Ways Square Enix can Support the Wii

There's no secret that Square Enix hasn't cared much for the Wii.

Yoichi Wada sees it as a toy.

And instead of releasing an interesting game using the unique features of the Wii, a new Chocobo's Dungeon game and a Dragon Quest flop will have to do from the RPG giant. Yeah, there will be a few new titles, but what is there to be excited about? If you like the Crystal Chronicles series, then you'll have to be happy. If you're me (are you me?) then this isn't enough.

In fact, a very revealing article from the Final Fantasy Union depicts the Wii as having close to the least amount of published Square titles, second only to the PS3. Interesting, too, is that the highest amount of Square titles this generation goes to the DS, which has been home to quite a few remakes, some rather good games like The World Ends With You, and now the latest in the Crystal Chronicles series. The article goes into great detail showing that Square's titles per system is proportional to the system's overall sales, save for more titles being developed for the 360 compared to the Wii. Which may very well mean that Square doesn't have faith in the Wii and its miraculous sales records.

So, considering we may never see a great RPG from Square with this frame of mind, it may be worthwhile reminding Square that they have some gems they are sitting on that are perfectly suited for the little white wonder. Consider this:

Square Enix makes great RPGs. These RPGs share something great in common: side quests. Some of the shining moments in this company's lifetime come from card battles, Blitzball, and Chocobo raising.

By now my intent is pretty clear. Even if this would be a multi-platform affair (card battling would fit perfectly for the DS, if homebrewers don't beat you to it, Square), the Wii would look great with these quest-inspired games. Imagine playing Triple Triad and Tetra Master online against friends and foes while collecting and earning cards. Imagine the downloadable card packs that work like buying a 10-pack of random trading cards, guaranteeing you a rare card each time.

And what about things like Chocobo raising and racing? Chocobo Racing was even a stand-alone PlayStation title, but greater things can happen with the Wii. Mixing together elements from *sigh* Nintendogs, with learning to raise and breed your Chocobos Final Fantasy VII-style and heightened racing elements from games like Mario Kart Wii could make a deadly combination.

Then there is Blitzball. Seems like a weaker idea, sure, but if Mario Strikers Charged can survive, so can this. Make your team (using Miis if Nintendo grants you access to the ivory Mii-tower) and challenge others online in an EA format. Motion controls can be used in a time-sensitive manner (like timed button presses, but all waggly) to charge up the best possibly shots and techniques, as well as defending and goal-keeping. By keeping RPG elements in it with possible equippable items and gear, techniques and abilities that can be leveled up through constant play, and even an online trading system would make the game an instant hit. Again, after Nintendo solves the storage crisis, DLC would be wonderful for a title like this.

It may not help those that are craving a good RPG for Wii like me. But if Square can find a somewhat creative use for the Wii, then all is not lost. And even with the kicking and screaming from Nintendo fans, Square may not use the Wii's excellent IR technology, or MotionPlus, or the intuitive Wii Remote for one of their intense adventures. After all, there is no better system to revisit glory SNES and PS1 RPG years than on the WiiWare service. Here are some perfect games to span the large age gaps for the Wii, Square. Now go make Triple Triad Wii before another Pokemon Trading Card game comes out (not that this would be a bad thing).