Top Five Downloadable Games of 2010
With both DSiWare and WiiWare in full swing this year there has been a lot to download, some better than others and some that exemplify the best that downloadable games have to offer: sleek, stylish games that keep you coming back for more. Below are my top five games of the year for both download services–be sure to check them out if you haven’t already.
Another day in the caverns of Cave Story.
5. Cave Story (WW)
Originally created by Daisuke Amaya (aka Pixel) as a freeware game six years ago, Cave Story made a much anticipated debut on WiiWare early this year (and more recently, on DSiWare). Amaya did a rather amazing job of creating an action/adventure game in the vein of Metroid all by himself, and now that it’s available on both of Nintendo’s systems, even more people can enjoy the old-school game design. From its charming art design to its surprising depth–including hidden areas and a second ending–Cave Story is a fantastic micro-game.
Breaking blocks has never been more addicting.
4. Trajectile (DSiW)
DSiWare hasn’t had many stand out games so far, but there is one thing it does well: puzzle games. Trajectile is ideal for quick bursts of gaming; levels are relatively short, relying on the player’s foresight and planning skills to find the quickest way to break apart all of the marked blocks in the stage. The gameplay is simple and elegant with room for the player to choose whether or not he want’s to just finish the level or finish the level in the most efficient way possible. Not only are the puzzles delightfully addictive, there are literally hundreds of puzzles in the game, providing an incredible value for the paltry sum of 500 points.
Expect classic difficulty in Mega Man's latest 8-bit adventure.
3. Mega Man 10 (WW)
Mega Man’s 8-bit revival in 2008 was a thrilling experience for retro fans everywhere, and MM10 continues the classic action with even more 8-bit goodness. Though the veneer has worn off a bit, MM10 still provides great challenging action that tests one’s platforming skills to the limit. With not only Proto Man but Bass as playable characters and all of the same special features that MM9 established, MM10 is a must have for Mega Man fans.
Gorgeous artwork and classic game design come together in Risky's Revenge.
2. Shantae: Risky’s Revenge (DSiW)
Though I never played the first Shantae game, its DSiWare sequel promised an engrossing side-scrolling platformer adventure, and it did not disappoint. With sterling graphics and a fun soundtrack, Risky’s Revenge provides classic platformer gameplay with an action/adventure twist. The Metroid-like game structure is superbly done, granting the player more and more freedom as Shantae’s new abilities come to light. Though not terribly long, it’s hard to argue with the quality of this game, and as a convenient handheld download, Shantae is a perfect to play on the go.
No time to look at the scenery, just move with the music.
1. Bit.Trip Runner (WW)
Gaijin Games has rapidly become the developer for WiiWare. The Bit.Trip series is a fantastic sequence of clever and well-polished games, and Runner may well be the pinnacle of the series (perhaps the next game, Flux, will outshine it). Runner perfectly encapsulates what a downloadable game should be: simple enough to pick up immediately, but with a hidden depth that only the most dedicated players will reach. The gameplay is incredibly addictive, due to both the driving beat of the music and the ease of jumping into one more level. Furthermore, Commander Video’s adventure has never been more diverse. Each level opens up new possibilities, new ways to jump and slide through levels, always pushing me to master my reaction speed and move with the rhythm. Runner is well worth the 800 points to download, a worthy addition to any WiiWare library.
Check back tomorrow for my top five DS games of 2010!
