The Wii has come and gone, replaced by its bigger, badder cousin, the Wii U, which means it's a perfect time to look back at the Wii's storied past and talk about the 25 Best Wii Games. While it may have been one of the most financially successful systems in video game history, that popularity came at a price. Sure, tons of people owned a Wii system, and Wii Sports along with it, but for every great Wii game there were twenty more that were utter garbage, so much so that it repopularized the term, "shovelware," for hastily slapped together software which only qualified as games in the loosest of senses. But we're not here to talk about that trash, we're here to celebrate the 25 Best Wii Games. There were many, many good titles to choose from, mon frer, so let's look through them.

  • 25

    Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

    Capcom

    Names like Joe the Condor, Karas, and Yatterman may be largely unknown in the U.S., but in Japan, they're well known as part of a larger group of intellectual properties created by Tatsunoko Production, an animation company. In an attempt to please fans of fighting games and esoteric anime, Capcom teamed up with Tatsunoko to create Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars, a showy fighting game with a pace somewhere between Street Fighter IV's methodical movements and Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3's light-speed fisticuffs. It sports a large cast, and though you may not recognize everyone on the Tatsunoko side, there are a few of the more internationally popular characters, like Casshan/Casshern and Science Ninja Team Gatchaman. Regardless, TvC: UA-S is a fun fighting game, with a generous combo system and enough flashiness to keep even the most jaded fighting game fan entertained.

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  • 24

    Monster Hunter Tri

    Capcom

    The Monster Hunter series has become a global phenomenon, and part of that is due to the game's simple formula: Step 1. Hunt monsters. Step 2. Kill monsters. Monster Hunter Tri is a hybrid game of sorts — to play it offline is an incomplete experience, but it's not quite a full-blown MMO, either. You'll explore, fight, kill, and capture monsters, and you can do so solo, or in the company of friends. You can also decorate your house, satisfying the desires of all wanna-be monster slayer/interior decorators.

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  • 23

    Punch-Out!!!

    Nintendo

    Much like the NES game of the same name, in Punch-Out!!! you play as Little Mac, a nascent boxer looking to make a splash in the ocean of professional fisticuffs. Utilizing the full array of Wii technology, including the optional Wii Balance Board, players help Little Mac battle his way through a slew of boxing foes old and new. While Nintendo's certainly banking on the strong nostalgia factor at play with Punch-Out!!!, it helps that the game itself is a tightly built, colorful boxing experience, one worthy of inclusion on the list of the 25 Best Wii Games.

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  • 22

    Boom Blox Bash Party

    Electronic Arts

    In 2008, Boom Blox came along and surprised everyone by being the kind of great, console-exclusive game that the Wii was sorely lacking in. Never one to miss out on an opportunity, EA quickly put together a sequel, the bigger, badder, better Boom Blox Bash Party. BBBP expanded on the original's Jenga-esque mechanics with a new slingshot mechanic, and a decreased emphasis on the shooting-style gameplay of the original. Players can also create and upload their own levels for BBBP, or go head-to-head in multiplayer matches, which were so chaotically fun you'd think you were playing Foosball in a demolition site.

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  • 21

    Kirby's Epic Yarn

    Nintendo

    Nowadays, anyone can make a game that looks good. But to make a game that charms the viewer, that fills them with a sense of child-like wonder? That takes some work. Kirby's Epic Yarn manages to do that and then some. The entire game is rendered as if it's made of felt and string, and the result is that you feel like you're playing a children's storybook. The Kirby series has never been afraid to deviate from the normal formula. In addition to the unique graphics, Kirby plays like a new cream puff, whipping and transforming his way through the game rather than making use of his traditional flying/inhalation/ability copying.

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  • 20

    Sin and Punishment: Star Successor

    Nintendo

    You'll dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge some more in Sin and Punishment: Star Successor, a side-scrolling, walking/flying shoot 'em up. The plot is largely irrelevant, but what is relevant is the fact that the game combines some of the fast-paced dodging action of games like Ninja Gaiden with the satisfying pew pew combat of light gun games.

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  • 19

    Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

    Capcom

    Arr, so you're lookin' to be a pirate, laddy? Well, every pirate needs a sharp brain behind that eye patch, so if you're looking to plunder some booty, why not test yer mettle with Zach & Wiki? The characters be fun and lively, and the puzzle designs are no less than inspired, and there's plenty o' content for any hungry gamer to gorge on and enjoy.

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  • 18

    Wii Sports Resort

    Nintendo

    With the runaway success of Wii Sports, a follow-up seemed like a no-brainer. Much like its predecessor, Wii Sports Resort is more of a tech demo than game, per se, highlighting the capabilities of the new Wii Motion Plus add-on included with the game. Thanks to the Wii Motion Plus, the player can enjoy a much tighter sense of control, and play games that would have been difficult to play accurately with a Vanilla Wii controller. Things like Archery, Golf, and Wombat Wrasslin' are all known for their precision moves, and Wii Sports Resort brings them to life in a gloriously cartoonish fashion.

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  • 17

    Donkey Kong Country Returns

    Nintendo

    While the Wii's popularity was never in question, many "hardcore" gamers felt snubbed by the comparatively softcore game lineup. Well, those looking for a challenge found it in DK's triumphant return to platforming madness. Like the original SNES games, DKCR has you leaping, rolling, and swinging your way through massive levels, pushing your reflexes to their very limits with their wild obstacles and rampaging enemies. The game's chock full of content, too. Once you've completed a level you'll likely want to return and search it thoroughly for all the little collectibles you missed the first time around.

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  • 16

    La-Mulana

    Asterizm

    Whip it good! If you've ever wanted to play as Indiana Jones in a side-scrolling, Metroidvania-style game, then La-Mulana is the game for you. This Wii Ware title utilizes cute, Super Nintendo style graphics and has you playing as Lemeza, a whip-wielding explorer extraordinaire. As you progress through the game you'll acquire new abilities and power-ups, allowing you to reach previously accessible areas and thumb your nose at all the bad guys you're leaving in the dust.

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