The Nintendo Wii...A must have!
 Dec 10th, 2006
Advantages:
Cheap, new way of playing !
Disadvantages:
Graphics are still a little weak . . and lacks serious gaming .
Recommendable:
Yes
Detailed rating:
Graphics capability
Sound capability
Range of Extra Features (I.e. email)
Value For Money
more
  powellandrew
About me:
Member since:08.10.2006
Reviews:18
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¬| The Nintendo Wii ¬| This Christmas I have been given a Nintendo Wii, which I had originally preordered with GAME, but for some reason they decided to cancel my preorder, just as most shops nationwide went out of stock. I then found the website STUDIO which is reliable, cheap and easy to use, thankfully they still had some in stock. This was the return of Nintendo into a serious contender race with the Xbox and Playstation.
Since the N64 came out, a massive hit throughout the world, Nintendo seemed to have lost its magic touch. Now, I believe that it has finally become the superior games console, with hits such as Zelda Twilight Princess, Red Steel, Mario Super Galaxy! Firstly, the Wii has specifications of:
-88 MB main memory
-Two USB 2.0 ports.
-Up to four Wii Remote controllers (connected wirelessly by Bluetooth).
-Four Nintendo GameCube controller ports.
-Two Nintendo GameCube memory card ports
The main new attraction that Nintendo brings to life, is the concept of being more in control and active in the experience. They do this with the addition of wireless Wii Remote Controllers, which are motion sensing controllers, which react to how you move them. This makes action games such as Call of Duty 3 and Red Steel thoroughly more enjoyable, as you are able to actually aim where you shoot, and by using the Nunchuck controller as either another sword, shield or bow. This console, previously named the Nintendo Revolution, is only a mere £160 or £180 with a controller and sports game, compared to the overly-priced ps3 which is likely to be around £500 without any extras. Again costs are higher for the Playstation 3 games, around £50 each whereas the Wii has games at £35 or £40 depending where you shop. (Value for money!!)
When I first heard that they had changed the console name to, 'Wii' I was a bit disappointed, as it made me think it was quite childish, and obviously made me remember 'wee' in English. But over time the name has stuck with me and is claimed to have been called this because it is the same in each and
every language, so that there is no confusion over pronunciation. Also, it emphasises the 'We,' implying that this console is for everyone.
¬| So why buy this and not keep your Gamecube? ¬|
You may be sitting there with your Gamecube wondering, 'Why buy a Wii when I already have a Gamecube?' Well although the games will still be released on the Gamecube, they will lack the cutting edge that the Wii provides, as you won't be able to feel the new gaming experience of motion sensing controllers. There will eventually be a DVD playing version of the Wii to be released and there is internet connection, with a list of networks to use.
¬| The controllers ¬|
Now you won't need cords, out of reach buttons and tiresome analogue sticks. Four Wii remotes can be used at once with your Nintendo Wii, all personalised with their own 'Mii,' (explained later) and can be accessorised with their own different covers. I chose black and white covers, but for yours..if you don't want to be boring.. you could choose eccentric colours like red, green etc. The controllers connect via Bluetooth to the Wii, and give instant response on screen, so there should be little or no delay of movement.
Although you can still opt for some of the traditional controllers, with Nintendo providing a classic controller, which is basically just the normal controller seen through most previous Nintendo projects.
¬| Wii Channels ¬|
Ok so one of the biggest additions to the Wii is the use of networking channels. (Not all were available at launch date)
-Mii Channel: You get many different ways to customize and create your own 'Mii' which is stored on your Wii remote, and is used in chat.
-Photo Channel: An excellent way to edit photos and pictures, with a range of features and ease of use. These can also be sent to other consoles. Much easier than using photoshop or other programmes. -Weather Channel: You can find out what the weather is wherever you are in the world! Helpful, but not a necessity.
-News Channel: A good service which gives you global news, which is easy to use. -Wii shop channel: Here you can buy anything from channels to games, using a Wii points card or a credit card.
-Wii message board: A good service, where you can leave notes to others who will use it. But more usefully it can send text messages! -Internet Channel: Here there are nearly all the features you will find on you pc, which usefully supports a browser and flash.
¬| Games In Brief ¬|
Zelda Twilight Princess: Best game ever created of all time I think. The motion sensing controller really brings this game to life with it returning to its best form, since the Ocarina of time! Without ruining anything, Link turns into a werewolf midway through and this proves to give a new and interesting way of playing Zelda.
The graphics are amazing, back to their previous best though I am sad to see that there are still no voices for any of the characters. During the game you will enter a few temples already visited in Ocarina of Time, but in a much better way.
Red Steel:
At first, this big title game seems to be hard to control, with the Remote seemingly making your gun wave crazily on screen, but as time passes you will be able to master the controller in a short time, with the Remote cleverly designed for ease of use. This game is quite exciting and should last a reasonable amount of time. The graphics are fairly good and the type of fighting is very exciting, combining both nunchuck and remote to give the ultimate two sword or gun action!
Mario Super Galaxy:
Not yet released until the first quarter of 2007, but from what I have seen of it, it looks to be quite good, with a range of features. The graphics are fairly simple, but effective as you take Mario into Space and explore it defeating monsters and winning stars! The controller could take this to a whole new level and make it even better, though I fail to see how Mario needs to have a motion sensing controller.
¬| Wii points card ¬|
This is basically just a card which you have to pay for points from it, to purchase items such as games etc. including games from the NES, SNES, N64 etc. which come at a reasonably cheap price. This brings back old and new gamers into a largely exciting console.
¬| With DS ¬|
The DS is thought
to have wireless connectivity with the Nintendo Wii which will enable there to be mini-games between consoles, but I am yet to see this happen, though I am sure this would be a good add-on for those DS console holders.
¬|Pre-ordering availability ¬|
Amazingly large demand for the wii..Amazon sold out in 7 minutes all of their stock, and now big name shops like Game, Woolworths, Hmv ALL STOPPED their preorders, luckily you could still get it from STUDIO, otherwise I wouldn't be writing this review!! (You can still order to get it for new year!)
¬| Gameplay ¬|
The overall gameplay of the wii is immense. At first when I heard about the introduction of motion sensing control..I was thinking, 'Will it really work?' and now know that it works well, responding to your actions quite quickly on screen. This will get you jumping around you living room, serving in tennis, boxing, having sword fights etc. This idea of controlling the game wirelessly is simple, but very effective! Although the graphics are lacking, the entertainment you will receive out of playing this is a joy to behold! Though, the major problem I have, is that there are no serious games, such as Fifa or Pro Evolution Soccer, so you cannot enjoy any realistic games. This may draw older generation away, but attract the young ones, as they will find the colourful, bright landscape enjoyable.
Don't worry the hype of the controller won't wear away all too quickly, I have been playin for 2 days, nearly flat out yet I am still impressed and impressed by what you can do with the wii. Make sure that whilst playing frantically with your controller, that you don't get too overexcited and chuck your remote at the wall (They can smash quite easily so tighten your wrist strap!).
¬| Packaging ¬|
The nintendo wii comes in a small white box, which is well designed to keep the wii safe and to attract customers with its delightful picture. It comes with the accesories of a strap, motion box, one wiimote, one nunchuck, wii sports (+additional games depending on your bundle), guidebook etc. All of these make it more useful and entertaining.
¬| Pricing ¬|
At only £180 with a free remote controller and Wii Sports, the Wii is really worthwhile, for a games console which has, what I think, is the best gameplay out of all the consoles and a mere fraction of the price, the Ps3 offers.
¬| My opinion ¬|
The Nintendo Wii really is the must have present this Christmas, if you can accept a lower graphical system than the Ps3 and Xbox 360 for a largely better gameplay and value for money. The Wii is something I believe will be a major hit this Christmas, and with its low value, I really could see it overtaking the Playstation and Xbox. I would recommend this to everyone!
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Graphics: 7/10
Ease Of Use: 8/10
Value for money: 9/10
Originality: 10/10 ¬| Must haves for the Nintendo Wii ¬|
1. Nintendo Wii with Wii remote, nunchuck and Wii sports. £180
2. Extra Wii remote. £25
3. Extra nunchuck. £15
4. Zelda Twilight Princess. £35
5. Red Steel. £35
6. Call Of Duty 3. £35
7. Mario Super Galaxy. £35
8. Remote cases. £5-10
Note: Most of these have to be preordered, in most places in the U.K the Wii has stopped pre-ordering for Christmas.
'I hope you all have a Wiily good Christmas!'
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27.04.2007 22:43
good informative review
16.04.2007 12:26
Great review, we have one :o)
12.01.2007 01:17
Excellent review, I cant believe how cheap it is in comparison to other consoles! xx