The Nintendo Wii is the most inexpensive of the current generation of gaming consoles. It provides motion sensing controllers and 480p graphics. We tested the Wii before its launch day (I'm a game reviewer), and we had our own unit in our home the morning of launch day. Here are our findings.
The Wii is designed around a menu of "channels". There is of course the game-playing channel, where the Wii will play any Wii or GameCube game. Simply load the disc in and go. There is a Mii channel where you set up a profile and avatar to connect to all your game playing. The Photos channel lets you look at photos on your TV. Other channels for news, weather, and online shopping require an interent connection; the news and weather were not actually working at launch time.
The system does NOT have a regular network cable port, which both the PS3 and XBox 360 have. Instead, it works with built in wireless or with a USB network adapter. I am a firm proponent of wireless - less clutter! So I am thrilled that they offer wireless automatically. With the PS3, you have to pay extra for the 60 gig unit to get this built in. The XBox 360 requires extra hardware as well.
It's hard to generalize gameplay on any console - it really depends on what games you buy. That being said, the comes-with-it software of Sports is really quite fun and is about as basic as you can get. You swing at baseballs, lob tennis balls, bowl, box and play golf. A "fitness" mode puts you through a variety of tasks and then calculates your fitness age, sort of like how Brain Age keeps track of your mental age. If you did both every day, you could aim to be as fit mentally and physically as possible!
In a world where video games = couch potato, it really is quite amazing to have a game where it natively expects you to move and be active. You don't lounge back and gain pounds here while playing games. Boxing can be quite strenuous, jabbing, blocking and weaving in real life. Tennis involves quick reflexes and strong arm movements. Bowling might be the most relaxed of the sports, but even there you are standing, moving, swinging. You get your heart going at least a little, and get some exercise. My boyfriend had a sore arm after playing for a number of hours, in a good way, as he would from exercising.
The 480p resolution is certainly not high def 1080p like the other two systems. It's something you accept when you're paying such a low price for the console. But really, it's not that big a deal. I still play the old Zeldas and love them for their gameplay, even though you can't see the pores in Link's face. If they are going for the cartooney characters and environments, 480p is DVD quality and is quite good. If you really, really crave high definition super realism in your games, then the Wii might not be the best choice for you. However, if you're fine with playing games with a more impressionist / cartooney look to them, the 480p can show that quite nicely. For example, there aren't fans in the stands for baseball - there are colored blocks.
Nintendo has always been known as a "Kid's Console" - but I really do think with the Wii that they have become a "Family Console". It's not just kids who will enjoy this. Seniors can have fun bowling without knowing anything "Tricky" about how to use a video game unit. It's very intuitive. Moms can easily play with their kids, each with their own Wii profile. Adults having parties can have fun passing the controllers around. Family groups can share slideshows on the big screen while hanging out and drinking wine. Every person who has come over - from 8 to adult - has instantly understood and enjoyed the Wii, without much explanation at all.
With the price tag being so low, a gaming household that "needs" a higher end system can easily save up their money to get that XBox 360 or PS3 - and still be able to justify to get a Wii for the fun, casual gaming stuff to share with their non-gaming friends.
Well recommended! Since I own all three systems, and am playing all three wirelessly, feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.
================
Update: One year later, and the Wii is still going strong! It's really funny how many people said the Wii would bomb because it wasn't as good as the PS3 or 360 - and here we are a year later and the Wii is still the system that people are really wanting to get. Hospitals are getting Wiis for their patients to play with. Senior centers are getting Wiis for their residents to play games together with. I was just on a cruise ship and they had Wii tournaments going on every day! This is a fantastically fun system that we really enjoy playing with and that literally the whole family can have fun with. There are great games for kids, great games for teenagers, great games for adults. I am really very pleased with how the Wii has held up and the game set available for it.
Update 2: 2 years later! Our Wii is still adored in our household, used just as much as the PS3 and XBox 360. I was just at a bar and they had two Wiis set up for people to play with, and everybody loved them. This really is an "every person's gaming system".
I'm running out of space here, but my nintendo.bellaonline.com site has full articles on exactly what you get in this box, and what else you should buy so you have a full system to play with.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box
After buying my DS I loaded up on puzzle games and mystery games - all okay but nothing special. Then I saw the advert for the first Layton game and from day one I was hooked; great puzzles and such a compelling story line that towards the end it became like one of those good books you cannot put down - I had to finish it. And I am by no means a regular DS user as I rarely have the time; but this I made time for!
After trying other similar games such as Holmes and Mystery Case files - I still found no comparison so eagerly waited for this - and it was well worth the wait!
It began with the promise of a great story and I really like the fact that it quickly leads into the play for those familiar with the game, but also provides brief instruction for those for whom this is new! If you are familiar with the first story it helps in terms of some character recognition, but it is by no means a necessity!
Once again great puzzles of various different levels of complexity! Some are real challenges, some can be solved quickly but all are really fun which is what helps set this apart. But it is the story into which the puzzles are woven that really makes this game worth it! Its interesting, you want to solve the mystery and the combination of an adventure and puzzles is the factor that makes this a must have / cannot put down game!
Another bonus is that as you progress you can unlock puzzles that can be played any time without going into the story - this feature was really lacking in games such as Holmes which were a one time deal - reach the end and then you are done - whereas this offers game play when you have solved the mystery!
I had to shop several stores before I found this sitting on the shelf as it sold out quickly after its initial release! I can see why! This series is my favorite for DS -I look forward to playing more and more of this and the rest of the Layton games in the future!
After trying other similar games such as Holmes and Mystery Case files - I still found no comparison so eagerly waited for this - and it was well worth the wait!
It began with the promise of a great story and I really like the fact that it quickly leads into the play for those familiar with the game, but also provides brief instruction for those for whom this is new! If you are familiar with the first story it helps in terms of some character recognition, but it is by no means a necessity!
Once again great puzzles of various different levels of complexity! Some are real challenges, some can be solved quickly but all are really fun which is what helps set this apart. But it is the story into which the puzzles are woven that really makes this game worth it! Its interesting, you want to solve the mystery and the combination of an adventure and puzzles is the factor that makes this a must have / cannot put down game!
Another bonus is that as you progress you can unlock puzzles that can be played any time without going into the story - this feature was really lacking in games such as Holmes which were a one time deal - reach the end and then you are done - whereas this offers game play when you have solved the mystery!
I had to shop several stores before I found this sitting on the shelf as it sold out quickly after its initial release! I can see why! This series is my favorite for DS -I look forward to playing more and more of this and the rest of the Layton games in the future!
PlayStation 3 Dualshock 3 Wireless Controller
The Playstation 2's highly regarded DualShock 2 controller was considered by many to be the best videogame controller of all time. So when you've got a winning design there's no need to change anything. However, because of a legal battle with Immersion over rumble technology, Sony was forced to offer their Sixaxis controller without rumble. The Sixaxis had the same Dualshock design but it felt too lightweight and cheap. Thankfully the lawsuit has been settled and rumble has come back to the Playstation.
For the most part, the DualShock 3 is almost identical to its PS2 precessor. But it has all the features of the original Sixaxis controller in addition to rumble. The controller is still wireless, can be charged by plugging it into your PS3 (or PC), rumble is compatible with all PS1 and PS2 games, and the PS3 supports up to 7 controllers at the same time via bluetooth. Rumble in the DualShock 3 seems more responsive in regards to the location of its vibration depending on which side you get hit on during the games. I don't know if this is something in the design or if it's the developers doing it for the games but I welcome it.
All in all this is currently the best designed controller on the market right now. The PS2's DS2 was incredible so "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies here. I'll be enjoying rumble in my PS3 games from now on.
For the most part, the DualShock 3 is almost identical to its PS2 precessor. But it has all the features of the original Sixaxis controller in addition to rumble. The controller is still wireless, can be charged by plugging it into your PS3 (or PC), rumble is compatible with all PS1 and PS2 games, and the PS3 supports up to 7 controllers at the same time via bluetooth. Rumble in the DualShock 3 seems more responsive in regards to the location of its vibration depending on which side you get hit on during the games. I don't know if this is something in the design or if it's the developers doing it for the games but I welcome it.
All in all this is currently the best designed controller on the market right now. The PS2's DS2 was incredible so "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" applies here. I'll be enjoying rumble in my PS3 games from now on.
Batman: Arkham Asylum
For years and years, gamers (myself included) have played many different Batman video games and have only been let down time after time.
Now, Batman: Arkham Asylum IS that Batman game that you have always wanted to play.
It satisfies every part of you Batman desires and really gives you the feeling that you ARE Batman.
From the strength and power to the gadgets to the stealth and surprise you can bring toward your enemy, it is quite a marvel that a game developer finally got it right.
Thank you Rocksteady!
I do not want to give away any spoilers from the game so the plot is really basic and simple.
The Joker has taken total control over Arkham island and Batman needs to hunt him down to stop him, but not without going through many of Batman's familiar villians in the process.
Batman's gadgets come in handy often, most of the time you will be using his 'detective mode' which is built into the cowl and gives you the ability to see important items in the room and clues to lead you in the right direction.
There will be some moments where you find yourself just playing with all of Batman' gadgets for 10-15 minutes because there are so many of them to play with. (It feeds your inner dork so it's okay!)
Gameplay mechanics are solid and I have yet to find a defect in them or any glitches.
Fighting is very enjoyable, because you can be surrounded by 6-10 enemies and everytime an enemy is about to attack you hit the counter-attack button and continue to fight off all of them at once. Very fun.
The graphics are amazing and highly detailed like you would expect from a PS3.
Voice-over work is superb and Mark Hamill, as The Joker, really steals the show. If they gave out Oscars for Best Video Game Voice-Over Performance then Hamill would easily win it for this game!
All in all, Batman games have been so poor for so long, it is exciting to see a Batman game done right and this is worthy of a $60 purchase.
Go and get it and play it with the lights off in the dark with the sound blasting.
Now, Batman: Arkham Asylum IS that Batman game that you have always wanted to play.
It satisfies every part of you Batman desires and really gives you the feeling that you ARE Batman.
From the strength and power to the gadgets to the stealth and surprise you can bring toward your enemy, it is quite a marvel that a game developer finally got it right.
Thank you Rocksteady!
I do not want to give away any spoilers from the game so the plot is really basic and simple.
The Joker has taken total control over Arkham island and Batman needs to hunt him down to stop him, but not without going through many of Batman's familiar villians in the process.
Batman's gadgets come in handy often, most of the time you will be using his 'detective mode' which is built into the cowl and gives you the ability to see important items in the room and clues to lead you in the right direction.
There will be some moments where you find yourself just playing with all of Batman' gadgets for 10-15 minutes because there are so many of them to play with. (It feeds your inner dork so it's okay!)
Gameplay mechanics are solid and I have yet to find a defect in them or any glitches.
Fighting is very enjoyable, because you can be surrounded by 6-10 enemies and everytime an enemy is about to attack you hit the counter-attack button and continue to fight off all of them at once. Very fun.
The graphics are amazing and highly detailed like you would expect from a PS3.
Voice-over work is superb and Mark Hamill, as The Joker, really steals the show. If they gave out Oscars for Best Video Game Voice-Over Performance then Hamill would easily win it for this game!
All in all, Batman games have been so poor for so long, it is exciting to see a Batman game done right and this is worthy of a $60 purchase.
Go and get it and play it with the lights off in the dark with the sound blasting.
Wii MotionPlus
My honey and I got to experience the Wii Motion Plus when we were part of a fitness segment on the local news here in Austin. (I was in the orange shirt and jeans, Austinites!) We were able to try out new games coming out, the new remote, and fitness dvds and rate them for the show.
One of those games was Grand Slam tennis. On the Grand Slam tennis (and 2 other games for some reviewers) we were allowed to play it with the Wii motion plus and without for comparison. The ones who did the Tiger Woods compatible game thought that made the best difference. We mostly played Grand Slam tennis and Sports Resort for the newscast so I will start there.
WOW! Personally, I went into this segment thinking the addition of "more motion" seemed a little silly. (I was wrong) I originally thought my new wireless Wii remote was all I needed and had no need to for improvement.
Again, I will admit when I am wrong.
There was a huge difference when we played with the Wii Motion Plus (and it was a unanimous decision of all players who got to try out this new addition to the wii remote) that it's a positive movement in game play controls. Very positive. There are subtle nuances of movement that the original Wii remote simply was unable to pick up...even bends of the wrist and ways of gripping and other movements that aren't picked up at all until you try this control that completely changes what you can do during gameplay. It also made the tennis racket (ok, the Wii remote) FEEL more like a tennis racket via the length BUT mainly via how it truly pinpointed for my Wii character every movement I did so that I could make the ball do different things that would actually happen on a real tennis court. I can't imagine how far this will take gameplay on future wii games now that it can pick up so many more movements of the gamer!
Better yet? It offers a 1:1 response rate so you now have better game play via response time as well.
It completely takes you from your living room into the body of your Mii. And, as creepy as that may sound...it totally changes what you thought was the norm for gaming and actually makes it far more interesting.
For those who got to try out the Wii Sports Resort with the MotionPlus, it was a true test to see frisbee and sword fighting with this new remote. It picked up those bends of the wrist as you are about to throw a frisbee that otherwise would have been a mute action with the original remote...changing your wrist and moving the remote above your head or to your waist to throw...all were in total sync with the mii because of this. Swordfighting would have been entirely different if those wrist movements were eliminated that this remote allowed.
As far as realism, this seemed as much like a magic wand as it did a new controller. Things that didn't show up in game play when we used the "old school" remote with no motion plus attached suddenly came to life when we used the motion plus. It is quite the break-through, and quite the invention for us Wii game lovers who love to get moving with realism!
That said, there is a negative to keep in mind that I couldn't go without mentioning, as much as I adore this new remote. It works well on the games that we played MADE to go with this remote that we tried but should you not wish to purchase this remote, what happens with future games coming onto the horizon? It is my understanding that many will be produced that can ONLY be used with this remote in future games which may make this a piece you'll be required to have in order to play your Wii games properly at all....If so, that is a negative for those who don't want to foot the bill for a new controller. Also, could the extra sensitivity be TOO sensitive in some games? Just a thought...picking up every subtle nuance of movement...could that make some games more frustrating? We'll have to wait and see the comparison on how it works in comparison during MANY games rather than the handful we got to play with.
Update to this review as of today, June 8th: It looks as though many of the newer wii games compatible with this new attachment will INCLUDE one Wii motionplus when you order it, (good deal there) with the exception of Grand Slam tennis. (not sure why...I guess because of the earlier release date?) Therefore, if you only need one motionplus you may not need to order the attachment at all as it may be included with the compatible games such as Tiger Woods Gold or Sports Resort if you plan to purchase those. However, if you wish to play a partner but only want to purchase one of the compatible games or want the full experience of Grand Slam tennis that doesn't include the motionplus, THEN you'd need to order the motionplus separately.
CONCLUSION: This remote will bring your gameplay to a new horizon and better realism and response time at wharp speed. However, if you are not a fan or don't wish to have to purchase this new remote for partner game play or for grand slam, you may be out of luck in the future as new games are developed that may very well not work nearly as accurately without the motionplus. I also doubt it will continually be offered free with some games...So, for those, this is a negative development to be considered if you don't want your Wii to be "old school".
Best bet seems to buy one of the newer games being released that come with the wii motionplus, or buy a couple and you instantly get your game AND enough motionpluses to utilize partner play without having to buy one in addition to the games,
p.s. take about 10 minutes to get used to this thing. Just like the first time you used the regular wii or played any sport for the first time, let yourself get used to it and then you'll see it's power when you take it off and play a game without it! At first, I was so used to the old control that I really had to "learn" this one. Like going from a bicycle to a motorcyle. Takes a moment, but you sure go faster in the long run!
One of those games was Grand Slam tennis. On the Grand Slam tennis (and 2 other games for some reviewers) we were allowed to play it with the Wii motion plus and without for comparison. The ones who did the Tiger Woods compatible game thought that made the best difference. We mostly played Grand Slam tennis and Sports Resort for the newscast so I will start there.
WOW! Personally, I went into this segment thinking the addition of "more motion" seemed a little silly. (I was wrong) I originally thought my new wireless Wii remote was all I needed and had no need to for improvement.
Again, I will admit when I am wrong.
There was a huge difference when we played with the Wii Motion Plus (and it was a unanimous decision of all players who got to try out this new addition to the wii remote) that it's a positive movement in game play controls. Very positive. There are subtle nuances of movement that the original Wii remote simply was unable to pick up...even bends of the wrist and ways of gripping and other movements that aren't picked up at all until you try this control that completely changes what you can do during gameplay. It also made the tennis racket (ok, the Wii remote) FEEL more like a tennis racket via the length BUT mainly via how it truly pinpointed for my Wii character every movement I did so that I could make the ball do different things that would actually happen on a real tennis court. I can't imagine how far this will take gameplay on future wii games now that it can pick up so many more movements of the gamer!
Better yet? It offers a 1:1 response rate so you now have better game play via response time as well.
It completely takes you from your living room into the body of your Mii. And, as creepy as that may sound...it totally changes what you thought was the norm for gaming and actually makes it far more interesting.
For those who got to try out the Wii Sports Resort with the MotionPlus, it was a true test to see frisbee and sword fighting with this new remote. It picked up those bends of the wrist as you are about to throw a frisbee that otherwise would have been a mute action with the original remote...changing your wrist and moving the remote above your head or to your waist to throw...all were in total sync with the mii because of this. Swordfighting would have been entirely different if those wrist movements were eliminated that this remote allowed.
As far as realism, this seemed as much like a magic wand as it did a new controller. Things that didn't show up in game play when we used the "old school" remote with no motion plus attached suddenly came to life when we used the motion plus. It is quite the break-through, and quite the invention for us Wii game lovers who love to get moving with realism!
That said, there is a negative to keep in mind that I couldn't go without mentioning, as much as I adore this new remote. It works well on the games that we played MADE to go with this remote that we tried but should you not wish to purchase this remote, what happens with future games coming onto the horizon? It is my understanding that many will be produced that can ONLY be used with this remote in future games which may make this a piece you'll be required to have in order to play your Wii games properly at all....If so, that is a negative for those who don't want to foot the bill for a new controller. Also, could the extra sensitivity be TOO sensitive in some games? Just a thought...picking up every subtle nuance of movement...could that make some games more frustrating? We'll have to wait and see the comparison on how it works in comparison during MANY games rather than the handful we got to play with.
Update to this review as of today, June 8th: It looks as though many of the newer wii games compatible with this new attachment will INCLUDE one Wii motionplus when you order it, (good deal there) with the exception of Grand Slam tennis. (not sure why...I guess because of the earlier release date?) Therefore, if you only need one motionplus you may not need to order the attachment at all as it may be included with the compatible games such as Tiger Woods Gold or Sports Resort if you plan to purchase those. However, if you wish to play a partner but only want to purchase one of the compatible games or want the full experience of Grand Slam tennis that doesn't include the motionplus, THEN you'd need to order the motionplus separately.
CONCLUSION: This remote will bring your gameplay to a new horizon and better realism and response time at wharp speed. However, if you are not a fan or don't wish to have to purchase this new remote for partner game play or for grand slam, you may be out of luck in the future as new games are developed that may very well not work nearly as accurately without the motionplus. I also doubt it will continually be offered free with some games...So, for those, this is a negative development to be considered if you don't want your Wii to be "old school".
Best bet seems to buy one of the newer games being released that come with the wii motionplus, or buy a couple and you instantly get your game AND enough motionpluses to utilize partner play without having to buy one in addition to the games,
p.s. take about 10 minutes to get used to this thing. Just like the first time you used the regular wii or played any sport for the first time, let yourself get used to it and then you'll see it's power when you take it off and play a game without it! At first, I was so used to the old control that I really had to "learn" this one. Like going from a bicycle to a motorcyle. Takes a moment, but you sure go faster in the long run!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
