Guest writer George Cook asks the eternal question: Do graphics really matter?

Do graphics really matter? Is sheer processing power the be-all and end-all of console gaming? Can the Wii compete with PS3 and Xbox 360? Is the Wii really just two GameCubes duct-taped together?

All very good questions (well, except maybe the duct-tape one!) But seriously, can such an underpowered system like the Wii compete with the big boys? Evidence obviously points to the fact that it is. It's a fact that the Wii cannot generate some of the graphical feats its competitors can, but with the right developer on board the Wii still has the capabilities to give you that "wow" factor. It's all to do with a little thing called artistic design. Case in point - Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.

Samus is a swinger.

Retro Studios have clearly lavished a lot of love on this title, and the care and attention given to it shines through. The controls, as expected, are intuitive - but the much vaunted controls do not make a great game � what makes this game so highly polished throughout and makes you forget the Wii's lack of raw horsepower is its overall design both artistically and technically.

To make the game as immersive as possible and put you inside Samus's helmet, the title has to bring a lot to the table. The first thing that struck me about the game was the exquisitely designed levels. You can just tell by the way the levels play out that a great deal of time and effort has gone into them. It's not just a case of getting from A to B. Retro have cleverly made exploration and discovery a key ingredient in the game and it's so rewarding � your journey lets the story unfold.

Attention to detail is another factor when it comes to absorbing yourself into Samus' world. For example, when using the scanning visor, Samus's eyes move to where you look � it's very subtle but just adds to the ambience of the game. You will also notice as Samus is being corrupted her reflection will change and you will start to notice veins of Phazon on her face! These are just a couple of examples, but the game is full of the small things which add to the player's immersion. You can really tell that for Retro Studios, this was a labour of love and a fitting end to the trilogy.

The game just oozes atmosphere. Ok, it might not be the most graphically proficient game, but it makes up for this in artistic design, lighting, effects, music and sound effects, that all give the game a sense of foreboding you really can appreciate. When games are designed this well, graphics are secondary � it's the atmosphere that draws you in.

Another example of artistic design compensating for the Wii's lack of oomph when compared to its competitors is Super Mario Galaxy. Nintendo of course are a force to be reckoned with when it comes to games development and with Galaxy, have taken the time and effort to polish this game in all departments until it shines brightly.

The level design in the game is extremely varied, with many secrets and rewards to uncover which encourages the player to explore them. The game can be completed with just 60 stars collected but almost every player will work towards collecting all 120 of them because the game demands it.

Virtually every review of this game has stated that this is the best graphics on a Wii game so far. The graphics may not be high def but artistically the game is a stunner. Crisp clear visuals with massive amounts of variety and imagination really draw the player into Mario's world. An orchestral soundtrack is the icing on the cake and shows that development time, creativity and knowledge of the hardware can produce a game which excels in all departments.

There are already a lot of reviews of this game out there but I think you will struggle to find any of them saying this could be done better on another system.

Furr effects to die for.

So yes, the Wii can compete with its rivals and still give you that "wow" factor, but it's down to the developers. Development studios who invest the time and artistic design in to their titles can make the Wii as capable as its competitors. But here is where the problem lies; these developers are few and far between. The hardware sales of the Wii have been too much of a lure for publishers who have been jumping on the bandwagon. Ports of existing games with some added waggle are simply not good enough. Incredibly, other developers are treating the Wii like a 3rd class system and only releasing some of their new titles on the PS3 and Xbox 360. For example, Assassin's Creed is coming out on PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and even DS! Why no Wii version?

My conclusion is that we need more developers on board � like Nintendo and Retro Studios � who have the knowledge and creativity to make the games as immersive as the Wii-mote demands. The Wii can compete with its rivals, but only if the right talent works on titles for it and builds games from the ground up to play to its strengths.

- George "Cookyman" Cook