Its lucky that Nintendo have some games for the more hardcore market such as Zelda TP and Resi evil 4 because at this moment in time, everything that seems to be churning out of the Wii is aimed at the casual gamer. This is not necessarily a bad thing as long as the games are of quality, and this is something Nintendo excels at : Making quality games.
Big Brain Academy is a spin off of the more serious Brain training, and at it's roots are a series of simple puzzles meant to increase your brain power. Will it truely make you more intelligent? Who knows? But damn will you be able to pick out a cartoon donkey from miles away. We all know thats what counts.
The menus are clean and crisp, and the cute visuals (For example, the animals on some of the mini games) will appeal directly to children as they try to progress through a game which doesn’t involve 'Shooting target x' which will make every parent have a sigh of relief. Its lucky that the game is wonderfully presented using colour and simple low key music as this game is never going to win any awards for outstanding graphics, as the limits of the Wii's graphical power show. Its functional, but is it a blast to play?
Having faith in Nintendo I delve into the main game, anyone who has played the Ds version of this game will know that Big Brain Academy consists of numerous tests that determine your 'Brain weight'. Heavier being better. This may make some adults cringe as they'll see it's a gimmick however, again, children will lap this up as the fictional character 'Dr Lobe' takes them through their ' Wii Degree'.
There’s no getting away from the fact this is an easy game, for adults they will Whizz through this and achieve a huge brain weight after a few sessions, but yet again for children (I hope I'm getting this message across) they will have to work through each grade and the humorous 'Jobs' that go with them. Whoever knew a Fashion Stylist had a 'D+' brain weight?
The controls using the Wiimote are a cinch as well, pointing and pressing A are the only real controls used in this game, which makes it great for pick up and play sessions. With friends in particular when you cant be bothered to teach them how to play something, this is a great party game to pick up. Quirky takes on classic puzzles are quite amusing. There is a single instance where the Wii remote is used as a phone, where you hold it to your ear where takeaway orders are spoken out to you, making you have to remember the food items and select them. This is particular I thought was an amazing use of the Wiimote and it’s a shame there’s no other minigames where such features are used.
I’ve already made clear this is a fun game to play, but I must empathise its not going to be a game that will make you play for hours on end. Many will scoff at a game that was meant to be played in short bursts in a handheld being put on a large screen, but I feel there are many out there that will enjoy this sort of ‘pick up and play’ short burst gaming. Hell, even if it does annoy some gamers out there it’s a sweet financial move for Nintendo. Priced at £20 with adverts splattered on channels like 4 and cartoon network its going to be a hit with the ‘New’ gamers that Nintendo are trying to lure in with their Touch generation series at games.
All in all, whether you’ll enjoy this game depends on why you bought your Wii. If its typical games like Zelda and Resi Evil you want, stay clear of this, it’s not for you, steer yourself away from the display at the front of ‘Game’ and turn to the shelf of more ‘Hardcore’ purchases. But for those casual gamers out there that just want a bit of fun to pass time in the holidays this is a hit.
For the hours of entertainment you’ll get out of this ‘Brain training 4 the kidz’ at £20, it’s a sound purchase for those new to games, or for the gamer secretly living a casual side to their life.
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The Wii Remote controllers hands-on control makes playing a cinch. This rethinking of the ... more
popular Nintendo DS game will test players brains with fun problems and allow people of any age to play together. Multiplayer versus and co-op play modes also hav...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Big fun for big brains... and big groups!With 3 different difficulty levels, choose from 5 ... more
brain-bending categories, each containing 3 exciting activities!Solve the problems and test your mental agility either by yourself or with your friends. Play Men...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: Out of stock
The Wii Remote controllers hands-on control makes playing a cinch. This rethinking of the ... more
popular Nintendo DS game will test players brains with fun problems and allow people of any age to play together. Multiplayer versus and co-op play modes also hav...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Dimensions: L13.8 x W1.4 x H19.1cm Suitable for ages 3+ In addition to single-player mode, ... more
there are versus and co-op multiplayer modes that people of any age or education level to play together Mii data compatible The game features a two-player versus...
Postage & Packaging: £3.50 Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Advantages: MiniGames that anyone can play, Good 2+ mode which saves the same, Fun presentation Disadvantages: Limited excitement, needs more to entertain, annoying sequences in-between games with headteacher!
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