases on both the Wii and Wii U formats. Creator Warren Spector is confident that the main issue with the previous game (the camera) has been corrected, and with the inclusion of two player co-op with Oswald, there is really no reason why this game would fail in any regard. The big question, however, is which version should you decide between? Besides the HD graphics present in other formats, keep in mind that the game was originally designed from the ground up on the Wii and ported to the other platforms, and we've already seen sales for the Wii version posted, so perhaps you should pay homage to the little white box that could once more before making the switch.
EDIT: Well, it appears the game is just average to sub-par, but still worth the $20 or less price for fans.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
Release Date: February 28th, 2013; Played?: No (someday I might)
As the first notable release on this last generation console in 2013, it's fitting that Wii gamers finally got a chance to experience the chaotic 8-bit craziness that has since been promised almost as long as La-Mulana. Borrowing heavily from the top-down gameplay style of the original GTA (yes, there were GTAs that came out before 3 you know), all the while mixing plenty of classic video game and 80's references, this would be one of the best ways to spend your remaining Wii Points, to which this is a fair 1000 point value. As a bonus to consider compared to the other releases on Steam and PS3 / 360, ROM City Rampage (a demake of the original game) is included as well, should that have any swaying power.
Add to Wish List Add to Collection View Game
$39.99 from Amazon Prices
Release Date: April 16th, 2013; Played?: No
To finish off the trio of the infamous Rainfall titles, XSEED's NA localization was certainly appreciated by those eagerly awaiting its release, and is most likely the last notable retail Wii release ever. Certainly a black sheep of the bunch, it had harsher criticism than both Xenoblade and TLS (and is much more action oriented than traditional RPGs), though beggars can't afford to be choosers considering the dearth of releases otherwise. Both Wii and Wii U platforms are pretty sparse (at time of writing), so open minded gamers should definitely consider giving this one a go.

stoner88 12-18-2012, 05:51 AM
Great Job again, excellent summary of Wii games from previous years...
MrNinjaSquirrel 03-11-2013, 06:23 PM
An interesting read, will pick up a few of these if I see them cheap. It is a bit odd to include titles you haven't played, but I suppose one simply can't play everything
Billytwoshoes 03-12-2013, 03:06 PM
Thanks, I couldn't (or would even want to based on some of the genres) play everything on these lists, but I dedicated a decent amount of time scouring the web for reviews (of differing opinions), watching LP videos, comparing other gaming options, to come up with lists that I wouldn't feel bad in recommending. I wanted to note which games I have (and have not) played to show the reader a relevance in my opinion, as well as a personal "To Do" list in the future.
gacktyay 03-14-2013, 09:04 PM
Great list, haven't even heard of Monster World IV and La Mulana and really want to play them now.
Post Comment
Only registered users can post comments. Click here to sign in, or you can register here - it's free!