Official Wii/DS Q/A thread. FAQ in first post! Game reviews in second post!

[harleyquinn]

I'm thinking of getting a Sims type game, but not sure which one I should get. This would primarily for me (adult female) and for my DS (3 years old) to basically run around on. I was looking at the My Sims Kingdom, Animal Crossing: City Folks, Animal Crossing for the GameCube, or one of the Harvest Moons (GameCube or Wii version). What is anyone's opinion on these? I've never had any game of this type.

Also, any opinions on the Final Fantasy games? I really enjoy the Mario/Zelda games, would these games fit in the same general catagory?

Thanks for any help!

I love just about all of the games you mentioned--it's hard to pick a favorite. I would stay away from Harvest moon for your 3 yo it's probably the most difficult.

If I were you, I would pick up the gamecube Animal Crossing if you can find it. It's a great game and probably considerably cheaper than the others. Then if you like it, you can get the new one. I think the new MySims looks really cool, but I haven't tried it yet. And I'm sure you know this, but all of these games are VERY text heavy, so the 3 yo won't be able to do much of anything.

As for FF...No, Zelda is an action game and Mario is a platformer. FF are Role Playing games. I LOVE all of the above, but they aren't for everyone.

I assume you are talking about the FF that are on the Wii. These are my least favorite of all, but it's JMO, so it wouldn't hurt to try. If you haven't tried Paper Mario yet--get it first. It's somewhat of an RPG and will give you a better idea of what FF is about (tho the games are vastly different).

 

[Dannielle_1]

I love just about all of the games you mentioned--it's hard to pick a favorite. I would stay away from Harvest moon for your 3 yo it's probably the most difficult.

If I were you, I would pick up the gamecube Animal Crossing if you can find it. It's a great game and probably considerably cheaper than the others. Then if you like it, you can get the new one. I think the new MySims looks really cool, but I haven't tried it yet. And I'm sure you know this, but all of these games are VERY text heavy, so the 3 yo won't be able to do much of anything.

As for FF...No, Zelda is an action game and Mario is a platformer. FF are Role Playing games. I LOVE all of the above, but they aren't for everyone.

I assume you are talking about the FF that are on the Wii. These are my least favorite of all, but it's JMO, so it wouldn't hurt to try. If you haven't tried Paper Mario yet--get it first. It's somewhat of an RPG and will give you a better idea of what FF is about (tho the games are vastly different).

Thanks for the info. I have no clue how games are catergorized, I just know what I've liked playing in the past...

The Paper Mario you mention, is that the Wii version? I have the GameCube one, is the Wii one a different game style? I never owned the GameCube, so I've been catching up on titles that I was interested in since I can play those on the Wii too.

And as far as my DS3 playing games, I pretty much unlock levels and he makes the guy run around, so I'm not expecting any actual game play out of the sim titles for him, just what would be the most interesting in terms of wandering about the "world." He currently loves playing "Guy Running" better known as Super Mario 64 (I still have my Nintendo 64 hooked up) and "Spraying Guy" better known as Super Mario Sunshine. He can't progress in the game, but loves exploring the worlds. He also likes "Girl Running" or Zelda: Windwalker (apparently he thinks the boy looks like a girl )

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks for the info. I have no clue how games are catergorized, I just know what I've liked playing in the past...

The Paper Mario you mention, is that the Wii version? I have the GameCube one, is the Wii one a different game style? I never owned the GameCube, so I've been catching up on titles that I was interested in since I can play those on the Wii too.

And as far as my DS3 playing games, I pretty much unlock levels and he makes the guy run around, so I'm not expecting any actual game play out of the sim titles for him, just what would be the most interesting in terms of wandering about the "world." He currently loves playing "Guy Running" better known as Super Mario 64 (I still have my Nintendo 64 hooked up) and "Spraying Guy" better known as Super Mario Sunshine. He can't progress in the game, but loves exploring the worlds. He also likes "Girl Running" or Zelda: Windwalker (apparently he thinks the boy looks like a girl )

Nope the Wii one is a similar style. If you liked the old one, the new one is GREAT! I bet you would enjoy FF, just know that it is a big long game (kinda like Zelda).
I figured that's what you meant with your son. Just think of the great game library he'll have when he can actually read! lol

PS, if you want I can explain the differences in game genres, just let me know...

 

[vanreg]

What can I use with a wii dance mat? I have 3 dd's (6, 9, 12) Is dance, dance revolution any good? Also any other game recommendations for girls that age would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[harleyquinn]

What can I use with a wii dance mat? I have 3 dd's (6, 9, 12) Is dance, dance revolution any good? Also any other game recommendations for girls that age would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

I'm not sure what you can use the dance mat with besides DDR...there might be a couple of other dance games, but DDR is definitely the best.

Yes it's a good game. Go to www.ign.com and do a search and you'll have a very complete review...

As for other suggestions, the second post in this thread has a list of my recommended games by age. I think the new Animal Crossing and MySims games would appeal to all of those ages. You'll also find more specific recommendations by age in that post.

There's also a lengthy post with reviews for other games after that post.

If you see a game that you want more info on, IGN is awesome, but you can always post and get other specific reviews here.

 

[Newfie2000]

I'm back with more questions. And I think you are all going to laugh at me, but I am quite sure once you pick yourselves up from rolling around on the floor that you are going to be able to help me!

We recently bought a Wii and a Wii Fit - and really I have tried to read a lot of the FAQ's and old posts before posting this - but I think our circumstances are making it a bit harder to understand the whole Wii. DH is currently doing a 6 - month chemo program while working full time - so as much as we would like to really "play" Wii sports and Wii play (we do have them) - he just can't. He simply gets winded too fast and justy does not have the energy. I did buy Raving Rabbids 2 per advice received here and we are enjoying that at short intervals. Thus we are still trying to really get a feel for the Wii. We have no kids. We own PS2, X-Box, X-Box 360, a DS and now the Wii. We really enjoyed games like Balders Gate, Champions of Norrath, etc. on the PS2. We also seem to like a lot of the cute games like Spyro, Madagascar, etc.

In my limited experience with the Wii it does not seem like those are the types of games to be playing on it. Am I correct? Should we be sticking to games like Mini Golf, Circus Games, Carnival Games for the Wii and using the other systems for the rest? Or are they equally good? I know this sounds confusing but it kind of seems like the controls for the Wii would be difficult to use for a true platform, or role playing game?

The reason I am asking is we are busy making Christmas wish lists and are asking for a lot of games DH is a construction worker so often we find ourselves playing a lot of games throughout the winter lay-off months. I know I want to get Space Chimps and the new Spyro for example but don't know if we should be getting them for the Wii?

And if I can bother you with one more thing - I have no experience with the Mario line whatsoever. Today I looked at several Mario games at Target and just got overwhelmed. I can't remember all the titles but I think there was Mario 8, Mario Shake It, Paper Mario, Mario Olympics and a few more I cannot remember. From reading this thread I see a lot of people like these - but I can't seem to figure out the difference and would have no idea how to choose between them. Are they similar? Are they all like mini games? Are some more like a platform?

Gosh - rereading this I sound so stupid - but I truly would appreciate any kind of help/explanation/guidance you could provide.

 

[Newfie2000]

PS, if you want I can explain the differences in game genres, just let me know...

I would absolutely love it if you could give me your version of explanation! I guess I have just come to classify things in my own sort of way in my mixed up mind and realized when I read this that I am not completely sure I fully understand what each game genre really is. TIA!

 

[harleyquinn]

I'm back with more questions. And I think you are all going to laugh at me, but I am quite sure once you pick yourselves up from rolling around on the floor that you are going to be able to help me!

We recently bought a Wii and a Wii Fit - and really I have tried to read a lot of the FAQ's and old posts before posting this - but I think our circumstances are making it a bit harder to understand the whole Wii. DH is currently doing a 6 - month chemo program while working full time - so as much as we would like to really "play" Wii sports and Wii play (we do have them) - he just can't. He simply gets winded too fast and justy does not have the energy. I did buy Raving Rabbids 2 per advice received here and we are enjoying that at short intervals. Thus we are still trying to really get a feel for the Wii. We have no kids. We own PS2, X-Box, X-Box 360, a DS and now the Wii. We really enjoyed games like Balders Gate, Champions of Norrath, etc. on the PS2. We also seem to like a lot of the cute games like Spyro, Madagascar, etc.

In my limited experience with the Wii it does not seem like those are the types of games to be playing on it. Am I correct? Should we be sticking to games like Mini Golf, Circus Games, Carnival Games for the Wii and using the other systems for the rest? Or are they equally good? I know this sounds confusing but it kind of seems like the controls for the Wii would be difficult to use for a true platform, or role playing game?

The reason I am asking is we are busy making Christmas wish lists and are asking for a lot of games DH is a construction worker so often we find ourselves playing a lot of games throughout the winter lay-off months. I know I want to get Space Chimps and the new Spyro for example but don't know if we should be getting them for the Wii?

And if I can bother you with one more thing - I have no experience with the Mario line whatsoever. Today I looked at several Mario games at Target and just got overwhelmed. I can't remember all the titles but I think there was Mario 8, Mario Shake It, Paper Mario, Mario Olympics and a few more I cannot remember. From reading this thread I see a lot of people like these - but I can't seem to figure out the difference and would have no idea how to choose between them. Are they similar? Are they all like mini games? Are some more like a platform?

Gosh - rereading this I sound so stupid - but I truly would appreciate any kind of help/explanation/guidance you could provide.

You did great! You actually gave me enough info to help you!

Since it sounds like you are actual gamers and with your DH's situation I recommend the following:
1. Zelda
2. Mario Galaxy
3. Paper Mario

None of these involves a lot (or almost any) Wii mote waggleing. They are my 3 favorite games. Most people in this thread are casual gamers or are buying for a family that are very much casual gamers. I honestly wouldn't buy many, many of the games favorably discussed here, cuz they don't appeal to me. I get a lot more use out of my 360 than my Wii, but there are a TON of great games for the Wii that you should enjoy (I've just played them all already!)
I would suggest with multi platformers (like Spryo)that you stick with the cheapest if you don't care about graphics (so the PS2), if you care about the graphics, buy them on the 360 (if available). Also use www.ign.com for reviews, because they often have reviews for each system and the pluses/minuses to each.

The three I suggested are really great and I think you'll both really enjoy them!

 

[Scurvy]

Thanks for the info. I have no clue how games are catergorized, I just know what I've liked playing in the past...

The Paper Mario you mention, is that the Wii version? I have the GameCube one, is the Wii one a different game style? I never owned the GameCube, so I've been catching up on titles that I was interested in since I can play those on the Wii too.

And as far as my DS3 playing games, I pretty much unlock levels and he makes the guy run around, so I'm not expecting any actual game play out of the sim titles for him, just what would be the most interesting in terms of wandering about the "world." He currently loves playing "Guy Running" better known as Super Mario 64 (I still have my Nintendo 64 hooked up) and "Spraying Guy" better known as Super Mario Sunshine. He can't progress in the game, but loves exploring the worlds. He also likes "Girl Running" or Zelda: Windwalker (apparently he thinks the boy looks like a girl )

Animal Crossing is a great "guy running around" game. It's very open ended - your character lives in a town with a bunch of animals. There is nothing the character has to do at any point. There are lots of things you can do, but there really is no end goal for the game except those you make for yourself. So you could try to catch all the different kinds of bugs or fish, or collect all the different furniture, or you could just run around the town all the time.

 

[aprilgail2]

We just rented it and you are basically just moving your hands to the rhythm to make it go faster or slower. I thought it looked good, but looks are decieving!! I thought I would want to purchase it but am very glad that I rented it first. It was well worth the $7 to rent to find out I didn't care for it!!

great thanks- think we will skip that one!
OK- any reviews on DeBlob or carnival mini golf?? thanks!

 

[Newfie2000]

You did great! You actually gave me enough info to help you!

Since it sounds like you are actual gamers and with your DH's situation I recommend the following:
1. Zelda
2. Mario Galaxy
3. Paper Mario

None of these involves a lot (or almost any) Wii mote waggleing. They are my 3 favorite games. Most people in this thread are casual gamers or are buying for a family that are very much casual gamers. I honestly wouldn't buy many, many of the games favorably discussed here, cuz they don't appeal to me. I get a lot more use out of my 360 than my Wii, but there are a TON of great games for the Wii that you should enjoy (I've just played them all already!)
I would suggest with multi platformers (like Spryo)that you stick with the cheapest if you don't care about graphics (so the PS2), if you care about the graphics, buy them on the 360 (if available). Also use www.ign.com for reviews, because they often have reviews for each system and the pluses/minuses to each.

The three I suggested are really great and I think you'll both really enjoy them!

Thank you so much! I have a confession to make though - since all three of the games you recommended run $49.99 - we were a little hesitant to put them on the x-mas lists... so we just got home from Target where we purchased Zelda, Paper Mario and Mario Galaxy. We just couldn't pass up the buy 2 get one free! We probably won't be playing them right away but whenever we do I'll let you know how it goes!

 

[tyedye]

Or...you could do what we did....just buy rechargeable batteries for the remotes. We have 10 rechargeables. 6 are in our 3 wiimotes and 4 are charged and standing by. Whenever a set goes bad, we pop the charged ones in and charge the 2 dead ones and put them in the ziplock bag ready for next time. We buy the rayovac hybrids so they hold their charge while waiting to be used.

I had thought that I read a long time ago where you shouldn't use the rechargeables in the wiimotes but if that is what you are doing and it's working fine, then I may do the same. I already own 2 chargers and probably have at least 4-6 batteries or can purchase more cheaper than the charger station costs.

 

[mdrob214]

I had thought that I read a long time ago where you shouldn't use the rechargeables in the wiimotes but if that is what you are doing and it's working fine, then I may do the same. I already own 2 chargers and probably have at least 4-6 batteries or can purchase more cheaper than the charger station costs.

We have used them for a year with no problems. We already had them from an old digital camera so we didn't go out and buy a charger and have been very happy with these. I keep extras charged and our charger only takes 15 minutes, which is nice. You can probably get good deals this holiday season, too.

 

[harleyquinn]

Thank you so much! I have a confession to make though - since all three of the games you recommended run $49.99 - we were a little hesitant to put them on the x-mas lists... so we just got home from Target where we purchased Zelda, Paper Mario and Mario Galaxy. We just couldn't pass up the buy 2 get one free! We probably won't be playing them right away but whenever we do I'll let you know how it goes!

I really hope you like them all!

 

[glitzybabes]

I was wondering if anyone know if the micrphone from Rock Band for wii would work on the new Disney Sing It game for wii?

Thanks

 

[harleyquinn]

It should, but I can't tell you yes for sure. I think just about every mic out there for the wii is interchangeable between games...but again, I can't tell you yes for sure.

 

[paula70]

My DD's (8 and 11) are getting Wii console for xmas from their gma and gpa. My DH and I are going to buy the extra accessories and games. They have never had any game system before and they are complete novices!

I've been checking out this post and have gotten alot of great information so THANK YOU!

Now I do have a quick question about some games...

I have decided to take advantage of the B2G1 at Target special. I got the Wii play (mostly for the extra remote) and Mario kart because my DD's have played it at friends and really liked it. Now for the 3rd game they were pretty picked through so I got HSM3 dance just becasue my DD's love that movie and there wasn't much else to choose from. Now today I went to Target and they had Sonic/Mario Olympics and Mario Galaxy. I had them hold the Olympics game for me because there was only 1 left.

So knowing my DD's are new to this gaming thing which would you reccomend for my 3rd game?

HSM3
Mario Olympics or
Mario super galaxy?

TIA!!!

 

[mdrob214]

I don't know the other games, but we have Mario & Sonic at the Olympics and find it to be fun.

 

[CalvaryMike]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this or not, but the Wii Fit is currently in stock at bestbuy.com for $89.99:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage...e=product&cp=1&id=1205450857084&ref=39&loc=01

 

[Tinkerbelle's Mom]

Thank you so much! I have a confession to make though - since all three of the games you recommended run $49.99 - we were a little hesitant to put them on the x-mas lists... so we just got home from Target where we purchased Zelda, Paper Mario and Mario Galaxy. We just couldn't pass up the buy 2 get one free! We probably won't be playing them right away but whenever we do I'll let you know how it goes!

Thanks for letting me know about the sale!! I only heard about it because of your post.

I got dd for christmas wii play, Littlest pet shop, and Think Fast.

I hope the think fast game is a fun as it looks. DD loves scene it so I am hoping this is a hit with her.