So, it's been a little over a month now since the launch of Nintendo's WiiWare service. While it's still very much in its infancy, it seems like a good time to evaluate how the new online store for new games is shaping up.
The first batch of games were hugely promising. LostWinds is one of the finest 2D platformers of the last five years; Dr Mario comes in second only to Mario Kart as the Wii's most addictive online game; FFCC: My Life As A King is deep, original and utterly engrossing; Toki Tori shows that WiiWare could be the perfect place for reviving under-appreciated cult hits from yesteryear, bringing them to a new audience.
Advertisement:
So far, so good, but since that initial batch hit it's all been rather depressing. Nintendo said WiiWare's purpose is to free "developers from the traditional constraints of videogame development," and to let developers "experiment with big ideas and small budgets to the benefit of players everywhere." Hmmm... tell me, how do uninspired updates of a centuries old arcade staple, Arkanoid (Blockbreaker Deluxe) and ubiquitous mobile phone time-waster Puzz Loop (Actionloop Twist) measure up as "big ideas"? They're the worst offenders, but the likes of TV Show King, Cocoto Fishing Master and Family Table Tennis are hardly re-inventing the wheel either.
Sure, there's some interesting stuff on the horizon - Pop, Defend Your Castle, World Of Goo among others - but hopefully there won't be many more polished-up versions of mobile phone games.
WiiWare has so much potential. Nintendo themselves could be using it as a forum for road-testing innovative new franchise ideas or reviving some old favourites that might be too niche for a full disc release - how about a new 2D Kid Icarus or a Wii version of Advance Wars perhaps? And my, how a new 2D Mario platformer would give the service a boost.
What are your thoughts on WiiWare so far then? Is there anything that you'd really like to see on the service?
