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Game Podunk’s 2009 Holiday Shopping Guide: Nintendo Wii

Written by Podunker:rrquinta

With the usual deluge of video game releases in the third and fourth quarter, combined with the continuing sagging economy, gamers may have an even harder time this holiday season coming up with the cash for all the games they want. In case you’re hoping Santa (or, as the case may be, Hanukkah Harry) will bring you a sleighful of goodies this year, here’s a little help making up those lists of yours.

First up is the Wii, which dominated the market for so long, yet saw sales fall this year, possibly due to market saturation, and also due to a lack of strong titles. However, with a recent price drop (now $199.99) and a hefty line-up of games, now may be the best time to stock up for your little white box.

So, what second semester games should you be looking to add to your holiday wish lists? Check out the selection below, along with a few pointers as to why you might want to try out each game.

Please note that I’ve tried to narrow it down to five games, plus five others you might want to also consider. When making these lists, I tried to only consider retail titles released and releasing through this summer until the end of the year, and I’ve only used Wii-exclusives (or titles that are unique in the Wii version of the game). This list is in no way meant to be inclusive, but rather help you decide what titles you might want to give or receive this holiday season.

1. New Super Mario Bros Wii – $49.99 – This game should be on every Wii-owner’s list for multiple reasons. First of all, it’s a great, entertaining game that is fun for one player, but also a blast to play with up to four people, either competitively or cooperatively. What better way to spend time with your family than by playing a little Mario together? Although not as ground-breaking as it could have been, it’s great fun for those nostalgic for games like Super Mario World and Super Mario Bros 3, as well as for those who may be playing a Mario game for the first time.

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2. Rabbids Go Home – $49.99 – Another fun, silly game that is sure to entertain people of all ages. Unlike previous Rabbids game, this is not a mini game collection, but instead a crazy, hilarious action platformer. Certainly something a family could enjoy playing together.

3. Dead Space Extraction – $49.99 – Now something for the grown ups. Many have complained about the lack of quality mature titles for the Wii, and with Dead Space Extraction, EA seems to have addressed those complaints, and very successfully. The game is surprisingly moody, creepy, and entertaining. Definitely something for the older gamer on your list.
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4. Little King’s Story – $39.99 – This may be one title you aren’t familiar with, as it has really flown under the radar, perhaps due to its confusing release schedule. However, this is a game that many will find entertaining, as it is sort of an Animal Crossing meets Pikmin meets strategy game. Partially due to the low sales, you can probably find this title for as little as $30 new, making it a great gift for those who might find their wallets a bit empty this time of year.

5. Wii Fit Plus – $99.99 – It was very hard to narrow the list to only five games, and I thought I would be remiss not to include a single fitness game. Although it doesn’t compensate for a gym membership, the follow-up to Wii’s hit balance board game does make many improvements, including allowing you to (finally) customize your workouts. Available as a bundle with the board or as a stand-alone game (for only $20!), this could be the perfect game for the fitness buff on your list, or for someone who might enjoy a boost to actually achieving their new year’s resolutions.

Other Titles To Consider:

A Boy & His Blob
Muramasa: The Demon Blade
Wii Sports Resort
Metroid Prime Triology
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories

About the Author

Game Podunk is an avid game community boosting positive gaming while helping gamers make informed decisions related to the changes of the industry.  What does positive gaming mean to you? Join our community to discuss now.

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