Favorite Wii games countdown #2: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Link, Mario, Kirby, Star Fox, Samus...every one knows it thanks to the Super Smash Bros. series: Nintendo has a great range of franchises and characters to go along with them, and putting them together to duke it out has yielded monumental results. This isn't more evident anywhere but in the game Super Smash Bros. Brawl for Wii. Players can choose from various control set-ups: Wii-mote + nunchuck, classic controller, GameCube controller, and even the Wii-mote by itself. Players can choose from amongst a staggering amount of modes, both in single and multiplayer categories. Players can choose fighters from a list that includes the likes of Pikachu, Toon Link, Ganondorf, Captain Falcon, Ness, Sonic, King Dedede, etc.

At even deeper levels, players can customize their control scheme to perfection and assign it to their name. Then it's time to customize the battle itself. Features like stock, time limit, handicap, stage choice, and item types and frequencies are all at the player's command. Finally, the battle actually begins. A huge potential for strategy is inherently built into the gameplay of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, yet newcomers can easily join in on the action. All in all, Brawl has to be the most content-rich, meaty experience on the Wii console.

Honorable Mention: Kirby's Epic Yarn
Yes, I did put Kirby's Epic Yarn as an honorable mention rather high on this list, didn't I? Well, I'm just that impressed by the game's graphics. Realism? What's realism, anyway? Give me graphics into which thought was put. Give me graphics that are so unique, original, and/or creative that they'll outlive even the most realistic graphics as a work of art. Give me Kirby's Epic Yarn, for Pete's sake! Gameplay? Kirby's Epic Yarn has got that too. Love it!

A Game I Should Have Finished: Donkey Kong Country Returns
I can't say that I regret not finishing Donkey Kong Country Returns. However, the game has received praise enough for me to put it at the number 2 game I should have played/finished. Donkey Kong Country and Donkey Kong Country 2 are a couple of my all-time favorite video games. Donkey Kong Country Returns lacked the charm that make those two games so special to me. Not to mention the music. When I have the time (which I never will), I'll finish Donkey Kong Country Returns.