Highlights
- The Wii had a vast library of over 1000 games, including iconic exclusives and popular multi-console titles in the 3D platforming genre.
- Sonic and the Secret Rings introduced a unique setting and improved gameplay over previous 3D Sonic games, despite challenging motion controls.
- Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2 , revolutionized 3D platforming with innovative mechanics, addictive levels, and stunning visuals. They are considered among the best in the genre on the Wii.
The Nintendo GameCube’s successor, the Wii was launched at the end of 2006 and quickly became a popular home console. Intended to target a broader range of players, it is the second-highest selling of Nintendo’s home consoles. The Wii is most well-known for its use of motion controls.
Nintendo Wii Games That Need Switch Revamps
Nintendo Wii games are constantly updated for the Switch. But some Wii games have no Switch ports because of studio priorities or tech difficulties.
It had a vast library of games, totaling well over 1000 titles! In the 3D platforming genre, there are some truly iconic exclusives as well as popular multi-console games able to be played on the Wii. From well-known characters to underrated gems there are many interesting games in this genre playable on, or strictly made for, Nintendo’s beloved home console.
10 Sonic and the Secret Rings (2007)
A Wii exclusive, Sonic and the Secret Rings was the first in Sonic’s Storybook Saga. With the game a commercial success, selling 83,000 copies in the month of its release, many critics felt it was a definite improvement over the immediate 3D predecessors.
Every 3D Sonic Game, Ranked (According To Metacritic)
It's hard to imagine the gaming world without Sonic, but his transformation from 2D to 3D was a game changer. Here are all his 3D games, ranked.
The setting, inside the story of Arabian Nights, is one of the most unique and fresh seen in a Sonic game. The soundtrack is also good, maintaining the rock style of previous 3D Sonic games but also introducing traditional music of the Middle East. Though the Wii’s motion controls aren’t the easiest to get to grips with, there are good visuals, a co-op party mode, and both platforming and racing elements. This game has the essence of Sonic among a wholly new adventure.
9 Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure (2011)
Originally developed for the Wii, the first videogame in the Skylanders series was the first video game to popularize the use of Toys-To-Life, whereby players use real toys that can interact with the game via an NFC unit. Thus, this 3D platformer came with an added element of excitement, albeit with quite the price tag if players wanted the full experience.
Firmly a game for younger players, it has a fantastical story in which players must battle menacing creatures solve puzzles, and collect treasures. It was commended for its family-friendly gameplay and though criticized for its lack of online multiplayer, it was a unique title and pioneered the Toys-To-Life genre.
8 De Blob 2 (2011)
Even though many may not be familiar with the de Blob series they are truly underappreciated gems. Indeed, de Blob 2 has a greater emphasis on platforming than its 2008 predecessor, and was regarded highly by critics for its fun gameplay and wonderful design.
The story follows Blob as he attempts to restore color to his world and save it from the villain Comrade Black. There are 12 engaging and unique levels to explore, from Paradise Island to The Senate and the Railyards. Blob can change into 7 different colors, and it’s a satisfying experience to see Blob’s world return to its dazzling multicolored glory. It’s truly one of the Wii’s standout platform titles, with appeal for all ages and brilliant high quality cinematics and soundtrack.
7 NiGHTS: Journey Of Dreams (2007)
The sequel to the Sega Saturn’s flagship game NiGHTS: Into Dreams, Journey of Dreams is a unique 3D platformer. Released in 2007, it sports a hybrid of platforming and flying. Controlling NiGHTS’ trademark flying through Rings and keeping the Link count is as satisfying an experience as it was back on Saturn. Though the use of the Wiimote for controlling NiGHTS was criticized, the game is also compatible with a classic or GameCube controller.
A new experience for players is being able to play as the two child characters Will and Helen in their own unique platforming segments. With a superb atmospheric soundtrack featuring iconic Sonic Team musicians, inventive locations, and tranquil in-game moments this game, offers a relaxing experience amidst a wonderfully told story combined with fun boss battles and good graphics.
6 Tomb Raider: Anniversary (2007)
Celebrating 10 years since Lara Croft first landed on home consoles, this game is an enhanced port of the original Anniversary PS2 release, with new features for the Wii version. The graphics and visuals are improved overall, and the inclusion of Wii-exclusive puzzles adds more fun and interactivity to this 3D platformer. Players can also use the Wiimote pointed at the screen to target and shoot at enemies, which adds a more natural feel to the gameplay.
The platforming is smooth with its challenges requiring players to think on their feet. Clear voice-acting, immersive environments, and well-designed puzzles, which the game centers around, make this a great adventure game for the Wii.
5 Epic Mickey (2010)
This Wii exclusive sees Disney’s famous mouse star in his own platforming title, a dark and spooky one at that. Ultimately it’s a story of redemption and has a powerful climax, but contains quite a depressing atmosphere as the focus is on what happens to forgotten Disney characters.
9 Best Games That Let You Play As Mickey Mouse
These are some of the best games that let fans play as Mickey Mouse.
The story sees Mickey going on a quest to defeat the Shadow Blot in a dystopian version of the Magic Kingdom. Armed with his paintbrush which can double up as a weapon by swinging the Wii Remote, Mickey can also add platforms and remove objects to reveal hidden items with it. The game even has a morality system, reminiscent of that seen in Shadow the Hedgehog, whereby the player’s choices define which path the character takes. In Mickey’s case, his actions define how those around him see him, as a hero or villain. This is a unique Wii title with a darker twist.
4 LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (2007)
The first Lego game for the Wii, LEGO Star Wars:The Complete Saga is often held as one of the best. Players experience Episodes 1 to 6 of the iconic movies; this was the first time players had this on one video game. The Wii release in particular is made more fun since players can ‘wield’ the Wiimote as a lightsaber, making for more engaging gameplay.
From Anakin Skywalker to Zam Wesell, players can control a variety of beloved Star Wars characters and are required to select the correct one to clear certain obstacles. Some scenes and characters are written out (but then again, it’s the Trade Federation) but it still offers an exciting play through these well-known films in the 3D puzzle platforming style.
3 Sonic Colors (2010)
Sonic Colors is a fan-favorite title in the Sonic series, and for good reason. Thrilling high-speed platforming, now with unique Power-Ups in the form of the Wisps, a colorful setting, and a brilliant soundtrack come together to create an unforgettable Sonic experience. There’s also a touch of light-hearted humor that’ll keep players grinning!
This game sees Sonic on a quest in outer space to save the Wisps, an alien race, from enslavement by Dr. Eggman. The Wisp mechanic enhances gameplay as it gives players access to divergent pathways in the levels and helps them find collectibles.
2 Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)
Super Mario Galaxy’s successor is truly an awe-inspiring game and one that defines the era of the Wii. Whilst it retains many aspects of Super Mario Galaxy, it also introduces new and unique features such as Rock Mario, Cloud Mario, and the reappearance of Yoshi. The ability to create new platforms using Mario’s Cloud power-up makes exploration even more exciting. Yoshi also has power-ups of his own.
Every Mario Game On The SNES, Ranked
The SNES was home to several Mario games, but which ones are the best out of all of them?
Even though both games share a similar theme, Super Mario Galaxy 2’s locations do not feel rehashed or boring. In many ways, it’s even more challenging than its predecessor, as any player who finally beats Grandmaster Galaxy can say. What’s more, it’s the only Mario 3D platformer to share a release on the same console as its predecessor. It’s really an incredible entry in the 3D platforming genre.
1 Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Pioneering its release in 2007 and still amazing today, the first Galaxy game truly elevated the standards of 3D platforming games. Fun addictive levels, superb anti-gravity mechanics, and storytelling in SuperMario taken to another level only just begin to define how revolutionary this game was. The visuals on this Wii exclusive are still stunning today.
What this title pulls off so well is its accessibility to many players, starting simple and increasing in difficulty the more Power Stars Mario obtains. The level objectives are all unique and varied as they prepare players for ultimately the final showdown against Bowser, one of the most epic boss battles in Super Mario history. This game was truly revolutionary and is firmly among the best 3D platformers ever made. It’s truly the pinnacle of the 3D platforming genre on the Wii.