The Wii’s So Fun, It’s A Spectator Sport
One could argue that the Nintendo Wii was the underdog in the next-generation console battle that was waged this holiday season; it was almost guaranteed to be beaten by more expensive systems. And, like any great underdog story, the Wii came out on top, due to its innovative gameplay and wide range of appeal.
Recently, Nintendo held a media event and cocktail party at the SoHo Grand in Manhattan, giving demonstrations on new and recently released games. Included in the demonstration were "Wii Play," "WarioWare: Smooth Moves" and "Mario Party 8" for the Wii and "Wario: Master of Disguise" for the Nintendo DS.
"Wii Play" (MSRP: $49.99) is the logical successor to the popular "Wii Sports," the game that comes bundled with the system. Like "Wii Sports," "Wii Play" is a collection of nine mini-games: "Billiards," a modified version of nine-ball with a fantastic physics engine backing it up; "Fishing;" "Laser Hockey;" "Tanks!;" "Find Mii," a "Where's Waldo?" clone using the Miis you've created for yourself and your friends; "Table Tennis;" "Pose Mii;" and the cow-racing, scarecrow-smashing "Charge!" -- which is arguably the most addictive game in the title.
Much like "Wii Sports," the games are easy to play, with an instruction screen detailing how to operate the Wii Remote prior to starting the game. The inclusion of the Wii Remote is an added bonus to "Wii Play" -- the remote alone would cost you $39.99, so it's a great deal.
"WarioWare: Smooth Moves" (MSRP: $49.99) is the newest game in the "WarioWare" series that began in 2003. Like its predecessors, "Smooth Moves" features a collection of mini-games that are themselves a series of mini-game; each lasts about five to ten seconds. Part of the appeal of "Smooth Moves" is that the game is as much fun to as it is to watch -- the variety of moves required ranges from the silly to the absolutely ridiculous, and a fun time can be had by all.
Another Nintendo legacy game is "Mario Party 8" (MSRP: $49.99), the latest in the line of "Mario Party" games. Due to hit the shelves June 30, this latest addition continues the tradition of multiplayer action while adding the motion-sensing Wii Remote to the challenge, leading to more engaging gameplay. The mini-games include activities such as competing in a rowboat race or shaking up a can of soda.
"Wario: Master of Disguise" (MSRP: $29.99) was released March 6 for the Nintendo DS. The concept behind the game was quite simple: While watching TV one night, Wario stumbles upon a show about a master thief who uses various costumes to grant him powers so he can collect treasure. Intrigued by the idea, Wario transports himself into the show, takes control of both the program and the thief's "quick-change wand," and begins to break into various locations to score as much loot as he possibly can. Like many DS games, "Master of Disguise" makes good use of the handheld's dual screens -- you can use the bottom touch screen to draw a costume on Wario using a few simple strokes, while the top screen displays the menu and a how-to guide. Getting used to the gameplay involved in changing Wario's costume takes a while, but once you get the hang of it you'll likely have a hard time putting it down.
The wide array of games presented was a testament to the power and growth potential of the Wii. And, unlike the more expensive next-generation systems, the Wii is simple enough for anyone to play, with games that will challenge and amuse any player regardless or age or gaming experience. Nintendo has bounced back from the disappointing GameCube with its newest batch of stellar games -- a trend that indicates the Wii is here to stay.
(Originally published 3/14/07 by UWire.com)