Wii Nation

Wow. Yet another version of the highly popular game has come back to get me. My obsession started with the original PC version of The Sims, then came the PS2 version, followed shortly after by Sims 2 for the PC. Of course, I didn’t mention the array of many many expansion packs available, all of which I was ‘forced’ to purchase, bringing the never ending obsession to a new level. I gained some sort of self control and decided that I would not indulge this nerdy side of me any longer and I’ve been clean for over a year…and now this.

MySims, which is said to release in Fall of this year, puts a new spin the ole Sims games. The characters you create are Mii-like rather than overly detailed as in the other versions. As always, there is a large variety of hairstyles and clothing to choose from, even more options become available as you unlock them throughout the game and expand your wardrobe- fabulous! The game also starts you out in a rundown Sim town, but as time progresses you can mold the town into your own, creating better looking houses, businesses and landscapes. You can even make your own appliances and furniture using the creativity tools provided.

Let’s hope MySims for the Nintendo Wii isn’t as ‘crack-tastic’ as the others- but I won’t hold my breath. Wiiiiiii, I’m excited!

Another game we received through GameFly this week was SSX Blur. You need to attach the nun chuck in order to play, this is used for moving and steering your character on the slopes. The analog stick is there to help do tricks and fine tune other moves. Since the only other game I have played using the nun chucks was boxing for Wii Sports, it was a little hard to get used to holding both controllers. Luckily, my first experience of SSX Blur was captured on video (pre-tutorials) so I able to play it back and see how much I sucked at maneuvering my skier, ha.

For my tips on playing SSX Blur…

Continue reading »

Now that I’m officially a GameFly member, I have new games rolling in all the time. I plan to give all the Wii games a try, and review them according to my own criteria. My first two games arrived 5 days after I signed up for the service. It only took 4 days for them to get to Florida from LA – not bad! The games arrived with a Papa John’s pizza coupon, so next time you order online, use the promotion code GameFly to receive a second pizza for 99 cents.

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! Continue reading »

As usual, we’ve got three games from three different systems, but what are they? Well read and find out!

First up is Sonic Spinball -Genesis (800 Wii Points). If you’ve got a character that’s always spinning around like a ball, why not just make a pinball game of it? I mean its never been done before…or even repeated… But this was one of the firsts to do so, and it’s a pretty fun game. I reccomend it if grew up during the 16-bit war.

Up next, Tecmo Bowl -NES (500 Wii Points). This was the Madden of its day, I mean look at it. You can’t get any better looking than that when it comes to football on the NES. With amazing graphics, great animations, and simple, yet fun gameplay, this is a game worth looking into. It even got a sequel for the SNES which, with luck, might come to the VC later on.

Last on this weeks releases is Double Dungeons- TurboGrafx-16 (600 Wii Points). To be completely honest, I’ve never played this game before(along with many other TurboGrafx-16 games). However, it does look to be somewhat unique. It’s a First Person RPG, along the veins of Phantasy Star and Dragon Warrior. What sets this apart from the others is the fact that you can play Co-op. Perfect for a home with multiple RPG fans, and for only 600 points, it’s worth a try.

So this concludes this weeks releases, not quite as good as last weeks installments, but still decent. Here’s hoping for even better games next week. Who knows, there may be a big suprise…be sure to check back regularly to stay up to date with your Wii related news.

Are there any out there you’re interested in? Be sure to leave comments if you are.

With little info on GDC this weekend, we didn’t get to inform you too much on this weekends news. But luckily I’ve got more than pictures of Pugs, in fact I have some new commercials from the interwebs dealing with this wonderful Wii.

Second commercial after the jump. Continue reading »

Jeez, no news because no GDC. To kill my boredom I’m forced to race Pugs in illegal drag races.

Oh well, it’ll pick up tomorrow, I’ll have a Virtual Console update. It’s all good.

Ok, as most everyone has heard, Steven Spielberg is working on a game for the Wii. This excites me because I know a hell of a lot more about movies than I do video games. I feel like somehow I’ll have a slight advantage to the game. This seems like a huge opportunity for Nintendo to capture even more fans. I know countless video games have been based on movies, but personally when I hear the name Steven Spielberg I think, “huge blockbuster featuring hot leading man.” So if you want females to play this new game, how about giving us Tom Cruise, Leonardo DiCaprio or Matt Damon as characters. I don’t care what the game is about, just make us a virtual Leo.

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.

For those of us who miss high school, good news! A new channel is coming to the Wii, and its all about being popular. The new channel, which is not yet named, will allow people to compare Mii’s in a an all out popularity contest.

Shigeru Miyamoto(creator of Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong, etc.) announced the idea for this new channel today. Although no details have been released, we can assume that this new Mii channel will be loads of fun based on the little information we have heard. A popularity contest with different Mii’s all over the globe? And you thought high school sucked. Let this allow time for the nerds to ‘pimp’ out their Mii’s before its too late, the new channel is waiting… Take that, cheerleaders of the world.

Wow, just wow. I really can’t wait for this game.

This weeks Virtual Console line up shows some unique titles that some may have missed.

First we have Elevator Action (NES, 500 Wii Points): This is a multidirectional, scroll-type spy-action game that is a blast from the past. Control a spy and sneak alone into a building to steal the secret papers hidden there. A port of an old arcade game. If you really want it then I’d suggest getting it, otherwise just find the arcade cabinet to get the full experience.

Next for the Genesis we have Sword of Vermillion (Genesis, 800 Wii Points): Sword of Vermilion is about the role of Erik’s son, who takes on a quest of revenge to defeat Tsarkon and free the world of Vermilion from evil. To be honest, I’ve never played this game, but if you’re one to remember the good old days, you’ll definitely know this does what Nintendon’t. If you’re really into RPGs and can’t find any decent ones, this could hold you over.

The final game is one of my favorites, Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts (SNES, 800 Wii Points): The third game in the legendary Ghosts ‘n Goblins series of video games, Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts follows Arthur in another quest to rescue the princess, his fair maiden and damsel in distress at large. This game is tough, I mean like getting punched in the face while taking an eye exam tough. I highly recommend this game to anyone who’s looking for a challenge or just some nostalgic gaming.

So this weeks line up seems pretty decent, lets hope that next weeks will be even better.