Super Mario Strikers: Charged
The sequel to the very fun and engaging multiplayer title Super Mario Strikers on the Gamecube, SMS: Charged takes things even further in the sequel while offering up competitive online play. The game features both ranked and unranked matches that come with a few notes tied in. Ranked matches are played against other random users through matchmaking that also tracks score and other achivements such as goals and steals, among other things. In ranked matches, both the winner and loser earn points (obviously the loser earns a lot less) so no matter how you do, you still earn points and will at least be on the board. This system may also help deter disconnectors as disconnecting earns you no points and in fact will actually takes points away from a player's overall standing. So if you're taking a whuppin', take it like a true gamer and stick it through.
Unranked matches however are entirely with friends and allows for the use of in game cheats, options settings and other handicaps, but no points are won or lost; it's strictly for fun. Other features include a season mode that tracks a season of online play that lasts in three month intervals, as well as a feature called "Striker of the Day" that will appear on each players' menu that will detail who the most proficient player for the day is. The "Striker of the Day" will have their chosen nickname and Mii emblazoned on the main menu screen for all to see. That feature is constantly updated so whomever sits on the top can't rest on their laurels for too long or they may find someone else's Mii adorning that prized frame. The game will also feature leaderboards that will track various stats and achievements. It's also possible for two players on the same Wii to play cooperatively online versus another set of players on another Wii system.
Battalion Wars 2
The sequel to the original Battalion Wars on the Gamecube, Battalion Wars 2 or "BWii" as Kuju/Nintendo creatively nicknamed it, is the continued spinoff title of the known "Wars" games on Nintendo systems. Along with a new story centering around the impending dangers of the Solar Empire comes a slew of new weaponry and units to help kick things up a notch in this latest battle. Far more in line with the theme here however is that the addition of online multiplayer, let alone offline as well
as system linked LAN based play, addresses many of the criticisms had with the first game which was largely described as being perfect for multiplayer and/or cooperative play. Kuju comes through in a pinch to capitalize and deliver upon these concerns.
The game is set to have three online based modes: "Assault" which is an instant combat scenario pitting one player versus all others, "Skirmish" which is a combat scenario with no time limit, allowing players to be far more tactical and strategy oriented in their battles and "Co-op" which allows players to work together towards a common goal. Some websites have reported a fourth multiplayer mode being added which is Capture the Flag, but no word whether that will be the case let alone if it will be online. Either way, all of these options combined with over fifteen multiplayer missions (and conversely, maps) spanning land, sea and air based combat, or even all three simultaneously makes BWii potentially one of the more feature rich online endeavors on Wii alongside others.
Mario Kart Wii
Not too much is known about this recently announced game, but as you can guess, the staple Mario Kart elements will likely be there. The art ****is very reminiscent of Mario Kart: Double Dash on the Gamecube and it seems a few stages will be making a return such as Peach Beach from Double Dash and Yoshi Falls from Mario Kart DS. However, in many areas the game is all new with many fresh tracks for players to take on come the day and from much supported speculation, races that are likely to include a dozen or more participants jockeying for first place.
One of the biggest announcements made for the game however is that it will include full online play which means both versus races as well as battle mode, the latter being something that the first officially online Mario Kart game (Mario Kart DS) lacked. Details overall are still scarce for this game schedule for release in early 2008, but the news will come as it will, and as it comes, I shall update.
Endless Ocean
Once known as Forever Blue, this game will be localized in North America under the title Endless Ocean. (it will remain Forever Blue in European and PAL regions at the moment)The theme of the game has to do with aquatic life and you, the player, as the diver doing everything from what seems to be photography to even detainment of some creatures. The game features a variety of areas such as undersea temple like areas, coral reef habitats, open water and more that play as homes to various creatures. It's reported that the game will allow for players to play music from an SD card as well so they can utilize their own custom soundtracks in game.
Talk about the blue ocean of opportunity though, the game will allow for online play which lets players dive together likely to engage in the very same activities as the single player campaign would offer. Not much in the way of details is known about the game in full but further details will be posted here as they are made available.
Madden NFL 2008
Sports games aren't everyone's cup of tea, but with Madden NFL 2008, EA breaks new ground for many Wii owners by pushing an online system that isn't dependent upon the standards of the Nintendo WiFi Connection which may mean no friend codes to keep track of. But either way, it's going to be a full featured system either way maintaining many of the various modes and functionality of the same game on other consoles. Features included will be ranked as well as unranked player matches in Exhibition Mode along with some other goodies for those that sign in with the EA Nation lobby. Quick Play features, streaming score tickers, roster updates, leaderboards and EA Locker functionality are all also included.
Not a bad set of features for a game set to blow away the stellar showing of the first Madden game on Wii that appeared at the launch of the system. EA is heading full steam ahead with Madden both in the offline as well as online component and of all known online Wii titles, Madden 2008 may very well be the cream of the crop when it comes to hosting such a comprehensive set of features. Even offline, the new set of drills native to most Madden games as well as smaller mini games and a Family Mode where less experienced players can also get into the game with streamlined "WiiSports" ****controls and elevate from there.
NBA Live 2008
Much like Madden 08, NBA Live 08 is starting out on a strong note with some relatively well placed motion controls that work for the game as well as other features that will similar across all Wii oriented EA titles. NBA Live 08 will also feature known minigames such as dunking competitions and three point shooting, but also smaller, less elaborate offerings for just horsing around and trying something a bit simpler. Much like Madden and Fifa will offer, it will also boast a family mode with a simpler interface so that less experienced players can either cope with the game on their own and move their way up or play alongside a more experience friend or family member. It should work out great here as well anyway.
Of course, this is an online thread and although details are still being kept under wraps, according to IGN, EA has confirmed that the game will boast four on four online team based play as well as the ability to mix and match before games so that even friends in the same room can choose to team up against each other by opting to play with the opposing team. Advance Media Network confirms that this game will also utilize the EA Nation system that will be available in Madden allowing for real time roster updates, mid game live ESPN ticker updates and an online ranking setup if not outright leaderboards.
Trauma Center: New Blood
The follow up to last year's launch title Trauma Center: Second Opinion, Trauma Center: New Blood is actually an entirely new entry in the franchise whereas the first was largely a remake of the original Nintendo DS title. In New Blood comes new characters, new abilities, cooperative play, fully voiced dialogue and an online component attributed to an online leaderboard for would-be medical specialists to compare their stats which updates various information by way of WiiConnect24.
Fifa 2008
Very much like Madden 08 and NBA Live 08, Fifa 08 will boast a similar setup with training drills conventional to the game as well as other simpler minigames. Along with Mii functionality and separate modes like a soccer based foosball table is the addition of a completely new gameplay mode centering around players interacting with soccer star Ronaldinho. Like NBA Live 2008 moreso however is the scarce details on the game's online component which at the moment is only known to feature head to head play. More will be updated as the information comes down the line.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
The latest entry in the rhythm/music genre has been a smash success since its debut a couple of years ago and now the series makes its way to Wii. Details are few regarding the Wii version of the game though it's said by Red Octane's co-founder, Kai Huang, that it will boast the same features as every other version of the game including Wii specific content tailored to the Wii remote. In the picture above is the guitar that Wii players will be playing with and as you can see, the Wii remote is embedded into it, which is likely to help in the "exclusive content" area game modes wise.
Online wise, Kai Huang confirmed with IGN that the Wii version of the game will boast online player and downloadable content just as the other versions will.
Geometry Wars: Galaxies
The definitive sequel to the hit XBLA title, Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, Geometry Wars: Galaxies will take everything that made the original so great and expand upon it in ways to moreso flesh out the experience into something that much more fulfilling. Aside from a dedicated story oriented mode along with staples such as cooperative play and even competitive to some extent the game will allow Wii owners to also experience the original Retro Evolved version which is included directly with Galaxies. Online wise the game has a single feature and that is a leaderboard function for each of the game's sixty-plus unique stages including those exclusive areas unlocked through Wii/DS wireless connectivity.
Rayman Raving Rabbids 2
One of the more talked about releases out of Ubisoft and a creative take on the Rayman IP, it seems the Rabbids are out to prove themselves as mainstay in gaming with a new title that focuses entirely on them and almost none at all on Rayman. But it's ok, because we love them Rabbids and we know they "DAH!" us back. Along with a slew of new minigames and game modes comes a Rabbid customization feature that allows players to play around with various accessories and clothing to make up a Rabbid as they wish. Everything from Samurai to Naruto has been featured in videos and even hints of Spiderman and Sam Fisher (of Splinter Cell fame) so it's likely players can go wild and get their desired result.
The Rabbids not only bring with them a title potentially further enhanced over the original, but online functionality by way of an online leaderboard where stats and scores can be observed and compared as well as the ability to post up as well as view the custom made Rabbids by players all across the globe.
Medal Of Honor: Heroes 2
EA (once again, which is a great thing) proves that they are the best thing happening on Wii right now when it comes to games and game content. Whether it be sports, music, shooters, racers or whatever else, they have things going all across the board for Wii owners and have been since launch. Well, Medal of Honor: Heroes of 2 is no different which is not only another FPS entry for the Wii from them based in the same franchise (MoH: Vanguard launched earlier this year remember?) but is also to be the first full featured first person shooter that will have a game mode dedicated entirely to the functionality of the recently unveiled Wii Zapper. Heck, the game is actually being optimized to allow for convenient zapper use in the game's main mode for those who may want a more hands on experience while experience the full on combat that others might think would be core for the Wii remote and nunchaku just as Vanguard was.
However, the online component is another area where EA shines much like their sports offerings mentioned before. Although distinct details are scarce, it is known that MoH: H2 will allow for massive, 32 player online battles. Though war may not be everyone's cup of tea, for those hankering for an online FPS to finally land on Wii to play, this might just be up your alley. Just watch out for them snipers!
Nitrobike
Motocross game being brought to us by Ubisoft and the developers of the excellent Excitebike 64, Nitrobike is a collaborative effort between Ubisoft and Left Field studios. Details on the project overall are pretty slim, but Ubisoft was quick to make note that the game will launch later in 2007 and feature a full fledged online component for up to six participants.
Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3
Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 2 came out at launch alongside the Wii and garnered quite a few positive impressions for being a solid licensed fighter, of all things, that worked incredibly well with the Wii remote. It wasn't without its shortcomings however which will hopefully be addressed in Dragonball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 which will boast a similar enhancement as the first. The game will feature cleaner, eye catching graphics, a slew of new characters and transformations, new stages, new capabilities for each character, and exclusively to the Wii version, an online mode allowing two fighters to duke it out worldwide. Specifics in this area are still under wraps, but Atari has confirmed quite a bit through E3 that the Wii build of the game will offer an online component for competitive play.
Thanks to Jeux France however, some general info on the games online functionality has been provided. There are three main gameplay modes, Customized Battle - which allows for use of custom characters and anyone who has played DBZ: BT2 should know what that means, Normal Battle - which concerns only the characters you can choose from the versus menu without the influence of special items or customized characters,Friend Battle-which involves battles with your friends, likely from your friends list obviously, Ranking Battle - which allows players to battle to be the best in the world which likely confirms that all modes outside of this one are merely "for fun" or "free play" while this mode actually gauges wins and losses, Ranking - which sounds to be a mode that gauges ranks upon national or worldwide categories and Shop - which likely acts as the shop in the main game, but what online purpose it may serve I have no idea, nor does it say.
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