Top Five Nintendo Wii Games Released in the First Half of 2009

The Nintendo Wii had a disappointing second half of 2008, especially for hardcore gamers. Fortunately, the system came back strong with a solid showing lineup in the first half of this year. So which games impressed the most so far? Here are the top five Nintendo Wii games released in the first half of 2009.

5. Excitebots: Trick Racing
^{Publisher: Nintendo, Developer: Monster Games, Release Date: April 20, ESRB Rating: E}
Excitebots: Trick Racing is the spiritual successor to the Nintendo Wii launch title, Excite Truck. This time, you are racing transforming robots instead of trucks. As if the blazing racing speed isn't enough, the courses in Excitebots: Trick Racing are filled with oddities and obstacles. With online multiplayer to boot, you won't find a better racing game on the Nintendo Wii in the first half of 2009.

4. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10
^{Publisher: EA Sports, Developer: EA Sports, Release Date: June 8, ESRB Rating: E}
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 is all about the new Wii accessory: the Wii MotionPlus. Thanks to the increased accuracy, swinging a club has never felt more natural with the Wii Remote. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 also has plenty of modes and options that will keep you busy for the first half of 2009 and beyond. Just make sure to buy the game with Wii MotionPlus.

3. Klonoa
^{Publisher: Namco Bandai Games, Developer: Paon, Release Date: May 5, ESRB Rating: E 10+}
Klonoa: Door to Phantomile is one of the best games on the Playstation when it was released in 1998. More than 10 years later, the Nintendo Wii got a remake with enhance graphics and additional extras. Klonoa was severely overlooked on the Playstation, so it is good to see the game get a second chance. There isn't a better platforming game to come out on the first half of 2009.

2. MadWorld
^{Publisher: Sega, Developer: Platinum Games, Release Date: March 10, ESRB Rating: M}
MadWorld is easily the most original Nintendo Wii game released in the first half of 2009. The open-ended action game not only looks great with its stylish black and white approach, it also plays incredibly well with some really creative moves. If you are looking for a mature-rated and hardcore title for the Nintendo, MadWorld is the perfect choice.

1. Punch-Out!!
^{Publisher: Nintendo, Developer: Next Level Games, Release Date: July 23, ESRB Rating: E 10+}
15 years after the last game in the series, Punch-Out!! returns with a vengeance. Old and new players can expect the same classic gameplay where you must learn your opponent's moves and time your attacks. In addition to the outstanding graphics, it also contains challenge and multiplayer modes. Punch-Out!! is, without question, the best Nintendo Wii game released in the first half of 2009.