1,186 of 1,205 people found the following review helpful:
The Beginner's Guide
I'm going to aim this review at people who have never really played video games before or who have only had a passing interest, as I think there may be quite a lot of you who are considering, or actively trying your best in, purchasing a Wii. If you are a more experienced gamer, you may find another review more helpful.
108 of 123 people found the following review helpful:
As a 24 year old hardcore gamer...
The Wii console is simply not for me. No doubt it is fun and I can see why so many people like it, but I would say if like me you're aged between 16-30 and tend to play single-player or online multiplayer, avoid the Wii. For me there simply aren't enough games out or coming soon that appeal. Once the novelty wore off it's hardly been used.
I'm going to aim this review at people who have never really played video games before or who have only had a passing interest, as I think there may be quite a lot of you who are considering, or actively trying your best in, purchasing a Wii. If you are a more experienced gamer, you may find another review more helpful.
Basically you take the Wii home, get it out of the box, plug it into your TV and into the mains just like a DVD player, and then plug the 'sensor bar' into the Wii unit. You then place this same sensor either on top of or just underneath your television. The sensor bar is basically a long, slim grey piece of rectangular plastic with a cable running out to plug it into the Wii.
You then put some batteries into your 'Wii-mote' (Wii remote, included with the Wii console), and use it to turn the unit on. Of course, you're going to need a game to play. The Wii uses a disc format the same size and shape as a DVD; you just slot these into the unit. To get you started, Nintendo includes a game disc with the machine called 'Wii Sports'. This features Tennis, Baseball, Bowling, Golf and Boxing. To actually play the games, you'll have to go through a few menus. Just use the Wii-mote by simply pointing at a particular point on your TV screen and clicking the buttons (the Wii-mote is kind of half-way between a computer mouse and a TV remote - but so much more).
It's when you actually get into the game that the fun begins. You don't just sit there pressing a series of buttons like with most video game consoles. Yes, you will probably have to push or hold one or two buttons, but the real idea here is that you move the remote around, and the sensor bar (which I told you about earlier) does the rest. The sensor bar can tell the Wii the place on the television screen where you are pointing the remote - but it also tells the machine exactly *how* you move the remote. Basically, motion sensitivity! What this means is that to play golf you hold the remote like a golf club, and take a swing; and hey presto, your on-screen character hits the golf ball with just as much power, lift and spin as you put in. There is some very well developed technology at work here!
Tennis is much the same: swing the remote like you would a tennis racquet. In bowling you hold the remote as if it were a ball and 'throw' it (you don't actually let go of it!). Each different game makes subtly different use of the remote, and there are loads available to buy: from one called Zelda where you get to sword-fight using the remote; to Wii Play which features a number of fun games; and of course, Wii Fit...but that's another review.
I can testify that this is fun for everyone, from age 3 to 63 or older. Nintendo have been sorting out supply difficulties so it's generally now much easier to get your hands on one. If you are having difficulty, I would suggest checking out the Amazon Wii 'Customer Discussions' for helpful advice, just scroll down to under the reviews on this page. Good luck!
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It's rare to spend £200 and not to have a moment's regret, but the Wii has been the exception for me. From the moment I set it up, it's really earned its keep in our house. The kids love it and so do I. Here's why...
1. The included Wii Sports game is extraordinary, surely the best first person sports sim on any platform. The novel control method is utterly intuitive and I've never played a computer game requiring so much physical exertion.
2. The wireless network took seconds to configure. I wish my last laptop had been so easy.
3. With the addition of games like Wii Play, Mario Party and the like, my five-year-old can compete on equal terms with the older children and with adults.
4. I still want to play Wii Sports every day.
I recommend this console unhesitatingly.
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OK, so it's not a "serious" gaming machine. If I want to play Call Of Duty 3, I'll play it on my Xbox 360. If I want HD graphics, and an online multiplayer experience, then ditto.
But sometimes, you know the times, when all you want to do is have some fun, there is nothing like the Wii. The greatest thing about it, is of course, the control system, which completely levels the playing field, and rightly so. I'm a semi-serious gamer, but when I first played Wii Bowling with my 4-year old daughter, she kicked my ass. I had to learn how to bowl. When it came to Tennis, I had to time my swing, apply power, spin, loft, instead of "pressing A". When it came to Baseball, I had to perfect fastballs, pitching speed, time my swing, get the angle of the bat right. And this was just from playing 3 of the 5 Wii Sports games.
It's fun! Anyone can play! Anyone can be good at it, most are bad! More importantly, it brings the room together! Everyone wants to play this thing, people see it and want to have a go. How many video games consoles can you say that about?
Apart from the superb retail games (Wii Play and Warioware are highly recommended by the way), the Wii Shop channel allows you to download great games from Nintendo and Sega's past. So far I have bought Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr, Sonic, Altered Beast, Super Mario Brothers, Mario Kart 64 and Golden Axe, all games I loved as a child. I love the Xbox Live Arcade, but it's very hit and miss. The Wii Shop Channel is hit after hit.
We have found the Weather Channel extremely useful on numerous occasions, especially for 5-day forecasts. The News Channel is particularly informative and well presented. The Internet Channel is excellent, and saves us having to boot up the laptop or PC for quick enquiries. The Photo Channel is fun, if a little shallow (but it's all about fun, remember...)
Lastly, we come to the Mii Channel, which is one of the most addictive pastimes going. Creating Mii's will soon take over the world, I am sure of it. I have created everyone I know, they are all there, meandering around my Mii plaza, bumping into each other, each one exaggerated in their own special ways, and the fact that they pop up in and around your games is a great touch. FYI, I have now taken to creating famous people, which is kind of odd... My John Lennon is particularly impressive
It's not going to set the world on fire when it comes to graphics, but if you want a superb, fun, addictive, thoroughly enjoyable experience, that EVERYONE will love, then trust me, get one of these!
(If you can of course...)
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My brother-in-law got one at launch, and initially I was sceptical as to whether it was worth being 'bleeding edge'. I couldn't have been more wrong.
I don't have any particular allegiance to a console brand, but I do admire excellent execution of hardware and software.
In my opinion, if you're looking for state-of-the-art graphics, you're probably best plumping for a top-spec gaming PC. But if you want something that will change the way you interact with a game, then it would be worth checking out the Wii.
I would never have thought that I would see my mother-in-law enjoying herself playing a video game; PC, Playstation and Xbox games are typically targetted at boys (young and old). The supplied Wii Sports is designed to get you used to the Wii remote, but is excellent in itself.
The Wii is very compact and seems well made and sits nicely (even upright) on the bottom shelf of my TV stand. At the moment it is available only in an Apple Mac-like white, but I remember seeing promotional material of a version in black; and as 'black is back', I think it's only a matter of time before a black version becomes available (the PS3 is in black, as will be the soon-to-be-released Xbox 360 Elite). I think Nintendo will do the whole thing that they did with the DS handheld, i.e. launch in one colour, then release other colourways.
The Wii remote and nunchuk are also supplied (in white) and also seem to be well made. It shouldn't matter if you are left- or right- handed: considerately, the Wii remote isn't handedness-biased. You definitely must use the wrist strap, unless you want to see the remote flying into your TV screen/furniture/partner/dog/cat/etc after a vigorous throwing action. There were some initial concerns with the nylon lanyard of the wrist strap being too thin and flimsy, but I had reassurance from Nintendo Customer Service that there shouldn't be any problems as long as the strap is used in accordance with the instructions (anyway, because it's so hard to get hold of a console, when/if you do, you're likely to get the 'upgraded' strap supplied).
For multiplayer games you will need up to 3 additional sets of Wii remotes and nunchuks (which at RRP is almost as much as the console itself!). I bought another set of controllers for 2 player games with my better half, and those instances when we get together with my brother-in-law.
There are a good selection of games available for the Wii, and a number of soon-to-be-released Mario titles. But I challenge you to not load up Wii Sports every now and again for a quick game of tennis!
Definitely worth getting if you want a video console that will get everybody involved.
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The graphics may not be pretty by this generations standard but both the console & the Wii sports pack it's bundled with are the most fun any of us have had with games in years ( not only us but our 4 year old daughter & even her grandparents as well as various friends of ours & their kids ) .
The games are all fun & perfect for showing off what makes the Wii so different - when you swing a bat , club , raquet or bowl at the 10 pins for that matter , you really do the movements you would do in real life ( well very nearly :) ) Just make sure you're loved ones are stood well clear when you play . Boxing is great ( our favourite ) you really do have to go for it , controller holding fists swinging ( not pressing buttons actually swinging & jabbing your hands & moving your body ) . If you want to burn calories whilst playing a game this is great . Only real downside is is occasionally doesnt register the odd punch but this is isnt a frequent problem .
Oh and if you lay out for an extra Wiimote - controller ( and a second nunchuk contoller if you want to box your friends it's the only one of these games that uses it ) 2 player is an amazing blast of fun both swinging your arms like dervishes hoping your doing it slightly better than your friend is ( you can have the boxers & other sportsmen/women actually lokk like you ( sort of if you have imagination :) ) via the WiiMii system also fun & easy to do ) .
Edit - Would recommend buying some rechargable AA batteries + charger ( takes 2 at a time the nunchuk plugs into it & shares it's batteries ) for the Wiimote if you dont already have any ( we've found each pair lasts a few days of heavyish use .
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I bought this console specifically for using with a Wii Fit. I'm not really a huge computer games fan, and the last console I owned was the original PlayStation, waaaaay back in the day. I was pleasantly surprised by how much more advanced this is than that. The interactivity between the player and the game is great, and the way the remote is sensitive to movements in every dimension makes the Sports pack included with the console much more realistic.
I'm not really a fan of the golf, but that's just personal preference, but the other games are great. Boxing really works up a sweat!
The Wii Fit is also fantastic, so have a look at that, too. Completely addictive and I've not had a day off it since buying it ten days ago. I can really feel the difference, too. My "Wii Fit age" has reduced to 23 - not bad for a 30-yr-old, but I'm determined to get it even lower!
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Had many consoles over the years, played too many games to name, but nothing prepared me for the freshness of the Wii. The simplicity of the control system makes for lots of fun. Wii sports shows there is no need for complicated graphics if you have game play.
In the end that is what the Wii is all about, and isnt that why we buy these things. You can buy a PS3 (I have), a high end PC (guilty again), but graphics alone do not make a great game. Been able to box the tv or swing your vitual bat is simple and so much fun. I am never going to give up my PC, but I think it may see less of me.
The only down side is my arm hurts! and my cheeks will from the smiling.
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I bought my Nintendo Wii on launch day last year mainly due to the huge amount of hype that was surrounding the launch.
After unpacking it I began playing Wii Sports - the included game. This is huge amount of fun and is very good for people of all ages to play. I would recomend getting a second remote + nunchuck so you can play against somebody as this is were it is the most fun.
One year on and I am still playing this system (which is very good for me!) I still play Wii Sports occasionally (mainly when people come over) and many other games which have been released are also equally as fun.
I'm now going to rate the console based on some categories
1) Visuals
Despite this console not being high definition, the visuals are actually very good. We play it on both a 29" normal TV and a 32" wide screen LCD TV in both cases the graphics look clean, crisp and colourful. Navigating through the menu when you first turn on looks very good also.
2) Sound
The sound, as far as I know, is no different to any other console. It sounds great and the Wii has the added bonus of each remote having it's own mini speaker. That may sound like a gimmic but it is a useful feature when you are playing a game and hear appropriate sound effects coming out so close.
3) The games
Now as the Wii is cheaper to develop for, there have been some instances of 'shovelware' (they just shove it on) ignoring these games is a good idea so always check online reviews before buying games.
With that being said, there are many games on the wii that are every bit as good and better than the afforementioned WiiSports. There are games suitable for everybody here from nice family games such as 'Rayman's Ravin' Rabbits' to less family oriented games such as 'Resident Evil'.
The recently released Super Mario Galaxy showed the potential the Wii has graphically and has set a good example for future games to follow.
4) Set-up
Set up is very easy and most people should be able to do it in under a minute. The 3 cables you need to connect (power, tv and the sensor bar) are all colour coded so it is very straight forward.
It comes with both normal connections (phono plugs and a scart adapter) to connect to any TV set.
5) Wii Shop
The Wii shop uses the wireless internet feature to enable you to buy games for your wii. They are older games such as Sonic the Hedgehog (for the megadrive) or Mario 64 (for the Nintendo64) and cost around £5 each. They don't take long to download and you can be playing within a couple of minutes.
6) Other...
Other included features are a Photo slide show thing. This allows you to take the memory card out of your digital camera or mobile and have the photos displayed in a nice slide show on your TV set. This is a nice feature. You can also have your audio files on the card play out during the show.
Overall I am very happy with my Wii and would recomend most people get one. Almost anyone can play and even hard core gamers find that they enjoy the type of games available.
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I would like to address some of the criticisms I've read on other Amazon reviews.
1) There is a disabled lass that has body movement too restricted to use the Wii effectively. - Fair enough, this isn't for her, but for the majority who have full use of their arms, then this will not affect you.
2) The Graphics. - No, they're not great, and this is partly why I've only given 4 stars overall, but do we really need great graphics to make it seem realistic when Nintendo have given a different way of making the games more believable; we are instead included in the games.
3) Lack of games at launch. - Ok, there is nowhere near the number of existing titles for the Wii as for the XBOX360, but for now there is enough. There is Call of Duty for a war game. Red Steel for a Shoot'Em Up title. Sports have largely been addressed. A driving game (can't remember the name, don't have it), and there will be plenty more on the way.
4) Breaking Glass. - The Wiimote comes with a wrist strap, use it.
5) Direct Pointing at the screen being difficult. - Ok, I was dissapointed at first that if I aimed directly at a point on the TV, the pointer would be bellow where the controller was aimed; but you get used to this, and you adjust in a matter of minutes, really makes no difference.
Overall this is a truer meaning of next generation than the XBOX360 and the PS3. Think of it along the lines of mobile phones, 3g was the addition of a whole new feature rather than the improvement of an old feature. PS2 sold on graphics improvement, but it wasn't revolutionary, the N64, Saturn, and PS1 were the true creators of the graphics generation, as they moved to 3D, graphics is just a spec upgrade. The Wii, is the only one to revolutionise the way you play the game: I had got bored of consoles because I was tired of hitting a few buttons, but I have purchased the Wii, because I play as if i was in the game rather than an observer.
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Skipping beyond the obvious comparison between this generations console graphics I have to say that as a very proud owner of both the Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 the Wii certainly holds its own.
Packed into it's tiny cute diminutive shell is some awesome game play functions. This has been thought out clearly for the ageing/diminishing population in Japan and has been a success with the older traditionally non-gamers in Europe and the USA.
What it offers is a unique method of console interaction only ever so slightly experienced by the PC enthusiast and delivered this to mass market. There are many people out there who still struggle with the concept that they are controlling the character in video games and that is where the Wii breaks down barriers. You're much considered idiotic spasm when something goes horridly wrong in game play, actually translates to action within your game.
Online multiplayer is definitely lacking but this is not particularly needed since the Wii is intended to be interactive multiplayer with your friends present and not via proxy.
From the beauty of Zelda Twilight Princess to the enjoyable golfing action of Tiger Woods 07 this cute quirky console has won over a scientist/hardcore PC enthusiast and Half Life 2 gamer. Keep an eye out for Metroid Prime 3 Corruption, Nintendo's answer to Halo.
Lastly it is very difficult to compare consoles since they typically deliver different modes of game play to the end user. You as an individual decide what games you like. I have no time for slating one against another.
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