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

[cruisnfamily]

Mario Kart is awesome and so is Super Smash Brothers (we have no date for the Wii version, so hook em on the GC version.) Any of the Sonic games.

You can download MarioKart64 from the virtual console for $10. DS did that as he never owned the Mario Kart for the Gamecube. He's very happy with it.

He's also downloaded Kirby and Ice Climbers but likes the MarioKart the best.

 

[The_Horned_King]

Mario Kart is a classic!

Btw is anyoen has a nintendo ds....you NEED to buy Mario Kart for it. It has the best tracks from all other versions of the game, new tracks, and free online play against other players around the world.((just need wifi))

It's well worth the $25-35!

 

[Plantlady]

Mario Kart is a classic!

Btw is anyoen has a nintendo ds....you NEED to buy Mario Kart for it. It has the best tracks from all other versions of the game, new tracks, and free online play against other players around the world.((just need wifi))

It's well worth the $25-35!

I must say, I LOVE mario kart. We bought a gamecube JUST for mario kart.. I really hope they come out with one for the wii.

I tried to talk my DH into getting a DS, again, for mario kart... he wouldn't do it though. After reading this though... I should push a bit harder!

 

[DisneyArk]

We love our wii. My DH had never really liked video games, but he really likes to play Zelda with DS6.

I have a question about connecting to the internet. We have a broadband connection through our cable company. I've been scared to try and figure out how to connect, but I think I'm going to buy the hardware and go for it. What can you do once you're connected to the internet? Are there any games that are free to download?

I don't want to spend a lot of time and money to connect to the internet if then the only thing to do is spend more money to download games. It might just be easier for us to buy some used Gamecube games.
Thanks!

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks for all the help!

I'll definitely be picking up some Gamecube games when our local Game Stop has their buy 2 get one free promo. Sounds like I need to get another type of controller as well.

I'll have to check out the Excite Truck too.

Thanks again

NP! Just remember that there are a ton of other families doing the same thing (buying used GC games) so those sales might be pretty limited.

I saw a classic controller for only $14.99 at my local Gamestop. I would suggest trying to find used wireless GC controllers though, they rock!!

You can download MarioKart64 from the virtual console for $10. DS did that as he never owned the Mario Kart for the Gamecube. He's very happy with it.

He's also downloaded Kirby and Ice Climbers but likes the MarioKart the best.

Duh! I forgot it was on the VC, good call! I'm glad you're here!

I think there is a great Sonic game available to dl too!

We love our wii. My DH had never really liked video games, but he really likes to play Zelda with DS6.

I have a question about connecting to the internet. We have a broadband connection through our cable company. I've been scared to try and figure out how to connect, but I think I'm going to buy the hardware and go for it. What can you do once you're connected to the internet? Are there any games that are free to download?

I don't want to spend a lot of time and money to connect to the internet if then the only thing to do is spend more money to download games. It might just be easier for us to buy some used Gamecube games.
Thanks!

The Internet connection will get more and more useful as time goes on. The new Pokemon game will let you connect with other players all over the world to battle (much like the DS does now).

It's not so much the games that you can get that are important, it's the conectivity. The only free games you can play are through sites like Wiicade.com. They are flash games made by fans that you play for free. It's fun, but not worth the hassle of hooking the Wii up with cable.

It's all the other stuff that makes it worth it. I would wait until there is something you really want to utilize that you can only do with the internet before buying the connector, but that's just me. I don't think any of the channels (weather, news, votes) are really necessary yet. though it is fun sending messages to my friends! lol

 

[DisneyArk]

The Internet connection will get more and more useful as time goes on. The new Pokemon game will let you connect with other players all over the world to battle (much like the DS does now).

It's not so much the games that you can get that are important, it's the conectivity. The only free games you can play are through sites like Wiicade.com. They are flash games made by fans that you play for free. It's fun, but not worth the hassle of hooking the Wii up with cable.

It's all the other stuff that makes it worth it. I would wait until there is something you really want to utilize that you can only do with the internet before buying the connector, but that's just me. I don't think any of the channels (weather, news, votes) are really necessary yet. though it is fun sending messages to my friends! lol

Thanks for responding about the internet connection. I think I'll wait for now. Although my son LOVES Sonic. Can I buy a Sonic Gamecube game and use it? Or is there a special Sonic game that I need to download?

Thanks for your help!

 

[DISUNC]

Just a FYI - Many Wii accessories that are hard to find in stores seem to be on Amazon.com.

 

[The_Horned_King]

Thanks for responding about the internet connection. I think I'll wait for now. Although my son LOVES Sonic. Can I buy a Sonic Gamecube game and use it? Or is there a special Sonic game that I need to download?

Thanks for your help!

There are a ton of sonic games for the Gamecube. 4 in all I think. One of which is filled with the classic genesis sonic games(like 5-6 different games).

You can buy them and play them on the Wii. You WILL need a gamecube controler to do this (the ports under the cover on the top of the wii) you should be able to find them cheap at a used game store.

Thanks for the tip about the accessories!

Has anyone tried one of the recharger stations yet?

 

[The_Horned_King]

SSX Blur Review!

Well I went and got the game over the weekend. I played it for a while sunday. About 2 hours, many of which weere me just doing the tutorials and goofing around. I then finally hit the slopes.

1st and foremost, This game has a HIGH learning curve. even for a SSx pro like me the new controls take some major getting used to. Uber tricks are insanely hard to pull off.

I played it for a few more hours today, and am having a blast! While I had thought I was pulling off uber tricks on sunday I was not. I finally pulled off one of the incredibly hard tricks today(a couple of times actually). the more I play the better I am getting with the controls.

That said this game will be fun for older kids and adults, but a younger kid will get frustraited rather quickly.

On a scale of 1-5 I'd put it at a 4. It's a ton of fun! Just hard to learn. I'll pop back in with more info later, after more play time.

 

[tyedye]

We don't have Mario Kart for DS as my son told me to get Diddy Kong Racing instead. Anyone played that one yet? I'm thinking of getting that for my son's birthday.

Thanks for SSX Blur review. I wonder if my boys will be frustrated by it? I am thinking of getting that as a bday present too. Hopefully the warehouse club will have it by then and I can save a few $$.

Played pool for the first time the other day, guess we can get rid of the combo pool/foosball/ping pong/etc table we had for the boys as they'd rather play them on the wii. Well not foosball as that's not on the Wii.

Anyone doing the fitness age on the sports discs? Are you older or younger than your age? Last time I played I was 19 years younger than I am! Made my day.

 

[harleyquinn]

We don't have Mario Kart for DS as my son told me to get Diddy Kong Racing instead. Anyone played that one yet? I'm thinking of getting that for my son's birthday.

Thanks for SSX Blur review. I wonder if my boys will be frustrated by it? I am thinking of getting that as a bday present too. Hopefully the warehouse club will have it by then and I can save a few $$.

Played pool for the first time the other day, guess we can get rid of the combo pool/foosball/ping pong/etc table we had for the boys as they'd rather play them on the wii. Well not foosball as that's not on the Wii.

Anyone doing the fitness age on the sports discs? Are you older or younger than your age? Last time I played I was 19 years younger than I am! Made my day.

I love Diddy Kong. I actually liked the old one better than Mario Kart. I don't think you can go wrong with either and Diddy is newer and has a few different features.

I honestly think a lot of kids will get frustrated not being able to do the ubertricks. It took DH a long time before he actually did one (he keptr thinking he was doing it right, but wasn't). Kids would be better off with Monkey ball or Madden, IMO.

I'm significantly older on the Wii than real life, but I haven't been practicing. 19 years younger is AWESOME!

 

[The_Horned_King]

At last fitness age check, I was 1 year older then I am now.

My fitness age was 28!

 

[Katy Belle]

Wow! How great that you experts are helping us newbies!!!

I have a Wii on its way to my little family now! Depending on it's wait in customs I'm hoping to have it in plenty of time for DS11's 12th birthday!! It was a bundle, so its coming with Zelda and one extra controller.

I've decided to order two more controllers. We have 3 boys and always have extra kiddos. I want to pick up another game, or two. I'd like to get something my neighbor doesn't have since the kiddos can share back and forth. The neighbors have Wario, Elebits, Zelda, and Super Monkey Ball. I have two younger boys, 7,9 so I'd like to stay with "E" games, or 10+.

What about the Sonic game? The reviews on Game Stop make it sound difficult to control? Any experience?

Excite truck...my boys never loved Mario Cart, is it the same?

Also, I'd like at least one game that is 4 player. I haven't been able to find that info on any of the Wii games online.

Thanks for your help!
Katy

 

[harleyquinn]

Wow! How great that you experts are helping us newbies!!!

I have a Wii on its way to my little family now! Depending on it's wait in customs I'm hoping to have it in plenty of time for DS11's 12th birthday!! It was a bundle, so its coming with Zelda and one extra controller.

I've decided to order two more controllers. We have 3 boys and always have extra kiddos. I want to pick up another game, or two. I'd like to get something my neighbor doesn't have since the kiddos can share back and forth. The neighbors have Wario, Elebits, Zelda, and Super Monkey Ball. I have two younger boys, 7,9 so I'd like to stay with "E" games, or 10+.

What about the Sonic game? The reviews on Game Stop make it sound difficult to control? Any experience?

Excite truck...my boys never loved Mario Cart, is it the same?

Also, I'd like at least one game that is 4 player. I haven't been able to find that info on any of the Wii games online.

Thanks for your help!
Katy

Welcome to the thread!

The best site for game info is www.ign.com just click on the Wii link at the top of the screen and you can search for games or read through all of the reviews.

If they don't like Mario Kart, I wouldn't go with Excite Truck. They are very different games, but they are both still racing games.

I suggest getting WiiPlay since you get an extra controller with the game for $50. You're basically paying only $10 for the game that way and it is worth that.

I don't have first hand experience with Sonic, but I don't think it's so much hard to control as it is glitchy and strange sometimes. There's an infamous "magic rock" on one level. You're cruising along (it's on a pretty fixed track) and you hit this rock that completely stops you from jumping or falling over a cliff. The reviewers hate that kind of thing.

I highly suggest you rent a couple games for the kids. That way you know how many players can really play and if the kids like them. Kids can be way more picky and way less than game reviewers.

Don't forget about the Gamecube games too. if there was anything you missed with the cube, buy it now cheap!

My #1 game for mutiple players comes out in May/June. Mario Party 8 is super awesome IMO. So you may want to pick up one of the GC MP games to see if the kids like that now, so you'll know if it's something you should get later.

Smash Brothers is another game like that. It's not coming out til the end of the year, but if they didn't play the old one, you should pick it up.

HTH!!

 

[Disney8704]

I have both Excite Truck and Sonic and love them both. Excite truck is NOTHING like mario kart. Mario Kart all you do is run around a track and hit the others with items. Excite Truck, you run a race on different tracks that are set around the world. Like theres a desert track and bunch others. You also get to perform tricks. Steering the trucks can be hard at first, but after some play time, it does get it easier. You take the remote and turn it side ways and you just steer the truck like that. It has a tutorial you have to go through before you can even start to play the game, so they will be nice and set when it comes to play time. Sonic, as for steering it is a little hard, but not that hard. My main problem is jumping long distances because you have to use the enemies attacks in order to jump across water or onto another island. But overall, it is fun. And I wouldnt want it to be to easy on me, otherwise I would fly through the game and it wouldnt be a challange. So therefor my money would have been wasted. Its only a good game and know your money is spent well, when they like the game and have a hard time.

Wow! How great that you experts are helping us newbies!!!

I have a Wii on its way to my little family now! Depending on it's wait in customs I'm hoping to have it in plenty of time for DS11's 12th birthday!! It was a bundle, so its coming with Zelda and one extra controller.

I've decided to order two more controllers. We have 3 boys and always have extra kiddos. I want to pick up another game, or two. I'd like to get something my neighbor doesn't have since the kiddos can share back and forth. The neighbors have Wario, Elebits, Zelda, and Super Monkey Ball. I have two younger boys, 7,9 so I'd like to stay with "E" games, or 10+.

What about the Sonic game? The reviews on Game Stop make it sound difficult to control? Any experience?

Excite truck...my boys never loved Mario Cart, is it the same?

Also, I'd like at least one game that is 4 player. I haven't been able to find that info on any of the Wii games online.

Thanks for your help!
Katy

 

[Katy Belle]

Thanks so much! We will definitely get Mario Party 8 when we are in the USA this summer. They love Super Smash too.

Renting is a great idea, but not available here. I have to just go by good people like you who tell me how it is!!

I will probably go ahead and get the Sonic Game now and possibly Excite truck.

What about Elebits? It turns out our neighbors have RayMan, not Elebits. DS is loving Rayman. He thought maybe he'd like Monkey Ball, but we've had it in other forms and no one has loved it.

I'm off to check out the link you provided!
Thanks!
Katy

 

[cruisnfamily]

I've decided to order two more controllers. We have 3 boys and always have extra kiddos. I want to pick up another game, or two. I'd like to get something my neighbor doesn't have since the kiddos can share back and forth. The neighbors have Wario, Elebits, Zelda, and Super Monkey Ball. I have two younger boys, 7,9 so I'd like to stay with "E" games, or 10+.

OK, here's my opinion.

Get WiiPlay ($50 which includes a remote and a game)....not a fabulous game but definitely worth the $10.

Next, get Rayman!!! Hands down best multiplayer Wii game! Everybody loves it.

 

[cruisnfamily]

What about Elebits? It turns out our neighbors have RayMan, not Elebits. DS is loving Rayman. He thought maybe he'd like Monkey Ball, but we've had it in other forms and no one has loved it.

Oops just read this part. Too bad they already have Rayman as its' great! Elebits was fun too, DS enjoyed it but not so much as Rayman.


By the way, DS11 has Need for Speed Carbon on rental this week. He likes the game but is having a difficult time controlling the car, steering and such. Anybody played it or have any tips? It seems pretty complex. He's loved the other need for speeds but this one seems too hard for him or something.

 

[tyedye]

Is Rayman really that good of a multi player game? I showed it to my son and he said he didn't want it.

My local warehouse club is now selling Super Monkey Ball for the Wii for $10 off. If my kids liked the GC versions of this will they not like this too?

The_Horned_King At last fitness age check, I was 1 year older then I am now.

My fitness age was 28!

Well, uh, I have alot more numbers to work with than you do but I'm still younger as my age was 27! At first it teased me and said I was 20 then it went up to 27!

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks so much! We will definitely get Mario Party 8 when we are in the USA this summer. They love Super Smash too.

Renting is a great idea, but not available here. I have to just go by good people like you who tell me how it is!!

I will probably go ahead and get the Sonic Game now and possibly Excite truck.

What about Elebits? It turns out our neighbors have RayMan, not Elebits. DS is loving Rayman. He thought maybe he'd like Monkey Ball, but we've had it in other forms and no one has loved it.

I'm off to check out the link you provided!
Thanks!
Katy

No renting?! Well we'll all do our best to give you good recomendations.

Monkeyball is better on the Wii than other systems, because it's more hands on, but if they have played the GC version and didn't like it. I wouldn't bother.

I think Sonic is a good idea for you guys. I'd be weary of Excite truck if the kids really don't like Mario Kart. Yes they are different, but still racing games at heart, so find out why they didn't like Mario Kart first!


If they like Mario and Zelda, you should think about picking up Paper Mario next month. It's my absolute favorite Mario game (and that's saying a lot). They can't play together at the same time, but they can have their own save files.

I'll look around and see if I can find some more suggestions.

There are a lot of games forth coming so don't spend your whole budget right away. it's better to space things out so when they get bored with one, they'll have another.

Is Rayman really that good of a multi player game? I showed it to my son and he said he didn't want it.

My local warehouse club is now selling Super Monkey Ball for the Wii for $10 off. If my kids liked the GC versions of this will they not like this too?

I love Rayman, but I haven't played it multiplayer. It's really short for the overall game, but I think it's really fun.

If they liked the GC Monkeyball, they should LOVE the Wii version, since it's very similair but much more hands on with the wii-mote. That sounds much better for your fam than Rayman.