Best Wii game released this year

Metroid Prime 3 is the best looking and most compelling game released for the Wii so far this year.

Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

Publisher: Nintendo

Platforms: Wii

Rating: T — Teen

Game type: Action/shooter

Rating: **** 1/2 (out of five)

What’s the premise?

The legendary bounty hunter Samus is back for one last adventure to save the galaxy — and if she’s lucky, herself.

A confrontation with her evil nemesis, Dark Samus, results in the hero gaining some remarkable new abilities, but using them is slowly corrupting her.

Can she overcome the darkness before it’s too late?

This game is most similar to…?

The feel of the game is similar to Metroid Prime 2, however the game plays more like a stereotypical first-person shooter.

Is it suitable for younger gamers?

Probably not. It’s not as gory as Gears Of War, but there are still lots of nasty-looking aliens and tons of gunplay.

One player or more?

There’s no multiplayer and now that I think of it, that would have been a really fun addition.

What’s missing?

Some tougher opponents in the regular gameplay would’ve been nice, although the bosses are plenty tough enough.

The (not-so) secret to success is…?

To quote Chevy Chase in Caddyshack: “Be the ball”. Samus’ ability to convert her suit of armour into a rolling sphere of death can help you unlock hidden areas and get out of tough situations.

And in the end?

Metroid Prime 3 is the best looking, and most compelling game released for the Wii so far this year. It will be the best final act of a trilogy you’ll play this year (at least until Halo 3 arrives in less than a month).

Madden NFL 08

Publisher: EA Sports

Platforms: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, GameCube, Nintendo DS, PSP, PC

Reviewed on: PlayStation 3

Rating: E — Everyone

Game type: Sports

Rating: ****

What’s the premise?

Go deep with the most advanced NFL video game experience ever released — new and improved with better graphics, gameplay and loaded with great new features.

This game is most similar to…?

Madden NFL 07 on “the juice”.

Is it suitable for younger gamers?

Only you can decide if the testosterone-packed world of pro football is appropriate for your young gamer.

One player or more?

The best part of breaking a 50-yard run for a touchdown is rubbing it in your buddy’s face.

What’s missing?

A faster version for the PS3. A frame rate of 30 per second seems fine until you see it run at 60 on the Xbox 360. I expect more from my shiny black system.

The (not-so) secret to success is…?

Take advantage of the new read and react system that allows you to exploit your opponent’s weaknesses by creating mismatches on the field.

And in the end?

Madden NFL 08 is an improvement from 07 and my mind boggles at what they’ll come up with for 09.

Nervous Brickdown

Publisher: Eidos

Platforms: Nintendo DS

Rating: E — Everyone

Game type: Puzzle

Rating: ****

What’s the premise?

Play 135 levels of brick-breaking action as the arcade classic Breakout gets a 21st century upgrade.

This game is most similar to…?

There’s a paddle, a bunch of bricks — must be Breakout.

Can I let my kid/kid brother play it?

Only if he’s got quick reflexes.

One player or more?

Use your DS’s Wi-fi to play with a friend — even if only one of you has a copy of the game. Team up to get the highest combined score.

What’s missing?

A muzzle so you don’t say anything too offensive as you work through some of the tougher levels.

The (not-so) secret to success is…?

Relax, take a breath and realize that the shark, ghost, ball of paper, isn’t going after you personally.

And in the end?

This isn’t your daddy’s Breakout, but even he’s sure to love this fantastic spin on a classic puzzler.

Project Sylpheed

Publisher: Square Enix

Platforms: Xbox 360

Rating: T — Teen

Game type: Shooter

Rating: ***

What’s the premise?

Climb into the cockpit of a starfighter and defend the Terran forces from the threat of the dissident ADAN “Freedom Alliance”.

This game is most similar to…?

Wing Commander.

Is it suitable for younger gamers?

It depends on how your feel about outer space dogfighting.

One player or more?

One player and no online? Boo!

What’s missing?

The early levels are too easy and the later ones feel too hard. A little balance would’ve been nice.

The (not-so) secret to success is…?

Upgrade. Do well in your missions and you can trick out your ship and weapons and make life easier on your self when the bad guys do the same in the higher levels.

And in the end?

If you’re dying for a spaceship combat game, Sylpheed will tide you over.