In 2006, the world’s first-ever video game system with motion-activated controls was released – its name was the Nintendo Wii. Made to rival Microsoft’s Xbox 360 and Sony’s PlayStation 3, this console had quite the competition and managed to keep up better than anticipated. The motion-activated controls made for a new age of fun for so many games, but we’ll just be focusing on the adventure and platformer games for now.
Tomb Raider: Underworld (2008)
The ninth installment of the Tomb Raider series was a doozy (in a good way). You play as Lara Croft, right after the events from Tomb Raider: Legend. You adventure through Northern Europe, into the Mediterranean Sea all the way into parts of Asia with the intent of finding new information about Lara’s missing mother. The maritime exploration was a really nice touch! This game gets pretty mythical, dealing with Nordic Mythology and its DLC expansions Beneath the Ashes and Lara’s Shadow add additional light to the plot.
Cave Story (WiiWare) (2010)
Created as an expanded port of the original hit from 6 years earlier, this version of Cave Story offered enhanced graphics, new soundtracks and a few extra levels. This includes the addition of Curly Story and Boss Attack, which just added more depth to the already awesome adventure platformer. We love how your character has no memory of where they came from, so you relate to them as you play through many areas of the game.
Wario Land: Shake It! (2008)
The sequel to the classic Ware Land game hit the shelves in 2008 and it definitely didn’t disappoint. It gave users a similar experience to the original Wario Land games they loved for GameBoy but featured something special – the shaking/moving options of the Wii controls. This added the extra level of fun that really had people feeling like they were part of the game, enabling tons of fun for the whole family.
Rayman Origins (2011)
The jungle platform-adventure game returned with a twist – additional playable characters. Up to 4 people can jump on a game at once, playing as either Rayman, Globox or one of the Teensies where they can explore levels that take people from the seas to the skies. It had just enough of its old essence for the nostalgia people wanted, with better graphics and enough new features to freshen the game up.
Super Mario Bros. Wii (2009)
A lot of people were waiting for this and for good reason. Acting as a sequel to the previously successful New Super Mario Bros for Nintendo DS, the Wii version added new playable characters such as Luigi and Yoshi. It added a touch of Super Mario Land to the original platformer that people absolutely loved. With cooperative gameplay, people can play together with their friends to complete levels, which gave rise to special features in new Mario games such as Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Odyssey.
Lego Batman: The Videogame (2008)
Everyone’s (or at least most people’s) favorite character from The Lego Movie got his own game and like many of its kind – it was a great one! It takes an alternate twist on the infamous M-Rated Arkham series where the inmates escape and it’s up to Batman and Robin to stop them from wreaking havoc on Gotham. There are nearly a dozen villains to take on, such as the Joker, Man-Bat, Killer Moth, Penguin and more!
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure (2007)
The animated pirate adventure became an instant classic among the Nintendo community. The plot is to find Treasure Island, in doing so Wiki and his crew has to explore jungles, volcanos, castles and island fun, all to find the maps. The game is filled with adventure for the whole family.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (2006)
Taking place in between the Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, Twilight Princess takes Link on a journey through the Twilight Realm, a parallel dimension to his own. The world design and unique characters were so innovative for its time, combined with surreal gameplay. As a result, it’s considered one of the best games from Nintendo.
Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010)
The sequel to Super Mario Galaxy was perhaps one of the best… ever! You pick up where you left off from the original, only this time each planet has you transforming like never before, including bumblebee, rock, fire and so many other Marios. You even get to ride Yoshi like the good ol’ days!
Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
On your way to celebrate a once every century event Princess Peach is kidnapped, along with her entire castle. Mario fails to stop the event, and is stranded in space until he’s picked up Rosalina and her Lumas – those who watch over the cosmos. From here, you have to travel to different planets and galaxies to collect power stars so you can reach Bowser and rescue the princess. This game took all 3D Mario games to new heights, adding new transformations, play styles and missions that made it an all-time great.
