Tag Archives: wii review

New Site Page: Game Reviews

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Posted by Rob on April 12, 2010 – 11:40 pm
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In an attempt to make my game reviews easier to find, I have put them all in one section. Now if you go to the “Game Reviews” page, you will see an alphabetical listing of all the full reviews, quick reviews, and demo reviews that I have done, broken down by system (PS3, PSN, Wii, and DS). You may see the same game listed twice, but that’s because I wrote a quick review, and later wrote up a full review for the same game, and can’t bring myself to get rid of my older posts.

Also, as a heads up, many of the Wii game reviews really stink. These were mostly done on my old blog (thejournalofronconnery), and I didn’t really have much of a professional feel back then. Thus, many of them will only be a few sentences long and contain no pictures. I also realized that as I went through all my game review posts,  some games I never reviewed that I should have (particularly Uncharted 2, Resistance 2, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Sacred 2), and that a lot of my Wii game reviews are way to short, and don’t do some of the great games any good (like Boom Blox, Ghost Squad, and Mario Strikers Charged.)

From now on I will update this page continously as I add new reviews, whether they be for new games or full updates of the games I only skimmed over.

Enjoy!

Wii First Impressions: New Super Mario Bros. Wii

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Posted by Rob on April 3, 2010 – 8:48 am
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Yeah, I will admit that it has been awhile since I turned on the ol’ Wii. But once I picked up New Super Mario Bros. Wii, I had reason to go back to the white console. Mario Bros. Wii is genious, much like its DS counterpart, in that it brings back the simplicity of old-school Mario platformers with some new twists and gorgeous graphics to make a truly awesome and fun game.

The game’s story is nothing new, and even harkens back to the days of Super Mario 3…Princess Peach is kidnapped by Bowser’s kids (all the guys from Mario 3, along with Bowser Jr.), and it’s up to Mario and friends to save the day. I say “and friends” because one of the best features of Mario Bros. Wii is the addition of co-op…up to four players can take part in the game AT THE SAME TIME! So think old school Mario platformer, but with four buddies being able to play together (as Mario, Luigi, and two toads.) Now I’m not as big a fan of the inclusion of toads, and I think it would have been cooler if they threw in Wario and Waluigi, or didn’t have the Princess kidnapped so she could be a playable character. Also, if the characters all had unique abilities a la Mario 2, it would have been cool too. But in the end, I can’t complain about a game that allows four friends to go platforming together.

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Wii Review: House of the Dead Overkill

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Posted by Rob on August 3, 2009 – 8:39 pm
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As those of my loyal readers know, I personally believe that some of the best Wii games are rail shooters. The Wiimote is just a really effecient device (especially when used in conjunction with the Nyko Perfect Shot), that is far more accurate than any console light gun. I really enjoyed House of the Dead 2 & 3 on the Wii, but it was a really difficult game. I could never beat it, even with Steve by my side. Also, there was no story to the game, which is due to the fact that it is a direct port of the arcade games. However, House of the Dead Overkill remedies both of these flaws, and throws you into a world you never thought you would see on the Wii. It is a very mature game for the Wii, with plenty of foul language, blood and gore, and also some really, REALLY freaky stuff (such as when the villain “returns” to his mother’s womb.) Steve and I had a blast rockin’ through it this weekend, and you and your friends will too.

HotD Overkill is a prequel to the HotD series, and as such, it has a story to go along with it. It is the story, and the movies that progress the story, that really sell the game. The game’s story mode itself is played like a cheesy “XXX” 70s horror movie. The two main characters are Agent G (from the other HotD games) and an African American named Issac Washington. Washington makes the game. Now I never use foul language on this site to be kid friendly and all, but Im gonna bypass that this one time just for this post. Washington plays off just like a crazy Samuel L.Jackson type, always yelling things like “motherfucker!” (he must say it over 100 times throughout the course of the game) and “Im gonna rip your mother fucking balls off!”. The banter between the two of them is truly classic and really sells the game. But its more than that also. The game “feels” like a cheesy movie. Aside from their one liners, there is also tons of ridiculous narration, and the stages are given very cheesy names like “Papa’s Palace of Pain” and “Scream Train.” It is by far one of the more enjoyable video game movies I have watched in a long time, simply because it brings along a very funny and cheesy story.

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So, to me, the story and production are the biggest selling points, and totally worth it. After playing it, it quickly became my favorite rail shooter on the Wii, replacing my long time favorite, Ghost Squad. But of course I know you want to know about gameplay. Well what do you think?! Its a rail shooter where you shoot up zombies!!!

Here is a side note: the game dialogue specifically states that the enemies are mutants and not zombies, but I will continue to use the word zombie because that what I feel they best resemble.

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Wii Review- Punch-Out

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Posted by Rob on July 30, 2009 – 11:00 pm
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Little Mac is back for Punch-Out for the Wii. It plays very similarly to the NES Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out, minus the insanely difficult Tyson. I say this because while the controls can be used via waggling the Wiimote andNunchuck (a la Wii Sports Boxing), the game does not feel right unless you’re using the classic controls…that is, you turn the Wiimote on its side and use the 1 and 2 button as you would use the A and B button on a NES controller. This gives you a sense of nostalgia as you enter to ring to tangle with the classics like Glass Joe and King Hippo, as well as some new comers.

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Wii- Zack & Wiki Review

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Posted by Rob on October 23, 2008 – 10:57 pm
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I tried this game once when I first snagged it, but felt it was very cartoony and simple, and quickly put it down about 1/2 hour into it. However, all I kept hearing about was how good it was, and that it wasnt a kids game, and blah blah blah. So about two weeks ago I picked it back up, and played it a bit more. It was then that I realized what a jewel this game is.

I think its very easy to compare it to Boom Blox. Both games have a very “kiddy” title and graphics, so at first glance it appears to be a children’s game. However, both games are actually complex puzzlers, and will leave you scratching your head in frustration. You play as Zack, a young pirate, who runs around with a golden robot monkey searching for treasure. Basically, you meet an undead pirate, and agree to help him rebuild his scattered body parts. Thus, each level is a huge puzzle, with multiple steps which must be completed in order to finish it and claim the next body part.

However, these steps require taking a step back and really examing the environment. Every action you take has a reaction, and sometimes these reactions can result in your death. For example, say theres a rope. If you cut it, a rock will fall on your head and crush you. Thus, you have to find a way to protect yourself before you cut the rope, so that you dont get crushed when you do cut it.

Since the puzzles are really tough at times, its nice that there is no time limit during each level. You can take your time exploring the environment and experimenting until you figure out the right process. The controls are also very simple. You use the Wiimote to control a cursor on screen. The cursor moves Zack around, and also interacts with objects. You then use the Wiimote to do the actions needed for that object. For example, you pull back on the Wiimote if you want to pull a lever, or make a scooping motion if youre using a shovel or scooping water.

This game is one of the definitive Wii games, simply based on its controls and fun factor. This game will keep you occupied for quite some time, and right now you can buy it really cheap in stores. I highly recommend spending the $10 and adding this bad boy to your game collection.

Wii- House of the Dead 2 & 3 Review

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Posted by Rob on September 1, 2008 – 10:53 am
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As you know, I love arcade shooters on the Wii. Thus, I love House of the Dead.

This is a great port of two classic arcade shooters. There is not much I can say about this game. Both HOD 2 and 3 are included on the one disc. Basically, you grab a pistol in HOD2 and a shotgun in HOD3 and just shoot the heck out of hordes of zombies and other creatures. There is nothing funner than blowing away zombies as far as I’m concerned. There is also a slew of additional features like the free play mode, where as you play you can unlock different abilities that can be used in game (additional ammo, more life, more damage, etc.)

BUY THIS GAME!!!

Wii-Ninja Reflex Review

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Posted by Rob on September 1, 2008 – 10:50 am
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This game was alright. Its just a slew of mini games. There are six general categories ( katana, nunchuck, shuriken, firefly catching, fly catching, and fish catching). At each belt rank, you can do several mini games in each category. Once they are done, you can attempt a belt test, in which you must complete one mini game from three different random categories. Also, there is a multiplayer mode where you and friends can compete for high scores.

The game was alright. Many of the games were lame, espicially the firefly one. All you do is stare at the screen until it lights up, and then hit A. Very lame. The biggest problem I had was with the nunchuck games. You have to swing the Wiimote in a figure-eight pattern to simulate twirling a nunchuck. You must then strike out by slashing with the Wiimote, and then quickly return to the pattern before it gets messed up. There are two problems I had with the nunchuck. First, it would frequently say I was twirling too fast, and the mini game would end. Other times, as I twirled it, it would register as a strike, which totally messes the game up.

All in all, this is a lame party game. The concept was good, but the mini games were very lacking. I wouldn’t suggest renting this unless you and some friends are very curious. Otherwise, avoid this game.

Wii- Worms:A Space Oddity Review

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Posted by Rob on September 1, 2008 – 10:46 am
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Worms is a great multi-player game for the Wii. You control a group of worms who use different high-tech and wacky weaponry to destroy your opponents group of worms. The Wii controls work very well, and the game is very quick and easy to pick up on.

The gameplay itself is very addictive and fun, and will lend hours of great gaming whether you play solo or with friends. The only downfall of the game is that it is not Wi-Fi compatible. Had this game been online playable, it would have been flawless.

Definitely check this game out.

Wii- Baroque Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:35 am
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I was excited for a new Wii RPGish game. However, Baroque left me unfulfilled.

The game is very, VERY difficult. You are given a gun early on, but it only has 3 rounds. You can also obtain a sword, but that is also very lame. The game in general is lame. I put an hour into it then threw it down in frustration. The gameplay and controls were just horrible.
Avoid this one.

Wii- Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:34 am
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This game was surprisingly decent at first, but soon got so difficult I threw it down in disgust. The game play resembles that of Twilight Princess; its a 3rd-person view with a sword that is slashed by using the Wiimote. Its pretty fun to run around, slashing minotaurs and lizard-men.

One of the cons to the game, however, are the Wiimote slashes. Some enemies (for example, spiders) are very small and low to the ground, so you have to slash down with the Wiimote to hit them. Unfortunately, the controls are not perfect, and you do not always end up doing the move you’re trying to. Boo to that.

Otherwise, the game seems to be a decent and solid adventure game. I guess I would be happier if the map was more open-ended like in Twilight Princess, but rather each area is a stage, and reaching the end of it moves the story to the next area. As I already mentioned, the later levels get increasingly difficult, and I stopped playing due to the frustration I was getting.
Give this game a rent before purchasing it.

Wii- Mortal Kombat Armageddon Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:31 am
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MK is a great game. It can be a bit frustrating using the Wiimote and Nunchuck, but the game allows you to use the Gamecube controller if you prefer, so that saves it. The gameplay is great, with regular kombat, konquest mode (sort of like Shaolin Monks), and motor kombat. Also, the “kreate a fighter” feature is truely awesome, as you can build your own Kombatant to enter the fray.

Probably the second best fighting game on the Wii (right behind Super Smash Bros Brawl), and as long as you have a Gamecube controller to play it with, its totally worth getting.

Wii- Cooking Mama Cook Off Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:30 am
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Cooking Mama has an interesting concept, where you use the Wiimote to cut, peel, chop, and stir food. It is also used to control the stove temperature and other things. It is pretty fun, and an excellent use of the wiimote.

However, the controls are not always accurate, leading to you spending 1 minute to peel 2 potatoes, or burning a stew. The game can also become fairly repetitive after awhile. The graphics are cute and cartoony, and the sound is pretty funny, since Mama talks to you in a strange, difficult-to-understand accent.
Maybe rent it first before you spend mega bucks on it.

Wii- Wii Play Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:25 am
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Wii Play is worth the $10 you spend on it, with the Wiimote it is packaged with. I would say that eight of the ten games are totally worth checking out. The laser hockey game is like playing video air hockey (very fun). Theres a real fun billards game, and shooting gallery game is also a blast. I also love the “Wheres Waldo” type of game, where you have to find a particular Mii within a vast sea of Miis.

This game is fun by yourself, but definitely more fun with another player. At $10 you can’t go wrong!

Wii- Wii Fit Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:22 am
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Today is my 103 day owning Wii Fit. Since I purchased it in May at launch, I have lost about 20 pounds. Thus, due to my personal successes with it, I am a fan of Wii Fit, and will defend it against the many Wii Fit haters out there who think it is just a gimic.

Wii Fit is better than anticipated. The fact that it turns video games into exercise is groundbreaking. It does this by keeping high scores and by having the ability to unlock certain things as you advance in the game. The strength, yoga, and cardio games are all good. The strength and yoga tend to stretch out your muscles, leaving arms and legs sore. The cardio games are also very good, and can break a sweat if you treat them like an exercise. You can also accompany your training by using arm and leg weights (like I do). The balance games do not do much for a workout, but are good as a breather in between.

One of the biggest downfalls to Wii Fit is its concentration on stretching, particularly yoga. I would have been happier if the game was entirely cardio, like a modern-day exercise video. Also, many of the exercises last a mere minute or two, and there is no way to create a string of exercises together, so you will be wasting time as you go through menus to select the next activity.

While the game itself may not be perfect, the balance board is. It accurately measures your weight (it also takes clothing into account) and your BMI. The balance board is the key to this package, as it enables future developers to see the short-comings of Wii Fit, and create a more Western-based exercise game that will concentrate on cardio and fat burning. At some point in October, one of the judges from the reality show “Biggest Loser” is releasing her own “exergame” which I will definitely be checking out.

So in closing, Wii Fit is awesome. Dont listen to people who say its a waste of money, and that you wont lose weight with it, because you will. As I said, I lost 20 pounds already, and I am working on losing more. Of all the ground-breaking accomplishments that Nintendo made with the Wii, I think Wii Fit is the best of them all.

Wii- Spider-Man Friend or Foe Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:17 am
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This game is awesome, especially if you’re a Spidey fan. The game play is a basic button masher, and the controls translate smoothly to the Wii. You go through levels, collecting experience points to increase the skills and powers of Spidey and his “allies”. As the game progresses, you can recruit other characters, and select one to accompany Spidey in each level. You can get good guys, like Silver Sable and Black Cat, or villains like Doc Oc. The best part is that a buddy can jump in and you can go at it co-op, which is one of this games best features.

The graphics and sound were great. My only complaint is that it is kind of short. I look forward to the sequel (which is hinted at at the end of the game).

This game is awesome, and a must-have for Spidey fans.

Wii- Smarty Pants Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:14 am
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I love this game. It is perfect for the Wii.

It is basically a trivia game for up to four players. You buzz in to answer questions by raising your Wiimote, and then you have a few seconds to choose the answer from a choice of four that appear on the screen. The question categories are pretty basic, ranging from Sports to Entertainment to Science. This game is a lot of fun, and makes a most excellent party game. One of my favorites to pop in with friends and family around. Also, players enter their age, so questions will be based around that.

I consider this game a must-have for the Wii. Its simple to play, and everyone loves trivia games. I highly recommend purchasing this game.

Wii- Kidz Ice Hockey Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:12 am
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If I think Chicken Shoot is the worst Wii game ever made, Kidz Ice Hockey is a close second.

It is a very disappointing hockey game for the Wii. Being a huge NHL fan, I was looking forward to the Wii’s first hockey game. I was left very disappointed. The game was very childish (as the title leaves you guessing), but I could definitely deal with that. What left me in anger were the horrible, HORRIBLE controls. It was a miracle if I managed to select the player I wanted to and move him up ice, and it proved dang near impossible to pass or even shoot the puck.

A very disappointing game that you should avoid at all costs. I’m hoping that NHL 2K9 is a much better game, but that will have to wait until next month…

Wii- Carnival Games Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:08 am
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I’d say its somewhere in the middle. There are an extremely large amount of mini games, but some are ridiculously difficult. Others require a lot of pumping the Wiimote vigorously in order to charge up an action, and this can be quite tiring and annoying. Its sort of like going to a real carnival, where the carnies have rigged games that are impossible to win.

Rent this game first, and try the multi-player with a friend.

Wii- Endless Ocean Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:05 am
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This game is pretty interesting. Its basically a diving simulator, where most of the game play is spent underwater, looking for new species of fish and marine mammals. Occasionally you will be given little missions such as giving guided tours to tourists looking for a particular kind of animal. As the game progresses, you can train animals to act as your “partners”, and you will train them to do tricks and interact with them to develop a bond.

The beauty of this game is its tranquility. It is a very calming game, where you swim underwater interacting with fish. The soundtrack provides the perfect ambiance, and if you don’t like it, you can provide your own soundtrack via an SD card loaded with mp3 files.

The only reason I give this game 4 stars is because I can see some people becoming bored with it rather quickly, as there is very little action and it is a slow-moving game. I highly recommend renting this game to see whether you enjoy it or not. Don’t miss out on this unique and addicting game.

Wii- Donkey Kong Barrell Blast Review

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Posted by Rob on August 31, 2008 – 9:05 am
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I didn’t care much for this game. It was pretty bad.

The controls were a bit odd, with the Wiimote controlling one racing engine, and the nunchuck controlling the other (sort of like Podracers from Star Wars). It was very difficult to control the racers.  I was not impressed at all.

It was an extremely bad gaming experience. Stick to Mario Kart Wii. It is so much better.