So, it looks like Nintendo finally got the memo from a few years back and realized that demo’s drive game sales.  The problem with the WiiWare service has always been that as a consumer, you were blindly buying games.  It’s really been a shame to see so many people overlook some of the gems on WiiWare, like my favorite title, NyxQuest.  While it’s good that we can now try out a few games for free, it kinda sucks that it is limited to only a few titles.  There are a few drawbacks to the demos seeing as Europe and Australia do not have World of Goo or Pokemon Rumble (as of now), and the demos will only be available from now through Jan. 31, 2010.  While this may seem a bit underwhelming, I think it is a step in the right direction, and I hope they don’t stop with just these few releases.  This is just a short list of the demos available now in North America, as well as their prices in Nintendo Points (for full game):

-Bit. Trip: Beat (600 pts. for full game)

-Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a Darklord (1,000 pts. for full game)

-NyxQuest: Kindred Spirits (1,000 pts for full game)

-Pokemon Rumble (1,500 pts. for full game)

-World of Goo (1,500 pts. for full game)

This game needs to be in your collection!

So now that I got all the info about the downloads done, what are my picks for games you should check out?  First and foremost, NyxQuest is fantastic and totally worth the ten bucks.   Just a little time with the demo, and you will be hooked.  Unfortunately, the full game will only take you 3-5 hours to collect everything, but it’s like a nice,  healthy meal…short, sweet, and satisfying.  I like a game that doesn’t overstay it’s welcome or beat a dead horse, so be sure to give NyxQuest a download.  World of Goo is another fun game if you are into puzzles, and the quirky sense of humor will put a smile on anybodies face.   My last pick would have to be…Bit. Trip: Beat.  BTB has a unique control scheme (reminiscent of Pong), in which you must hit squares that go along with the music.  I hope as the weeks go on, we see more demo’s come out of the WiiWare service, so that people can realize there are some great games on the service.  “Word of mouth” has been really the only thing selling a lot of these titles, so it will be interesting to see a sudden spike in WiiWare sales in the coming weeks.

Other cool stuff: