Summary
The Nintendo Wii was an incredibly innovative and unique console that featured a massive gallery of great games from nearly every genre. However, with the focus on the Wii’s unique controls and system specifications, it wasn’t the best platform for classic RPG games. Moreover, the late 2000s and early 2010s weren’t the best of times for the RPG genre as a whole. There aren’t too many notable releases and the stark difference inquality and quantity of RPG games recentlycompared to that era is very telling.
The late era of Wii releases did, however, have a dynamic trend. It featured a few underrated and under-appreciated RPG games each with interesting and different ideas they tried to implement. While some failed, many succeeded, and it is a shame that these games are nearly forgotten by both fans and large publishers alike.
Tales of Graces,also known asTales of Graces F,is an exception to the norm in the sense that it was commercially successful, reached some degree of critical acclaim, but it hasn’t had a lasting impact. It hasn’t had a remaster, remake or direct sequel and isn’t really talked about when it comes to great RPG games anymore.
The game featured tons of classic JRPG combat tropes, with a world overview map and a separate battle screen for party-based combat. It allowed players to customize and build their four-member squad,led by Asbel,and focused heavily on the dual skill systems: Assault Artes and Burst Artes. Combat systems have influenced games in the genre to this day. The overall presentation and quality of life features were a little lacking, but the game made up for itwith smooth combatand a vanilla, yet compelling narrative.
Arc Rise Fantasiawas a turn-based JRPG released 3 years after the console’s release. It was one of the rarer JRPGs that failed to make a dent in Western Markets, and had an underwhelming lifecycle overall.Arc Rise Fantasia’strinity battle system was the most notable feature in the game, boasting solid combat, focused on classical RPG elements as well as newer changes such as the Action Points poo. This pool allows players to use multiple turn points on a single character, at the expense of others. In conjunction with the focus on follow-up attacks and character harmony, this led to interesting tactical decisions. Players could focus on unloading with offensive powerhouse units, at the expense of possibly losing the chance to have free Tandem Sync attacks.
Arc Rise Fantasia’scombat, coupled with its solid music and sound design led to acomprehensive JRPG experience.The CGI cut scenes and voice acting were a sign of the rapid pace at which this genre later developed. While the game’s story was a bit all over the place and suffered with some classic JRPG tropes, andthe voice acting could use some work, overall it was a great addition to the Wii’s RPG portfolio and its a shame it didn’t get too much love.
Pandora’s Towerwas arguably the last great game released on the Nintendo Wii. This was an ambitious game that had promise of being incredible but just fell a little short. Regardless, it’s a wonderful game with lots of effort and love poured into it, which is exactly why its such a shame that its criminally underrated and nearly forgotten.Pandora’s Toweris centered around the premise of Aeron trying to save his beloved Elena from a curse by vanquishing enemies lying in the thirteen towers of a fortress above a ravine. The game has a multitude of endings depending on player choices and actions. Most of them are tragic and the portrayal of the two lover’s demise slowly creeps up on the players. There are, however, a few happier and rewarding endings as well.
Pandora’s Towerfeatures solid, albeit basic, gameplay with smooth integration of the Wii Remotes in all their glory. Players must navigate different puzzles, missions and foes whilst preserving their relationship with Elena and being mindful of her curse’s progression. This game had a lot of promise, and it mostly delivered, but sadly it didn’t do too well commercially and hasn’t been re-introduced through a remake or sequel as yet.
Seto’s melancholic journey in a post-pandemic Tokyo is a tale of human empathy, disillusionment and tragedy. Players traverse a post-apocalyptic Tokyo where the lion’s share of humanity has been wiped out due to a failed project in understanding human emotions. Players are thrown into Seto’s life after his grandfather’s passing. What follows is an eerie and solemn adventure relying on atmospheric storytelling, incredible music and solid visuals all around.
While the gameplay isn’t anything to write home about, and lags somewhat behind other action role-playing games, the story, character work and graphics carry this game. While this game transcends basic genre boundaries, it, unfortunately, cannot boast much commercial success or mainstream impact. Regardless,Fragile Dreamsis a unique storytelling experience, and players patient enough to tread through it will find an underrated gem, and the minor problems it has, could easilybe remedied with a remaster.
The Last Storywas recognized as one of the best games in the genre among hardcore fans during the 2010s, and for sure, it was an incredible game that released very late in the Wii’s lifecycle and was thus, not advertised or marketed to Western audiences. Which is unfortunate, as this is an incredible RPG that fans of the genre would still love. It could capture new audiences with asequel or remake for sure.
The Last Storyis a typical, classic RPG polished to near perfection. The game features some solid characters with wonderful development, and great chemistry. Especially the focus on Arganan and Zael. The A.I. focused on player combat, while a little different works pretty well too. Overall, this is a fantastic game that should definitely get its time in the spotlight.
