It’s ace. Properly, genuinely ace. I’d been worried that the Wii’s bundled title could be a short-term novelty. Thankfully, it looks like that isn’t the case (even if I am posting this just three days after getting it). I’m with Vero – as she said the other day, as a showcase and taster for what Wii is capable of, Wii Sports is marvellous.

I can see her counter-argument too – that these sporty mini-games leave you craving more in-depth versions. For example, I’d be dribbling at the prospect of a fully-fledged Wii Tennis or Wii Golf, with tournaments and upgrades and stuff. And online multiplayer would also be amazing – and in theory not that technically demanding, given the simple graphics.

Wii Tennis is the one I’m obsessed by, having attained Pro level yesterday (this is at the expense of any significant progress in The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess too – I’ve only just turned into a wolf there). The dynamics of it just feel so right, such as figuring out how to crack a low backhand down the line, or a top-spin lob.

Also, it’s proof of Wii’s credentials as a console to draw in non-gamers. My father-in-law popped round on Saturday. He’s never owned a console, but he loved it. And with no instructions from me, was hitting like a pro within minutes. I’m realising now why Nintendo chose to bundle Wii Sports with the console – it really is enough to sell the device to even the staunchest non-gamers.

Bowling is also made for multiplayer – in fact, if I could pinpoint a possible mistake on Nintendo’s part, it’s not including two Wii-motes with every console – with an intuitive control system, and plenty of scope for improvement (translation: I keep bowling it down the gutters).

I’ve seen a lot of reviews suggesting that Boxing is Wii Sports’ weak link. Not in my book. When played against someone else, it’s a riot. And yes, there doesn’t seem to be much rhyme or reason to what motion causes what punch. But as an (ideally drunken) party game, it’s storming.

Golf, on the other hand, works better as a solo game. Maybe it’s because you need to keep switching positions if you’re playing with other people. Or maybe it’s the turn-based nature of the game. Either way, I enjoyed it much more on my own, although this may be related to me triple-bogeying the first hole on Beginner level while my defiantly non-gaming wife sunk a birdie. Bah.

I think Golf could have the most long-term potential, in terms of honing your skills. In that sense, it’s a real shame PSP game Everybody’s Golf is published by Sony, as it’d make an absolutely amazing Wii game (if you haven’t played it, you unlock lots of new characters, items and clothing while playing one of the tightest golf games ever).

Finally, Baseball. Weeeeell… it’s okay. I think it could do with a bit of tweaking. The pitching feels a bit awkward, with less apparent skill in the speed and direction of your pitches. And swinging the Wii-mote as a baseball bat doesn’t quite work as well if you’re in the average living room environment.

That’s not to say I’ve been smashing vases or accidentally braining my cats, because I haven’t (yet). But you’re always conscious of the space around you, which is an impediment in Baseball unlike the other minigames.

I don’t have to sell Wii Sports to anyone – it’s included with the console, after all. But it’s still the best launch game I’ve seen with any console, and looks well set to have genuine long-term depth. Get it out with your folks this Christmas and tell me I’m wrong…

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 12th, 2006 at 4:26 pm by Stuart Dredge
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