I have been planning to do a list of Wii Games to Look Forward to in 2010 for the past few weeks, but its February and here it is. There is already way more here than I could possibly play in a year, and we have not even heard E3 announcements about what is coming out in Q3 and Q4 2010. January saw Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and No More Heroes 2 land on the Wii, and I encourage everyone to pick these games up. They’re excellent.


Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon
Set in a post-apocalyptic near future, a young boy discovers himself alone in the world, searching for survivors and answers behind everyone else’s disappearance. Not only does the game blend survival horror, role-playing, action-adventure and an emotional narrative, but it also has some of the most beautiful visuals on the console. Aside from Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and No More Heroes 2, Fragile is my most anticipated game of 2010.


Metroid Other M
Not much is known about the collaboration between Nintendo and Team Ninja other than an emphasis on action and at least a partial return to 2D Metroid. Since Tecmo is involved, the game is likely to have the most impressive breast physics on the Wii.


The Grinder
As a PS3-Wii-mediocre laptop owner and massive fan of anything with zombies, Valve’s reluctance to develop for anything but Microsoft platforms is really disappointing. Luckily, High Voltage is bringing Wii-owners a game with four player online co-op à la Left 4 Dead that uses the beautiful controls we have already seen in The Conduit.


Lost in Shadow
It seems like whenever Hudson decides to make something that is not either a compliation of crappy minigames, or a Bomberman sequel they can turn out something really interesting and worthwhile. Last year, this meant bringing FPS to Wii-Ware in the shape of the Earth Defense Force-esque game Onslaught. This year, prepare to manipulate objects and light sources in your environment to platform in the shadows.


Arc Rise Fantasia
Since the systems release, there has been a bit of a drought for RPG enthusiast Wii owners. Made by the writer and designer behind the critically acclaimed Tales of Symphonia, Arc Rise Fantasia hopes to satiate Nintendo fans starved of RPGs.


The Calling
Over the past couple years the Wii has made a name for itself as this generation’s home for survival horror. Following titles like Resident Evil, Deadspace, Silent Hill, Fragile, Lit, Ju-on, and Cursed Mountain, Hudson hopes to join the party with their title The Calling. The game’s plot is suspiciously similar to that of The Ring, but trades a videotape for a website called The Black Page


Gladiator A.D.
In a 3D fighting game set in the Roman Empire and styled after the likes of Bushindo Blade, Soul Calibur, and Fight Night comes Gladiator A.D. Featuring a narrative that changes with the player’s actions, online and split screen multiplayer, High Voltages’ acclaimed Quantum3 engine, and a visual style inspired by the film 300, Gladiator A.D. is definitely looking promising.


Epic Mickey
This game is the flagship of Disney’s effort to rebrand the world renowned mouse and return him to his former glory. With a dark theme, Warren Spector in charge, and the return of classic characters like Oswald the Rabbit, Epic Mickey is developing into a really exciting prospect.


Cave Story
Cave Story, champion of indie games the world over, is coming to Wii-Ware this year. This game proves that one person with enough care, time, skill and love has the ability to produce a game that rivals the likes of Metroid. As a fan of indie games, and also someone that vastly prefers a controller in the hands to a mouse and keyboard this release has me really excited.


Super Meat Boy
Super Meat Boy is another indie platformer that is making its way from PC to Wii-Ware. In SMB, the player is a piece of meat trying to save his girlfriend from Dr. Fetus. To say this game is a little crazy is an understatement. Additionally, SMB basks in its indie roots by providing unlockable characters such as the Alien Hominid, Commander Video from Bit Trip and Tim from Braid.


Bit Trip Runner
If you’re unaware, Bit Trip is a series of games for Wii-Ware made by Gaijin Games that feature chip-tune soundtracks, rhythm-based gameplay, and retro graphics that echoes the days of the Atari and NES. Bit Trip Runner will see Commander Video in a 2D platformer with over 50 levels.


Flip’s Twisted World
The first time I saw Super Mario Galaxy I was enthralled by the fact that I could fully move around a spherical planet. Even though I’ve never been a huge fan of 3D Mario titles, as a platformer enthusiast, this really resonated with me. Flip’s Twisted World takes that concept and gives you control over your environment by rotating the world around you.


Red Steel 2
If I was merely basing this off of my impression of the last game, then Red Steel 2 would be no-where near this list. However, the prospect of motion plus controlled swordplay, and the interesting samurai-wild west aesthetic has me cautiously optimistic.


Sin & Punishment 2
If you can handle another rail shooter in your Wii library, then check out this follow up to Treasure’s bullet-hell N64 cult classic.


Super Mario Galaxy 2
More Super Mario Galaxy…


WiiWaa
You put a Wii-remote in a stuffed toy. This is the greatest idea EVER!


Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll
Sega’s Super Monkey Ball has been a favorite amongst my college friends since the discovery of its Gamecube iterations and how fun they can be when amplified by a certain psychoactive. While I believe that the series climaxed at Super Monkey Ball 2, I am interested to see how the introduction of the balance board will affect gameplay.


Mega Man 10
After the amazing reception that Mega Man 9 received when it hit consoles in 2008, is it any surprise Capcom decided to make a follow up?


Trauma Team
Altus’ latest entry to the Trauma Center series is not only moving in a new direction with six different fields of medicine, but also removing the irritating time limit in favor of precision on the part of the player.


Zangeki no REGINLEIV
I am not too interested in this bloody action-JRPG, other than the fact that it is Nintendo that is publishing a Cero D rated game. Will Nintendo of America bring this game stateside? If other mature Nintendo published titles like Disaster Day of Crisis and Fatal Frame IV are any indication, the answer is no. Still, Nintendo fanboys can always hope.


NBA JAM
SPORTS!


Monster Hunter Tri
Monster Hunter Tri is the third console outing of Capcom’s immensely popular series. Not only does the game look great, is the highest selling 3rd party Wii title in Japan, but also is the eleventh game in the history of Famitsu to receive a perfect score. Look out for this beast in April.

And there is always the specter of Zelda Wii and Pikmin 3 looming on the horizon.