Two Weeks with a Wii
- Posted at: 11:11 am
- Filed in: Entertainment
I’ve had a Nintendo Wii for about two weeks now and thought I would share some of my thoughts on this year’s big holiday gift.
The Interface
The Wii interface is clean and very simple to get around. When you turn on your console, you will be treated to the Wii Channels interface. Wii Channels are a series of icons designed to look like various TV stations. It features lots of ginormous aqua-like buttons — I’m guessing to help make aiming and getting around with the remote as easy as possible. It is a little overly cutesy, in my opinion, but Nintendo has always seemed to like that look.
The Controller
A lot has been said about Nintendo’s design for the new controller of the Wii. The Wiimote controller itself is comfortable to hold and is very sensitive to your movements. The speaker in the controller is also a nice touch. The controller should open up a world of opportunities to video game developers, but it will be interesting to see how many really try to take advantage of the Wii’s unique controller. If developers don’t fully embrace the Wiimote controller and optional Nunchuck Controller they both could become just another gimmick from Nintendo. Remember the Powerglove, and R.O.B?
The Games
This is really where the Wii shines, which is exactly where it should. Wii Sports, which comes bundled with the Wii is a compilation of five games that are all simple, intuitive and fun. Tennis, Bowling, and Baseball really stand out here. I’ve developed quite a nagging case of Wii elbow from marathon tennis sessions with friends. There really is nothing more ridiculous than seeing a room full of adults laughing and flailing around playing virtual sports. Wii Sports seems to have succeeded in it’s goal of sucking in even the non-gamer. This is the only game I’ve ever had that my mother, and even grandmother actually wanted to play and really enjoyed.
As for the other games I’ve played on the Wii, Excite Truck is so-so, and Zelda is…well…amazing! It is by far the best Zelda since Ocarina of Time, but don’t take my word for it check out what IGN had to say. The current Wii games won’t rock your world graphically, but are definitely fun and that is what it is all about in the end.
Good review! I am still in searching of a Wii console system.
What? no screeny ?
I am still waiting for Wii to available in my Country.
Living in England, the Wii has only been available for just over 10 hours. My brother had already bought one and was home by 12:20 this morning, not bad going to say it takes 10 minutes to get to the nearest games retailer.
I got up this morning and although I should have been getting ready for work, I couldn’t resist a quick go. I too played Wii Sports and I was blown away. The boxing is nothing but hilarious. Having a little version of yourself getting bopped in the ring, to me, is just funny.
The graphics aren’t great when you put it up against the Xbox 360 but the interaction between the controller and the onscreen action makes it truly revolutionary. I’ve seen demos so I had a basic idea of how you control the onscreen characters, but I really think Nintendo have hit the nail on the head with this because I reckon my Mum will be able to get the hang of it (and she can’t even work out how to control the mouse on a computer).
If you had any doubts, I assure you, you’ll be impressed and it’s well worth the money…
yeah I played the wii with my 83 year old grandfather. I also have wii arm from playing 4 player tennis with my 50 year old Dad who seems to be addicted.
That’s only a pity to see such a high price for every wii accessories…
Haha, my aunt received a Wii for Christmas. She’s absolutely obsessed with the thing (and about 50 years old)
LOL DAVE …Wiiarm what a great word! I had the same experoence. I am still sore from playing 3 hours 2 nights ago. I am terribly out of shape though. I think the Wii is a great way to get in shape if you can stay interested!
PS Great review Chris. Seems right on the money.