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

[LIFERBABE]

Hi All

Thanks for the great thread!!

Just picked up a Wii last night at Gamestop and will be our family Christmas Gift.

I know NOTHING!! and I am not even telling Dh as he is a hardcore gamer and wants an Xbox 360 or PS3. I think the Wii will be more family friendly and I can play with the boys (10 and 8) and get some exercise

Anyway, does anyone have any DDR reviews? Should I buy it? Sams Club has it for $65 or is there something else I should purchase first.

Im also excited to read that Wii can play GCN games. My youngest always wanted a GCN, but we had PS2 and didnt want to buy another console. I think he will enjoy all the Mario games.

Thanks again!

 

[njsweetP]

Does anyone have a link I can check out Zack and Wiki? I have no idea what this is. Thanks!

 

[cruisnfamily]

....and the Crash Bandicoot game.

There's a Crash Bandicoot game for the Wii? Off to IGN to check this out.

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks! I already have Galaxy reserved at Target. The clips I found for Zack & Wiki make it look really cool. I think everyone will enjoy that one! It is a shame they don't have a good fishing game. The Wii is the perfect system for a good fishing game!

Too true! Luckily Zelda has a great fishing mini game that has satisfied my need, but not everyone can wait to get to that point in the game. I hope nintendo will do a Wii Sports 2 or something that will include.

DH LOVES fishing games, so I'll double check with him that there isn't anything.

There is Fishing Master, but it retails for $39.99 which is WAY too much. Maybe keep your eye out for it used or for the price to drop.

Hi All

Thanks for the great thread!!

Just picked up a Wii last night at Gamestop and will be our family Christmas Gift.

I know NOTHING!! and I am not even telling Dh as he is a hardcore gamer and wants an Xbox 360 or PS3. I think the Wii will be more family friendly and I can play with the boys (10 and 8) and get some exercise

Anyway, does anyone have any DDR reviews? Should I buy it? Sams Club has it for $65 or is there something else I should purchase first.

Im also excited to read that Wii can play GCN games. My youngest always wanted a GCN, but we had PS2 and didnt want to buy another console. I think he will enjoy all the Mario games.

Thanks again!

DDR is great if a bit pricey and is usually more popular with girls. With two boys I would suggest Guitar Hero over DDR (unless you DH has it already for the Xbox). Though it is rated T due to the lyrics of some of the songs.

There are probably at least 10 games I would recommend before DDR, but if your boys (or yourself) are really interested in it, go for it.

For those ages I would suggest:
1. Mario Galaxy
2. Mario Party 8 (tho I think the boys are a bit old for it, but it's a great family game
3.Wii Play (mainly for the second wii-mote, but also good mini games).
4. Guitar Hero (if you can get past the lyrics)
5. Rayman (1 or 2)
6. Wario Ware
7. Super Paper Mario
8. Smash Brothers (only not #1 since it doesn't come out til next year).

Get Wii Fit for yourself next year!

go to wii.ign.com for info on all the games I mentioned and tons more!

Does anyone have a link I can check out Zack and Wiki? I have no idea what this is. Thanks!

Go to wii.ign.com and do a search. You'll find a ton of stuff!
Nevermind I did it for you: http://wii.ign.com/objects/893/893610.html

There's a Crash Bandicoot game for the Wii? Off to IGN to check this out.

Not as far as I know. Couldn't find anything on ign either.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Thank you HarleyQuinn!!

I will order the Mario Galaxy, DS8 will like that one and Wii Play for the remote.

I noticed the nunchuk remotes are $20, are there any games where we all need a remote? There are 4 of us, so do I need to have 4 remotes?

We will be in WDW on Christmas Day, and they will open it then, so I want us to be able to play it that morning.

Thanks again,

 

[harleyquinn]

Thank you HarleyQuinn!!

I will order the Mario Galaxy, DS8 will like that one and Wii Play for the remote.

I noticed the nunchuk remotes are $20, are there any games where we all need a remote? There are 4 of us, so do I need to have 4 remotes?

We will be in WDW on Christmas Day, and they will open it then, so I want us to be able to play it that morning.

Thanks again,

There are games that you will each need a Wii mote for, but very few that you need a nunchuck as well (Wii Boxing is the only one that comes to mind).

On the back of the game boxes it lists what you will need. For games that support 4 players you often each need your own wii-mote (in order to actually play against each other), but a few only require one controller that you share. SO base the controller purchase on what games you buy.

 

[The_Horned_King]

http://wii.ign.com/articles/827/827903p1.html

Crash Bandicoot - Crash of the Titians for the wii....6.5 on IGN, 7.1 avg media review, and a 9.2 reader score(based on 25 reviews)

Go to the link to check it out.

as for fishing games...nothing at this time worth buying. You are right that the wii should be the perfect system for it, Best home fishing game of all time however is deep sea or bas fishing on the old sega dreamcast witht eh fishing rod controler.

ok well i gotta run food has arrived!

 

[tyedye]

Received our jackets for the wiimotes from Nintendo yesterday but we were late getting home so we didn't get a chance to try them on. Will report back how the boys like them after the weekend.

 

[The_Horned_King]

cool..im still debating orderting them..as i'm to lazy to do it....if they are worth it though.

 

[bengalbelle]

I hate to ask questions that are so similar to previously asked questions, but when you don't know much about gaming (like me!!) it's hard to make decisions

I have already purchased:
Mario Party 8
Wii Play

I have preordered:

Mario Galaxy
Guitar Hero
Super Smash Bros (will arrive just in time for his birthday)

Games I'm considering:

Rayman Raving Rabbids
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
Zelda Twilight Princess
Zack and Wiki
Thrillville Off the Rails
Mario Strikers Charged
Backyard Football


DS will be 7 in Feb. Another thread on the Dis has turned me off of Guitar Hero for his age. They said it was too hard. Any thoughts on this?

He has a DS and GameCube too, so are there any games (specifically those on my considering list or a variation of) that are better for the DS or GameCube than Wii?

Finally, we've never had a Zelda game. I know nothing about it. Twilight Princess is rated T for animated blood and fantasy violence while the DS version is rated E. I guess I would go with the DS version but is Zelda an ongoing story line? Do we need to know any of the story before playing it?
ETA: I stopped by Game Stop and they actually recommended Zack and Wiki over Zelda for his age. What do y'all think?

I have tried to read about all of these games but I'm on information overload right now. I'd appreciate any thoughts on my "considering" list

 

[Tandyc]

I am so confused by all the terminology, but I think it's all starting to make sense. Now that I have purchased all the essentials I am considering getting a charging stand for the remotes. The ones I have seen charge the system it's self. Why and how does it work? The console box plugs in right? If so then why would you need to charge it? I'm lost.

Which charging system is the best and how much should I expect to pay for it?

Thanks so much for all the great info on this thread and answering all the questions.

Tandyc

 

[harleyquinn]

Games I'm considering:

Rayman Raving Rabbids Great games, super fun
Pokemon Diamond and PearlAgain perfect choice
Zelda Twilight Princess too mature/hard for 7
Zack and Wiki keep reading
Thrillville Off the Railsno first hand knowledge from me
Mario Strikers Chargedsupposed to be fun, good for soccer fans
Backyard Footballhorrible reviews, steer clear


DS will be 7 in Feb. Another thread on the Dis has turned me off of Guitar Hero for his age. They said it was too hard. Any thoughts on this?

He has a DS and GameCube too, so are there any games (specifically those on my considering list or a variation of) that are better for the DS or GameCube than Wii?

Finally, we've never had a Zelda game. I know nothing about it. Twilight Princess is rated T for animated blood and fantasy violence while the DS version is rated E. I guess I would go with the DS version but is Zelda an ongoing story line? Do we need to know any of the story before playing it?
ETA: I stopped by Game Stop and they actually recommended Zack and Wiki over Zelda for his age. What do y'all think?

I have tried to read about all of these games but I'm on information overload right now. I'd appreciate any thoughts on my "considering" list

I think Guitar Hero, Zelda, and Zack and Wiki are too hard for the average 7 year old.

I would buy the DS Zelda for sure. it is a follow up to The GCN game The Wind Waker, so you might consider trying to get that used (you can play it on the wii), but it's not necessary to play that in order to play the DS version. I would steer clear of the Wii Zelda though, it is definitely more mature and more difficult.

I have played through the first level of Zack & Wiki. I would recommend it to anyone 8 and up and possibly for younger gamers who have been playing video games for a few years. Some of the puzzles are very hard and could be frustrating.

Of course DH and I will be happy to help anyone who gets stuck in the game since we're both hopelessly addicted.

I tend to agree with the other thread about Guitar Hero. I would say 8 and up again, but I bet a lot of 7 year old would be better than most adults! Just remember the game is rated T because of the song lyrics.

I am so confused by all the terminology, but I think it's all starting to make sense. Now that I have purchased all the essentials I am considering getting a charging stand for the remotes. The ones I have seen charge the system it's self. Why and how does it work? The console box plugs in right? If so then why would you need to charge it? I'm lost.

Which charging system is the best and how much should I expect to pay for it?

Thanks so much for all the great info on this thread and answering all the questions.

Tandyc

I'm so confused. The only remote charges I know of only charge the remotes (two at a time). Yes the console plugs in and does not need any kind of charging.

DH posted a link to the charger we own and love. We paid $29.99, but I saw it for $19.99 on Amazon. Let me find the link.
http://www.amazon.com/Nyko-87000-Wii.../dp/B000LFJNF2

 

[harleyquinn]

I just wanted to officially post my reviews for Zack & Wki and Guitar Hero.

Guitar Hero III:
After spending all night friday playing GH2 at our friend's house I decided I really wanted my own for the Wii. Dh was sorta against it since it's so expensive and there are so many more games coming out in the next couple of weeks.
But I talked him into it and now not only is he better than me, but he's been playing it more! (stupid work...must quit and be a GH groupie for money).

Anyway, I love the updates from the old game and if you've played it before then this review isn't really for you. This is for those that have never played it and have children that never played it. There was a thread on the DIS about how GH3 is rated T for teen, because of the song lyrics and some of the concert venues. Honestly I hardly notice that stuff, i only care about hitting the right buttons.

So i think it's a must have for anyone 10 and up and it's great for mature 8 and ups who are good at other video games.

Zack & Wiki: I am extrememly pleased that I think this game lives up to the hype. It is extremely unique and at times LOL funny. Some of the puzzles are very hard, but there is a 'hint' system built into the game that has made everything solvable for me so far. I say 8 and up again and at $40 it's a fantastic game to consider.

 

[Minnie]

GHIII - How about for a 14year old boy ????? Is it more for kids or would a teen enjoy it as well

Also my DS & his grandfather have finished the Flying Aces game (both loved it) and his grandfather says it relaxes him

Anyways, any other flying games out there or on the horizon before Xmas?

Thanks!!!!

Also.... DS has a PS2 & DS and a Wii at his grandparents. I know, I know but he's an only child and thankfully doesnt act spoiled

So that being said..... I'm considering a new system for home as the PS2 is being phased out.... For a DS (14) which new system would be best? The PS3 is sooooo much money that I have a tough time with that one. So I'm considering either a Wii for home or an XBox 360.

BTW - We do not have Wifi only a hot swap internet card for internet as we live in the sticks so the internet applications would be wasted.

Thanks!

 

[savage1]

We recently brough a Wii for Christmas. We have 2 sons-ages 12 and 6. In addition to Wii Sports and Wii Play, the oldest one we got Thrillville. Our problem is for the youngest, would Mario Party 8 or Mario Galaxy be better?

 

[savage1]

Forgot to mention, 6 yr old has been a GB gamer for a couple of years.

 

[harleyquinn]

We recently brough a Wii for Christmas. We have 2 sons-ages 12 and 6. In addition to Wii Sports and Wii Play, the oldest one we got Thrillville. Our problem is for the youngest, would Mario Party 8 or Mario Galaxy be better?

Hmm...that's a toughy...I would say that overall Galaxy will be a much better game, but I'm not sure how well a 6 year old will do with it. Mario Party is a great FAMILY game, but it's not very fun to play by yourself. I would go with Galaxy since the older child will probably want to play it too. And since your 6 year old isn't completely new to games it should be fine. I played my first mario game at 5...I wasn't super great at it, but I really had fun and Galaxy looks like it's going to be really great for all ages and levels (which is usually what the big Mario games strive for).

What other games does he play? That should give me a better idea of whether he can enjoy Galaxy.

 

[savage1]

The younger one has played Spyro, Harry Potter, Pokemon, Tony Hawk, Star Wars and the light.

 

[harleyquinn]

GHIII - How about for a 14year old boy ????? Is it more for kids or would a teen enjoy it as well

Also my DS & his grandfather have finished the Flying Aces game (both loved it) and his grandfather says it relaxes him

Anyways, any other flying games out there or on the horizon before Xmas?

Thanks!!!!

Also.... DS has a PS2 & DS and a Wii at his grandparents. I know, I know but he's an only child and thankfully doesnt act spoiled

So that being said..... I'm considering a new system for home as the PS2 is being phased out.... For a DS (14) which new system would be best? The PS3 is sooooo much money that I have a tough time with that one. So I'm considering either a Wii for home or an XBox 360.

BTW - We do not have Wifi only a hot swap internet card for internet as we live in the sticks so the internet applications would be wasted.

Thanks!

GHIII is perfect for your teenager!! Everyone I know loves this game, from 8 year olds to 80.

For a 14 year old I would go with a Xbox 360 IF you are okay with him playing violent shooting games and if he likes games like that. If you name the Xbox's big games they are all violent (except maybe Madden or the other sport games). I personally don't think that most violent games are a big deal, but you can expect shooting and blood and killing. Those words are horrible, but by 14 most games are fine.

Right now the Wii is primarily a young family or super hardcore Nintendo fan machine, whereas the Xbox has been around longer and has more games to choose from.

Anyway, the Xbox has Guitar hero too.

I always think the best way to pick a system is to take a kid to a store and ask him what GAMES he would be most interested in. Then you can judge what system is best.

This doesn't sound like a ringing endorsement for the 360, but there are plenty of not super violent games for the system, it's just that the best selling games are all violent shooters.

What are his favorite games on his PS2? That should really help me.

I have NO experience at all with flight sims, so let me do some research!

 

[harleyquinn]

The younger one has played Spyro, Harry Potter, Pokemon, Tony Hawk, Star Wars and the light.

Yep, Galaxy should be fine!