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 We've been evaluating the Nintendo Wii game console since
its release in November, and we are still very impressed with its
offerings. Truly a family affair, the Wii is fun out of the box. The
package comes with Wii Sports, a game that my children expected
(before its release) to be like other sports titles for
consoles--none of them are big fans of sports games. They were
wrong, happily--Wii Sports gets the whole family involved. Kids
actually "swing" their baseball bats (the remote), punch the air as
they box their opponent, bowl, and otherwise become totally
involved--physically, too.
Setting up the Wii is quite straightforward. A sensor bar is
placed above or below the TV, and this allows users to point their
remote at the screen in order to interact with the programs.
Essentially, it's much like a computer mouse--users point and click
rather than push arrow keys in order to navigate menus. The Wii
automatically detects wireless networks within range, so that part
of set-up is a snap. The Wii accepts Game Cube games as well as, of
course, Wii games in two different slots due to their difference in
size and format. The remote truly is intuitive. It doesn't take long
for kids to get the hang of it. A Nunchuk (also included in the box)
can be attached to the bottom of the remote and is necessary to play
Wii sports. Nintendo has recalled the thin wrist straps that shipped
with the earliest Wii releases, and newer shipments include a
thicker strap.
Kids create Mii characters or profiles of themselves, of friends,
and of other family members. The Mii is one's on-screen character or
identity, and can be customized with such features as hair color and
style, wardrobe, body shape, and so forth. The Mii are cute and fun,
although we found them to be rather limited in terms of
customization. One of the fun aspects of the Mii characters is the
fact that, for example, other Mii characters (like Mom or sister)
cheer on the current player as he or she bowls!
The Internet channel is currently available (it wasn't yet
available at the time of the official launch). This feature allows
users to surf the Internet on their TV, provided, of course, they
are wirelessly connected. The Forecast channel gives
around-the-world weather reports. The Photo channel allows users to
load photos into the Wii from an SD card, and then play around with
them on their TV (creating photo puzzles, for example). Users can
also "go shopping" on their Wii. Virtual console games can be
purchased using Wii points, which in turn can be purchased retail or
online on the Wii itself using a credit card. Other costs associated
with the Wii are batteries for the remote (some games use more
functions and therefore more batteries) and additional games, of
course. Although kids will have a great time with the console's Wii
Sports, they will want to enjoy more games on their new system.
It's delightful to watch our kids jump up and down and actually
work up a sweat as they play Wii Sports. The whole family can get
involved, creating their personalized avatars and joining in a game
of bowling or tennis. Our Rating:
A
more information:
For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Nintendo Wii
Reviewed: January 2007
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