So I'm looking at the forthcoming WiiWare titles, and I'm actually getting extremely excited.

I have a definite weak spot for quickly entertaining games. I've spent many long nights in Joe's (HeyKidNiceRobot's) room playing Everyday Shooter, Flow, Pain, etc., etc. There's something about these simple independent games that really brings me back to the NES days. Offering the perfect blend of minimalistic learning curves and challenging game play, they really fit nicely into the casual gaming lifestyle. Also they are really fun while drunk!

So, as the owner of a Wii only, I haven't had much of a chance to sit down on my own and play these games. It's been a sad state of affairs. On May 12^th, my life will change. Thank you, Nintendo, for allowing me to feel like a cool kid and download cutesy games to impress my friends.

So, here's 5 that really pop to me:

Last Flight -

A movie came out a while ago called Flight of the Living Dead, basically zombies taking over a 757. I thought that was the pinnacle of mass transit monster movies. I was mistaken. Sure, zombies are cooler (just my opinion, man!) - but only vampires can offer that perfect bloody-explosion-from-a-stake-to-the-sternum visual. Mix that with what is said to be a point-and-click based adventure, and developer Nibris has already stolen my heart. Le sigh.

Okiraku Ping Pong -

Ping Pong is all about the blistering volleys, and who better to recreate that electronically than Arc System Works (Guilty Gear Series). If you've played any Guilty Gear, you know how wild things can get. You've got pong, you've got flashy graphics, and you've got crazy Japanese voice-overs that are the aural equivalent of a Starbucks Double Shot to your brain. Note: I don't think this has been officially confirmed as a US release.

Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles – My Life as a King -

First – dumb name, reminds me of a children's book or a bad children's' movie starring Billy Crystal. Otherwise, the idea sounds at least novel. Apparently it is a city-building sim set in the FF universe. I assume that I will be able to build a Chocobo stable, which would instantly win nostalgia points for taking me back to FF7 days. Really though, we all know that Square-Enix simply has to put the words “Final” and “Fantasy” onto something with a moogle and we will buy it. “Final Fantasy – A Moogle's Guide to the Dewey Decimal System” - I'm sold.

World of Goo -

Graphics that look like a Tim Burton animation and interesting puzzle mechanics. This is the type of game that makes me wonder if we are entering a golden age of gaming. I have a feeling this will be one of those games that epitomizes the creative advantages of independent game development.

Dr. Mario -

One of my favorite games from childhood – mostly because I hate germs and love matching primary colors. This could have just been re-released as a classic download, but the addition of online play and importing your very on Mii as an avatar help to bring some added value. I'm pretty sold on the Mii import, as I feel the Wii doesn't give me enough chances to use my ridiculous collection of pop culture icons. Doctor Admiral Ackbar has a nice ring to it.

Anyone else excited? What are you looking forward to?