Top 5: Multiplayer Experiences
by Kaes Delgrego 
{ Nov 3rd 2008 at 1:37PM }
As someone who writes on the Internets, I do a lot of reading as well. As just about any successful author will advise, if I want to be a better writer then I should be reading as much as possible. Thus, I tend to spend a good amount of time scouring the gaming websites and reading commentary from just about anyone. I wouldn't insult anyone by pointing out flaws in their work (as I'm host to many of my own), but it is sufficient to say that there is great diversity in the quality and other general attributes of gaming commentary. One source that I do consistently enjoy comes from GoNintendo's head honcho, known as RawmeatCowboy. Equal parts Nintendo fan and beard enthusiast, RMC has a passion for gaming unmatched by nearly anyone else in the entire industry. Whereas some journalists and commentators may give off an impression of jaded cynicism, this particular blogger is a bundle of video game-loving joy. Though he's not quite the wordsmith of a Jerry Holkins, his joy and optimism transcend any potential criticism. And after all, that should be the reason we play video games: for happiness.
Stepping away from worshipping his shrine, I'll get back on target. In a recent post, RMC discusses offline multiplayer via a get-together involving several friends of his trying out Guitar Hero: World Tour. He states that multiplayer is more enjoyable in person than online, and I find it difficult to disagree. That is not to say that online multiplayer is garbage; quite the opposite is true. Aside from the obvious pragmatics of not always being able to round up a few friends to play a game you enjoy, there's the global aspect behind online gaming. Though I've been battling people online via chess years before any major console had such capabilities, the enormous power of the technology didn't register with me until very recently. As I was connecting to an online race in Mario Kart Wii, the identification of racers on the globe really hit home. Realizing that I was simultaneously connecting with individuals from Japan, China, Germany, and England was strangely beautiful.
Despite the fascinating global implications of such connections, I remain a bit of a luddite in that I don't think there's anything better than having your friends in the same room with you while fighting with or against each other. Here's the Top 5 ways we recommend that you enjoy such opportunities.
The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up. 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ferco @ Nov 3rd 2008 1:57PM
"...via a get-together involving several friends of his trying out Guitar Hero: On Tour". Should that be Guitar Hero World Tour?
Kaes Delgrego @ Nov 3rd 2008 2:02PM
D'oh! Look at that; it was just a few sentences after I said "as I'm host to many of my own [mistakes]." Perhaps it was destiny.
Thanks for the heads up! :)
Mr Khan @ Nov 3rd 2008 2:01PM
Really? RMC seems decidedly bitter as of late
Though with the industry in the happily divisive state its in, the onus of which is on Nintendo, i can see why
Though i agree with Mario Kart being #1. The formula endures, and can be adapted to be as casual or hardcore as you like, with Mario Kart Wii's ballooning sales a sure reminder of that
Nigeria @ Nov 3rd 2008 2:03PM
There's a lack of Marvel Vs Capcom/Fighters Megamix on this list. Then again, those weren't on any Nintendo system.
Yes, Mario Kart is truly an egalitarian game. When someone condemns my cheapness for sneaking 1st place after throwing a blue shell, I'll be sure to quote something from the Four Movements - or at least try to.
I throw a blue shell
Nigeria @ Nov 3rd 2008 2:06PM
"I throw a blue shell"
Editing midsentence FTL.
That's exactly the same phrase my cousin says after one of her aerial assaults.
Xoviet chiK @ Nov 3rd 2008 2:19PM
Needs more Conker's Bad Fur Day. The Beach FTW!
Kaes Delgrego @ Nov 3rd 2008 4:55PM
You know, I loved the multiplayer in Conker's Bad Fur Day, yet whenever I tried to get friends involved, they always said "This is stupid. Let's play Goldeneye or Smash Bros." I guess we're of a dying breed, Xoviet chiK. :)
ejamer @ Nov 3rd 2008 2:43PM
Regarding shooters on the Wii, you forgot Medal of Honor Heroes 2 - one of the best FPS games for the system (although there really isn't much competition yet) and proof that online multiplayer deathmatches can work just fine on Wii.
Kaes Delgrego @ Nov 3rd 2008 4:57PM
I haven't tried that, but I've heard mixed reactions. The general idea seems to be that it's acceptable simply because there are so few FPS options available. If you think it's good, then perhaps I'll have to give it a shot. Thanks! :)
Kevin Cassidy @ Nov 3rd 2008 4:43PM
Uh-oh, do I sound bitter?! I have been getting less sleep lately!
Just wanted to pop in and say thank-you for the kind words above. I really do appreciate it. Let me tell you, I feel the same way about the DSF crew. You guys definitely craft articles a bit better than I do. Me not so gud with words.
Thanks again, it means a lot to read something like that.
Kaes Delgrego @ Nov 3rd 2008 5:00PM
Thanks so much for checking out this column / our site! Keep up the great work. :)
Mr Khan @ Nov 3rd 2008 5:02PM
Just as a general reaction to the many horrors plaguing the world of Nintendo as of late. The haters, the FUD, the shovelware, and all the other stuff could put a lot of pressure on a true fan
Kevin Cassidy @ Nov 3rd 2008 5:06PM
That's why I keep the beard. It shields me from 95% of the atrocities.
Kevin Cassidy @ Nov 3rd 2008 4:47PM
Hmmm...my sentence originally included NWF/DSF. I guess something got borked while I was typing. I told you I wasn't good with sentences!
esposch @ Nov 3rd 2008 4:52PM
To make a long story short, I disagree with your list, especially Goldeneye and Guitar Hero, but that's just my opinion.
What I really disagree with is these "Top 5/Top 10" things. They are just lazy journalism and not really news that we care about.
~Esposch
Kaes Delgrego @ Nov 3rd 2008 5:05PM
Thanks for your honesty, Esposch. I wouldn't quite call what I do "journalism." I think "commentary" or "op-ed" would be more appropriate. I understand that there's a ridiculous amount of "Top 5 / Top 10 / Top X" lists out there, and it can get a bit annoying. My main goal with this column is to get you guys talking and see what everyone thinks about this enormous hobby we all share. In fact, my favorite part is when you guys disagree with what I've said.
Still, sorry that you don't quite dig this column. I guess I'll have to try a bit harder to get your (and likely others') approval. Either way, thanks for reading!
Giggity @ Nov 3rd 2008 5:00PM
DOKAPON KINGDOM (best multi-player ever)
it released about two weeks ago. and it's pure gold! there aren't very many people who know about it but those that do, love it! get 4 people together and you will have a blast! unless you're the one who always get their hairstyle changed to 'poo' and name changed to 'asscakes!'
Kaes Delgrego @ Nov 3rd 2008 5:06PM
Thanks for the suggestion, Giggity (or should I say "aalllll riiiight"). I'll have to check it out! :)
Dopple Boppler @ Nov 3rd 2008 6:20PM
As much as I love all the games listed, there's always been one game that my friends and I can never get enough of, but I've never seen or heard anyone except us talk about it - Bungie Buddies in WarioWare: Smooth Moves.
For the uninitiated, it's a game where you stand next to each other, one person holding the nunchuk and the other holding the Wiimote, and you have to physically jump to get over obstacles, such as mud and manholes, while also jumping at the right time to grab the magical floating cake that lets you soar into the heavens for a few seconds. It sounds ridiculously simple, and in fact it is, but for some reason whenever we play that we go at it for literally hours on end; it's just a transcendental experience for my group of friends and I, I guess.
But seriously, WarioWare's multiplayer screams to be checked out, even the modes aside from Bungie Buddies.
CJLopez @ Nov 4th 2008 12:24AM
i was just about to threw you a blue shell for not listing MK till i got to the first place.
But really, i liked more perfect dark than goldeneye
sxz @ Nov 9th 2008 5:23AM
MarioKart 64 was a big awesome, for a long time. But it got too easy. My flatmate and I made up a new game - TPC. Third Place Challange. Whoever comes third place in a race wins, whoever gets the most 3rd's in a series wins.
Its real awesome, cos you have to slow down lots and its really tactical using the items. Try it, it'll give some life to the game