TheWii consolewas and is known for itscharming, accessible social gameplay, which can be traced to the simple-yet-intuitive motion-controlled ‘Wiimote’. Many also characterize theWiias having an impressively vast, diverse library—with games that varied quite a bit in quality. It featured a mixed bag of titles ranging from the esteemed and refinedSuper MarioGalaxyto the obscure, mediocreNinja Bread Man.
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With such a huge lineup of distinct games, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Nintendo-made machine was home to a number of games that never made it to Western shores. Despite many of them being great, accessible titles—as is the case with the games featured here—there are several that, to this day, remain exclusive to Japan.
8Captain Rainbow
A zany take on the Japanese-based “Tokusatsu” action hero, this adventure features Nick; a yo-yo waving protagonist who can morph into the colorful Captain Rainbow. The distinct hero explores an island called Mimin, which is apparently a popular place for other lesser Nintendo characters like Chibi Robo.
The game players to soak in the island festivities and have fun in nature, allowing Captain Rainbow to go fishing and bug catching in between handling islander tasks. These requests generally take the form of amusing minigames that range from intense boxing romps to low-key golf outings. The action picks up upon earning 20 ‘Sparklies,’ at which point the hero traverses hills and obstacles to place wish-granting stars atop altars. Given the odd nature of this one—and its Japanese-centric pop-culture references—it’s perhaps no surprise thatCaptain Rainbownever ventured to the West. But with its whimsical themes, fun array of minigames, and dynamic environments (complete with day-night cycles), this remains a hidden gem on Wii.
7Puyo Puyo! 15th Aniversary Edition
While quite popular in Japan, the Sega-made puzzlerPuyo Puyodidn’t gain much traction in the West until the release of theTetrishybrid game in 2014. Still, Wii’sPuyodebut quietly became one of the moreprominent puzzle gameswith its slew of content and thrilling, addictive multiplayer. The game serves as a stellar compilation ofPuyogames—hosting loads of strategic yet fast-paced arcade gameplay.
While there are ample variations and modes featured here, the crux of the gameplay involves mixing and matching colored slime-like ‘Puyo’ tiles, chaining them together and notching points as they’re cleared. This package (and the subsequent Western release via Nintendo DS port), brings a slew of classic-style options as well as new modes—including the rotating ‘Spinner’ and explosive ‘Bomber.’
6Taiko No Tatsujin
Rhythm titles can offer tons of music-filled funwith their bombardment of simple-yet-intense, competitive gameplay. Such is the case with this arcade hit-turned-console game. While music game classics likeDance Dance Revolutionhave players moving most of their body, Namco’s stylized drum games stress swift, elaborate beats and drum rolls. This fast, rhythmic gameplay is made all the more satisfying with the tactile drum peripheral that comes packaged with the Wii version.
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While the series has hit the West in various forms, this appealing ‘08 installment is still a Japanese exclusive. Nintendo fans did get to experience similar titles at the time at least, with multiplayer hits like GameCube’sDonkey Konga.
5Ougon No Kizuna
Roughly translating to ‘Golden Bonds,‘Ougon No Kizunais a dynamic ARPG released in 2009 exclusively in the Land of the Rising Sun. This adventure by Town Factory and Jaleco pits players against gaggles of hostile creatures as they assume the role of the swordsman Lian.
The game is rare in its action coupled with its refined use of the Wiimote’s motion and pointing features. Between the flexible interface and the game’s swift sword-hacking mechanics, the game feels like a unique blend ofDynasty Warriorsand a deep PC RPG. The journey features an impressive range of over 100 quests, wrought with much exploration and plenty of free-wheeling combat.
4Zangeki No Reginleiv
Fans were pleased to hear about Nintendo’s upcoming MotionPlus, which would add depth and refinement to the fairly janky motion controls build into the original Wiimote. Yet, few games seemed to even use this new tech, let alone take full advantage of it. Enter Sandlot’sZangeki no Reginleiv(Blades of Reginleiv); a thrilling fantasy action game that nicely shows off what Wii’s controller can do.
The game tastefully balancesfun, arcade-style chaoswith RPG/adventure nuance. The progression system is solid and deep, allowing players to customize heroes’ weapons during this epic journey made up ofdozensof missions. Players can battle against hordes of monsters big and small as the melee-based Freyr, or the ranged-focused Freyja—the latter of which can pelt foes from afar using bows and magic. Given the fun, accessible nature ofReginleiv, impressive online features, and its Norse influence, it’s a head-scratcher as to why this one stayed only in Japan.
3Fatal Frame: Mask Of The Lunar Eclipse
While the survival horror genre has proven to be popular in the West, this hasn’t been quite the case on Wii, even with the strong port ofResident Evil 4on the console. Yet, given the game’s themes stressing Japanese sensibilites, and slower, more nuanced gameplay that was tough to get into, one could understand why Temco decided to keep thisFatal Framesequel in Japan.
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Mask of the Lunar Eclipserelies on an eerie atmosphere and shrouded locales—though also emerging phantoms that one must defeat with camera shots—for its scares. Similar to Wii’sSilent Hill: Shattered Memories, these dark indoor settings are illuminated by aiming and shining a flashlight around, while players explore Rougetsu Island as the captive Ruka and a few other survivors. Despite yielding a cult following, this game sold merely 30,000 units, which also presumably kept this hidden gem local.
2Dragon Quest 10
TheDragon Questseries has beenone of the definitive JPRGs for decades now, serving as the more traditional, whimsical counterpart toFinal Fantasy. But while this colorful fantasy game has gained moderate success in the West, this 2012 release remained a Japanese exclusive. The primary reason can be attributed to the fact that it required a subscription at a time when Wii was near the end of its life.
Fans were fairly disappointed, especially given the game’s great reception, and that it filled a hole in the Wii’s library as a rare MMO. Regardless,Dragon Quest 10has proven accessible and popular with its classic series traits like the class-based job system—fused with MMORPG elements.
1Tales Of Graces
Tales of Gracesis a game, which—like most in the series—thrives on its fusion of deep RPG elements, inspired fantasy settings, and frantic combat akin to a fighting game. While Western PS3 fans did get to experience this gem, the ‘09 Wii game never saw release outside Japan.
Residing in the vibrant world of Ephinea, the game follows Asbel and company in an emotional, political adventure full of conflict and wonder—as well as much exciting combat. The game’s world-building and characters proved strong enough that it spawned various booksand manga adaptations.
