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The Best Hardcore and Casual Games on the Wii: Volume 1
By an Amazon.com customer
Super Mario GalaxySuper Mario Galaxy
Buy new: $45.77 / Used from: $32.99
Type of game: Hardcore This is a great game for casual gamers to jump into; it's not too hard for beginners, and it's arguably the best game on the system.
Zack & Wiki Quest for Barbaros’ TreasureZack & Wiki Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure
Buy new: $89.89 / Used from: $17.99
Type of game: Hardcore This is an adventure title with heavy emphasis on puzzle-solving. Despite the game's cartoony aesthetic, it's undoubtedly too hard for most children.
MadWorldMadWorld
Buy new: $11.99 / Used from: $8.50
Type of game: Hardcore This a great beat 'em up with excessive amounts of gore, crude language, etc. Needless to say, it's not for children. It's pretty much a single-player game, but it has multiplayer modes as well.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight PrincessThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Buy new: $46.99 / Used from: $24.50
Type of game: Hardcore Twilight Princess was a launch title for the Wii and is one of the better games on the system, but I don't think it's up to the standards of Wind Waker or Ocarina of Time.
Wario Land: Shake It!Wario Land: Shake It!
Buy new: $26.99 / Used from: $20.00
Type of game: Hardcore Wario Land: Shake It! was designed as a classic 2D sidescroller; it is the latest game from the classic Wario Land series that was so popular on Nintendo's portable systems.
No More HeroesNo More Heroes
Buy new: $69.88 / Used from: $14.99
Type of game: Hardcore This title is definitely not for the kiddies. The main selling point in this game is the over-the-top violence/insane characters.
Metroid Prime 3: CorruptionMetroid Prime 3: Corruption
Buy new: $87.98 / Used from: $13.99
Type of game: Hardcore Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was the first to really nail fps controls on the Wii, and it's one of the best games for the system.
OkamiOkami
Buy new: $12.79 / Used from: $11.89
Type of game: Hardcore This is a stellar action/adventure title for the Wii, but the motion controls are often frustrating. As a result, I'd have to recommend the PS2 version over this one.
Super Paper MarioSuper Paper Mario
Buy new: $46.99 / Used from: $24.49
Type of game: Hardcore I don't really enjoy the Paper Mario series. To me these games will never surpass Super Mario RPG, but many people like this series nonetheless.
Super Smash Bros. BrawlSuper Smash Bros. Brawl
Buy new: $46.99 / Used from: $32.99
Type of game: Casual/Hardcore This is a chaotic fighting game that can be as hardcore as you care to make it, but it's easy enough for beginners to enjoy. This game supports online play, but sadly, it's hit or miss. I recommend playing locally with friends to cut down on frustration.
Fire Emblem: Radiant DawnFire Emblem: Radiant Dawn
Buy new: $111.94 / Used from: $39.00
Type of Game: Hardcore This is a turn-based strategy game that was sadly overlooked upon its release. It is probably the hardest Fire Emblem ever released in the states. This title is a personal favorite of mine.
Resident Evil 4Resident Evil 4
Buy new: $19.82 / Used from: $12.97
Type of game: Hardcore Resicent Evil 4 is one of the best games ever made, and it's arguably the best on the Wii; it certainly has the greatest number of features on this console.
Mario Strikers ChargedMario Strikers Charged
Buy used from: $25.49
Type of game: Hardcore This is an arcade-style soccer game featuring characters from the Mario universe. This game also supports a surprisingly solid online component as well.
Mario Kart Wii with Wii WheelMario Kart Wii with Wii Wheel
Buy new: $40.43 / Used from: $35.00
Type of game: Casual Mario Kart Wii was stripped of its complexity to appeal to a wider audience; I don't necessariy like it, but a lot of people do.
Mercury Meltdown: RevolutionMercury Meltdown: Revolution
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $8.50
Type of game: Hardcore Mercury Meltdown: Revolution plays similarly to Super Monkey Ball in that you have to guide your character to a goal by utilizing in-game physics. It's simple and addictive.
DeBlobDeBlob
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $12.30
Type of Game: Hardcore In this title you play as a color-infused blob who must ignite a gray, stoic world with vibrant color.
Animal Crossing City Folk and Wii Speak Microphone BundleAnimal Crossing City Folk and Wii Speak Microphone Bundle
Buy new: $119.99
Type of game: Casual If you've never played Animal Crossing before, this is probably the best version to own, but if you have, it isn't different enough from its predecessors to warrant a purchase.
Geometry Wars: GalaxiesGeometry Wars: Galaxies
Buy new: $19.82 / Used from: $12.22
Type of game: Hardcore You can actually download this for a cheaper price on XBOX Live Arcade. It's a solid shmup worthy of the Wii library.
Blast Works: Build, Trade, DestroyBlast Works: Build, Trade, Destroy
Buy new: $13.38 / Used from: $6.41
Type of Game: Hardcore This game is also a shmup, but what sets it apart from Geometry Wars is that it grants you the ability to create your own levels. Level creation is probably the biggest selling point of this game.
House of the Dead: OverkillHouse of the Dead: Overkill
Buy new: $15.77 / Used from: $9.40
Type of game: Not sure. Casual perhaps? This game is for Mature audiences only. That being said, the difficulty curve is almost non-existent, and it's even easier with a friend. The controls are very simple, and that's why I think it leans toward casual classification.
Resident Evil: The Umbrella ChroniclesResident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles
Buy new: $17.89 / Used from: $12.99
Type of game: Not sure. Hardcore maybe? This is a light gun game that allows you to play through most of the numbered Resident Evil series excluding Veronica, RE4, and RE5. Due to the difficulty and somewhat complex controls, I lean towards a hardcore classification.
Trauma Center: Second OpinionTrauma Center: Second Opinion
Buy new: $21.56 / Used from: $14.50
Type of game: Hardcore You play as a surgeon. You save lives. It's hard.
New Play Control! PikminNew Play Control! Pikmin
Buy new: $19.82 / Used from: $14.67
Type of game: Hardcore One of the best titles on the Gamecube, and it now has Wii controls. This game was revolutionary in the sense that it was a real-time strategy game that worked extremely well on a console. The sequel to this title improves upon the original by removing the annoying time limit.
Bully: Scholarship EditionBully: Scholarship Edition
Buy new: $19.82 / Used from: $14.00
Type of game: Hardcore Bully is essentially a teen-rated version of Grand Theft Auto. You spend most of your time at a boarding school going to classes, intimidating fellow students, etc.
Call of Duty: World at WarCall of Duty: World at War
Buy new: $49.79 / Used from: $35.00
Type of game: Hardcore Although this game is essentially a stripped down version of what you can play on the PS3 or 360, it offers a very solid, lag-free, online experience, and the game is good overall.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock BundleGuitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Bundle
Buy new: $159.99 / Used from: $48.99
Type of game: Hardcore I'm not a huge fan of these types of games, and they're so popular that it's almost redundant for me to describe them. Essentially, it's a rhythm action game where you're tasked with playing popular rock anthems on the lead guitar.
Guitar Hero MetallicaGuitar Hero Metallica
Buy new: $29.99 / Used from: $24.00
Type of game: Hardcore If you don't like Metallica, don't even bother with this game. Otherwise, you may be able to justify the purchase.
Wii Rock Band 2 Special EditionWii Rock Band 2 Special Edition
Buy used from: $247.79
Type of game: Hardcore Rock Band is similar to the one above; however, the huge difference is that there's not only a lead guitar, but you also have a bass guitar, drums, and even a microphone to choose from. This title is best enjoyed in a group dynamic.
Boom BloxBoom Blox
Buy new: $87.48 / Used from: $27.97
Type of game: Casual Perhaps the ultimate party game. There are many modes of play that involve dismantling block structures, playing a variation on Jenga, etc. Play this with a group of friends for best results.
WarioWare: Smooth MovesWarioWare: Smooth Moves
Buy new: $129.94 / Used from: $38.99
Type of game: Casual A bizarre collection of mini-games that utilizes the Wii remote in some very interesting/embarrassing ways. This game works best with a group of friends.
Order Up!Order Up!
Buy used from: $18.50
Type of game: Not entirely sure. Casual perhaps? Order Up! is vastly superior to the Cooking Mama series; it goes beyond just cooking by allowing you to 'shop for recipes, hire extra kitchen help, and spruce up your restaurant with extra tip money (Gamepro.com).'
Cooking Mama: Cook OffCooking Mama: Cook Off
Buy new: $17.30 / Used from: $12.99
Type of game: Casual You prepare food according to various recipes; the fun is largely due to how you use the Wii remote to prepare food.
Cooking Mama World KitchenCooking Mama World Kitchen
Buy new: $19.92 / Used from: $17.53
Type of game: Casual Strangely enough, this game is considered to be inferior to the original.
ElebitsElebits
Buy new: $18.99 / Used from: $8.90
Type of game: Casual This a first-person, scavenger hunt game. It's a pretty simple concept, but it's hard to put down once you get started. I feel most reviewers were a tad too hard on this game; it's certainly not perfect, but it's enjoyable. I'd suggest renting it first to see if you like it.
Rayman Raving RabbidsRayman Raving Rabbids
Buy new: $14.77 / Used from: $12.00
Type of game: Casual This launch title is essentially a collection of weird mini-games; it's enjoyable but pretty short. I think it would also be easy enough for most children to get into, but it does get pretty challenging at times. Rent it first if possible.
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2Rayman Raving Rabbids 2
Buy new: $17.62 / Used from: $13.00
Type of game: Casual So far, this title is the worst rated game in the series; technically, I shouldn't even put it on this list. I haven't played this one, but unless you're a die-hard rabbids fan, you may want to rent it first.
Rayman Raving Rabbids TV PartyRayman Raving Rabbids TV Party
Buy new: $19.99 / Used from: $13.95
Type of game: Casual The main novelty of this game is that you play through the mini-games using the Wii balance board. Again, I would advise renting first, and you may want to avoid this title if you don't have a balance board.
LEGO BatmanLEGO Batman
Buy new: $19.82 / Used from: $15.99
Type of game: Casual with some puzzle-solving I really don't much care for the LEGO series of video games, but I know a lot of people do. These games are pretty boring if you're not playing them with a bud. They tend to be pretty easy for the most part; they're definitely not a bad choice for kids. Rent this one first.
Lego Star Wars: The Complete SagaLego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
Buy new: $34.98 / Used from: $17.94
Type of game: Casual with some puzzle-solving This game contains all the Star Wars films and is possibly the best game the LEGO series has to offer. Rent it first.
Lego Indiana Jones: The Original AdventuresLego Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures
Buy new: $19.06 / Used from: $14.19
Type of game: Casual with some puzzle-solving This is probably the least impressive game in the LEGO series due to its lack of variety in terms of characters and settings.