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Hello, fellow Wii gamer!
Hey, did you know there are games out there that have nothing to do with your Mii characters?
It’s true.
I mean, yeah, I like the little dudes, but effective zombies and aliens they do not make. So, if you’re ready to dig deep into some Wii games that offer some depth, some hard core gameplay and somewhere to go after getting one done, you’re in the right place. Yesterday, we looked at the Fire Emblem series. Today, we’re rushing to the…
Here’s another franchise I “discovered” by accident. I picked up Trauma Center: New Blood when I had to find a second game that cost $29.99 or more in order to get a free game at Toys ‘R’ Us, and because New Blood had co-op play, I thought it’d be fun for my wife and I to play together. I was right.
Trauma Center games involve hyperactive melodramas centered around a hospital’s fight against bio-terrorism. The story is revealed in static, manga-style cutscenes, and the action takes place on the operating table. You (or you and a partner) use the Wiimote and Nunchuck to perform numerous and varied operations—from resetting bones to removing tumors to zapping man-made cyborg viruses—racing against the clock all the while. Not to worry, though. The operations are presented in a stylized fashion that never looks real enough to gross you out. Blood is red, yes, but it never bursts or flows. It kind of just poofs out into little doilies.
A doily of death!
The Trauma Center games have a lot of exposition, despite the somewhat simple story. You’re a surgeon, and you perform operations. Yes, sure, you’ve got a special power (the “healing touch”) and there are mutant bio-terrorist viruses threatening the world and you’re in love with this person and that person’s dad is doing whatever and this person may not be trusted but, in the end, the game’s all about the operations. Select your tool with the Nunchuck, use it with the Wiimote. Next step.
Is it hardcore?
Good God, is it hardcore. Check the video below. Even on easy mode, some of these operations are quite difficult to complete as you race against the clock and the falling vitals. But you’re ranked at the end of each operation, and even if you don’t do well, you get to move on as long as the patient lives. You can go back at any time to try to improve your score, but there’s really no point. I suppose you can use the practice to justify telling your mom you want the game because you want to become a doctor. She’ll never know it’s really just because it’s a blast to play. Although…the tense action of co-op has been known to destroy relationships. Don’t risk playing this game with your significant other unless your CDs are clearly labelled and you haven’t purchased any furniture or electronics equipment together.
How deep does it go?
Trauma Center is Nintendo only, and two games are currently available for the Wii: New Blood and Second Opinion. Both are quite easy to find for around $20 to $30. Second Opinion is a Wii remake of Under the Knife for the DS, and it’s a much better version, so you don’t need the DS for that. However, the sequel to Second Opinion, Under the Knife II, is DS only. Note that New Blood is a completely separate story (and currently the only game to feature co-op play), and that a new Wii game, Trauma Team is currently in development for a 2010 release. Confused? Do it this way:
Find and play Trauma Center: Second Opinion for the Wii. If you have a DS, then pick up Trauma Center: Under the Knife II. After you’re done with that, move on to Trauma Center: New Blood. The improvements in each are substantial, so it’s best to start at the beginning here. If you’re pretty sure you’re only going to go with one, or if co-op play is a must, just stick with New Blood and get it done before Trauma Team comes out next year.
Next Up: Let’s just say real bounty hunters don’t have TV shows and don’t fall into sarlacc pits.
Read [Fire Emblem]
Top Five Hardcore Wii Franchises:
Series Introduction
#5: Fire Emblem
#4: Trauma Center
#3: Metroid
#2: The Legend of Zelda
#1: Resident Evil
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