It's been almost two years since the release of Nintendo's Wii console. This should be roundabout the time that most developers have a fair idea of what a console is capable of, and will often play to its strengths. Yet we find that most developers are merely content to port over some questionable titles, tack on shoddy motion controls, downplay graphics and call it a day. Several developers have tried their hand at developing games for those of us that want more than party games and bad ports, but very few have had any form of success. So what exactly is the problem?

When the Wii first arrived on the scene, many developers had differing opinions on Nintendo's little hardware that could. Some thought the idea was truly interesting and innovative, and took the initiative to test the waters, such as Capcom with its remake of Resident Evil 4, and later titles, such as Zack & Wiki. Despite sales figures for the latter that didn't quite meet expectations, (even with the help of high critical praise), Capcom proved that the Wii is something that can definitely hold its own against some of the big boys on other platforms. Graphically, alright, it's got its issues, but gameplay-wise, (and for me, it's all about the gameplay), it adds something that even Sony's console just can't do, in spite of its own brand of motion-controlly goodness.

Ubisoft saw the potential for the console as well, and immediately started to develop titles for the launch. Games like Red Steel, Far Cry Vengence, and Prince Of Persia Rival Swords were readily available when the Wii arrived on the scene. The problem is that...well...they kind of sucked. It seems that the rush to meet launch was just a bit too much for the developers and with the exception of one title, Ubisoft's attempts fell short of making any real impact in the gaming world. However, Ubi wasn't done yet. It still had the ace up its sleeve...something to lure in the curious and casual gamers of the current-gen: that loveable party game, Rayman Raving Rabbids. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with Rabbids, at all. It's a fun game, and one of the better party games on the Wii. Yet, it seems that due to the failures of their previous efforts, Ubi has become too afraid to give the Wii much else. Evidently, if you fall flat out of the gate, you go with the easy money, and focus the rest of your attention elsewhere.

Now we see that a lot of gaming companies are dividing up some of their development houses, so that they can focus on the Wii. While some of us may have high hopes upon hearing that news, it seems that most of these development houses and publishers are just too afraid to take a chance and are playing the safe route when it comes to what they release for the console...What are they releasing, you may ask? Most of them are releasing...you guessed it...casual/and or party games. Wonderful.

So as the cash flows in from all these party games that must be selling, (otherwise, why bother devoting entire studios to develop them?), does that mean some of the publishers are going to start investing those revenues into new killer apps? Yes. However, don't hold your breath for them to do it on Nintendo's console. It seems like the truly innovative ideas, just aren't being given the chance, and some developers are starting to take notice, and take the initiative themselves. Games like the upcoming Conduit are being developed by those who are just as passionate enough, and aware enough to realize that there is a need to get the Wii out its current funk, and get it into a new and exciting faze.

Now before anyone out there mistakes anything that I've said here as being anti-party game, and anti-third party, I will say that some developers are really trying to give the Wii something different. Take Two has noticed the lack of a "real" hockey game on the Wii, and are taking it upon themselves to correct that. Konami is opting to bring Castlevania to the Wii, albeit not in the manner that most were expecting, but a good fighting game on the Wii would be a bonus, all the same. EA has tried before with varying results, to give the Wii a shot, although lately it's been less forthcoming with actual interesting gameplay, (does it seem that the Godfather: Blackhand Edition is the last EA game that they really tried to do something for on the Wii?), they're still giving it a shot. Madden is great for the Wii, and Woods has been alright, and will continue to improve, especially if Wii MotionPlus works as it's supposed to.

Come to think of it, maybe that's the big point of contention. The controls. Perhaps developers just haven't been patient enough to even try to take advantage of the strengths of the Wii Remote, because refining the controls would take time, effort and more money. What's funny about that, is that companies will throw away money on developing extra specially craptacular games for the PS3 and Xbox 360, which we've been told it costs more to develop for anyway rather than take that money and dump it into a project for the Wii that could be use to refine it, nearly as much as any of the Wii's first party games. Many will disagree with this point, as they'll tell you the Wii just doesn't have the processing power to play these games, but correct me if I'm wrong, isn't it just as powerful as the PS2? It certainly seems the PS2 was able and is still able to get some great games made for it....so that argument just doesn't seem to have any real meat to it. I guess what I said previously is true...you go where the money takes you. And where the money takes us is...

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6195646.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=newstop&tag=newstop;title;5

Awesome.