2007 is over. Welcome 2008, Nintendo!

With the crazy gaming releases season now over, let’s look forward to 2008 and all of the great games that are slated for release, because we all know that talking about and anticipating playing a video game is way more fun than actually playing one.

So without further ado, here are SG’s Ten Most Anticipated Wii games for 2008!….after the jump.

Okami

Although it can’t really be considered a new game because it’s just a port of an almost 2-year old PS2 game, this title deserves to be listed because of how much attention it didn’t receive when originally released but should have. Extremely comparable to the Zelda franchise in gameplay, this title almost feels like it was originally designed for the Wii due to it’s necessity of drawing symbols on screen to perform certain actions.

On second thought: Finally, a zelda clone landing on the console where players will finally appreciate it. Hopefully, the lack of mini-games won’t deter Wii owners. Ah, who am I kidding, this thing’s gonna fail. Again.

10. Wii Fit

As much as we make fun of this product, I can’t help but still be a little intrigued. Although the game that comes packaged with it will most likely bore the pants off of any real gamer, the implications that this type of device could have on video game franchises like SSX could be monumental.

On second thought: Just when you thought you couldn’t look any stupider, you’ll now be able to get your legs involved in the Wii waggle. Yay?

9. Sid Meier’s Civilization Revolution

Ever since the control scheme for the Wii was introduced, gamers have been chomping at the bit for an RTS game. What better way to show off how it can be done than with a classic Sid Meier game that has been revamped to utilize the wiimote point and click capabilities. If they deliver with online play, then Nintendo could really have an extremely addictive hit on their hands.

On second thought: I have no idea why Napoleon has his hand in his pants either.

8. Samba De Amigo

Talk about a pair made in Latin Band Heaven. With two controllers, one in each hand, with shaking sensors, it’s almost like Nintendo was thinking of this game when they were designing the Wii. One of the very first music rhythm games, Samba De Amigo stole the hearts of Dreamcast players everywhere. Unfortunately for maraca-loving gamers, the Dreamcast died and along with it the Samba De Amigo franchise…until now! I can’t wait to see how many stupid add-on maraca peripherals are launched alongside this game.

On second thought: Stay tuned as Sarcasticgamer will be YOUR destination for all of the latest maraca add-on news for the Wii!

7. Animal Crossing Wii

One of the most addicting games ever released for the GameCube will be making it’s return to the Wii later this year. If you’ve never played the game, think of it as a real-time version of the Sims, but on a larger scale and community interactivity. With rumors of online connectivity, this game could really start “The Sims” addiction among gamers all over again. Let’s just hope Nintendo doesn’t release 1000 expansion packs if it does take off.

On second thought: If Cooking Mama didn’t bore you enough, Animal Crossing may just do the trick!

6. No More Heroes

This is a game that has received little to no attention, but holds the potential to change the way gamers look at the Wii. From the studio that created the ultra-violent Killer 7 for GameCube comes a brand new even more violent game by the title of No More Heroes. The game is focused around you, an assassin, using your Beam Katana (Wiimote) to assassinate other assassins. Think of it as Assassin’s Creed but with a whole lot more action and blood.

On second thought: This may tide you over until Nintendo can get a real lightsaber game on the Wii. WTF, Lucasarts? Hurry your ass up!

5. Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers

A sequel to the popular Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles game for the Wii, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Crystal Bearers (my god, that’s a mouthful of crystals) promises to deliver even more RPG fun than the first one. Thankfully Square Enix has promised less multiplayer handheld connectivity and more engrossing single player gameplay with this version.

On second thought: This looks about as much fun as real crystals.

4. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

“This entry in the Star Wars saga casts players as Darth Vader’s ‘Secret Apprentice’, unveiling new revelations about the Star Wars galaxy. The expansive story, created under direction from George Lucas, is set during the largely unexplored era between Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith and Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope. In it, players will assist the iconic villain in his quest to rid the universe of Jedi – and face decisions that could change the course of their destiny.”

- If that doesn’t sound like a game of the year contender then I don’t know what does. Not only is this game being directed by George Lucas and include new story lines, but it lets you use the wiimote as a freakin’ lightsaber. I guarantee there isn’t one Wii owner out there who hasn’t dreamed of being able to do that. Really, it’s ok to admit it.

On second thought: Skip No More Heroes for this.

3. Spore

Probably the most anticipated game Will Wright has ever developed, Spore has garnered more hype than any PC game in recent history. So when it was announced that Wright would also be porting it to the Wii, there were cries of jubilation throughout the universe. What remains to be seen though, is how well it is going to be ported and how expansive online play will be. If Wright and Nintendo deliver like I hope they will then Wii owners could be in for one amazing experience.

On second thought: This is probably going to suck when compared to the PC version.

2. Mario Kart Wii

A franchise as old as time itself, the Mario Kart series rarely disappoints. They seemed to take an awkward step in the wrong direction with Double Dash for the GameCube, but with the DS version, they brought it right back to its rightfully dominant place among aracade racing games. I have to admit, the addition of bikes has me slightly worried, but I have faith in Nintendo. I can’t wait to try out the racing wheel accessory that comes with it.

On second thought: Dig up your SNES, N64, GC, or DS version. I’m sure they’re all about the same.

1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl

No surprises here. Everyone and their brother wants to get their hands on this game and rightfully so. Smash Bros has redefined the fighter game genre for years and with all of the details released about this game, it’s pretty safe to say this one will follow in the precedent-setting footsteps of its older siblings. While there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that this will be the Wii game of 2008, I can’t help but think about how it could be the Game of Year if Nintendo would just grow up and give us an un-handicapped online play mode and headset. Seriously Nintendo, there’s more than just 10 year olds playing the Wii.

On second thought: Geez, how many re-treads are there in this list…

Anyway… There you have it, SG’s Ten Most Anticipated Wii games of 2008. I suppose you could always leave a comment or go to the forums and debate our most anticipated Wii games, if you want. But you can’t make me read it, even though I probably will, but you definitely can’t make me agree with you. Ha! I win!

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