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

[harleyquinn]

Hey you guys! I've been reading this thread for a while and was wondering if anyone had some thoughts on Rayman Raving Rabbids 1 & 2.

I am giving my fiancee a Wii for Christmas -- shes been dying to get one. We're not big gamers, if you will...but we enjoy the Wii concept. Looking for some fun games to play together, just the two of us. I've personally never been very good with complex games....Thoughts?

Cheers,
Josh

I read your post more closely. DH and I like to play Rayman 1, by switching between our games. So we don't play against each other, but we are playing together. Rayman 2 is true multiplayer, so pick that one up if it's the only one you get.

Wii Sports will give you plenty to play together, but I think all of the "party games" I've listed in the first post would be good choices for you too.

Also look forward to Super Smash Brothers and Mario Kart. Probably two of the best multiplayer games ever. They're not coming out til later this year, but we'll have info about them before they do.

My favorite game to play multiplayer with DH is Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles. It's a zombie shooter and you play together. It would probably be a bit hard for you two at first, but it's really my favorite for adults. Maybe try renting it?

 

[ImagineerM]

Thanks you all! I appreciate your advice!

This whole Wii purchase has me a little high strung. lol...I just really wanna make a splash this christmas.

Looks like the Rayman games are definately on the radar.

Cheers,
Josh

 

[harleyquinn]

No problem! Anytime!

 

[miatamel]

PLEASE, please don't holler at me. I'm on slooooow dialup and it would just take me too long to read this thread, given the time for loading the pages (and I've got a party to get ready for!)
Okay, here's my situation: I'm a SAHM. Never had any video gaming system. Have a TV that picks up two stations that is hardly ever on so I've never even seen a commercial for the Wii. All that being said, I have somehow bought into the hype that surrounds this thing by reading the paper and this board and, courtesy of wiialerts and as of 10:30 this morning, I am now the proud (?) owner of a Wii. I bought it under the pretense of giving it to DH next week for his 40th birthday. Thing is, my workaholic husband (German) has never even heard of a Wii, doesn't play video games, and doesn't know he wants one (!) I got it thinking he would relax some evenings and play, or play sometimes with me and the girls. But, when he opens this $$$ gift (that he doesn't know is $$$ OR hard to get) and looks at me quizzically, what should I have/tell/give him along with it to convince him that this is a great thing? Being German, he does like to drive fast--is there something fun there? Is he too grown up for GH3 (provided I could even find it?) he doesn't do football, baseball, nascar, he does like chess, soccer, ballroom dancing (!), building things, fast cars, maybe guns if I allowed them anywhere near us. I'm just looking for something to get him hooked, well, not hooked as he's gotta go to work so I can stay at home, but at least remotely (pun intended) interested.
Any suggestions? (Sorry for the length....)
Oh! sorry, another thing...like I said, this is all very new to me--am I going to be able to just plug it up and play? Or is it very involved to get started? The bundle came with an extra remote and nunchuck and Mario something or other--but I'm guessing I need batteries (what size?), anything else? I'm hoping it's not too involved or complicated to get started on. thanks again
Melanie

 

[harleyquinn]

PLEASE, please don't holler at me. I'm on slooooow dialup and it would just take me too long to read this thread, given the time for loading the pages (and I've got a party to get ready for!)
Okay, here's my situation: I'm a SAHM. Never had any video gaming system. Have a TV that picks up two stations that is hardly ever on so I've never even seen a commercial for the Wii. All that being said, I have somehow bought into the hype that surrounds this thing by reading the paper and this board and, courtesy of wiialerts and as of 10:30 this morning, I am now the proud (?) owner of a Wii. I bought it under the pretense of giving it to DH next week for his 40th birthday. Thing is, my workaholic husband (German) has never even heard of a Wii, doesn't play video games, and doesn't know he wants one (!) I got it thinking he would relax some evenings and play, or play sometimes with me and the girls. But, when he opens this $$$ gift (that he doesn't know is $$$ OR hard to get) and looks at me quizzically, what should I have/tell/give him along with it to convince him that this is a great thing? Being German, he does like to drive fast--is there something fun there? Is he too grown up for GH3 (provided I could even find it?) he doesn't do football, baseball, nascar, he does like chess, soccer, ballroom dancing (!), building things, fast cars, maybe guns if I allowed them anywhere near us. I'm just looking for something to get him hooked, well, not hooked as he's gotta go to work so I can stay at home, but at least remotely (pun intended) interested.
Any suggestions? (Sorry for the length....)
Oh! sorry, another thing...like I said, this is all very new to me--am I going to be able to just plug it up and play? Or is it very involved to get started? The bundle came with an extra remote and nunchuck and Mario something or other--but I'm guessing I need batteries (what size?), anything else? I'm hoping it's not too involved or complicated to get started on. thanks again
Melanie

Even with a slow connection, you just need to read the very first post in the thread. It'll make you feel more comfortable.

The system is very easy to set up. It has very clear instructions. Open the box and look at them and you'll feel better.

Most people get hooked with Wii Sports which is included with the system. Just hand him the wiimote and he should be hooked. It's all you really need. There are a few racing games and some even include a steering wheel (just a piece of plastic that the remote snaps into, but it's cool). To get started you really just need to give him Wii Sports (whether he likes sports or not). Then let him pick stuff out for himself later.

The wiimotes each take 2 AA batteries. They go through them very quickly, so many people like to either buy a wiimote charger (in first post) or rechargeable batteries.

If you need anything else after reading the first post or once you guys get going, always feel free to just post your questions. No need to read the whole thing.

Hope this helps!!

 

[miatamel]

Thanks! I DID read the first page, I just thought there was maybe something in the following umpteen that mentioned I game I should give him, too. Not being a sports freak, I wanted sure about the ones that came with it--if they were interesting enough to grab hold. I just read somewhere where these things are "moneysuckers" and I was getting worried I need a bunch of other accessories!!

Thanks again. Any other recommendations on games for him or for the family (DDs 4 & 6) would still be great. (Or the best race car game? or is there only one with a wheel? A good soccer game?)

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks! I DID read the first page, I just thought there was maybe something in the following umpteen that mentioned I game I should give him, too. Not being a sports freak, I wanted sure about the ones that came with it--if they were interesting enough to grab hold. I just read somewhere where these things are "moneysuckers" and I was getting worried I need a bunch of other accessories!!

Thanks again. Any other recommendations on games for him or for the family (DDs 4 & 6) would still be great. (Or the best race car game? or is there only one with a wheel? A good soccer game?)

From your other questions I didn't think you had! Sorry!

They only are moneysuckers if you let them be. And all video game systems are moneysuckers.

Wii Sports really does hook everyone. It quickly and easily show how great the system is for everyone.

The family/party games in the first post are my best suggestions for you. But in order for everyone to play, you'll have to get 2 more wii-motes. You can just take turns, though! Its NBD. I suggest Mario Party 8, EA's Playground and Rayman Raving Rabbids 2 for multipayers.

Since you asked for soccer I would suggest Mario Strikers Charged. It should be accessible to everyone.

There are no racing games right now that I would say are great. Mario Kart will be released later next year and that is the one to have for sure!

But if you have to get something now, I would suggest Excite Truck. It is realistic and really fun and I bet your girls would like it too. It's the only racing game that I personally know I would play more than a couple of times. Its the only one to get consistant high ratings from the press.

http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746278p1.html

It doesn't come with the wheel, but you really don't need it!

If you go here you can look theough a list of all of the racing games.

To get the most out of the system, I really believe the best thing anyone can do is do there own research. I can give my personal favorites, but your family might be interested in something else. Like Cars: Mater National--the newest disney Cars racing game (which would be more for the girls).

But anyway, I think Excite Truck would be the best racing game for everyone.

Hope this helps a little better!

 

[TruBlu]

Which Tiger Woods golf is better 07 or 08? DH asked for this game for Christmas, but didn't tell me which year.

 

[harleyquinn]

Which Tiger Woods golf is better 07 or 08? DH asked for this game for Christmas, but didn't tell me which year.

2008 ALWAYS buy the newest version of the game!

I love me some easy questions!

 

[Joel110]

I have to send my brand new Wii in for repair At the suggestion of this thread, I hooked my Wii up and gave it a test drive. It played "Call of Duty" great for an hour and a half, I setup some "Mii's" of my family created by "Earnie Elf". I setup the wireless and had the weather and news up. I thought I was done and went to eject the game disc and nothing. I kept pressing eject. I turned the game off and back on. I unplugged it and plugged it back in. No ejection. I called Wii support and they are upgrading my shipping so that they can repair the "eject mechanism" and return the unit prior to Christmas. Good idea to try it out and, if nothing else, an explanation to the wife on why I was playing it.

Wow!!

You're like only the second person I've ever heard about having to send it away.

Please keep us updated on how long it takes to get back.

And let this be a lesson to everyone else to try theirs out now!!

Quick Update: Nintendo's repair status on their website is horrible and their CSRs aren't given any more information than what is shown on the website. I went at it with the CSR regarding wanting a guarantee that I'd have it back for my DDs so Santa could put it under the tree for Christmas morning and that I've dumped almost $600 in their games and accessories and it was too late to locate another Wii or return all of the stuff. The only reply I kept getting was "check back tomorrow". However, after going at it with this CSR for awhile and asking for the phone number to someone at the repair shop, I think he wanted to get me off the phone. He had already been told by his supervisor not to give out the repair site number. However, I think he tried to help me by subtly mentioning the name of the repair company by saying "Well, XXXXX company is our east coast repair shop and will update the website when they get it done." The company had a website and I called the 800# and asked for the "Wii Dept". The operator replied that there was one guy in that department and that he will not answer, but leave a message and he will call you back. I left a message and he just called back to say the our Wii was placed on the UPS shipping pallet today for delivery by Friday.

 

[ImagineerM]

So I went out shopping today...

Best Buy had 15 copies of Guitar Hero III for Wii
GameStop had 5 copies

I ALMOST bought it, but I couldn't convince myself to drop 90 bucks on a video game...is that bad? Should I kick myself?

Cheers
Josh

 

[harleyquinn]

Quick Update: Nintendo's repair status on their website is horrible and their CSRs aren't given any more information than what is shown on the website. I went at it with the CSR regarding wanting a guarantee that I'd have it back for my DDs so Santa could put it under the tree for Christmas morning and that I've dumped almost $600 in their games and accessories and it was too late to locate another Wii or return all of the stuff. The only reply I kept getting was "check back tomorrow". However, after going at it with this CSR for awhile and asking for the phone number to someone at the repair shop, I think he wanted to get me off the phone. He had already been told by his supervisor not to give out the repair site number. However, I think he tried to help me by subtly mentioning the name of the repair company by saying "Well, XXXXX company is our east coast repair shop and will update the website when they get it done." The company had a website and I called the 800# and asked for the "Wii Dept". The operator replied that there was one guy in that department and that he will not answer, but leave a message and he will call you back. I left a message and he just called back to say the our Wii was placed on the UPS shipping pallet today for delivery by Friday.

Thanks for the update! Sounds like Nintendo's legendary customer service might be slipping a bit. I think it's weird how the companies send the systems to other companies for repair (I know Microsoft does it too).

I'm so glad it'll be back in time for the big day!

So I went out shopping today...

Best Buy had 15 copies of Guitar Hero III for Wii
GameStop had 5 copies

I ALMOST bought it, but I couldn't convince myself to drop 90 bucks on a video game...is that bad? Should I kick myself?

Cheers
Josh

No, no! Always go with your gut. As highly as I recommend GH, I know its really expensive and frankly a lot of people won't play it or anything else enough to justify the cost. But hey, people are spending $60 on Boogie for goodness sake!

Find a friend or someone who has the game (an version will do for any system, just to give you the idea) then you'll know if it's right for you to drop the big cash. Just remember it at $90 is WAAAAY more worth the cost than MANY games at $50 or even $40.

Besides if you change your mind, you will find it again eventually. No worries!

 

[harleyquinn]

Morning everyone!

 

[taximomfor4]

OK, I feel like a sucker...but a really LUCKY sucker. I didn't get a Wii at any stores. Not that lucky, and not willing to be ANYWHERE at 4am. But 2 days ago, my sister's FIL called. He'd gotten one for his grandson, while the kid's dad scored one on the exact same day!! So he wanted to know if I was looking for one. Several people offered him $400+. I said I can't do that...I spend about $450 TOTAL on my 4 kids, and anyway, had given up on a Wii and bought other things. I said that if it was more the normal price, I would try to figure out the $.

Well, he called again yesterday. He'd like to offer it to me first, for what he paid. I asked for a few hours to think about it, and ran around doing some returns to free up some $. Also, sold 3 of my textbooks and am close enough to the $ to buy it...so I told him ok. I did tell him I'd give him $300, though, since he was outside in the cold for hours to get it. I'm kicking myself for offering the extra, since now I think I need to buy some accessories.

I am going to clean out my paypal account, and take some used games/cd's to sell. Then, I might be able to buy an accessory or 2. What MUST I get? I have 4 kids -- we have a GameCube already...but I KNOW the kids will want to play Wii together.

I heard it eats batteries...how quickly? With Xmas break coming up, it'll get LOTS of play I bet.

Anywhere running specials or sales? I don't think my scrambling is going to get me enough for an extra WiiMote, extra nunchucks, and a charging station. Do they even sell the charging station anywhere? I couldn't tell ... does the WiiMote come with batteries already in it?Wouldn't it be better to get WiiPlay (has extra Wiimote), and then get extra nunchucks? (Ouch, that would be like $70 more)

Will we be able to take the Wii out of the box, plug it in, and play it right then, on Xmas morning? Or do I need batteries, etc separately first?

 

[harleyquinn]

OK, I feel like a sucker...but a really LUCKY sucker. I didn't get a Wii at any stores. Not that lucky, and not willing to be ANYWHERE at 4am. But 2 days ago, my sister's FIL called. He'd gotten one for his grandson, while the kid's dad scored one on the exact same day!! So he wanted to know if I was looking for one. Several people offered him $400+. I said I can't do that...I spend about $450 TOTAL on my 4 kids, and anyway, had given up on a Wii and bought other things. I said that if it was more the normal price, I would try to figure out the $.

Well, he called again yesterday. He'd like to offer it to me first, for what he paid. I asked for a few hours to think about it, and ran around doing some returns to free up some $. Also, sold 3 of my textbooks and am close enough to the $ to buy it...so I told him ok. I did tell him I'd give him $300, though, since he was outside in the cold for hours to get it. I'm kicking myself for offering the extra, since now I think I need to buy some accessories.

I am going to clean out my paypal account, and take some used games/cd's to sell. Then, I might be able to buy an accessory or 2. What MUST I get? I have 4 kids -- we have a GameCube already...but I KNOW the kids will want to play Wii together.

I heard it eats batteries...how quickly? With Xmas break coming up, it'll get LOTS of play I bet.

Anywhere running specials or sales? I don't think my scrambling is going to get me enough for an extra WiiMote, extra nunchucks, and a charging station. Do they even sell the charging station anywhere? I couldn't tell ... does the WiiMote come with batteries already in it?Wouldn't it be better to get WiiPlay (has extra Wiimote), and then get extra nunchucks? (Ouch, that would be like $70 more)

Will we be able to take the Wii out of the box, plug it in, and play it right then, on Xmas morning? Or do I need batteries, etc separately first?

The wiimotes take AAs. Do you by chance have rechargeable batteries already? You can use those if you do. Don't stress over getting the charger. You the wii motes suck batteries, but if you follow the tips in the first post, you can make them suck less. Just buy one of those huge packs of discount batteries at a local discount store. Get the charger some other time. (Yes, it is sold in stores everywhere. I recommend the Nyko one)

All you really need for everyone to play Wii Sports is the extra wiimotes. You don't NEED nunchucks for everyone right away. They won't be able to box, but they can golf, play tennis and bowl with each other. There are still a lot of multiplayer games that don't need the nunchucks, so if you focus on those, you won't need to spend the extra $$$ right away.

Definitely get Wii Play if you can. I think it's a great game for getting used to using the wiimote and with the wiimote included, you can't beat the price.

You'll probably see a lot more deals after Christmas so I say get the bare minimum now and then keep your eye out for deals later for extra nunchucks, games and the charger.

Wii Sports will keep them busy while you rangle up any other extras.

Also do you have 4 Gamecube controllers? Have they played Mario Party? You can probably pick up a cheap copy of one of the old MPs from the gamecube. It's not as interactive as the new one, but its a game they can all play together for very little cost if you have extra GC controllers.

In the beginning we played Wii Sports a lot and it's still the most popular party game.

Keep you eye on all the Sunday ads. It seems like there's always some game on sale somewhere. And watch this board. I usually hear about sales here before anywhere else.

And the system comes with everything you need to play including the first set of batteries for the wiimote.

 

[harleyquinn]

One more thing, I highly recommend you plug it in the night before or at least do a dry run before the big day. So you feel comfortable and can get help if you need to.

 

[taximomfor4]

The wiimotes take AAs. Do you by chance have rechargeable batteries already? You can use those if you do. Don't stress over getting the charger. You the wii motes suck batteries, but if you follow the tips in the first post, you can make them suck less. Just buy one of those huge packs of discount batteries at a local discount store. Get the charger some other time. (Yes, it is sold in stores everywhere. I recommend the Nyko one)

All you really need for everyone to play Wii Sports is the extra wiimotes. You don't NEED nunchucks for everyone right away. They won't be able to box, but they can golf, play tennis and bowl with each other. There are still a lot of multiplayer games that don't need the nunchucks, so if you focus on those, you won't need to spend the extra $$$ right away.

Definitely get Wii Play if you can. I think it's a great game for getting used to using the wiimote and with the wiimote included, you can't beat the price.

You'll probably see a lot more deals after Christmas so I say get the bare minimum now and then keep your eye out for deals later for extra nunchucks, games and the charger.

Wii Sports will keep them busy while you rangle up any other extras.

Also do you have 4 Gamecube controllers? Have they played Mario Party? You can probably pick up a cheap copy of one of the old MPs from the gamecube. It's not as interactive as the new one, but its a game they can all play together for very little cost if you have extra GC controllers.

In the beginning we played Wii Sports a lot and it's still the most popular party game.

Keep you eye on all the Sunday ads. It seems like there's always some game on sale somewhere. And watch this board. I usually hear about sales here before anywhere else.

And the system comes with everything you need to play including the first set of batteries for the wiimote.

Thanks! My kids have several Mario Party games...they love them. We currently have, I think, 3 controllers but I know a 4th is going to be in our household soon (*wink*wink) courtesy of an aunt. They also have Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart as well.

I have rechargeables, for my digital camera. I wonder if they are the same. Have to check.

Looks like WiiPlay is $49 EVERYWHERE, nunchucks are $19.99 EVERYWHERE, etc. My only hope will be bonus type things -- apparently these are price-controlled??

What chaos! You should have seen my pile of stuff, and my stack of receipts while I tried to figure out what I could return!!

Thanks for this thread! I don't have much time to try and get this surprise together!!

Beth

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks! My kids have several Mario Party games...they love them. We currently have, I think, 3 controllers but I know a 4th is going to be in our household soon (*wink*wink) courtesy of an aunt. They also have Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart as well.

I have rechargeables, for my digital camera. I wonder if they are the same. Have to check.

Looks like WiiPlay is $49 EVERYWHERE, nunchucks are $19.99 EVERYWHERE, etc. My only hope will be bonus type things -- apparently these are price-controlled??

What chaos! You should have seen my pile of stuff, and my stack of receipts while I tried to figure out what I could return!!

Thanks for this thread! I don't have much time to try and get this surprise together!!

Beth

Not price controlled per se, but definitely the same across the board for the most part. But there are often sales on the extras and games. Especially the TRU sale. I noticed in the ad this week they had buy 4 games get 1 free. (I know that won't work for you). But they sometimes have 50% accessories.

Again you don't NEED extra nunchucks right now.

And the batteries for your camera should work if they are AAs. Just make sure you have enough of them and that you always have at least a set charging.

 

[miatamel]

Thanks, HarleyQuinn for all your help on these boards for lots of lost moms like me!! I'm suffering a wee bit from buyer's remorse this morning--do you know or have you heard if CC will take back stuff from the bundle? I'm thinking I might could take back the Mario game and see if I can get the truck game you suggested. Or maybe just take it back with the extra remote or nunchuck to get the price closer to what I had planned on paying--which is just the console itself.
Thanks again!

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks, HarleyQuinn for all your help on these boards for lots of lost moms like me!! I'm suffering a wee bit from buyer's remorse this morning--do you know or have you heard if CC will take back stuff from the bundle? I'm thinking I might could take back the Mario game and see if I can get the truck game you suggested. Or maybe just take it back with the extra remote or nunchuck to get the price closer to what I had planned on paying--which is just the console itself.
Thanks again!

I think most of the places are taking back parts of the bundle.

If the game you have is Mario Galaxy, I would consider keeping it. It id definitely the best game on the system right now and you and your husband might really enjoy it. It's not difficult, but it's totally addictive and really, really fun.

Your older child might be able to play it too.

Of course there are like 10 different Mario games so it might not be that one, in which case I would try and take it back. I wouldn't return the extra controller. You'll definitely need one of those at some point, probably the first day you play. The biggest draw for the system is family entertainment, which means you need extra controllers.

You got a very reasonable bundle, but if you are okay with having to repurchase some of the things you return, then give it a try. But don't feel bad if they say no (especially if you have Mario Galaxy).