
So you've heard of Donkey Kong and Pac Man, but if you're a little weak in the ways of 3d graphics and accelerometers, Wii've got you covered (sorry, couldn't resist a good pun). We'll break down Nintendo's newest console, and explain exactly who should buy it, who should steer clear, and mention some of our favorite game picks once you've picked up the console.
While other game consoles strive for high-end super realistic graphics, the Nintendo Wii takes a different approach, instead opting for the most unique control style we've seen to date. The Wii's controllers (called Wii Remotes) use a combination of an accelerometer and an infrared bar placed near the TV to translate the remote's movement into on-screen gameplay action. The unique gameplay mechanics mean the Wii games tend to feel more intuitive than previous game consoles, and don't require as much learning on the part of the game player.
To showcase the motion sensitive controls, the Wii comes with a bundled game called Wii Sports. The game takes players through extremely basic iterations of bowling, golf, boxing, baseball and tennis. While none of the games have much depth to them, the barebones nature of the games, coupled with the virtually non-existent learning curve, make Wii Sports a popular title past the first purchase. Adults and kids alike find Wii Sports as an addictive party game, and while the game doesn't tend to hold the in-depth interest of hardcore gamers, picking up and playing Wii sports occasionally is a blast.
Mainstream audiences have probably heard of Wii Sports, but if they're looking for another game to pick up, we have a couple recommendations. Wario Ware, our first recommendation, is an extremely hyperactive romp through a plethora of three to five second mini games. Players are instructed to hold the Wii Remote in a variety of poses, and then with virtually no instruction, are asked to complete a one word task like "shake," "push," or "pick." The user then attempts to complete the task to the best of their ability. It's an extremely quirky game, but very fun to play with friends.
While Wario Ware will keep you laughing, Wii Fit will keep you in shape. Instead of a hyper-active ADHD inducing game, Wii Fit is the exact opposite, emphasizing physical fitness through a variety of activities. Players stand atop the included balance board, and the game tracks a user's weight (and weight loss,) measures balance in doing yoga poses, and the balance board is also the main way of playing mini games like hoola hooping or blocking soccer balls. At $90, it's more expensive than a standard Wii game, but it's an extremely unique way of playing games that we've enjoyed.
Lastly, you can't mention Nintendo without mentioning Joe Plumber from Ohio that plumber from Brooklyn. Mario is back on the scene with Super Mario Galaxy, and it is an extremely enjoyable game. This time around, the game play moves from the Mushroom Kingdom to outer space, where (shocker!) Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach. The real fun of the game comes from the innovative gameplay mechanics and control schemes that take place in space. Mario rockets from planet to planet, galaxy to galaxy, collecting items that help further his quest. While the game feels innovative and new, people who've played Mario games like Mario 64 will feel at home.
The three titles we've mentioned are some of the WIi's best games, and that's where the Wii's weakpoint lies. Game titles on the system aren't exactly targeted toward traditional "hardcore" gamer. Looking for cinematic games that draw you in with an extremely compelling story? You might want to look elsewhere. Game publishers have learned that they can't simply port games to the Wii, slap on motion controls, and expect them to sell. Instead, Wii games are best when individually developed from start to finish. With the Wii's underpowered hardware, the development process isn't as long nor expensive as other game consoles, but the amount of unique ideas that need to be implemented when creating games makes some developers think twice about creating in-depth games. Instead, the Wii is littered with titles that can be picked up and played, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. However, there are a few notable exceptions like UbiSoft's No More Heroes, that take an innovative approach to hardcore gaming.
So who should buy the Wii? People who haven't ever played video games should definitely give the Wii a look. Its innovative interface makes most Wii games enjoyable, if not extremely fun. Gamers used to more traditional controls and more traditional games might want to think twice. Games like Grand Theft Auto and Metal Gear Solid probably won't head to the Wii, but who says you have to have just one console? Parents looking to pick up a family friendly console with kid-friendly and kid-popular titles should definitely give the Wii a look.
Think we're totally wrong? Think we're totally right? Let us know in the comments your game recommendations for Wii, and who you know that really loves playing with Nintendo's latest console.





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Comments (7)
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Jordan Running
(1:15 PM on Fri Oct 17, 2008)
I love the Wii because it has so many great "party game" titles. Wario Ware allows, what, eight players at a time? Awesome for parties. Mario Kart is great fun, too, and video game newbies love the wheel. Also, Rock Band.
Randall Bennett
(1:19 PM on Fri Oct 17, 2008)
I love Mario Kart, should have added that to the list. Great point!
rednikki
(1:21 PM on Fri Oct 17, 2008)
Add Mario Kart and Rayman's Raving Rabbids to the list. Those are our two favorite Wii games. Mario Kart is manic fun that really leverages the unique nature of the Wiimote, and Rayman's Raving Rabbids is surreal and entertaining (and also leverages the Wii for all it's worth).
Ryan Scheuermann 2
(10:23 PM on Fri Oct 17, 2008)
Believe it or not, my mother actually owns a Wii, and not just for when us boys come over. She never played video games when we were growing up, and she always had difficult watching us play 1st person shooters (due to the fast 3D world movement). When she told me she bought a Wii, I was very shocked. Maybe it was a mid-life crisis?
I wouldn't call her a hardcore gamer, but she did manage to beat Guitar Hero on Medium difficulty. She also owns the Wii Fit (loves it!) and the Mario Kart w/ wheel. And definitely agree with rednikki, Rayman's Rabbids is always a favorite when we're all at the house. I feel like Nintendo really did well concentrating on unique gameplay vs. more realistic graphics.
bobby chung (5:17 PM on Wed Nov 5, 2008)
go for the ps3 but the wii is awesome
Stephen Schenck (11:36 PM on Wed Nov 5, 2008)
I really can't get on board with the Wii. Building a game system around a new controller seems like a step backwards in console design, especially considering the lackluster hardware upgrade from the GameCube, a slap in the face to developers used to writing for PS3, PC, and XB360 specs. I totally get the appeal, but I think Nintendo made a big mistake in not either making the Wii a cheap hardware add-on to the GC, or building a console able to take on the others in terms of processing power.
Randall Bennett
(7:23 AM on Thu Nov 6, 2008)
Tell that to the millions of consoles sold, and the hardware shortages.