The BIG Wii Voting Thread, Voting Wii-kly: Thanks For Voting!

Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

Points: 16
First places: 2



You say:
"...a good follow up on Path of Radiance story wise but was hard as nails..."
"I don't think I've enjoyed anything in a RPG like I enjoyed the last hour game. A true strategy RPG great."

I say: I've stayed away from the Fire Emblem series, because my mind overheats when confronted by strategy games and I'm scared of losing meaningful characters to perma-death. It looks great for those who can deal with these shortcomings, though. Maybe I should give Awakening a chance... Anyway, clearly a worthy fifth!

Monster Hunter Tri

Points: 17
First places: 1



You say:
"...after sinking some hours into it and uncovering all the depth in weapons and monsters I was captured."
"...a game that just absolutely consumed me & had me playing it everyday for at least 2 years, quite simply the best game I've ever played."

I say: You cruel bastards! Slicing up innocent herbivores (as well as the not-so-innocent and the not-so-herbivorous) to make your equipment! Obviously the game has enough deep online gameplay and great questing to soothe your wounded consciences. I may yet join you in the abattoir on Wii U...

The Last Story

Points: 21
First places: 2



You say:
"Love the combat, which is smart without being overwhelming, introducing new skills at just the right pace. A good story (so far) with enjoyable voice acting."
"The last great Wii game, and quite the cracker (And it needs to win to annoy Vidofnir )."

I say: U mad, Vido? The first game on the list I've played, and it makes me think of this wonderful piece of music first and foremost. Simply beautiful. Also banana crossbows, colouring everything, enjoyable battle mechanics (especially for Zael), and a plot twist out of the wazoo. A great game, and my third place, which would have seemed better if it wasn't overshadowed by...

Xenoblade Chronicles

Points: 24
First places: 3



You say:
"I just enjoy everything about it, the battle system, the characters, the setting & last but not least the spectacular musical score."
"Probably my favourite RPG of all time, a great world, great characters and a great battle system too. A game I managed to sink 100 hours into in just over a week because I fell in love with it so much."

I say: I have lots of little nitpicks I could make about this one. The ending, the lack of treasure chests, some weak writing, the blandness of that one city with the winged chaps, the Mechonis parts in general... But all those criticisms pale into insignificance. Ignoring the splendid combat (Sharla for the win! Quiet, Vidofnir), variety of environments on the Bionis, wonderful soundtrack and endless customisation, there's just such a sense of scale. You're clambering over two massive deities, locked in a battle of cosmic proportions. You have so much glorious freedom to explore their surface, and get mauled by monsters fifty levels higher than you, reinforcing the sense of an entire ecosystem in the background. "Epic" is the only word. My first place, and probably in my top five Wii games overall. It would seem that most people who have played this agree, with only one person's vote placing it lower than second. But that wasn't enough to crown it...

Super Paper Mario

Points: 28
First places: 2



You say:
"That script. Does any more really need to be said? Really?"
"...a decline from its GC predecessor but still a good entry to the series."
"The laziest original game on this list, but still one that sits in my memory; the weakest in the Paper Mario series at the time; far from a showcase for the Wii. I may not be inspiring people to buy it, but still I felt the need to make it to the end of this game where hundreds of other games have failed. Typically fun art style, a competent script, and a likeable trio of villains to fight to the end."
"Its cons far outweigh its pros, but what it does right, it does really right. The story is surprisingly good, and its cast of villains is just brilliant. The 3D gimmick was indeed, well, gimmicky, but it did work well. Plus, as to be expected, it was damn funny as all Mario RPGs are. The dark horse of the Mario RPG series, but a good 'un nonetheless."
"...(as a wise man once said) a 'hugely underrated game'."

I say: I must acknowledge that I'm surprised. Don't get me wrong, I've played this, and I voted for it as my fourth place: but it has lots of flaws. Inconsistent use of the game's main feature, poor implementation of party members, some enormously tedious set-pieces, some wonky character design, and above all a failure to scale the giddy heights left by its predecessors.

But that's the power of Mario for you. I'll say this: everyone who gave less than five votes this week included SPM. Two people who only made one vote placed that vote with SPM (even though one placed it second to "none of the above"). His RPGs appeal beyond your normal RPG fans. And even a weak Paper Mario is still a good game, especially where the writing is concerned: a witty script, a brilliant crew of villains (especially Mr. L), some excellent levels (the first trip to Sammer's Kingdom is a particular highlight), and a surprisingly moving ending. The 2D-3D gameplay hook, when used well, shows off what a brilliant idea it really is. Well done, Mario: another week goes to you!

Final Fantasy IV: the After Years, Muramasa: the Demon Blade (my second), Opoona (my fifth), Pandora's Tower, Rune Factory Frontier, Tales of Graces (Japan only)

Following a contentious mid-thread debate, I collected the votes for LKS as well to see what difference including it would have made. The answer is not a lot! It would have come joint seventh, stealing one first-place vote from another game that didn't place, and changing none of the rankings.