The Best RPGs Exclusive To The Nintendo Wii

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Summary

  • The Wii U was a testing ground for the successful Switch, showcasing unique ideas and exclusives.
  • Earth Seeker, Opoona, and Fragile Dreams are lost Wii RPG treasures with unique storylines and gameplay mechanics.
  • Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn, Spectrobes: Origins, and The Last Story offer challenging gameplay and engaging narratives on the Wii.

As a gamer, I remember when the Wii U arrived on the scene, yet it seemed to fly under the radar compared to other consoles. But looking back, it proved instrumental in paving the way for the Nintendo Switch – a device that soared to new heights like an eagle in the sky. Despite its relatively low profile, the Wii U did carry some innovative concepts and exclusive games that significantly benefited its predecessor, the Wii.

Players have the option to purchase Wii games digitally, allowing them to play those titles on their Wii U consoles. Some popular RPG classics like “Super Paper Mario,” “Pandora’s Tower,” and “Muramasa: The Demon Blade” were made available in specific regions. Other RPGs from the Wii system, such as “Xenoblade Chronicles,” have been ported to other platforms like the 3DS and Switch. However, let’s focus on the lesser-known RPGs that never left the Wii library. Today, let’s appreciate these overlooked gems and assess their quality.

6. Earth Seeker

Post-Apoclytpic Pikmin

  • Developers: Crafts & Meister and Kadokawa Shoten
  • Publisher: Enterbrain
  • Released: June 23, 2011
  • Platform: Wii

The game titled “Earth Seeker” was exclusive to Japan and available for the Wii console. Primarily developed by Crafts & Meister, a studio comprised of former Capcom employees, enthusiasts of the Gundam Breaker series might recognize their previous work from that title. Regardless of the developer background, Earth Seeker is set in a cosmic setting where Earth no longer exists, yet remnants of human history were salvaged and preserved aboard spaceships.

As I embark on this interstellar adventure, my spaceship crash-lands on an alien planet, leaving behind Earthly artifacts that are now waiting to be discovered by brave explorers like myself. It’s our mission to retrieve these relics and establish a new society. However, along the way, we encounter fearsome monsters. To aid me in combat, I’m accompanied by a team of adorable, Pikmin-sized companions who take care of most of the heavy lifting in battle. The world is expansive, though not as densely populated as Xenoblade Chronicles, but it would have been fantastic if it had been released on the Wii in North America, similar to the Project Rainfall Wii games. Fortunately for us fans, there’s an English fan patch available for those who want to give Earth Seeker a try.

5. Opoona

A Family Affair

The game called Opoona bears the same name as its protagonist. It’s about a hapless landing on an alien planet, and interestingly, Opoona resembles cute Pikmin characters. In this story, Opoona embarks on a journey to locate his family by accomplishing tasks within the colossal city they landed close to.

As I delve deeper into this turn-based journey, I’m able to invite more loved ones to join my party, which is truly heartening. Although the battles were randomly generated, making it feel a bit outdated, the overall difficulty was manageable, offering a satisfying balance. Regrettably, a sequel or additional platforms for Opoona never materialized. However, the beloved character found a new life in Warriors All-Stars, an exciting Musou game that unites various properties from Koei Tecmo.

4. Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins Of The Moon

An Underrated Horror RPG

Fragile Dreams: Goodbyes of Lunar Fallout boasts an impressive history in its creation, with Namco and tri-Crescendo at the helm. These developers have been instrumental in numerous games under both Namco and later Bandai Namco, with their notable contributions including the card-based RPG series, Baten Kaitos, initially launched for the GameCube. Contrary to expectations, however, Fragile Dreams: Goodbyes of Lunar Fallout does not follow a card-based gameplay style. Instead, it bears a resemblance to Silent Hill, yet incorporates RPG elements.

In this game titled “Seto,” players assume the role of a young protagonist who journeys through the remnants of Japan, battling spirits and demons in search of remaining pockets of humanity. It might not be the most terrifying game on the Wii, but it has an eerie atmosphere and unique character/monster designs that make it stand out. Despite some tricky controls, these elements help set it apart from other games on the platform. While it has its shortcomings, nothing else quite matches its distinct charm on the Wii.

3. Spectrobes: Origins

Phantasy Star + Pokemon

The final installment in the series, titled “Spectrobes: Origins“, was developed primarily for the DS by Jupiter, a studio often associated with their work on notable games such as Square Enix’s The World Ends With You. However, the Wii game was taken over by Genki, a company recognized from creating the PlayStation-exclusive Jade Cocoon series. It’s worth noting that all three games were developed in partnership with Disney during their efforts to expand their gaming portfolio.

The DS games and the Wii title have many similarities, as they both involve players assuming roles as young space explorers who can team up with Spectrobe creatures to fight in battles. Essentially, it’s a blend of the Phantasy Star and Pokemon universes. Although the dialogue might seem overly humorous for younger audiences, the gameplay in this Wii RPG is enjoyable and responsive.

2. Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn

Difficult But Rewarding Tactics

In contrast to many modern Fire Emblem games that stand alone, a significant number of the initial series installments were connected. Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn served as a tribute to the past by directly following Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on Nintendo GameCube. While players could engage in the strategic gameplay without prior knowledge of the GameCube game, it was more rewarding if they had played both titles.

In this game, there wasn’t anything revolutionary that set it apart from others in the Fire Emblem series. However, being part of the Fire Emblem franchise isn’t necessarily a disadvantage. Players found themselves navigating linear battles with the constant threat of death. The battlefield was divided into a grid system, allowing various units to be moved around to confront opponents. Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn was challenging, requiring patience, but it was also rewarding.

1. The Last Story

The Wii’s Fantasy Swan Song

The Last Story served as a conclusion in various aspects. For quite a while, it marked Mistwalker’s departure from console-based projects, and some might even say it was the final exceptional RPG to grace the Wii. It deviated from convention, as most gameplay took place within dungeons without an overarching world map, and the main town offered limited interaction. Players found themselves part of a mercenary group, with Zael being the primary character controlled by the player.

In every dungeon, the group size varied since new companions joined the journey, and the environment served as an integral part of combat, featuring elements like explosive barrels and collapsing pillars for strategic use. Real-time battles added excitement and unpredictability, while the option to engage in multiplayer offered additional fun, though it wasn’t essential. Despite a somewhat muted color palette, The Last Story effectively captured that elusive sense of adventure often lacking in RPGs.

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2025-01-05 05:34