When it comes to dynamic motion controls these days, people tend to think of immersiveVR headsetsand the nuanced Switch Joy-Cons. Yet, years before these gadgets was the Wii MotionPlus; a device that was pretty sophisticated in its own right.
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 bySwitch’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.
10FlingSmash
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.FlingSmashtaps 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 softwareproves joyful and appealing despite being on the passive side.
9The 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 2also shines with more dynamic gameplay and richer visuals, 12-player online fights, and a thrilling new co-op mode.
8Rage Of The Gladiator
Though this brawler tends to get overlooked for being a rather simpleWiiWare game,Rage of the Gladiatorquietly excels with its intuitive use of Wii MotionPlus, which fits the simulated first-person style like a glove. Thisfun fighting rompfrom Ghostfire Games can be described as a gladiatorial version ofPunch-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.
7Zangeki no Reginleiv
ThisDynasty 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.
Zangekiexcels 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.
6Wii Play: Motion
This sequel to the ‘06 hitWii Playtaps 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: Motiondialsup the excitement with the inclusion of four-player showdowns this time.
5Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10
Sports titles of the non-Mariovarietyoften 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 fewTiger Woods PGAentries 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 10allows 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.
4Virtua Tennis 2009
TheVirtua Tennisseries has long been renowned for its balance of nuanced andthrilling tennis gameplay, along with its fun multiplayer options. This tradition continues on Wii, with a game that feels akin to a fleshed-out successor toWii 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.
3Red Steel 2
Following the lukewarm reception ofRed Steel, whichdebuted alongside Wii’s launch, Ubisoft bounced back with this flashy, creative retooling of the franchise.
2010’sRed Steel 2adds stylistic flair and mechanical improvements to go along with its innovative gameplay. This is both an Eastern-inspired hack and slashandWestern 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 MotionPlusexclusivegame, requiring eitherthe add-onor the Wii Remote Plus to play. Ubisoft is thus able to exploit the more sophisticated motion technology here - and it shows.
2The Legend Of Zelda: Skyward Sword
Being somewhat overshadowed by the monster that isBreath of the Wild, this Zelda romp on Wii hasn’t had its time in the sun for years - at least until theannouncement of an HD remasterfor 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 toTwilight Princesslargely brought the more sophisticated motion controls and combat many fans were hoping for inthatgame.
Though it may not be the open-world epicBreath of the Wildis, 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 outSkyward Sword’s vast campaign of almost 40 hours.
1Wii Sports Resort
Thisrenowned sequelhad some big shoes to fill, given the social gaming phenom that was 2006’sWii Sports. To the delight of Wii gamers, this tropical-themed sequel managed to live up to the hype.Resortadheres to the same appealing formula and expands on it, reminding fans of the series’ unique charm and appeal.
Just asWii Sportsshowcased 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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