The Wii is here! And I got one!
Posted: Mon Nov 20, 2006 10:07 am
Yep, thats right, I finally got my hands on the system that I've been anticipating for the part 5 years...the Nintendo Wii. And I just have to say, wow. Simply...wow.
I thought I'd be generous enough to give a review of sorts, in case anyone might be interested in just how Nintendo's little box lives up to the hype.
The setup: Fairly simple...the sensor bar is small and should have no problem fitting on any regular size tv. The only slight annoyance is synching extra Wii Remotes (You have to press the 'sync' button on the remote, then on the actual unit itself), and the first update...even though it didn't take very long. After that, and the initial setup of the wireless connection (Assuming of course you have one), Nintendo's WiiConnect24 allows it to receive updates automatically, even with the system turned off.
The Wii Menu: First of all, the menu is simple and intuitive, just as expected, anyone can use it, all you do is point the remote at a channel and press A. Games can be started in the same manner (If the system is off, you can insert a disc and it will automatically load the game...which is GREAT) The Miis look a little...odd, but I'm looking forward to seeing how Nintendo uses them in games other than Wii Sports.
Virtual Console: This was already setup...with a few choice old school titles. The ones I got were Mario 64 and Sonic the Hedgehog. And let me just say, that it is awesome to have the ability to play classic games like that...can't wait until there are more titles available! Oh, and you can hold the Wii Remote sideways to play NES and Sega Genesis titles, but to play titles from other platforms, you'll need a classic controller (But apparently they allow Gamecube controllers too?!)
Internet Channel (News, Forecast): These, unfortunately, were not setup yet...but no big deal, not like I bought it for the News and Weather anyway...although they are nice added content.
Wii Sports: Ah yes, the bundled sports package. Let me start off by saying that you should NOT expect realism in the graphics department from this. Nintendo made the right move by keeping costs down and focusing on what this bundled game is REALLY about: Showing the potential of Wii. And thats exactly what it does, beautifully. In Tennis, the system was able to recognize several strokes...backhand, forehand, its like you really are playing tennis...without the running back and forth (Thats automatic). One thing I learned here...subtle movements are key. Baseball...I had mixed feelings about this one, the swing of the bat was definitely on point...but the pitching, well, I feel like it was a little unpolished, but not as much as Boxing. Even though this is easily the most fun to play, it suffers from not being able to recognize most punches (Sometimes when I jabbed with a left it jabbed with the right), and its also the only part that uses the Nunchuk accessory. Bowling was almost as realistic as it gets, as you actually have to aim, roll the ball, and you can even put spin on it. If the remote was 10+ lbs heavier, I don't think anyone would notice the difference. Golf...basically the harder you swing the ball, the farther it goes, but if you use TOO much power, you'll send it off course. Nothing overly special, but its still a good representation of the sport. Overall, this makes the Wii playable right out of the box, and thats a great thing. I give this one two thumbs up.
Zelda, Twilight Princess: I won't spoil any of the story...but let me just say this: This truly IS the Zelda we've been waiting for!!!
Final Thoughts: The Wii is an impressive machine...while it may not be the best in the graphics department (A step up from the Gamecube, yet not as strong as the XBox 360), it really does provide a completely different experience...and seeing as it also sold out on release day (Not to mention that mostly everyone who bought it will be PLAYING, not selling it), I think Nintendo has a winner. My recommendation: Buy it, and see for yourself. If you hunt and call stores in your area and stay alert, there is a good chance you can get your hands on one before the holidays...as Nintendo promises around 4 million units total by December 31st, with most of them coming to the U.S.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go play now.
I thought I'd be generous enough to give a review of sorts, in case anyone might be interested in just how Nintendo's little box lives up to the hype.
The setup: Fairly simple...the sensor bar is small and should have no problem fitting on any regular size tv. The only slight annoyance is synching extra Wii Remotes (You have to press the 'sync' button on the remote, then on the actual unit itself), and the first update...even though it didn't take very long. After that, and the initial setup of the wireless connection (Assuming of course you have one), Nintendo's WiiConnect24 allows it to receive updates automatically, even with the system turned off.
The Wii Menu: First of all, the menu is simple and intuitive, just as expected, anyone can use it, all you do is point the remote at a channel and press A. Games can be started in the same manner (If the system is off, you can insert a disc and it will automatically load the game...which is GREAT) The Miis look a little...odd, but I'm looking forward to seeing how Nintendo uses them in games other than Wii Sports.
Virtual Console: This was already setup...with a few choice old school titles. The ones I got were Mario 64 and Sonic the Hedgehog. And let me just say, that it is awesome to have the ability to play classic games like that...can't wait until there are more titles available! Oh, and you can hold the Wii Remote sideways to play NES and Sega Genesis titles, but to play titles from other platforms, you'll need a classic controller (But apparently they allow Gamecube controllers too?!)
Internet Channel (News, Forecast): These, unfortunately, were not setup yet...but no big deal, not like I bought it for the News and Weather anyway...although they are nice added content.
Wii Sports: Ah yes, the bundled sports package. Let me start off by saying that you should NOT expect realism in the graphics department from this. Nintendo made the right move by keeping costs down and focusing on what this bundled game is REALLY about: Showing the potential of Wii. And thats exactly what it does, beautifully. In Tennis, the system was able to recognize several strokes...backhand, forehand, its like you really are playing tennis...without the running back and forth (Thats automatic). One thing I learned here...subtle movements are key. Baseball...I had mixed feelings about this one, the swing of the bat was definitely on point...but the pitching, well, I feel like it was a little unpolished, but not as much as Boxing. Even though this is easily the most fun to play, it suffers from not being able to recognize most punches (Sometimes when I jabbed with a left it jabbed with the right), and its also the only part that uses the Nunchuk accessory. Bowling was almost as realistic as it gets, as you actually have to aim, roll the ball, and you can even put spin on it. If the remote was 10+ lbs heavier, I don't think anyone would notice the difference. Golf...basically the harder you swing the ball, the farther it goes, but if you use TOO much power, you'll send it off course. Nothing overly special, but its still a good representation of the sport. Overall, this makes the Wii playable right out of the box, and thats a great thing. I give this one two thumbs up.
Zelda, Twilight Princess: I won't spoil any of the story...but let me just say this: This truly IS the Zelda we've been waiting for!!!
Final Thoughts: The Wii is an impressive machine...while it may not be the best in the graphics department (A step up from the Gamecube, yet not as strong as the XBox 360), it really does provide a completely different experience...and seeing as it also sold out on release day (Not to mention that mostly everyone who bought it will be PLAYING, not selling it), I think Nintendo has a winner. My recommendation: Buy it, and see for yourself. If you hunt and call stores in your area and stay alert, there is a good chance you can get your hands on one before the holidays...as Nintendo promises around 4 million units total by December 31st, with most of them coming to the U.S.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go play now.
a Microsoft product freezing? that's unheard of. 
but that would suck. say it's your best game. hell I get mad when a game on phone gets stuck, and I'm on a roll. 
