Just a few years after Wii’s launch, Nintendo was looking to stay ahead of the motion control-game with their next generation of Wiimote tech. Enter this peripheral from 2009 - which was incorporated into its own pre-loaded Wiimote a year later.
Though it tends to get overshadowed by Switch’s high-tech Joy-Cons, Wii MotionPlus added some dimension to the Wii’s more basic motion control without requiring new hardware. It allowed for smoother, more detailed 3D movements that could be measured in a relative spot in virtual space. This device ended up being something of a technological bridge between the Wii and Switch.
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It also set the stage for a newer batch of unique, enjoyable Wii titles - enhanced by this improved sense of immersion.
10 FlingSmash
Given that this colorful action-puzzler came with the Wii Remote Plus, one would think that it’d be an impressive showcase for Nintendo’s new juiced-up Wiimote. But while it has the simplicity akin to a freemium mobile game, it does serve its purpose as a fun little demonstration of the more refined motion. FlingSmash taps into that appealing pick-up-and-play sensibility of early Wii games with its arcade-style charm.
The gameplay takes on the feel of a virtual pinball-meets-paddleball romp with its barrage of collectible goodies and ricochet physics. Studio Artoon tasks players with firing off their spherical character Zip, as he soars and bounces through side-scrolling screens while nabbing goodies. This amusing bundled software proves joyful and appealing despite being on the passive side.
9 The Conduit 2
Studio High Voltage Software seemingly came out of nowhere in 2009, with their announcement of an all-new exclusive FPS game on Wii, The Conduit. This sci-fi alien shooter would fill a needed gap for online FPS romps on the console, while showcasing relatively detailed graphic effects using their Quantum3 engine.
Of course, the game also utilized the Wii’s pointer controls; a mechanic which proved a bit spotty on account of its lack of MotionPlus support.
But while this 2011 sequel garnered mixed reception, the studio was able to hone their Wii development chops and utilize the MotionPlus to their advantage, offering smoother, more precise controls and added flexibility to input options. At the same time, The Conduit 2 also shines with more dynamic gameplay and richer visuals, 12-player online fights, and a thrilling new co-op mode.
8 Rage Of The Gladiator
Though this brawler tends to get overlooked for being a rather simple WiiWare game, Rage of the Gladiator quietly excels with its intuitive use of Wii MotionPlus, which fits the simulated first-person style like a glove. This fun fighting romp from Ghostfire Games can be described as a gladiatorial version of Punch-Out; albeit one that’s a bit rough around the edges.
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Regardless, the free-swinging sword and shield controls work surprisingly well, and the bouts of slashing and bashing unique arena foes make for a good time.
7 Zangeki no Reginleiv
This Dynasty Warriors-esque action romp is unique in that it’s the only Japanese-exclusive entry on this list. Still, it seemed fitting to include this overlooked gem from Sandlot, on account of its thrilling action and solid use of MotionPlus.
Despite its Japanese roots, the game runs with colorful fantasy themes inspired by Norse mythology, complete with trolls and warrior deities. Players can take control of either the melee-based Freyr or arrow-shooting Freya; both of whom are fun to play in their own way.
Zangeki excels in its refined MotionPlus support, which smoothly mimics the actions of the player in real-time. Though it also captivates with its fun themes and action-RPG gameplay.
6 Wii Play: Motion
This sequel to the ‘06 hit Wii Play taps into the fun, appealing essence of that party game and amps it up with a new batch of MotionPlus minigames starring user-made Miis.
Fans of the first entry may recognize revamped versions of “Pose Mii” and “Shooting Range,” though various entertaining additions help round things out. These romps range from unicycle riding to stone skipping and even space station assembly.
Although online gameplay is still absent here, Wii Play: Motion dials up the excitement with the inclusion of four-player showdowns this time.
5 Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10
Sports titles of the non-Mario variety often tend to get overlooked on Nintendo consoles. Still, the promise of sophisticated motion control can add some enticement, particularly in a golf title which seems tailor-made for the swinging motion-controls of the Wiimote.
Though a few Tiger Woods PGA entries have appeared on Wii, this one’s considered a real “hole-in-one” with its balance of simple, intuitive controls and detailed golf-sim gameplay. PGA Tour 10 allows players to showcase their golfing chops with a smooth, authentic feel to the motion controls, even allowing for subtle curve shots. At the same time, the core experience remains accessible.
Perks of the Wii version include an exclusive Disc Golf game, as well as dynamic weather conditions that sync up with real weather by tapping into the Wii Forecast Channel.
4 Virtua Tennis 2009
The Virtua Tennis series has long been renowned for its balance of nuanced and thrilling tennis gameplay, along with its fun multiplayer options. This tradition continues on Wii, with a game that feels akin to a fleshed-out successor to Wii Tennis.
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The 2009 edition of this Sega classic offers tons of gameplay options and customizations, including over 40 courts, various modes and minigames, along with online support. Though it also impressively showcases Wii MotionPlus, with the use of advanced gestures and swings enabled by the device.
3 Red Steel 2
Following the lukewarm reception of Red Steel, which debuted alongside Wii’s launch, Ubisoft bounced back with this flashy, creative retooling of the franchise.
2010’s Red Steel 2 adds stylistic flair and mechanical improvements to go along with its innovative gameplay. This is both an Eastern-inspired hack and slash and Western shooter; one which exploits the unique charm of both themes and makes for a memorable journey. The game keeps players on their toes with frequent shifts between intense sword-fighting and action-packed shooting.
This is also a rare example of a MotionPlus exclusive game, requiring either the add-on or the Wii Remote Plus to play. Ubisoft is thus able to exploit the more sophisticated motion technology here - and it shows.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Being somewhat overshadowed by the monster that is Breath of the Wild, this Zelda romp on Wii hasn’t had its time in the sun for years - at least until the announcement of an HD remaster for Switch. Though the re-release looks to utilize the Joy-Cons to its advantage, this 2011 original already offered some nicely refined swordplay and archery.
This atmospheric follow-up to Twilight Princess largely brought the more sophisticated motion controls and combat many fans were hoping for in that game.
Though it may not be the open-world epic Breath of the Wild is, this Wii swan-song has its own charm - with its blend of action, adventure, clever puzzles, and a gripping story to boot. All of this rounds out Skyward Sword’s vast campaign of almost 40 hours.
1 Wii Sports Resort
This renowned sequel had some big shoes to fill, given the social gaming phenom that was 2006’s Wii Sports. To the delight of Wii gamers, this tropical-themed sequel managed to live up to the hype. Resort adheres to the same appealing formula and expands on it, reminding fans of the series’ unique charm and appeal.
Just as Wii Sports showcased the then-new Wiimote, this ‘09 sequel nicely highlights the smoother, more dynamic controls of MotionPlus. This is especially the case with entertaining entries like Swordplay duels, Archery, and Air Sports; all of which mimic a wide range of actions and movements.
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