These Classics Rise from the Grave on Wii
The Gamecube was home to many great games that may have gotten overlooked because the system simply wasn't that popular. Since the Wii is backwards compatible many new gamers are now able check out these classic titles for very cheap. The following is my list of Gamecube titles you should definitely check out on Wii.
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Bright, colorful and full of dozens of islands to explore, this Zelda stands out from the rest of the series due to its method of travel, sailing. Using Link's power to control the winds the player is able to sail to every corner of the map, uncovering secrets both above and below the waves. New items like the rope, allowing Link to swing across chasms, and the deku leaf, allowing glide on the winds and knock enemies down with a gust, provide interesting new ways to tackle familiar puzzles. Though the main quest is a bit short and slightly on the easy side, the combat is fun and the sense of exploration is second to none, making this a Zelda game no fan should miss and a perfect introduction to the series for those who are new to the series.
The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker
Bright, colorful and full of dozens of islands to explore, this Zelda stands out from the rest of the series due to its method of travel, sailing. Using Link's power to control the winds the player is able to sail to every corner of the map, uncovering secrets both above and below the waves. New items like the rope, allowing Link to swing across chasms, and the deku leaf, allowing glide on the winds and knock enemies down with a gust, provide interesting new ways to tackle familiar puzzles. Though the main quest is a bit short and slightly on the easy side, the combat is fun and the sense of exploration is second to none, making this a Zelda game no fan should miss and a perfect introduction to the series for those who are new to the series.
Metroid Prime
Nobody thought that an American developer based in Texas would be able to handle making a 3D Metroid game, a franchise close to many gamers' hearts. After all, Super Metroid is seen as one of the greatest games of all time. Not only was Retro up to the task, they also created one of the greatest Gamecube games and a worthy sequel to the franchise. Choosing to tell its story through visor scans instead of forced cinema, Metroid Prime allowed players to uncover the narrative at their own pace. The rich seemingly alive world of Talon IV was filled with secrets that only the most observant players could track down. And track them down they must, players will need all of the energy tanks and missile expansions they can find to tackle some of the intense bosses found throughout the game.
F-Zero GX
This is my absolute favorite racing game of all time. The sense of speed is so intense that it can cause involuntary sweating, as well as the sheer skill required to remain on the track. The courses defy both gravity and the imagination, making each race a real treat. Featuring great graphics, a nice soundtrack, and large cast of wacky characters and vehicles make this one game no fan of arcade racing should miss.
Viewtiful Joe 1 & 2
Both Viewtiful Joe games offer classic beat 'em up gameplay, comical bosses and cool film effects to spice things up. Turning on slow motion will make each punch more devastating and help you dodge enemy attacks easier, whereas fast forward will allow you to get more attacks in and make circles around your foes. A gorgeous comic inspired art style, funny spoofs on classic movies and an insane challenge make these games no fan of the genre should miss.
Eternal Darkness Sanity's Requiem
This game brought a unique twist to the survival horror genre, sanity effects. Over the course of your playtime a green gauge will slowly fill, leading your character to hallucinate. The ground turning into quicksand, flies appearing on the display and hordes of enemies surrounding your character are common illusions set in place to mess with the players mind. The story is very interesting, following several different characters through various time periods all connected by one fateful thing. This game is a must for any fan of the survival horror genre.
Wii-Makes
Nintendo has released a New Play Control lineup of Gamecube classics retrofitted with Wii controls. Two major highlights are Pikmin and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, brilliantly creative games that didn't get the attention they deserved on the Gamecube. As I have mentioned before, there is a Metroid Prime Trilogy pack that features the first two Gamecube Metroid Prime games updated with Wii controls- but is now pricey. For those looking for a scare, Capcom has also re-released Resident Evil 4 with excellent pointer controls as well as the gorgeous original Resident Evil remake for Wii.
Nobody thought that an American developer based in Texas would be able to handle making a 3D Metroid game, a franchise close to many gamers' hearts. After all, Super Metroid is seen as one of the greatest games of all time. Not only was Retro up to the task, they also created one of the greatest Gamecube games and a worthy sequel to the franchise. Choosing to tell its story through visor scans instead of forced cinema, Metroid Prime allowed players to uncover the narrative at their own pace. The rich seemingly alive world of Talon IV was filled with secrets that only the most observant players could track down. And track them down they must, players will need all of the energy tanks and missile expansions they can find to tackle some of the intense bosses found throughout the game.
F-Zero GX
This is my absolute favorite racing game of all time. The sense of speed is so intense that it can cause involuntary sweating, as well as the sheer skill required to remain on the track. The courses defy both gravity and the imagination, making each race a real treat. Featuring great graphics, a nice soundtrack, and large cast of wacky characters and vehicles make this one game no fan of arcade racing should miss.
Viewtiful Joe 1 & 2
Both Viewtiful Joe games offer classic beat 'em up gameplay, comical bosses and cool film effects to spice things up. Turning on slow motion will make each punch more devastating and help you dodge enemy attacks easier, whereas fast forward will allow you to get more attacks in and make circles around your foes. A gorgeous comic inspired art style, funny spoofs on classic movies and an insane challenge make these games no fan of the genre should miss.
Eternal Darkness Sanity's Requiem
This game brought a unique twist to the survival horror genre, sanity effects. Over the course of your playtime a green gauge will slowly fill, leading your character to hallucinate. The ground turning into quicksand, flies appearing on the display and hordes of enemies surrounding your character are common illusions set in place to mess with the players mind. The story is very interesting, following several different characters through various time periods all connected by one fateful thing. This game is a must for any fan of the survival horror genre.
Wii-Makes
Nintendo has released a New Play Control lineup of Gamecube classics retrofitted with Wii controls. Two major highlights are Pikmin and Donkey Kong Jungle Beat, brilliantly creative games that didn't get the attention they deserved on the Gamecube. As I have mentioned before, there is a Metroid Prime Trilogy pack that features the first two Gamecube Metroid Prime games updated with Wii controls- but is now pricey. For those looking for a scare, Capcom has also re-released Resident Evil 4 with excellent pointer controls as well as the gorgeous original Resident Evil remake for Wii.