Top 5 Wii Games of 2011

I’ll be honest, this wasn’t a great year for the Wii. 2010 was overwhelmed with big names all year long, but 2011 puttered by in anticipation of one major release. Nevertheless, this year wasn’t a total loss for Wii fans, particularly if you enjoy platformers. The selection here may not be extremely varied, but each game is well worth looking into for quality and originality. Here are my top five Wii games of 2011.

Keep an eye on your light source in Lost in Shadow; you can extend or shrink pathways.

5. Lost in Shadow
Edging in at the very beginning of the year, Lost in Shadow put platformers in a whole new light. The shadow mechanics use a clever mix of 3D environments and 2D surfaces that results in some wild platforming sequences. Manipulating light sources to create shadow paths in the background is an original and fun concept and is put to great use here. Amidst this bizarre and unique gameplay, the game maintains a beautiful and eerie ambiance to create a haunting and shifting tone that matches the game’s shadowy theme. Lost in Shadow is not without its share of problems, though. The combat system is woefully simplified to the point that it’s a repetitive exercise of stabbing a few times then jumping back to avoid attacks. Swarms of monsters end up being a complete pain; for how often you have to fight, the combat could have used a significant overhaul. Nevertheless, Lost in Shadow is an imaginative platformer with the kid of unique premise that I hope to see more of in the future.

de Blob 2 adds side-scrolling areas for more intense platforming.

4. de Blob 2
The first de Blob game was a crazy caper of color and sound, and though the sequel doesn’t add too many game-changing improvements, it’s a no less entertaining platformer. Painting buildings and other city-scape objects all manner of colors doesn’t seem like a great game premise, but de Blob 2 pulls it off beautifully thanks to its sense of humor, top notch presentation, and variety of tasks and challenges. The controls are a huge improvement over the first game, and the addition of side-scrolling stages offers a little more variety to the gameplay. The best aspect of the game is undeniably the soundtrack, featuring a fantastic mix of musical styles, all of them fun and funky, while the visuals aim to please as well with explosions of color in sleek and stylish environments. de Blob 2 is a genuinely quirky platformer that manages to be lighthearted and comical while also delivering expansive and elaborate platforming stages with a balanced sense of challenge and difficulty.

Watch out for hazards in Rayman Origins, but don't let the gorgeous graphics pass you by!

3. Rayman Origins
The Raving Rabbids may have stolen the spotlight recently, but Rayman Origins proves the limbless platformer hero still has some moves. What makes the gameplay so compelling here is the mix of wacky elements and serious challenge which opens up a wide variety of stage designs. Infinite continues ensures that it’s never too frustrating and easily accessible to the whole family, but there’s still plenty of extra stages and tasks to satisfy gamers of any skill level. The only problem is how awkward and hectic the game gets with multiple players, particularly because of the poor camera zoom system. Still, the game boasts some absolutely beautifully designed artwork–it’s not surprising that the developers wanted to show it off as much as possible. For visuals alone Rayman Origins would rate high, and combined with excellent side-scrolling platformer gameplay, it’s certainly one of the most memorable titles of the year.

Kirby's Return to Dreamland is great for releasing stress on unsuspecting Waddle Dees.

2. Kirby’s Return to Dreamland
This list has been dominated by platformers so far, but Kirby’s Return to Dreamland just manages to outshine the other contenders with its combination of quality side-scrolling level design, ease of playing solo or with friends, beautiful display of graphics, and cheery soundtrack. But most of all, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland is a genuine Kirby game, putting Kirby’s best skills to work in a multi-player friendly environment. This game has a fantastic array of abilities for Kirby to use–including impressive, screen-destroying super abilities–but what stands out is the variety of ways each ability can be used. Learning all the uses of each ability and testing them out on enemies and energy spheres alike evokes that classic feeling of discovery and the satisfaction that comes with it. Though a little on the short side, Kirby’s Return to Dreamland is a blast, showing off the best of what Kirby can do.

Sword fights have never been so satisfying as in Skyward Sword.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
It probably isn’t any surprise that this should take the prize as top Wii game of the year, but Skyward Sword would easily top the chart no matter what other Wii game was thrown at it. This game is truly in a league of its own, not just for being yet another phenomenal Zelda game that puts the excitement of adventure in every minute you play, but for using motion control in the most engaging, challenging, and entertaining way since the Wii’s arrival five years ago. Wii MotionPlus adds a tangible feeling of control to the game, and seeing it used not only in deadly boss duels but against regular foes and even in puzzles is an absolute delight. Skyward Sword manages to rekindle the wonder and excitement of the first time I played a Zelda game, promising sword-swinging adventure around every corner. Its breadth of content, stylish art design, and moving soundtrack only serve to boost an already incredible, one-of-a-kind game.

Check back tomorrow for my top five 3DS games of the year!