Best Online Competitive Games - PVP and Vs on Nintendo Wii

John Barnett
The competitive nature of gamers has bred a passion for online gaming. The fact of the matter is, you aren't always going to be able to get out of the house or be visited by friends or relatives. When this is the case, one of the most enjoyable alternatives is racking up some online game hours with them. Be it competitive or cooperative, the experience is always fun.

With a library of over a hundred Wi-Fi enabled games, the Wii is no slouch in the online play department. With fun, free online play hindered only by the minor nuisance of entering a one-time friend code with other players, one can't help but sink the occasional weekend into it. For gamers looking to get their PVP fix with the Wii's online service, look no further than below for the best competitive Wi-Fi games.

1. Super Smash Brothers Brawl
# of Players Online: 2-4
Price Range: $30-$50
Rating: 10 Final Smashes out of 10.

Is there any praise that I can give this game that it hasn't already received? The roster is huge, the graphics are breath-taking, the online play is silky smooth, the soundtrack is amazing, and the replay value is massive. Super Smash Brothers Brawl is not only the best selling fighting game ever at over ten million units sold, but also the best fighting game. If you don't own it yet- deprive yourself no longer. Go out and buy it! Experience this awe-inspiring package! Competitive or cooperative- it's a blast either way! Those hoping online should be happy to know that local players can join in or be substituted with CPU players to fill up spaces.

2. Mario Kart Wii
# of Players Online: 2-12
Price Range: $30-$50
Rating: 10 Bullet Bills out of 10.

The success of Mario Kart Wii really shouldn't have been a surprise to anyone. The controls are tight and fun, the visuals are vibrant and colorful, the tracks are extremely fun, and the online play is top-notch. It's hard to find fault in a game that does so much so well. Like Super Smash Brothers Brawl, Mario Kart Wii supports local players joining in on online matches. It's also worth noting that Mario Kart Wii showcased the extremely intuitive Wii Wheel to gamers. What other Wii racing gem showcases the potential of the Wii Wheel? Well...

3. Excitebots: Trick Racing
# of Players Online: 2-6
Price Range: $15-$25
Rating: 8 Turbo Jumps out of 10.

This sequel to the launch title, ExciteTruck, is truly one of the most underrated first-party Wii games. With fluent controls, impressive visuals, and innovative gameplay never before attempted in a racing game- Excitebots deserves your attention. This arcade-style racer is as fast as it is addictive. The sense of speed and height can be overwhelming. The 6 player online play was designed for fun, frantic matches filled with explosions, in-game mini-games, and awesome tricks. A surprising fan favorite mode in the game is the Poker Race- a game type in which you race while playing Poker.

4. Mario Sports Mix
# of Players Online: 2-4
Price Range: $40-$50
Rating: 9 Lucky Shots out of 10.

Many people were skeptical that Square Enix could be trusted to make a great Mario sports game after their mediocre development of Mario Hoops: 3 on 3. Thankfully, Square Enix knocked one out of the park- for once. The game features four sports and four mini-games based off each- Basketball, Hockey, Dodge-ball, and Volleyball. Basketball and Dodge-ball are extremely entertaining- the life of the party, really. Hockey is fun, but not quite as additive as the previous 2. Volleyball is the weakest of the sports, but still manages to be a fun diversion now and then. The multiplayer in all sports is not only online compatible, but also features 2 on 2 or 3 on 3 gameplay- depending upon your preference. The presentation is superb, as are the controls and ability to mix online and local play. Finally, the secret Final Fantasy characters make the package a great crossover offering. Speaking of crossovers...

5. Tatsunoko Vs Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars
# of Players Online: 2
Price Range: $30-$40
Rating: 8 Tag Teams out of 10.

This fast-paced Wii exclusive fighter almost didn't make it out of Japan due to licensing issues. Thankfully, Capcom made every effort to get it released stateside and we couldn't be more grateful. This frantic, tag team fighting game is not only better than the mediocre Street Fighter releases this generation- it's one of the best Capcom crossover titles to ever release. The fighting system is as deep as you want it to be and most of the characters are a blast to play with. With Marvel Vs Capcom 3 suffering from hype backlash, hideous character designs, and over simplified gameplay- more and more gamers are flocking right back to Tatsunoko Vs Capcom.

6. Naruto: Clash of Ninja Revolution 3
# of Players Online: 2
Price Range: $20-$25
Rating: 6 Hand Signs out of 10.

This great follow-up to the previous Clash of Ninja titles is best known for its chaotic battles, variety of characters, and expansive gameplay modes. The only thing I can find fault with in the otherwise smooth, fun online play is the lack of 4 player Wi-fi. While still very fun in its own right as well as the benefits of the Rival system, it's a shame four players can face-off online.

7. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Smash Up
# of Players Online: 2-4
Price Range: $20-$30
Rating: 7 Pizza Slices out of 10.

It's been a long time since gamers have had a good TMNT fighting game- much less a great one! TMNT: Smash Up is the first truly impressive game to come from the license in years. The online play is highly responsive and the gameplay is extremely fun. Borrowing heavily from Super Smash Brothers and Power Stone, the game plays like an amalgamation of the three series. The roster definitely could have been bigger and featured more classic characters, but it's otherwise the best thing to come from TMNT in years. If only the online play allowed more than one player per console, like Super Smash Brothers Brawl...

Honorable Mention:
Mario Strikers Charged
Pokemon Battle Revolution
Yu-Gi-Oh 5D Duel Transer
Sonic & Sega All-Star Racing
Castlevania Judgment
Madden series
FIFA series
NHL series
PES series
NBA series
Tiger Woods series

Published by John Barnett

John Barnett is a freelance writer, avid gamer, perpetual realist, apathetic introvert, textbook cynic, and an analytical intellectual. What more is there to say? Well, maybe a little more. John has a...  View profile

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