Multi-player is just completing the same games over again, but with up to 4 people playing at once. Maybe I wouldn’t dislike it so much if it didn’t make me physically ill, but I don’t know. It’s going back to GameFly tomorrow.

I wanted to rent Excite Truck because I thought it would be fun to choose different styles of monster trucks to race and smash around visually pleasing courses. The truck options are ok, but the number of tracks are limited. The trucks do seem to be flying at incredible speeds around “real” locations such as Fiji, Canada, and Scotland. Plus I like the fact that you get style points for nice crashes. You begin the game by being forced to go thru some quick training modes. I wouldn’t have gone thru the training if they didn’t make me, but I’m glad I did or I wouldn’t know what I was doing. As you could expect, Excite Truck makes use of the Wii remotes motion sensor capabilities. The remote is held horizontally and players use the remote as a steering wheel. It’s fairly easy to catch on, although it’s very sensitive, so you can’t get too crazy or you’ll be all over the road.

Single player Excite Race and the Challenge modes are by far the best. Racers compete in standard four-cup, multiple-stage courses where the idea is to score big and come in first place. During the Challenge mode racers try to beat specific goals by smashing into other trucks, jumping through rings in the air, or completing a series of gates on the ground. To gain stars (points) players try to finish first and perform moves along the way, that include nice landings and crashes, tree runs, and massive air. I enjoyed that part of the game, but after a while it became tedious.

Now on to the multi-player mode which was disappointing. The only option is a two-player split-screen racing mode. And no online play. Excite Truck is definitely worth renting and giving it a try, but I wouldn’t want to add it to my collection.

For the record, right now there are only 2 ways to receive Wii Points.

1. You can purchase a Wii Points Card at many retailers that carry Nintendo products.
2. You can purchase Wii Points through the Wii Shop Channel using a credit card.

Wii Points are used to download additional features and items – including selected titles from NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and TurboGrafx games.

Perhaps we could earn some points by beating games or unlocking secrets? Or what about entering the serial numbers of games/systems we already own (Wii games and earlier Nintendo products) and receive points for them? It couldn’t hurt to give us a “free” preview of all the potential fun available on the Wii Shop Channel. Then people who haven’t tried the shopping channel might be more inspired to buy some points. Just a thought.

Those who have played other Wario Ware games know to think fast when it comes to the micro games. We so thoughtfully shout to new players, “Just figure it out!” but honestly, that’s just the way it goes. Each fast paced, insane game is better than the next as you become an expert nose hair plucker, arm wrestler and banana shaker. My only complaint when starting this single player mode, is you have to watch the entire introduction with every new character stage. Although each character stage is fairly short and sweet, it gets annoying when you’re anxiously awaiting new micro games.

There are a few different gaming options when it comes to multi-player games, all equally as fun. The only bummer is you have to share one controller. Sure it adds to the craziness, but it can become irritating over time.  I cannot forget to mention the man himself, that sassy little announcer, ha. With each new move comes a smooth, yet strangely sexy, explaination from the announcer. He makes me smile.

On that note, I think I’ll play more Wii and eat some dinner. End communication.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End for Wii is slated to be released sometime in May, around the time the third movie will be released. Word is you can play as any of the 3 main characters: Captain Jack Sparrow, Will Turner, and Elizabeth Swann. The Wii version of the game will use motion controls for combat moves simulating a sword. I’m anxiously awaiting the release. Stay tuned for a preview of the game to be posted here when it becomes available.

For no particular reason, I started with Sonic and the Secret Rings. Going into it I had no expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised. All I have to say is mini-games, but more on them later.  Starting with the single player part of the game, as Sonic, you travel through seven worlds completing challenges. It’s pretty easy to catch on, but that doesn’t mean it’s not frustrating. You have to be fairly patient (ack) to get used to the right way to control Sonic, and the story line isn’t very captivating. Overall, it’s fun to watch Sonic speed around all the amazing graphics the game provides.

Next, the minigames!

As soon as I discovered mini-games, that’s all I’ve been able to play.

The Carpet Pull mini-game provides a way to tone your arms while making you look and feel goofy. It’s definitely a game for parties or something anyone can play with absolutely no game knowledge. All the mini-games are like that, which makes them so enjoyable for me.

Parasol Diving is another one of my favorites. We are having friends over this weekend, and I’m going to make everyone play these games (up to 4 people can play at once). I’ll have to review them again after a few drinks.

Canoe Survival is another good way to tone your arms while practicing your canoing skills. All you have to do is avoid falling off the waterfall. Oh and it helps if you don’t get attacked by the bees.

Knockdown Battle is pretty self explanatory, and it feels kinda good forcing players off an edge and into the water.

These videos are of the first time we played the games, hence the total lack of skill. Playing drunk also adds another level of fun.  This game has something to offer everyone – beginners, experts, and party-goers. Definitely recommended.

And while I’m on my ‘advice to Nintendo trip’ (ha, as if they need it) – how about offering us some more Mii options. It’s obvious from all the online Mii contests and the new Mii channel, that creating Miis is very popular. It would be cool to have ears, some jewelry, and perhaps clothes other than a solid long-sleeved shirt.

I subscribed to GameFly a few days ago and my first two games should be arriving anytime. I’ll be back soon with my reviews.

I need Wii friends!

Sigh.

Now for some perspective. The last time I really wanted a video game console was in 1989 when I bought a Gameboy with my own money at age seven. Seventeen years later I decided I wanted a Nintendo DS Lite and a Wii for Christmas. The DS was hard to find, but my fiancé Duane found one for me in time for Christmas. The Wii was a different story. After two months of searching, we were at Wal-Mart at the right time, and here I am now, with a brand new Wii nestled in it’s home in our living room.

I had played the Wii twice before we got ours. I attempted some tennis, bowling and Wario Ware. It was fairly easy to catch on, but it sucks playing for the first time around impatient veterans. I assume for them it was like trying to show their grandma how to use a computer. Luckily, I’m a quick learner.

First things first – make Miis. I love making Miis. Duane and I decided to make each other. I think the Duane Mii looks like him, but I’m not so sure about my Mii. My best friend later came over and completely changed my Mii to look more like me (but now I think I look Chinese) . Then we made our friends. It’s hard to remember the exact size and location of our friends eye brows. After making friends we moved on to our family. That’s not as fun, so we decided to make celebrities. So far my celebrity line up includes Brad Pitt, Samuel L Jackson, Michael Jackson, Conan O’Brien, and a bald Britney Spears.

Next I checked out the weather . That is so cool! And if you still haven’t mastered geography, it can be very helpful. Then I went to the Wii shop and downloaded two free programs – the “Everybody Votes” channel, and the free trial version of the internet. The “Everybody Votes” channel is pretty neat. You get to answer questions and predict what the majority of the population will answer. They give you the results according to location and sex. Unfortunately, they don’t tell you how many people voted. The internet is exactly that, the internet. It’s fun to surf the internet on our big tv. I went to my friends Flickr account and checked out his pictures on the big screen.

I haven’t checked out the Picture Channel yet, but that will be next. I’ve been distracted playing Wii Sports. Wii Sports is a lot of fun, but it sucks if you only have one controller. We looked everywhere for controllers but to no avail. Then we finally found some controllers at Target that were bundled with the game Wii Play for an extra $10. We were desperate for controllers, so I bought the last 3. Now I have 3 Wii Play games. Neat. With our 4 controllers we’re ready to have friends over to play Wii Sports and Wii Play. I’ll be back with reviews and pictures soon. Wiiiiiii!