Must Haves: Top September Titles for Wii

Seven games to kill back-to-school productivity

Recently, we combed through the list of upcoming releases for the next month, and decided to feature the cream of the crop.  Of all the releases for September, this is what we consider the "Must Haves," the games you should be paying more attention to than your schoolwork:

Note: all release dates courtesy of Amazon.

Guitar Hero 5 (Activision)

Release: September 1, 2009

$59.99 Stand-Alone
$99.99 Guitar Bundle

For those that aren't yet tired of the barrage of music games we're facing, it would be no surprise that you are interested in Guitar Hero 5.  As the next game in the series, it's no simple numeral add-on.  Rather, Activision has made progressive changes for the Wii version.  Players can now stream data like DLC off their SD cards, and download DLC in "packs," as opposed to single tracks.

Developer Vicarious Visions also took a huge stride in how they handle Guitar Hero 5's online system.  Granting the wish of every Wii owner alive (minus the crazies), Guitar Hero 5 won't be using any excessive friend codes.  Instead, the game will tie itself to your console friend code, so Wii owners can see and use their list of friends on their console. To be fair, those that don't have many console friends will find themselves typing in more 16-digit numbers than 12-digit ones this time around.

Hey, it's Guitar Hero 5.  You know what you're getting out of this game.  If you're in dire need of specifics, check out the official track list.  My personal favorites are "L.A." by Elliott Smith and "Bullet With Butterfly Wings" by The Smashing Pumpkins.

Muramasa: The Demon Blade (Ignition)

Release: September 8, 2009

$49.99

I'd venture a guess that most people say "oooh, pretty," when they lay eyes on Muramasa: The Demon Blade.  With gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, how can't you?

Created by Odin Sphere developer Marvelous and published by Ignition Entertainment (in the US), Muramasa puts players in the shoes of characters with stylish ninja skills.  Gamers follow Kisuke and Momohime, two characters plagued with archetypal issues.  Kisuke has lost his memory, including the memory of his criminal past.  Momohime is possessed by a "dark spirit."  Normally problems of this nature are resolved by Federal Disability checks.

Instead, these two are going to fight it out against various enemy types, using over a hundred different swords (many of which can be forged).  Thirty stages show inspiration from Japanese mythology, and can be enjoyed in three different modes: Unmatched, Carnage, and Insane Death.  Unmatched and Carnage differ in whether they focus on RPG-style growth and action-style gameplay.  Insane Death shows the game's true replay value, limiting players to 1 HP for the entire game.

While Wii Remote control is default, the Classic Controller is also compatible, making this game even more appealing for Classic Controller lovers.

While there is still time, those who pre-order the game at GameStop will receive a wall scroll with artwork as beautiful as the game itself.

Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga (XSEED)

Release: September 8, 2009

$39.99

Let there be... an RPG?  On the Wii, it is tough to find a good RPG.  Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga promises to change that.  The XSEED-published game takes players through the land of Eldar, comfortingly synonymous with "chaos and destruction."

Not much has been heard of the game since its announcement (XSEED hasn't even updated their website to reflect the game at all).  Lonely explorers can team up online with another friend cooperatively to fight the baddies and go after the Spirit King.  This third game in the Valhalla Knights series makes strides in taking out random encounters and battle screens, as players fight on the world map itself.  A true action RPG.  This game looks promising, and at a modest price.

The Beatles: Rock Band (MTV Games)

Release: September 9, 2009

$59.99 Stand-Alone

$99.99 Wireless Gretsch Controller Bundle

$99.99 Wireless Rickenbacker Controller Bundle

$249.99 Limited Edition Bundle

Basically everyone knows The Beatles.  And basically everyone knows Rock Band. Put the two together and you've got a magical experience, no doubt.

The Beatles' remaining members helped shape the experience of the game, which travels through the time periods of the band's history, all the while recreating memorable settings and styles.  It boasts the true history of the band, taking players both backstage at album recordings to onstage moments at legendary shows, all the while enjoying 45 Beatles tunes (plus additional downloadable content).  Fans of the band will love it, and 'lovers' of the band will be enamored.

There isn't much to add, except true Beatles fanatics may still find the $250 Limited Edition Bundle to be too steep to justify, especially for those that already own a working set of Rock Band-compatible instruments.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 (Activision)

Release: September 15, 2009

$49.99

Marvel Ultimate Alliance was one of the first Wii games I purchased.  The thought of brawling with up to three other friends and using the powers of your favorite (and some less popular) comic heroes was wholly intriguing.  The game was pretty well executed, but much more was desired.

This also means that another game is in order.  Veteran players can expect greater control, hopefully without tying the Nunchuk's accelerometer to the camera.  Fusion attacks are possible by using two characters' powers together.  Storm's electricity with Spider Man's web, making an electric web?  Yes, please!

Being a multi-platform game, there will be format-specific players in the roster.  But let's be honest, when you've got the Silver Surfer you don't need anyone else, right?  That is, of course, if he'll be carried over from the first game.

This is certainly a game that will benefit from all the work done on the first title.  Those as antsy as we are can follow the game's development over at Activision's official site.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up (Ubisoft)

Release: September 15, 2009

$49.99

The Turtles have a spotty history in video games.  They recently got a $10 remake on XBLA of their (arguably) top game from the 16-bit days.  Even so, Smash Up is poised to be something very, very new for the franchise.

The game acts and plays much like a Smash Bros. game, pitting Turtles and friends against one another in single-stage multiplayer (up to 4 players) combat.  The gang show off their ninja ways (like we expect), gain health boosts from pizza (like we expect), while whomping on each other (not like we expect).

Sometimes, change is very, very good.  Ubisoft decided to change the image of the Ninja Turtles, shying away from their over-the-top comical nature, while also keeping distance from recent, serious attempts.  At this juncture, fans should find a happy medium in Smash Up, although the style of gameplay isn't what any fan will expect.  Interaction with the environment is key to the game, as an abundance of traps will keep the action going.

So, Ubisoft is basically making a Smash Bros. game behind the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles license.  If it plays well, then this game will be worthwhile for any fan.

Since it's not worth the extra article, here are the confirmed playable characters for the game:

• April O'Neil
• Casey Jones
• Donatello
• Foot Ninja
• Fugitoid
• Karai
• Leonardo
• Master Splinter
• Michelangelo
• Nightwatcher
• Raphael
• Raving Rabbid
• Splinter Rabbid
• Shredder
• Cyber Shredder (may be an alternate costume)
• Utrominator

Hold on a second, Raving Rabbids and a Splinter Rabbid?  Forget it, this game is a must-buy.

Dead Space Extraction (Electronic Arts)

Release: September 28, 2009

$49.99

Oh, Electronic Arts, how you woo my heart.  Dead Space Extraction was met with immediate skepticism when it was announced as an on-rails shooter.  Upon closer inspection, it looks like an incredible addition to the Wii lineup.  In fact, just watch the trailer:

What else are we supposed to say about the game?  As a prequel to the original, this game will scare the pants off you.  Extraction follows the story of space colonists trying to escape from a mining colony.  The mining colony, plagued by a horrific infection, provides an abundance of obstacles or monstrous proportions.

Dead Space Extraction also includes local co-op modes, letting players drag their friends along for a thrilling ride.  There are plenty of puzzles, secrets, and branching paths to give this game a good amount of replay value.  Even though the Wii has no shortage of good on-rails shooters, it is lacking in the good mature-games-department.  With a dependable name like Dead Space, first-week buyers can't go wrong.

Most people won't be able to afford all of these games.  Frankly, that's a problem we'd rather be having, as opposed to a dull September.  What game are you looking forward to the most?