The Wii version of Animal Crossing incorporates much of what made its predecessors fun and addicting. As before, you move into a forest town populated by bipedal talking animals. By collecting and selling fruit, fish, insects, fossils, and other items, you can pay off your mortgage and expand your house. A new city area is available, which you can reach by taking a bus. While the city provides some extra shopping opportunities, it adds little to the game overall. The online Wi-Fi play is great and adds to the fun.* Unfortunately, not much else is new. About 95% of the gameplay is the same as it has been in previous games. City Folk isn't a sequel as much as it is a re-hash with only a few minor features added. And some of the changes were actually for the worse. For example, grass wears away if you play regularly, often leaving your forest town looking like a desert. And stores like Nookington's have shorter hours than they did on GameCube. While City Folk skimps on new content, it is still the fun, enjoyable game that Animal Crossing has always been.

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This is a downloadable WiiWare game available only in the online Wii Shop. As in most Bomberman games, you walk around single-screen levels and use bombs to blow up your opponents. But unlike many games in the series, this one lacks a stage-based one-player mode; you're just getting the battle mode in Bomberman Blast. Fortunately, the game has Wi-Fi capabilities to play against worldwide opponents online.* The game has ten levels to battle on, each with a normal and large variation. The levels overall aren't as interesting as those in Super Bomberman (SNES), although I do particularly like the level in which you can be abducted by a UFO and then control the UFO to drop bombs onto people below. There are a number of power-ups you can grab and use, including some that unfortunately require motion controls to activate. I'm also disappointed by the lack of a detonator power-up. The controls aren't as tight as the SNES games, and it took me some getting used to. The game is still fun to play, especially with multiple players. And the unlockable ability to play as your Mii is a nice addition.

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This is a downloadable WiiWare game available only in the online Wii Shop. This 2D platformer is loosely based on Castlevania: The Adventure for the original Game Boy. As Christopher Belmont, you use your whip (and other secondary weapons) on your quest to defeat Dracula. The game features only six levels, but those levels are quite long. The first couple of levels are easy, but then the typical Castlevania challenge kicks in...including cheap hits. Unfortunately, this game does not have a save or password feature. The control is solid for the most part, but there are some minor annoyances in some later levels. Your character is unable to even make tiny steps up (unless a stairway is there) and some ledges are placed so close together that you can't directly jump from one to the next if you're using the classic player style option. One nice thing is a power-up that lets you shoot fireballs from your whip. Unfortunately, the ability wears off after a few seconds. The game supports the classic controller, but it doesn't let you map the special weapons to a third button! You still have to press up and attack. The music is a little disappointing by Castlevania standards, and the same could be said of the gameplay. Overall, Castlevania: The Adventure Rebirth is just mediocre. Also, the subpar manual doesn't describe what the "player style" option does; it affects your jumping style.

Retro Studios has revived Rare's SNES Donkey Kong Country series with this great 2D platformer. Donkey and Diddy are back, and so is the hop-and-bop gameplay. Other elements have also returned, such as the K-O-N-G letters to collect, the infamous mine cart levels, and Rambi the rhino. Unfortunately, Retro Studios did not include any underwater levels in Donkey Kong Country Returns. The game provides a good challenge, particularly in the later worlds and unlockable temple levels. Each level also has multiple puzzle pieces to find if you so desire. One bad thing about the game is that certain moves (namely the roll attack and the ground pound) require motion controls (shaking the Wii remote), which becomes annoying and seems completely unnecessary. Retro could have included classic controller support, but they didn't. But regardless, Donkey Kong Country Returns is still an outstanding game that no platformer fan should pass up. The Donkey Kong Country series has never been better.

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This is a downloadable WiiWare game available only in the online Wii Shop. It is an update to Nintendo's puzzle game Dr. Mario, which first appeared in 1990 on the NES and Game Boy. You eliminate viruses by lining up pills of the same color. In the two-player mode, you can send garbage blocks to your opponent by creating combos, or chain reactions, of color matches. Unfortunately, the regular mode can't be played by four players, even though Dr. Mario 64 (on N64) had this ability. But the highlight of Dr. Mario Online Rx is the ability to play the game online against friends or random opponents.* It's not hard to become addicted to this fun game and play until you're seeing colored pills in your sleep. There is also a new mode called Virus Buster that lets you play by using the Wii remote to "grab" pills and place them wherever you like. Up to four players can play Virus Buster, but it can't be played online. It's a nice extra, but the main Dr. Mario mode is clearly still the focus. Dr. Mario has always been one of my favorite competitive puzzle games, and the great online gameplay of Dr. Mario Online Rx makes this game a must-have for puzzle fans.

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In this scuba-diving simulation game, you can travel to various locations, dive underwater, and interact with many types of fish and other sea creatures. The game uses motion controls to move around, and they can be tricky at first. Wagging the Wii remote to rub a fish is (unfortunately) a big part of the game; it's generally how you'll identify new fish. You also have the ability to poke and feed fish, use a lamp for night dives, use an underwater whistle, and more. You may be asked to give clients a tour of certain areas, photograph a specific fish for a magazine, search for treasure, or explore some interesting sites under the sea. The relaxing music and underwater sound effects really set the atmosphere for a peaceful dive. Even though there are sharks and other large sea creatures, they won't ever attack you. Admittedly, the pointless exploration can be a bit dull early on. But after a while, there are some story-driven elements that make things a bit more interesting. I ultimately enjoyed my time under the sea in Endless Ocean, but it is a slow-moving game that isn't for everyone.

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This is a downloadable WiiWare game available only in the online Wii Shop. It's essentially a remake of the classic NES racing game Excitebike. You ride your bike on four-lane tracks, performing wheelies, jumping ramps, and overcoming obstacles such as concrete barriers as you try to complete the races in the fastest time. You can use turbo to increase your speed, but your engine will overheat if you use it too much, costing you precious time. Run over cooldown strips to maintain top speed. Unfortunately, the game lacks a two-player mode, but it does have online play.* There is also a track editor where you can create and save your own tracks; you can even race them online! Many bike colors can be unlocked by earning S-ranks in the world tour mode or by accumulating points in online races. A new control method (and a 3D behind-the-bike viewpoint) can also be unlocked. Excitebike: World Rally is a simple game, but it's a lot of fun. Anyone who liked the original NES game will love this remake.

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This unique racing game is a follow-up to Excite Truck. But instead of trucks, you now drive "bots," most of which resemble mechanical animals or insects. The game uses motion controls extensively. You tilt the Wii remote to steer, or you can use the Wii Wheel accessory. Other maneuvers may require you to shake the remote from side to side, push it forward, or rotate it as your bot spins around a bar. Your goal isn't necessarily to win races, but to score the most stars. Stars are awarded for things such as whizzing by trees without hitting them, smashing into other bots, and performing stunts in mid-air. More stars can be earned by doing things you'd never expect in a racing game: You may have to throw a pie at a clown, kick a field goal, or even make a sandwich. That may seem bizarre, but it keeps the game fresh and adds to the fun. An online mode lets you race other players and bet your stars, which you can use to purchase new bots and other items.* Unfortunately, the betting aspect is limited to random online play, not friend matches. ExciteBots has tons of unlockables; you can purchase not only bots, but also extra colors for each bot, as well as icons, dioramas, and statues. ExciteBots is a highly enjoyable, one-of-a-kind racing game.

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This WiiWare RPG was only available digitally in the online Wii Shop. It's a follow-up to the SNES Final Fantasy IV (originally called Final Fantasy II outside of Japan). It follows the adventures of Ceodore, who is the son of Cecil and Rosa. The graphics, sound, and gameplay are all very similar to the SNES game. One new element involves phases of the moon: The strength of magic and physical attacks vary, depending on whether the moon is full, waxing, new, or waning. The game had many DLC episodes (no longer available) which could be purchased to extend the game, but the core game itself is quite short: I beat it in under six hours. While it is fun for those few hours (especially for fans nostalgic for the SNES game), the game is far too short for an RPG, and it feels incomplete. I've never been a fan of companies skimping on content just so they can charge extra for things that should have been included all along, but that's exactly what Square Enix did with Final Fantasy IV: The After Years. I never even got to use the airship to explore the world!

In this 2D action game, you control a grinning tennis ball that has a troll-like wisp of hair. Wii Motion Plus is required, but that's not an issue because this game comes bundled with a Wii Remote Plus. By swinging your Wii remote in a certain direction, you will fling your character in that direction. Smash through blocks and enemies, and collect stars and medals. Your character bounces off of everything like a pinball and can be hard to control at times. Fortunately, you can stop your character by pressing the A button. The graphics are clean and colorful, but aren't anything special. Likewise, the music is pleasant but forgettable. The game has eight worlds, with each one consisting of three short levels and a boss fight. The game is short and easy; you can smash through the whole game in just a few hours. And those few hours aren't particularly enjoyable, because FlingSmash is really a boring game. The only reason anyone should buy this game is for the included Wii Remote Plus.

This is a downloadable WiiWare game available only from Club Nintendo. Using your Wii remote and nunchuk, you control an "Ultra Hand" and you have to remove grilled meats from the grill and drop them onto plates. The controls are tricky at first and take some getting used to. Fortunately, the game starts off easy and gradually increases in speed and difficulty. You get bonus points and can score combos by removing the meat when it's "just right." You'll definitely need quick reflexes to score high. If you drop a piece of meat or let one burn, your game is over. I wish it would allow you to earn extra chances, because there's not much margin for error. Much like many old Atari games, Grill-Off is a simple one-screen, score-based game without any depth. Unfortunately, this game doesn't have the addictive gameplay needed for that type of game. It may be a free game essentially, but it's still not any fun to play.

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This music game comes with a guitar controller, which is why the game costs a whopping $90. I've played other music games before, but this was my first guitar game. The song list is pretty good, although there isn't a lot of variety in the music--it's mostly hard rock and heavy metal. The game claims to have over 70 songs, but several of them (including Sabotage) can only be played in the two-player co-op mode. That's a stupid move, especially considering they didn't even sell separate guitar controllers when the game first came out! Playing the game is fun, although some of the trickier songs can literally be painful to play. And the hard and expert modes require you to use five fret buttons with only four fingers. Unfortunately, neither the manual nor the tutorials described the proper way to do this, which would have been helpful for those of us who have never picked up a guitar. Overall, I enjoyed Guitar Hero III, but it didn't blow me away. Perhaps I'm more of a drum guy, but I've had more fun with the Donkey Konga and Taiko: Drum Master games.

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This 2D platformer stars Nintendo's pink puffball character. In this game, Kirby (and most other characters and enemies) have been turned into yarn. Levels are also made up of assorted fabrics, giving the game a unique look. Kirby's trademark abilities of inhaling and swallowing enemies are not included in Epic Yarn. Instead, Kirby attacks enemies with a yarn whip. He can unravel enemies or ball them up and throw them at other enemies. In certain areas, Kirby can transform into other things, such as a dolphin, a UFO, a cotton-picking machine, and more. The game is very kid-friendly and has very little challenge to speak of. It's an easy game to beat, particularly when you consider that Kirby can never die. The music is pleasant, but somewhat dull and sleep-inducing. The game is moderately fun to play, but it's not very exciting for the most part. Overall, Kirby's Epic Yarn is a good, but not great, game.

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Link takes to the sky in his second Wii adventure. This time around, Link's sword mimics the movement of your Wii remote (Wii Motion Plus is required). You can swing the sword horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, making for some interesting gameplay dynamics. The game's overworld is up in the sky, with Link flying between floating islands on a giant bird known as a Loftwing. Despite being up in the air, the island system is reminiscient of The Wind Waker on GameCube. Unfortunately, the flying controls are unintuitive and awkward. And your Loftwing will sometimes get stuck for no apparent reason. I really wish the flying (and swimming) sections had not used motion controls. The game provides a lengthy quest, although there is a lot of backtracking. The dungeons, as always, are enjoyable and provide a good mix of action and puzzle-solving. The boss fights are uneven though; I honestly had more trouble with the first boss than I did with the final boss. There are more new items this time, with my favorite being the remote-controlled Beetle, which lets you explore areas and collect items or hit switches that are otherwise unreachable. The slightly-cartoony graphics in the game are a step backward from Twilight Princess, but Skyward Sword is superior in every other respect. The side-quests are enjoyable, exploring is fun, and even the bug-catching proved to be entertaining. After being disappointed with Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword is a great game that restored my faith in the series.

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This is the first Zelda game for Nintendo's Wii system. The Wii remote's aiming ability works wonderfully with weapons like the bow & arrows, boomerang, and clawshot. However, changing the sword controls from a button push to a flick of the wrist was a big mistake. And the nunchuk moves don't always work as intended; I would often do a spin attack when I was trying to do a shield attack. The graphics are good and the game has some new and unique items that are fun to play around with. The dungeons are also well-designed and enjoyable. Unfortunately, the few sidequests are no fun, the plot doesn't hold your interest, the music is a big letdown, and many tasks are tedious and boring. And aside from a couple of tough puzzles and a few places where it's unclear how to proceed, Twilight Princess is not a very challenging game. Still, it is quite lengthy, with a 60+ hour quest. Twilight Princess is still worth playing for the dungeons, but overall it doesn't compare favorably to other Zelda games. Also note that there is a huge glitch that can ruin your saved game about 90% through: Don't save in the room with the cannon!

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This is another quality football game in EA Sports' long-running Madden NFL series. Play a game of football, a full season, or take on the franchise mode to try to become the most successful franchise in the Super Bowl era. Since this was my first time playing a Madden game on Wii, I gave the motion controls a brief trial run, but I quickly switched to the classic controller for conventional controls. Madden NFL 12 does have its share of annoyances: The game attempts to connect to the internet every single time you start up the game (regardless of whether your Wii is connected to the internet) and there is no option to disable it. That makes for an annoying delay. Also, the ability to play as classic teams (such as the '64 Browns or '85 Bears) is not included this time around. Some mini-games are included to help improve your play, but inexplicably, they do not support the classic controller--even though other game modes do! And when I met some of the achievement goals, the game never gave me credit for them. But despite the flaws and other annoyances, the gameplay is still solid. Like most games in the series, Madden provides a highly enjoyable game of football.

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This is Nintendo's Wii version of their long-running go-kart racing series. (Although you can race bikes this time, also). It comes with a steering wheel controller, but you can also use the Wii Remote and nunchuk, the classic controller, or a GameCube controller. There are 32 tracks in the game, half of which are from previous Mario Kart games (only two from the excellent SNES game). The game still has some artificial intelligence issues that aim to keep races close, and the powerful items (blue shell, lightning bolt, P.O.W. block) show up far too often. I'm also disappointed by the lack of a two-player grand prix mode. But still, Mario Kart is really a lot of fun to play. There are enough modes, variations, and unlockable items that Mario Kart Wii will keep you playing for a long time. And the online mode is outstanding.* You can race against friends, random people in your region, or players worldwide. Mario Kart Wii is truly an exceptional game.

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In this game, you roll a blob of mercury around to reach a designated goal. It resembles Marble Madness and Super Monkey Ball, but Mercury Meltdown is more puzzle-oriented. Roll the blob through "paint shops" to change the blob's color, because certain switches, gates, and even the goal itself may only work if your blob is a certain color. In some levels, you'll need to split up the blob and mix colors. Of course there are also traps, obstacles, tricky terrain, and even enemies in some levels. What really makes this game work so well is the excellent control. You hold the Wii remote sideways and tilt it to roll the blob around. A whopping 168 levels are included, with a nice variety of easy levels and challenging levels that should keep you entertained for quite a while. Much of the music is very good, and there are also a few decent unlockable "party" games (even though they're one-player only) that provide a little extra fun. Mercury Meltdown Revolution is a great game, and any fan of puzzle games should pick this one up.

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This baseball game features cartoonish players with huge heads playing in realistic-looking MLB stadiums. The greatly exaggerated graphic style may turn off some serious sports fans, but the gameplay is still solid. It has the feel of an old-school baseball game while still featuring a lot of depth in terms of options, statistics, and the ability to make GM moves. But it does have its flaws: You can't manually change the fielder you're controlling, even when the computer assigns you to an inconvenient fielder. It will sometimes switch automatically, which will often result in you running the wrong way because you didn't know it was going to switch. The baserunning controls are awkward as well. While there is a Wii Remote mode in which you can swing the Wii remote as your bat (as in Wii Sports), that option is not available in the season mode. Fortunately, MLB Power Pros is still fun to play.

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This is an updated version of the 1990s arcade-style basketball game, in which there are very few rules. No fouls are called, and shoving opponents is part of the game. Sink three shots in a row and you'll be "on fire," making the ball literally appears in flames. The 2-on-2 classic campaign mode is the highlight of the game, and it's a lot of fun. But there are mini-games available as well, including 21, (Backboard) Smash, and boss battles. Unfortunately, the computer cheats like crazy in some of them! The game tries to push motion controls on you, although there is an option to use a classic controller. But if you do, the on-screen prompts tell you the wrong buttons to press...and you can't even customize the buttons! Unlike the '90s versions of NBA Jam, this version does not let you control your teammate, even after passing him the ball! Virtually every basketball game I've ever played allows you to do that! A multitude of small flaws like that keep NBA Jam from reaching its full potential, but it is still an enjoyable basketball game.

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New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the first 2D Mario platformer on a home console since the SNES era. It's a new game with new levels, but it also includes some borrowed elements from earlier Mario games, which is a nice touch for long-time fans of the series. New power-ups are included, including a propeller hat that let you soar into the air with a shake of the Wii remote, and a penguin suit that not only lets you throw snowballs that freeze enemies, but also lets you walk on ice without slipping and slide through obstacles on your belly. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a nice mix of new and old, and it is a whole lot of fun. While it may not quite top Super Mario Bros. 3 or Super Mario World, it is a great game that should not be missed.

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Ubisoft's Rayman makes his first appearance on the Wii with Raving Rabbids. Unlike previous Rayman games, this is not a platformer, but instead is a collection of mini-games. You may have to shoot plungers at crazy rabbits, race on a warthog, pull worms out of a rabbit's teeth, zap bunnies to the tune of La Bamba, or slam shut outhouse doors. The Wii remote is used well in most of the mini-games, but some require such repetitive actions that your arms will get tired in a hurry. Also, some games rely on movement of the nunchuk, which isn't as accurate as the Wii remote, and results in occasional problems. The mix of mini-games is diverse, both in objectives and quality. There are definitely some fun games, but there are also some that are mediocre or worse. The game tries to use humor to keep things interesting, but that is also a hit-and-miss endeavor. On the whole, Rayman: Raving Rabbids makes for a good multi-player game, but the single-player mode leaves much to be desired.

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This is a strange music/rhythm game that consists of 50+ mini-games that test your rhythm and timing. The sheer absurdity of many levels is reminiscent of the Wario Ware games. In one level, you control a dog that plays badminton with a cat as they're both flying planes. In another level, peas are being flicked at you across a table; you have to stab them with your fork. Other levels have you building robots, hitting golf balls, swatting spiders in a candy factory, flexing your muscles, launching rockets, and more. The games are set to music, and following the rhythm of the songs can help out your timing immensely. The tunes are surprisingly catchy and will definitely get stuck in your head. The game is also quite funny, with amusing voices/sound effects and humorous sight gags. Many games require the use of only the A button, and some also require the use of A + B together. No other buttons are used during gameplay. The controls are simple, but effective; it's the timing of your button presses that matters. Rhythm Heaven Fever may not have a lot of depth, but it is a highly enjoyable game that provides a unique experience and many hours of crazy fun.

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This mascot racing game features characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog series and other Sega games, including Ryo Hazuki from Shenmue, Ulala from Space Channel 5, Alex Kidd, AiAi from Super Monkey Ball, Jacky & Akira from Virtua Fighter, and more. You can even use your Mii as a racer. In all, there are 21 characters to choose from, although many of those must first be unlocked. Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing is clearly Sega's attempt at making a Mario Kart style game, as it borrows heavily from Nintendo's iconic franchise. So it's definitely not the most original game, but it is a whole lot of fun to play. There are many modes and lots of unlockables that provide numerous hours of gameplay. There are some flaws, however. The frame rate will occasionally drop to almost a standstill, even in one-player races. And the online gameplay pales in comparison to Mario Kart Wii.* Not only is there no online ranking system, but you can't even select your favorite character in an online race if someone else already picked that character! But even though Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing isn't quite as good as Mario Kart, it is still a quality game that any racing fan should add to their collection.

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Super Mario stars in this 3D platformer that takes him into outer space. Mario travels from galaxy to galaxy to play through new levels unlike any he's seen before. Many stages are comprised of multiple small planets. Once you find a launch star, you shake the Wii remote to get launched to the next planet. As always, Mario can stomp on bad guys, but he also has a spin attack that can stun enemies. Some cool new power-ups are available, including a bee suit, a Boo (ghost) suit, and an ice suit that lets you freeze water and walk across it. The control is good for the most part, although the swimming controls could have been better. Some levels have changing gravity, where you may need to walk up walls or even upside down. You're bound to lose a few lives adjusting to the gravity fluctuations, but Super Mario Galaxy isn't a very challenging game overall. It is, however, a whole lot of fun. Whether you're flying around as a bee, chasing bunnies through a field, or ice skating on a donut-shaped asteroid, Super Mario Galaxy is out of this world.

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Mario returns once again in this 3D platformer sequel. Of course it features a lot of the planet-hopping gameplay of the first Galaxy, but there's more variety this time. For one thing, there are some 2D levels and areas. Yoshi also returns, and controlling him is more fun than ever. There are some new abilities for both Mario and Yoshi, and there are levels based on those new abilities. My favorite addition is the Cloud Mario power-up that lets you make temporary cloud platforms that let you reach high places. The game is mostly linear, although some exploration is required to find some of the comet medals (and green stars later on). Super Mario Galaxy 2 has some great level design, lots of fun boss battles, and a whopping 242 stars to collect. It's tons of fun, and it's the best Mario game since Super Mario 64.

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Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser star in this unusual game. At first it looks like a 2D platformer (with some RPG elements), but Mario soon acquires the ability to switch into the third dimension for short periods of time. The ability to switch between 2D and 3D is used in many clever ways. Mario may face a long stretch of invincible Thwomps in 2D, only to switch to 3D and easily walk around them. A hill that appears to be part of the background in 2D may actually be a ramp that helps you cross a gap in 3D. Switching back and forth will be required to solve puzzles and find many hidden items. Various "Pixls" can be found to give you new abilities and powers. There are also some cool power-ups, including one which turns you into a huge, pixelated 8-bit Mario that can smash through blocks and enemies with ease. The boss fights are also quite creative. On the down side, there are some long, tedious parts that were seemingly thrown in just to lengthen the game. Super Paper Mario may not be your typical Mario platformer, but it is a very enjoyable--and unique--game.

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This WiiWare version of the classic puzzle game allows up to four players to compete at once. The standard Tetris mode is fun, but Tetris Party is far from perfect. For some reason, each player in multiplayer mode does not receive the same blocks during matches. Several new game modes are available, including Field Climber, where you must help a tiny man climb blocks to reach the top of the screen. In the Shadow mode, you must align blocks to match the shadow of objects like an apple, a heart, and so on. The most surprising addition is a mode where you control the game with a Wii balance board! But as you might imagine, the balance board controls are imprecise compared to playing with a regular controller. Unfortunately, the new modes aren't all that enjoyable after the novelty wears off. And the menus in the game are a bit confusing and redundant. Tetris Party still provides a solid version of Tetris, but it's no blockbuster. Note: Online feature are no longer supported as of May 20, 2014.

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This game is a cross between an amusement park simulation and a mini-game collection. You can control up to five different parks, but you don't create them from scratch. The park layout and coaster entrances are set in stone, but you can add in rides, games, restrooms, and food stalls. You can design your own coasters, which is fun, but you are limited by the layout of the park. You can also design your own go-kart tracks and mini-golf courses, which you can then play on. But a big part of Thrillville is the mini-games. You'll need to play a Bust-A-Move clone to train your staff, play a music/rhythm game to train your entertainers, a vomit-cleaning game to train your groundskeepers, and so on. Other mini-games exist as attractions within the park, including platformers, shooters, action games, sports games, and more. (Many of these games can be played in multiplayer mode from the main menu). Succeeding at the mini-games is required to complete many of the game's missions. Others will require you to build or re-design rides, communicate with your customers, and track down a traitor who is trying to sabotage your park. Thrillville: Off the Rails may not quite be thrilling, but it is an entertaining game with enough variety to keep it interesting for a while.

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Like other games in the WarioWare series, this is a collection of simple "microgames" that make use of Wario's quirky sense of humor. Each microgame lasts only a few seconds (except for boss battles, which are longer), but they are presented in rapid-fire fashion. There are 72 microgames built-in, which is considerably fewer than the 213 in the original WarioWare, Inc. Originally, additional microgames made by other gamers could be downloaded...but that online functionality is no longer supported. However, you can upload microgames made from WarioWare D.I.Y. on Nintendo DS and play them in this game; you just can't create any microgames on Wii. So D.I.Y. Showcase is more of an add-on than a complete stand-alone game. Another disappointment is the game's heavy usage of the Wii remote pointer. Many of these microgames would be more enjoyable with regular button presses, but the pointer usage seems forced and awkward at times. If you're looking for a good WarioWare game, look elsewhere.

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This collection of nine simple mini-games comes bundled with a Wii remote. The nine games are as follows: Shooting Range is a Duck Hunt style game that features targets such as balloons, soda cans, and UFOs. Find Mii is a surprisingly addictive game that seems based on "Where's Waldo?" Amongst a crowd of Miis, you must find a certain Mii or pairs of Miis. Table Tennis is a horrible version of its namesake that has limited controls and even more limited gameplay. Pose Mii is a dull, repetitive game in which you must align your Mii to match the outline of a person on falling bubbles. Laser Hockey is a very fun, neon-filled game that plays like air hockey. Billiards is a decent representation of...well, billiards. Fishing is a clunker of a game in which you catch paper-thin fish for points. Charge! is a racing-style game in which you ride a cow and knock down scarecrows. Tanks! plays like the Atari classic Combat, but with more depth and better control. Each game is score-based and rewards you with medals depending on your performance. Pose Mii, Table Tennis, and Fishing are a waste; Shooting Range, Billiards, and Charge! provide some fun; and Laser Hockey, Find Mii, and Tanks! are the gems that make Wii Play worthwhile.

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This five-in-one sports disc makes a perfect pack-in game for the Wii system. It uses the unique Wii remote to mimic tennis, bowling, baseball, golf, and boxing. Tennis is the best of the bunch, allowing you to swing the Wii remote as you would swing a tennis racket. You don't control the court movement of your player, only the swings of the racket. Yet still, it works well and it's a blast to play alone or with others. In Baseball, games are only three innings long and the pitching aspect is mediocre, and you don't control fielding or baserunning at all. But batting is so much fun that it makes up for it. But why can games end in a tie? This isn't the All-Star game! Bowling is very well-done, and is probably the most complete of the five sports. I didn't enjoy Golf and Boxing a whole lot, but that may be partially because I have no interest in those sports. All of the games let you use your "Mii" characters, which is a nice touch. The games in Wii Sports may be simplified and lack depth, but the sheer fun factor is so high that you'll want to play again and again.

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This is a downloadable WiiWare game available only in the online Wii Shop. It is a physics-based puzzle game in which you combine blobs of goo to create structures such as towers and bridges. You have to create the structures in such a way that the remaining blobs of goo can reach the exit pipe on each level. But it's not as simple as connecting point A to point B. Structures will need a solid foundation to keep from tipping over. There will also be deadly hazards to avoid and obstacles to overcome. When one method doesn't work as intended, you'll have to go back to the drawing board and come up with a different strategy until you find a solution that works. The graphics are simple, but clean and attractive. The dramatic, often spooky, music is great and provides a great atmosphere. The game also has a wacky sense of humor and the puzzles are well-designed and enjoyable. The game isn't terribly long (around 10 hours), but it's a lot of fun to play.

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