Wii

Reviews here will cover the following games.
 * New Super Mario Bros
 * The Conduit
 * Super Smash Bros. Brawl
 * Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up
 * Metroid Prime: Trilogy
 * Mario Kart Wii
 * Super Mario Galaxy
 * Super Paper Mario
 * Wii Sports Resort
 * Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games

New Super Mario Bros ESRB Tags: Mild Cartoon Violence || Rating 8.9/10
 * Genre: 2D Platormer | ESRB Rating: everyone| Developer:Nintendo | Publisher:Nintendo|Online:No (Co-Op: Yes)| DLC(downloadable content): No |Multiplayer: Yes

great ||
 * New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a great game, no question. This fresh platformer brings back all the gameplay elements that made the series such a noteworthy and inspiring franchise. And even though the series has made the successful leap from side-scroller to 3D platformer, the original formula still works extremely well today. New Super Mario Bros. Wii continues to prove that fact.

The Wii game lifts the efforts that went into the company's original revival on the Nintendo DS. That portable game brought the 2D platformer formula back for a new generation of gamers. The end product was a fantastic experience, mostly because -- for gamers like myself who grew up on Super Mario -- it was an incredible thrill to play through a fresh Nintendo-developed experience that captured everything we loved about the franchise.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii isn't a port of the DS game but it certainly has the DS game to thank for a lot of its production. The game brings back the classic platformer gameplay of the 8 and 16-bit designs of Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario World, and -- like the Nintendo DS game --introduces new gameplay mechanics that just wouldn't have been possible on the gaming hardware back in the day. . || || Bad: Multiplayer can be frustrating if you're taking it seriously, Motion control-based moves can lead to control lapses, No Classic Controller support. ||= good game, fun game || The Co ​ nduit
 * Good: Great level design Challenging difficulty Plenty of replay value, Multiplayer can be fun if you're not taking it too seriously.
 * Genre: Shooter | ESRB Rating: Teen| Developer: Sega | Publisher: Sega | Online:Yes (Co-Op: Yes)| DLC (downloadable content): No | Multiplayer: No | ESRB Tags: Blood, Mild Language, Violence ||= Rating 6.5/10

alright || You play as Michael Ford, a Secret Service agent with a penchant for gunning down hostile alien forces. Your role changes throughout the game as your supposed allies reveal their true identities, but the cliche story and personality-free characters offer you no real reason to care about these supernatural events. The real draw in The Conduit is the outstanding control scheme. Conceptually, it's nothing special. You aim your gun with the remote, walk around with the analog stick, and perform various moves by hitting buttons or performing specific motions. However, the execution is nearly flawless. You can aim with pinpoint precision, easily lining up headshots from across the screen or spinning around to cut down a critter creeping up behind you. || || The bad:Monotonous levels Respawning enemies and invisible bombs are frustrating and cheap Generic art design and story Uneven difficulty. ||= great act game ||
 * As one of the few exclusive first-person shooters for the Wii, The Conduit has garnered a lot of attention. From a technical perspective, The Conduit is an undeniable success. The controls in particular are outstanding, finely tuned to make gunning down enemies while sprinting around the battlefield fun and satisfying. Visually, the game is also top-notch, filling the screen with enemies, explosions, and fancy lighting effects, without the slightest drop in frame rate. However, as entertaining as The Conduit can be, the bland level design and relentless monotony of the single-player campaign create an air of sleepy boredom, and the multiplayer is too unremarkable to entertain for long.
 * The good:Great controls Technically impressive visuals.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl
 * Genre: Fighting | ESRB Rating: Teen | Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo | Online:Yes (Co-Op: Yes) | DLC(downloadable content): No |Multiplayer: No ESRB Tags: Crude Humor, Cartoon Violence ||= Rating 9.5/10

Great || For the uninitiated, Smash Bros. is a multiplayer-centric series of fast-paced 2D fighting games that features a cast of characters from all over the Nintendo universe. Smash Bros. has always been one of the most accessible fighting games on the market because of the simplicity of its controls, and Brawl is no different. There are essentially only two attack buttons and depending on which way you tilt your control stick when you hit them, they can produce a variety of effects that include the titular "smash" attacks. || || The bad:Some of the platforming stages in Subspace Emissary could have been done without Custom levels can't be used in online matches. ||= great game for teenage || Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up
 * It's hard to believe, but it's been nine years since the original Super Smash Bros. brought some of the most iconic Nintendo characters together for frantic battles, and roughly seven years since its sequel Super Smash Bros. Melee was released. Perhaps even harder still to believe--and a testament to the series' popularity and longevity--is that these games are still being played religiously to this day. But no matter whether you're a diehard Smash Bros. fanatic or a neophyte brawler, you'll be pleased to know that Super Smash Bros. Brawl includes a plethora of impressive characters, features, and game modes, and is more accessible and fun than ever before.
 * The good:Relatively lag-free online multiplayer The ability to share game replays, screenshots, and custom levels with friends A massive yet surprisingly balanced character roster Tons of ways to customize your matches A lengthy single-player adventure mode.
 * Genre: Fighting | ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+| Developer: Game Arts | Publisher: Ubisoft | Online:Yes (Co-Op: Yes)| DLC(downloadable content): No | Multiplayer: Yes | ESRB Tags: cartoon violence, Mild Suggestive Themes ||= Rating 7/10

good || While each character does play differently, their core movesets are fairly similar. You have a basic attack and a strong attack, the latter of which is slower, but has a bigger range and is more powerful. Though one character's strong attack may involve a katana while another character's involves a gun, the range and power of these attacks aren't drastically different. There are no lightning bolts, and nobody is swallowing anybody else. || || The bad: Visuals aren't sharp enough for the quick action Multiplayer battles have scoring issues Not as much variety as Super Smash Bros Brawl. ||= great act game || Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
 * In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash-Up, you and some friends pick from a roster of beloved characters and proceed to beat the heck out of each other in a diverse array of arenas. Sound familiar? The similarities between this game and the Super Smash Bros. series are clear, from the fast-paced action to the presentation to the announcer's voice. Yet there are a number of notable differences that set Smash-Up apart. Some are positive, like the more-straightforward combat that make it easier to succeed with a variety of characters. Some, like the not-so-sharp visuals and inconsistent victory conditions, are negative. These rough edges keep Smash-Up from making a legitimate bid for the Smash Bros. crown, but it's still an entertaining brawler in its own right
 * The good:Fun, fast-paced combat Accessible fighting controls Some entertaining environments Lots of different modes Smooth online play.
 * Genre: Action Adventure | ESRB Rating: Teen | Developer: Retro Studios | Publisher: Nintendo | Online: Yes (Co-Op: Yes) | DLC (downloadable content): No | Multiplayer: No ESRB Tags: Violence, Animated Blood ||= Rating 8.5/10

good || Of course, the five years that have elapsed between the original Metroid Prime and the trilogy's final hurrah is an eternity in gaming, so even with its smooth, Wii-specific controls, there is a strong sense of familiarity here. While Metroid Prime spectacularly ushered Metroid gameplay into a 3D vision, Corruption is content to be a solid successor. Yet you shouldn't let some spurts of predictability dissuade you from checking it out, particularly if you are a Metroid enthusiast. Corruption offers its own formula tweaks while staying true to its roots, and like the previous games in the Prime series, it sends you on an atmospheric journey of discovery and enjoyable boss fights. This sequel is aptly named. Samus and her fellow bounty hunters are struggling to repair an organic computer that has been infected by a mysterious virus. || || The bad:Some of the contextual actions don't control all that well, Streamlined controls make things a little too easy and a little less adventurous, Doesn't do much different than the previous two Metroid Prime games. ||= great game || Mario Kart Wii
 * If you expected Metroid Prime 3: Corruption to be a high-quality continuation of the series, you'd be right. And yes, the Wii controls are terrific and intuitive, so if you hoped that controlling bounty hunter Samus Aran would be a dream, that wish has been granted, too. All told, even though Corruption's easier battles and conservative design sometimes seems like less of a sprawling Metroid adventure and more of a straightforward first-person shooter, it's still a great action game that does exactly what you expect it to do, no more and no less.
 * The good:Fantastic environmental puzzles are among the best of the series, Great boss fights require you to use every game mechanic at your disposal, Atmospheric levels are a pleasure to explore, Various gameplay elements mesh nicely into a seamless whole.
 * Genre: Racing | ESRB Rating: Everyone| Developer: Nintendo | Publisher: Nintendo|Online:Yes (Co-Op: Yes)| DLC(downloadable content): No | Multiplayer: No ESRB Tags: Comic Mischief ||= Rating9.0/10

great || In Time Trial or Time Attack the goal is to achieve the fastest time in the selected track. Players are usually given up to three mushrooms (speed boosts) which they can use any time during the race against time. Once a record is set, the game saves a "ghost," a replay of the set record, to compete against. In Mario Kart 64, Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario Kart DS, and Mario Kart Wii, the developers put in their own "Staff Ghosts" for the player to race against. They must be unlocked by achieving a certain time which differs on each track. In Mario Kart Super Circuit and Mario Kart DS, it is also possible to download a ghost from friends. In Mario Kart DS, two ghosts (the player's own and a friend's) can be saved. In Mario Kart Wii, ghosts can be downloaded from across the world via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. There are two sets of staff Ghosts in-game—one available at the start and a faster ghost that is unlocked after the player achieves a certain time in the Time Trial or Time Attack. || || The bad:Nostalgia doesn't save most of the classic courses from being boring Items are more unbalanced than ever, especially on new tracks Battle modes are now exclusively team-based and timed. ||= Excellent game ||
 * Mario Kart, the characters from the Mario series of video games get together and race go-karts around a variety of tracks. Players can obtain items by driving through (or over in Super Mario Kart) item boxes or coins, which can be used for either defense, offense or by powering up the engine for a short amount of time (boost). Each Mario Kart game features several gameplay modes, which can be played in both single player and multiplayer.
 * The good:Huge number of courses, including some of the most imaginative yet Deeply integrated online play Easy to jump into for players of any skill level Fun and strategic trick system Motorcycles provide a great alternative to go-karts.

Super Mario Galaxy
 * Genre:Super Mario Galaxy | ESRB Rating:everyone| Developer:Nintendo | Publisher:Nintendo|Online:Yes (Co-Op: Yes)| DLC(downloadable content): No |Multiplayer: No ESRB Tags:Mild Cartoon Violence ||= Rating9.5/10

great || The premise for Mario Galaxy begins in fairly well-worn territory. Mario receives a note from his beloved Peach to come to the castle, for she has a special "gift" for him. He arrives, only to walk straight into chaos as Bowser and son arrive in a fleet of airships and use a giant UFO to pluck the Princess' castle right out of the ground. Mario gives chase, but is unable to rescue her before the fearsome twosome jet off into space. This all certainly sounds par for the course, but it's where Mario ends up that gives Mario Galaxy its own flavor. || || The bad:A couple of Mario's special suits can be frustrating to use Minimal amount of story doesn't tie everything together especially well. ||= fun game || Super Paper Mario
 * Here is the game that Wii owners have been pining for, a game that has tons of appeal for both the less experienced player and the longtime gamer. A game that deftly combines accessibility and challenge, all wrapped up in a package that's both deep and addictive. Super Mario Galaxy is all of this and more. It is simultaneously one of Mario's best adventures and a game that doesn't require fandom of the portly plumber's previous engagements to appreciate. The sheer quality of Mario Galaxy's wonderful level designs, tight controls, and brilliant presentation is the sort of thing that just about anyone who loves gaming should be able to appreciate, and that many will fall head-over-heels for.
 * The good:Some of the best level designs of any 3D platformer Beautiful, colorful graphics Controls work just about flawlessly in nearly every situation Soundtrack is a delight Lots of stages and tons of stars to find and collect
 * Genre:Super Paper Mario | ESRB Rating:everyone| Developer:Nintendo | Publisher:Nintendo|Online:Yes (Co-Op: Yes)| DLC(downloadable content): No |Multiplayer: No ESRB Tags: Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence ||= Rating 8.8/10

good || The game's story revolves around Mario's attempt to stop the dastardly Count Bleck, a new villain to add to the plumber's rogues' gallery, who has set out to destroy all worlds. Oddly enough, Bleck's plot of destruction is fueled by the forced marriage of Princess Peach and Bowser, which he has arranged and which creates a "chaos heart" the count then uses to get his destruction on. In the ensuing chaos, Mario is transported to the interdimensional town of Flipside and asked to help stop Bleck. To halt the destruction of all worlds, Mario must collect eight objects called "pure hearts" to form the purity heart, which is an ancient artifact of great power and the only thing that can stop Bleck's plans. To find the hearts, Mario must venture to various worlds through dimensional doors conveniently located in Flipside. Each door can be opened only by using a pure heart, which sets up the game's linear structure. || || The bad:Awkward camera when flipping to 3D Weak audio Pacing issues with some of the later levels. ||= excellent game for teenage || Wii Sports Resort
 * While Mario's proper 3D Wii adventure is still a ways off, Nintendo and developer Intelligent Systems have cooked up an engaging adventure to tide the plumber's fans over--Super Paper Mario. Although originally slated to be a GameCube release, Super Paper Mario has been shifted to the Wii to good effect. The unique game is a hybrid of platforming and role-playing that feels both new and familiar at the same time. The game has many of the aesthetics of the previous Paper Mario games and features an inventive story, eccentric characters, rock-solid gameplay, and genuinely funny dialogue. While the whole package isn't quite refined enough to attain classic status, Super Paper Mario is still a great game that stands among the Wii's best.
 * The good:Fun, engaging gameplay Great sense of humor Lengthy quest with a respectable amount of replay value.
 * Genre:Wii Sports Resort | ESRB Rating: teen| Developer:Nintendo | Publisher:Nintendo|Online:Yes (Co-Op: Yes)| DLC(downloadable content): No |Multiplayer: Yes ESRB Tags: Cartoon Violence ||= Rating 8.0/10

good || Of course, to get in on the party, you'll need the new MotionPlus accessory because none of the games in Wii Sports Resort can be played without it. One MotionPlus is bundled with the game, and to Nintendo's credit, many of the minigames can be played by sharing one remote and one MotionPlus with a few players. That same level of control intricacy can be found in all of Wii Sports Resort's minigames. There are 12 different individual sports, and since many of them feature several modes the total number of activities on offer is more than 20. Not only can you throw your Frisbee to a dog, for example, but you can also hit the links for a game of Frisbee golf, complete with the ability to choose from three types of discs for different distances. This makes Wii Sports Resort a much more varied package than its predecessor, and while not all of the activities on offer have lasting appeal (or even short-term buzz), the majority are good fun, particularly when played in groups. || || The bad:Lacks lasting single-player appeal Requires extra MotionPlus accessories for multiplayer. ||= great game, also good for health || Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games
 * Traveling alone can be fun, but the best vacations are often the ones you take with friends (and perhaps your least annoying family members). Much the same can be said about Wii Sports Resort. Going solo to the Resort is enjoyable, and while the number of activities on offer--more than double that of 2007's Wii Sports--means this game will hold your attention longer than the original, the simple nature of each activity makes it a shallow single-player jaunt. But if you throw in some friends, it becomes a much more memorable holiday. Wii Sports Resort shines as a fun, accessible, and varied multiplayer experience, and while not all of its minigames are top-notch, there's plenty here to make this a great party game for any Wii owner.
 * The good:Lots of minigames Excellent, intricate controls Great fun with friends Accessible for all age groups.
 * Genre:Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games| ESRB Rating: everyone| Developer:sega | Publisher:sega|Online:No (Co-Op: Yes)| DLC(downloadable content): No |Multiplayer: Yes ESRB Tags: Mild Cartoon Violence ||= Rating 6/10

Alright || The game boasts 27 events, which are divided into two categories: actual Olympic events and zanier dream events. Some of the dream events are inspired. Skiing at breakneck speeds through a Mushroom Kingdom environment filled with ridiculous jumps and Mario Kart-style items you can use against your opponents is fun. But this and all of the ski and snowboard racing events, Olympic and dream alike, essentially control and play the same way, so there isn't nearly as much variety to the game as the number of events might lead you to believe. Those skiing and snowboarding events are the best of what Mario & Sonic has to offer. These are played by holding the remote (and, optionally, the nunchuk) like a ski pole, turning it from side to side, tilting forward to crouch for better speed, and flicking up to jump. It's an intuitive control scheme that works well, and there's a good sense of speed to the visuals that contributes to the excitement. || || The bad:Too many events are played the same way Speed skating relies too heavily on waggling AI opponents are too easy to beat. ||= great game ||
 * Two years ago, Mario and Sonic joined forces for the first time to compete at the Beijing Summer Olympics. The result was a middling collection of sports-themed minigames that failed to deliver on the potential of that once-forbidden union. Never ones to give up, Mario and Sonic have reunited to hit the slopes and skating rinks of Vancouver for the 2010 Winter Games. The result is an occasionally enjoyable but very inconsistent assortment of events that improves a bit on its predecessor but still falls short of earning a medal.
 * The good:Skiing and snowboarding are fun Some dream events make good use of theme settings A few of the games work well with friends.