There is one fact that cannot be denied. The Nintendo Wii was a console that changed the game industry forever. For better or worse, motion controls have revolutionised the way that we play certain genres, and the various control styles meant that everyone could play, regardless of physical handicap or intellectual ability. In last week’s Nintendo Direct, it was revealed that several titles from the Wii’s game library will be coming onto the already backwards compatible Wii U.

Although the titles will only be available on the Nintendo eShop, they use the same technology that can be used by original Wii discs, namely the Wii Mode that is built into the system software. Well received games such as Donkey Kong Country Returns, Metroid Prime Trilogy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 have already been confirmed to appear on the service, with the last title currently available now on a half price promotion for the week of release. Although it is not possible for every Wii game to be digitally re-released, it is with some hope that these five titles do receive the digital treatment, as they truly represent what the Wii could do outside of party games and shovelware.

1. Super Mario Galaxy – Nintendo

The galaxies are full of surprises.
The galaxies are full of surprises.

Although the sequel has already been released on the eShop, it would be a tragedy if the original game was not given a moment in the spotlight. The gravity based mechanics worked perfectly with the Wii Remote’s pointer to collect and fire star bits, offering a unique platformer that perfectly complements the Mario universe. Although it was slightly easy in comparison to its sequel, the galaxy traversing exploits of the red hated plumber are a pleasure to enjoy, simply because of the level design and the charm that exudes from every world that you visit.

2. Animal Crossing: Let’s Go To The City – Nintendo

Ok, who wants to break?
Ok, who wants to break?

Moving to a village filled with talking animals may not be the wisest thing to do, but in the world of Animal Crossing, you must do exactly that. With a vast range of collectables, activities and calendar based events to enjoy, along with an all new city location that is not present in Wild World or New Leaf gives the usual formula the twist that it needs to remain fresh. Until Nintendo decides to release a full blown sequel for the Wii U, this is probably the closest you will get to to high definition Animal Crossing, albeit upscaled.

3. Klonoa – Bandai Namco

Platformers and rings go together like fish and chips.
Platformers and rings go together like fish and chips.

This relatively unknown platformer is a remake of the PS1 game Klonoa: Door to Phantomile from 1997. Using the same engine and graphical style as its PS2 sequel, the reimagined world of Phantomile is a beautiful place. The game supports a wide range of controllers from the Classic Controller to the original Gamecube pad, which will be useful if you decide to play using the Wii U gamepad. The only downside is its short length, but this can be overlooked by the quality of the journey.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess – Nintendo

Awwooo, werewolves of Hyrule!
Awwooo, werewolves of Hyrule!

Although it was originally developed for the Gamecube, Twilight Princess was given a set of interesting motion controls for the launch of the Nintendo Wii, such as full sword, shield and item control using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The journey of Link, both in the world of Hyrule and the Twilight Realm is a charming dark fairy tale, and the addition of the wolf form made for a particularly interesting experience, particularly when you are able to converse with the animals in the nearby village to see what they really think of their owners.

5. Trauma Team – Atlus

Tomoe might be in tune with nature, but she always does her job when it comes to healing patients.
Tomoe might be in tune with nature, but she always does her job when it comes to healing patients.

This game never reached our shores for reasons unknown. Trauma Team is the pinnacle of the Trauma Center series, featuring six different kinds of motion controlled game play in combination with a motion comic style presentation and fiendish difficulty curves. Although it may seem easy to pick up a virtual scalpel, some of the later missions will leave you foaming at the mouth as your try to help all the victims in time. Import games have been released on the Virtual Console in the past, such as Earthbound and Super Mario RPG for the SNES, so it would not be too much of a logical step for the games that never made it here to be given a second chance of life.

Would these games be on top of your wishlist, or do you have some thing more in mind? Let us know what you think in the comments below.