Wii Game of the Year 2010 (by iNintendo Staff)

December 18, 2010, by iNintendo Staff - 2010 was easily the Wii's best year to date, with many high quality first and third party titles releasing on the console. The staffers at iNintendo have compiled a list of all the top-tier games released this year, spread them out into different categories, and voted for which they think was the best. What was the best Wii game of 2010?

Best Soundtrack

Winner: Super Mario Galaxy 2

The soundtrack in Super Mario Galaxy 2 is nothing short of fantastic. It's completely orchestrated, features remixes of old tunes from Super Mario World, and helps create a unique atmosphere for the title. Read the review.

Runner-up: Donkey Kong Country Returns

Best Graphics

Winner: Monster Hunter Tri

Monster Hunter Tri is a technical marvel on Wii. Not only are textures incredibly detailed, but the game runs at a silky smooth 60 frames per second and animations for the game's gargantuan monsters are scarily realistic. Read the review.

Runner-up: Kirby's Epic Yarn

Best Controls

Winner: Red Steel 2

Red Steel 2 was the first true Wii Motion Plus-centric game for Wii. Red Steel 2 takes place entirely in first person, and features outstanding gun controls and customization options. The best part about Red Steel 2's controls is the near 1:1 sword controls made possible with Wii Motion Plus. Any sword swing can be used in the game, creating intense and engaging battles for players.

Runner-up: Super Mario Galaxy 2

Most Replay Value

Winner: Monster Hunter Tri

Monster Hunter Tri has a ton of replay value in the form of the game's crafting system. Materials can be taken from the bodies of defeated monsters and used to create different pieces of armor and different types of weapons. The game also has the Wii's most expansive online multiplayer. I have over 200 hours on my file for Monster Hunter Tri. Read the review.

Runner-up: Call of Duty: Black Ops

Best 3D Platformer

Winner: Super Mario Galaxy 2

In a unanimous vote, Super Mario Galaxy 2 receives our best 3D platformer of 2010 award. Expanding on principals set by its predecessor, Super Mario Galaxy 2 is packed with incredibly fun and unique levels for players to take on, each one harder than the last. Read the review.

Runner-up: Nothing

Best 2D Platformer

Winner: Donkey Kong Country Returns

Developed by Retro Studios, Donkey Kong Country Returns is homage to classic game design of the SNES era. DKCR is a sequel of sorts to Donkey Kong Country 3, and features an entirely new set of baddies. The best part about the game is its brutal difficulty; I died 14 straight times on a single level. Read the review.

Runner-up: Kirby's Epic Yarn

Best Action/Adventure Game

Winner: No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle

No More Heroes 2 is an uncensored, ultra-violent romp through the twisted world of Santa Destroy. The series protagonist, Travis Touchdown, returns in No More Heroes 2 with revenge set on his mind. Developer Suda 51 removed many of the sub-par features of the first game, notably the sandbox world, and gave the visuals an extra level of polish.

Runner-up: Disney Epic Mickey

Best RPG

Winner: Monster Hunter Tri

Monster Hunter Tri isn't a conventional RPG like Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest, but the game has a leveling system in the form of equipment and giant monster to slay. Read the review.

Runner-up: Nothing

Best Shooter

Winner: Goldeneye 007

Goldeneye 007 isn't a remake of the original N64 title with the same name, but a re-imagining. Classic levels have been redesigned with new-school shooter elements in mind. Solid controls and fun online and offline multiplayer modes only sweeten the deal. Read the review.

Runner-up: Call of Duty: Black Ops

Best Fighting Game

Winner: Tatsunoko VS Capcom: Ultimate All Stars

Tatsunoko VS Capcom is the closest thing to Street Fighter IV that Wii owners are likely to receive from Capcom. However, Tatsunoko VS Capcom is an excellent arcade-style 2.5D fighter.

Runner-up: Nothing

Best Sports Game

Winner: NBA Jam

In an industry that sees yearly releases of Madden, FIFA, and various NBA games, NBA Jam is a welcome breath of fresh air. This arcade-style NBA title plays similarly to its 16-bit predecessors. It's a shame the Wii version lacks online multiplayer.

Runner-up: Madden NFL 11

Best WiiWare Game

Winner: Cave Story

When WiiWare was first announced, games like Cave Story was what I expected to release on the service regularly (instead we get sub-par family games that can be categorized as shovelware). Nevertheless, Cave Story is an excellent game. Players take control of a robot boy in an alternate world that plays just like a 2D Metroid game. Fans of Metroid will love Cave Story.

Runner-up: Fluidity

Best Wii Games Overall

Third Place: Donkey Kong Country Returns

Donkey Kong Country Returns isn't Retro's best work - that award goes to Metroid Prime - but that isn't a particularly bad thing, either. Returns takes everything gamers loved about the Donkey Kong Country series on the SNES and combines it with fresh ideas, some very challenging level design, and beautiful visuals. Read the review.

Second Place: Monster Hunter Tri

Monster Hunter Tri is one of the best Wii titles to date, featuring gorgeous visuals, deep character customization, and hundreds of hours of gameplay. With an incredibly robust online offering, Tri will keep players entertained for months or even years to come. Read the review.

First Place: Super Mario Galaxy 2

Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the definition of a perfect game. While the title runs on the same engine as its predecessor, Nintendo didn't just copy and paste. They upgraded every visual aspect of the game, added a beautiful orchestrated soundtrack, and incorporated level designs that weren't even close to being present in the first game. Only a few games have ever reached this status, the last one being The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 is well deserving of this crown. Read the review.