System: Wii
Dev: Retro Studios
Pub: Nintendo
Release: Aug. 27, 2007
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Teen
Review by Jonathan Marx

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

The visuals and environments are a thing of beauty. The graphics are by far the best to date on the Wii. In fact, I thought the graphics were as enjoyable as anything put out for this generation. I know, I know… Trust me, I'm not crazy. I truly believe that you will get every bit as much visual enjoyment out of this title as you have out of any other title for any other system, bar none! I don't want to talk about frame rates (although it is run at 60 fps) and resolution; I'm simply saying that when fired up on a large HD monitor all you'll be thinking about is how beautiful the game looks.

Additionally, the sounds are crisp and engaging. The music is tried and true. Like an old blanket, it just feels right. The tone of the game is set by the classic tunes, and the tension and suspense of the experience is heightened by its quality. The overall presentation and setting of the title is excellent and exhilarating.

For many, the lack of online gameplay is an utter shame. For me, I'm glad a rushed, unpolished multiplayer shooter wasn't included to mar an otherwise near perfect title. The team at Retro Studios gave us a solid FPS experience for the Wii that was sorely missing. Thankfully, their full, undivided attention and effort went into creating a truly killer app for the little white giant. However, a truly inventive online experience that breaks the current mold should be the cornerstone of a future trilogy. Online play could be the spark that's needed to carry the series into 2010 and beyond.

Altogether, this is one of the best titles of 2007. The graphics, the level design, the boss battles, the controls, and the fun are the stuff of legends. Retro Studios has helped validate Nintendo's console by creating a masterpiece so early in its lifecycle. If you own a Wii, or if you were waiting for a good excuse to go get one, run out to the store and have some fun.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Freelance Writer

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