QUICKLINKS:
WiiWare Reviews A - G | WiiWare Reviews H - R | WiiWare Reviews S - Z
Our WiiWare ratings system
We've given every game a 'buy' rating of 'Yes', 'Maybe', or 'No'.
Yes means this is a very high quality game, and we have no problem recommending it to anyone as long as they like the genre.
Maybe means we think the game is good, but not necessarily for everyone. If you know the game or like the sound of the description, go for it
No means that we don't recommend the title at all.
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Games listed in alphabetical order
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5 Spots Party
Price: 500 points
5 Spots Party is based on the casual PC series 5 Spots. The games are exactly as they sound – you have to spot five differences between two pictures. The WiiWare version doesn’t really offer too much new apart from a multiplayer mode where players compete to spot the most differences, and a “Find the Monkey” mode. It might be some cheap fun for the little ones on a rainy day, but otherwise there’s nothing that will hold your interest for long.
Worth buying? No
Bit Boy!!*
Price: 600 points
*Not available in Australia as of 23 July
Developer Bplus hasn’t exactly had a good track record on the WiiWare service. Having been responsible for the critically panned Niki - Rock 'n' Ball and Plättchen Twist 'n' Paint, their latest effort again just doesn’t quite make the cut. The idea itself is quite interesting. Players traverse a series of mazes which are based on the different “Bit Generations” of gaming, from the old Atari 2600 console to the modern Wii system. Unfortunately, despite showcasing each generation with different visuals, the gameplay doesn’t change. You just move from one end of the maze to the next, avoiding/attacking the nasties that lie within. It’s terribly lacklustre, repetitive, and uninspiring in this day and age. Coupled with the fact you can complete the game in an hour or two, this is another WiiWare title you should avoid at all costs.
Worth buying? No
Cocoto Platform Jumper
Price: 700 points
Cocoto Platform Jumper was actually released in 2004 on a variety of systems including the GameCube, PlayStation 2 and Game Boy Advance. The game is a platformer (in case the title didn't make it obvious) which sees players assume the role of a little red devil named Cocoto who has to traverse through circular stages and avoid hazards such as enemies and chasms. Compared to other platformers it doesn’t do anything new or exciting, and some players might even find it a little redundant during extended play sessions. Still, if you have a soft spot for the genre, you should be able to enjoy it to some degree while waiting for New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Worth buying? Maybe
Fish’em All
Price: 800 points
Fish'em All is a multiplayer-focused game which sees players running left and right attempting to catch fish that jump out of the water. It’s a rather quirky title that has a great theme, engaging soundtrack and many other enticing elements. Sadly, unresponsive controls prevent you from truly grasping what the game has to offer. It’s certainly enjoyable to play, but if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t have a lot of patience and strives to achieve that perfect score, then you best keep the fishing lines in the shed for the time being.
Worth buying? Maybe
Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
Price: 800 points
Final Fantasy IV: The After Years is set roughly 17 years after the events of the original Final Fantasy IV, and sees players assume the role of Ceodore, son of Cecil Harvey and Rosa Farrell. The game features retro graphics and music, and is a nod to classic Final Fantasy titles. This one will directly appeal to hardcore Final Fantasy fans, however, there is a big drawback. The initial price of 800 Wii points only gets you the first three chapters, with additional chapters costing around 300 points each. This means to play the entire game, you’ll have to shell out a whopping 3700 Wii points. The quality of the game is without question, but it will ultimately come down to just how dedicated you are to the franchise.
Worth buying? Maybe
Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord
Price: 1000 points
A direct sequel to the WiiWare launch title Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King, My Life as a Darklord puts you in the shoes of the Darklord’s daughter who must strategically place monsters in her tower to defend it. If you’re a fan of the tower defence genre there’s absolutely no reason you shouldn’t check this out. There are heaps of options to toy around with including levelling up your monster army and adding floors to your tower. The visuals are also very pleasing to the eyes, and there are plenty of references from My Life as a King too look out for.
Worth buying? Yes
Gradius ReBirth
Price: 600 points
Gradius Rebirth is a re-imagining of the classic Gradius franchise. Like previous instalments, the game is a side scrolling shooter where your only objectives are to shoot down enemies, upgrade your weapons and aim for high scores. If you’ve played previous entries don’t go expecting something completely new, it’s nothing more than a trip down memory lane. Still, with challenging gameplay and the option to submit high scores to online leaderboards, it’s certainly has its appeal.
Worth buying? Yes
Karate Phants: Gloves of Glory
Price: 800 points
Karate Phants: Gloves of Glory is a fighting game based on the German comic book series Die Ottifanten, which translates to The Ottifants in English. We’re not entirely sure why the developers felt this would appeal to anyone outside Germany, especially considering it’s a lacklustre fighter with poor controls and absolutely horrible gameplay. Stick to the Virtual Console’s Super Smash Bros..
Worth buying? No
Let’s Catch
Price: 1000 points
Let's Catch is the WiiWare counterpart of the full retail game Let's Tap. The game is based on the foundation of playing a virtual game of catch, but there are several variations which spice things up a little. One example is Bomber Catch, where you throw a bomb around and the player holding it when it explodes loses a heart. Some players will find the simplistic gameplay a little uninspiring, while others will appreciate the relaxed pace. It’s no where near as engaging as Let’s Tap, but is worth a look if it sounds appealing to you.
Worth buying? Maybe
NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits
Price: 1000 points
Jump, fly and harness the power of Greek gods all in the name of rescuing your missing friend. If you’re a platformer fan, then there’s little reason you shouldn’t have picked this up by now. NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits is simply drop-dead gorgeous and is a lot of fun to play! This is a prime example of what the WiiWare library needs more of, and it should appeal to anyone who enjoyed the classic Kid Icarus and Metroid games. Its only drawback is it has a lifespan of three hours, but there’s certainly replay value here for enthusiasts.
Worth buying? Yes
Puzzle Bobble Plus!
Price: 800 points
Puzzle Bobble Plus! is an addictive puzzle game staring Taito’s bubble blowing dragon duo Bub and Bob. Like the Bubble Bobble and Rainbow Island WiiWare remakes, the gameplay has been left mostly unchanged from previous titles in the series. If you’ve never played a Puzzle Bobble game before, then this is the perfect game to introduce you to the series. Returning veterans, however, should be warned there isn’t too much new on offer.
Worth buying? Maybe
Water Warfare
Price: 800 points
Water Warfare is an odd FPS from those wacky minds at Hudson Soft. As its name suggests, the game takes the basic foundations of the genre and turns them into a water-themed experience. Instead of armour, for example, players will wear raincoats and use umbrellas. The game doesn’t break any ground, but it’s an interesting way to make a FPS kid-friendly and should be fun for the whole family.
Worth buying? Yes
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