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

[calypso*a*go-go]

Have you heard anything about Mario Sonic Olympics? It has suddenly appeared on the Christmas list here.

This was not on DS's list but when TRU had the B2G1 free some games had just shown up in the "vault" and when I went to pick up the some-what crappy games I had to buy because everything else was out of stock there was a really nice lady working that pulled out a Star Wars Complete Saga and the Mario Olympics game and insisted that I take them instead (along with a WII Play). She walked me to the register and corrected everything on the receipt. I guess she was thinking anything that might save time later with everyone exchanging games would be a good thing!

 

[mdrob214]

Has anyone here ever tried the Dancing With the Stars for the Wii? I am headed over to ign, but would love a more personal review! Also seriously considering buying the lego Star Wars Complete Saga,even though we have both games for PS2. It's the one thing my 13yo DD requests (she wants it for PS2 since she doesn't know that Santa will be delivering a Wii)

Also, what is available for flying games? My son really likes Ace Combat and Secret Weapons Over Normandy for PS2.

Thanks!

PS--Picked up Big Brain Academy this BF for $28--not too bad--hope it's fun. So now we have Wii Play, Pirates of the Caribbean (for $20) and BBA. I think maybe the kids will get gift cards from some relatives so maybe they can do some shopping themselves after Christmas!

 

[mookie]

FYI - the pay-pal 20% back deal has Tiger Woods avail. It's full price, but you get 20% cash back when you buy it through them.

https://www.paypal-promo.com/holiday/slider/index.html

 

[UMTerp]

Every time I think I'm done buying stuff/games for the Wii (my kids primary gift this Christmas) I see something else... Do I need a Wii starter kit? It looks like it has some cables in it. Will I be able to hook up and use our Wii without a starter kit?

TIA!

UMTerp

 

[quiltymom]

Sorry if this was addressed in an earlier post...

I just purchased the Meet the Robinsons game for the wii at Target clearanced for only $20.00. It was the last one so I nabbed it up.

DS9 is a big-time gamer (following in his dad's footsteps) but DD7 needs easy stuff. Do you think it would be worth it to keep for them?

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks. I read the first pages before I was lucky enough to get one, so then I was concentrating on where to get it. I'll re-read it. Great suggestion to do a dry run before Christmas.

No problem! The only thing in the FAQ is about setting up the Internet connection. Do you plan on doing this? It can be pretty tricky, but the kids don't need that to play.

Has anyone had a Wii not work right out of the box? Is it advisable to wait until Christmas Eve to try it out?

I've never heard of that happening, but I have heard of remotes not working. This is the biggest reason why I think setting up before christmas is so important.

Another question: We are a family of 5. We will have SM Galaxy, Raymon II, Metroid, Zack and Wiki, Wii Play, SM Olympics and Big Brain Academy. Do we need nunchucks? Do we need more than 2 remotes?

Thanks!!

Any other game suggestions (DH 36 (war games), Me 37, (Kingdom Hearts, Zelda, Lego) DS10 (Lego, Zelda, racing, Ty, Call of Duty 2, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, ) DD8 ( small amount PS2 Spongebob and DS HSM) and DD5 (no experience at all but getting a Leapster for Christmas). (Our system right now is a PS2).

I don't think you need nunchucks. On the back of each box it has pictures of what the players need to play, so double check that. For a few of those games, each player needs a remote to play, so you may want to pick up more wii-motes at some point, but right now you're really just fine.

Suggestions:
Call of Duty 4 (really good from what I've heard). Other than that I think you have plenty. You honestly don't want to get too much, or something will be sitting around gathering dust. I might pick up the Spongebob game for the Wii if you can find it cheaper than $50.

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions! His favorites are all of the Grand Theft Autos. He also enjoyed Blood Rayne. I remember buying The Matrix and he took it back. That's all I can think of that are "his" games. Even though it's "his" xbox and we have 40+ games. haha.

Sounds like he likes action games. I would go with Zelda for sure. Mario Galaxy should entertain him too. It really is great. I suggest you rent Resident Evil: Umbrella chronicles and then buy it if he likes it. It's a two player game, so you two can kill zombies together. (I'm actually a bit better than DH is at the game...sometimes (like twice)).

Hey Sarah,
Have you heard anything about Mario Sonic Olympics? It has suddenly appeared on the Christmas list here.

I think my mom has mentioned that Dancing With the Stars is available on Wii 100 times now! Too bad she doesn't have a Wii! We might have to rent that one for Christmas Day just for her!

becca-becca - Of the games you have listed, I don't think you need more than 2 wi-motes. The only games we use the nunchucks for Boxing and Tanks (from Wii Sports and Wii Play). We don't have Rabbits so I don't know about that one. We typically use all 4 wi-motes with Mario Party. We can use it with Tennis but it makes the screen pretty small. Hope that helps.

Mario & Sonic has gotten some pretty bad reviews from the press. I have not played it myself, but the commercials make it look like another great party game (if you NEED yet another one).

I think the DWTS game is HILARIOUS!! You can definitely see that the wii is trying to appeal to everyone!

Has anyone here ever tried the Dancing With the Stars for the Wii? I am headed over to ign, but would love a more personal review! Also seriously considering buying the lego Star Wars Complete Saga,even though we have both games for PS2. It's the one thing my 13yo DD requests (she wants it for PS2 since she doesn't know that Santa will be delivering a Wii)

Also, what is available for flying games? My son really likes Ace Combat and Secret Weapons Over Normandy for PS2.

Thanks!

PS--Picked up Big Brain Academy this BF for $28--not too bad--hope it's fun. So now we have Wii Play, Pirates of the Caribbean (for $20) and BBA. I think maybe the kids will get gift cards from some relatives so maybe they can do some shopping themselves after Christmas!

Haven't played DWTS. Most press reviews were bad, but who cares what they say. Unfortunatly there aren't a lot of reviews right now since most people are saving games for Christmas, but ign does have gamer reviews too. Also DH was talking about a site called www.gameratings.com (I think) where people can review games. Also I think some games are rated on Amazon.

I know I answered a flying game question before...it doesn't come up often. I know there is a game, but it's not very good. I also remember that there are a bunch coming out. I suggest you tell DS that and let him research which one he wants to buy with his gift cards!

Every time I think I'm done buying stuff/games for the Wii (my kids primary gift this Christmas) I see something else... Do I need a Wii starter kit? It looks like it has some cables in it. Will I be able to hook up and use our Wii without a starter kit?

TIA!

UMTerp

NO you don't NEED the starter kit. The wii comes with everything you need!

Sorry if this was addressed in an earlier post...

I just purchased the Meet the Robinsons game for the wii at Target clearanced for only $20.00. It was the last one so I nabbed it up.

DS9 is a big-time gamer (following in his dad's footsteps) but DD7 needs easy stuff. Do you think it would be worth it to keep for them?

For that peice I would totally keep it If they hate it, trade it in right away to a used game store for something else (like Mario Galaxy).

Hope I got everything!
Go Oklahoma and Pitt!!!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Mario & Sonic has gotten some pretty bad reviews from the press. I have not played it myself, but the commercials make it look like another great party game (if you NEED yet another one).

Uh oh -- sounds like maybe I should reconsider keeping this game. DS is 12 and right now I have Mario Galaxy, Big Brain Academy, Star Wars Complete Saga, and the Spiderman3/Shrek3 games that were 1/2 price 2 TRU. I was going to try and trade the Spiderman3 for Spiderman Friend or Foe as that's the one that was actually on DS's christmas list. Here's the deal though -- he asked for these on the PS2 format as he doesn't know he's getting the WII as I've made a point of telling him over and over again that there are none to be had. Would any of these games actually be better in the PS2 version as I'm sure he'll still play that system too.

Thanks so much harleyquinn (and others) for helping so many of us out with this thread!!!

 

[harleyquinn]

Uh oh -- sounds like maybe I should reconsider keeping this game. DS is 12 and right now I have Mario Galaxy, Big Brain Academy, Star Wars Complete Saga, and the Spiderman3/Shrek3 games that were 1/2 price 2 TRU. I was going to try and trade the Spiderman3 for Spiderman Friend or Foe as that's the one that was actually on DS's christmas list. Here's the deal though -- he asked for these on the PS2 format as he doesn't know he's getting the WII as I've made a point of telling him over and over again that there are none to be had. Would any of these games actually be better in the PS2 version as I'm sure he'll still play that system too.

Thanks so much harleyquinn (and others) for helping so many of us out with this thread!!!

With a 12 yo I would definitley consider it. Not bc the game is bad, but those kind of games are really for younger kids or families to play together. I would trade it for Zelda. Fantastic game (not already on your very good list) and much more appropriate for his age and considering he's already a gamer.

I don't think that the games are better on the PS2, but if you can get them cheaper... I highly suggest you read the reviews (for both versions) and then decide. IGN does a great job of comparing across platforms.

And you're welcome! And Thanks for coming back.

I hope that everyone that has gotten help will come back after christmas and let us know how all the games go over with your children.

Hopefully my suggestions go over well!

 

[quiltymom]

Thanks, Harleyquinn!

 

[harleyquinn]

Thanks, Harleyquinn!

Welcome!!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

With a 12 yo I would definitley consider it. Not bc the game is bad, but those kind of games are really for younger kids or families to play together. I would trade it for Zelda. Fantastic game (not already on your very good list) and much more appropriate for his age and considering he's already a gamer.

Thanks -- I'll definitely be on the lookout for a Zelda trade! What's nice for me is that DS's birthday is early February, so I can wait and give him some of these games a bit later. That way if I have a hard time finding them during the Christmas rush, I can always look later and sometimes still be able to take advantage of some of the sales/promos.

 

[ptlycloudy]

For those looking for a High School Musical review we decided to open ours on turkey day since all of the kids were here. It was definately a hit with the 12, 9, 6, 4 crowd of both boys and girls. I don't think it would have a long lasting appeal though for the older ones. My girls are 6, 4 and they love to sing with it and they will probably be happy with it for a long time. There really isn't much too it but singing along. There is a quick play where you pick a song and sing and it rates you based on pitch, tempo etc. Then there is a sequence play where it start from the beginning of movie one and moves through to movie 2. What appeals to my 4 year old is unlocking new outfits and scenery.

It was worth it for the rare opportunity of all of the kids being together which is rare for our family. I would definitely look for it on sale if you are going to buy it!!! Oh also a disappointment that the older kids noticed is that it isn't the original cast members doing the singing. They were bummed about that.

 

[cruisnfamily]

Question about players guides.

DS12 has never used or owned a players guide before but whenever he plays Metroid for the gamecube he's always googling walkthroughs online. Santa is bringing Metroid 3 for the Wii and I thought maybe he'd like a players guide for that game. I can't find an official nintendo one though, only a prima guide. Are these any good? Will it be similar to the info he finds in these online walkthroughs?

 

[The_Horned_King]

Another question: We are a family of 5. We will have SM Galaxy, Raymon II, Metroid, Zack and Wiki, Wii Play, SM Olympics and Big Brain Academy. Do we need nunchucks? Do we need more than 2 remotes?

Thanks!!

Any other game suggestions (DH 36 (war games), Me 37, (Kingdom Hearts, Zelda, Lego) DS10 (Lego, Zelda, racing, Ty, Call of Duty 2, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, ) DD8 ( small amount PS2 Spongebob and DS HSM) and DD5 (no experience at all but getting a Leapster for Christmas). (Our system right now is a PS2).

You do need nunchucks for sm olympics and raymanII...metroid uses one but it's only 1 player. I personally would by a secondone but that's up to you and how often you'll playe multiplayer games.

Seeing as a few of you in your family like zelda how have you not baught zelda twlight princess?

also Call of Duty 4 is by far the best war game on the wii right now, but there are plenty of others and some fun Mature games like, scarface, red steel, medal of honor,manhunt 2. just to name a few.

For those looking for a High School Musical review we decided to open ours on turkey day since all of the kids were here. It was definately a hit with the 12, 9, 6, 4 crowd of both boys and girls. I don't think it would have a long lasting appeal though for the older ones. My girls are 6, 4 and they love to sing with it and they will probably be happy with it for a long time. There really isn't much too it but singing along. There is a quick play where you pick a song and sing and it rates you based on pitch, tempo etc. Then there is a sequence play where it start from the beginning of movie one and moves through to movie 2. What appeals to my 4 year old is unlocking new outfits and scenery.

It was worth it for the rare opportunity of all of the kids being together which is rare for our family. I would definitely look for it on sale if you are going to buy it!!! Oh also a disappointment that the older kids noticed is that it isn't the original cast members doing the singing. They were bummed about that.

Thanks for the review! That is exactky the reasoning I didn't buy it(no lasting appeal) i'll pick it up when it gets cheap.

Question about players guides.

DS12 has never used or owned a players guide before but whenever he plays Metroid for the gamecube he's always googling walkthroughs online. Santa is bringing Metroid 3 for the Wii and I thought maybe he'd like a players guide for that game. I can't find an official nintendo one though, only a prima guide. Are these any good? Will it be similar to the info he finds in these online walkthroughs?

I love strategy(game) guides. I buy them for most long rpgs for the nice full color maps. much better then the text only gamefaqs. Though I do use them also.

As for Prima vs nintendo...I honestly like the prima better. they are usually longer, more indepth and set up better. Not that the Nintendo ones are bad, but the prima ones just seem better layed out and like more effort was put into them. Just my opinion(and the DW's too)

 

[kcrew]

I finally stumbled across a wii at Target today and I am so excited!!! I would appreciate it if someone could help with a few questions. The system is for my 3 DSs and I need to figure out what I MUST get. As far as games, it is just going to be the Sports that comes with it and Battle Revolution at this point. Will any of these be 3 player, or will I just need 1 extra controller? Will I need an additional nunchuck? Do the remotes go through a lot of batteries? Is the charger dock a good idea? I paid 29.99 for a 3 year extended warranty. Was that wise, or should I return it? Is there anything else I really should purchase?

Also, a DS question...do I need anything for that? I see a ton of "starter" kits and am wondering if any of these accessories are really needed?

Thanks!

 

[binny]

Ok I have to say I went to Target today and asked the kid that was working there what else we might need. He was not NEARLY as helpful as you and your dh have been harleyquinn!
We have the Wii, WiiPlay, Big Brain and Warioware.

he said we needed at least one more nuMchuck (LOL nuM) the accesory pack and several other things. I knew from reading this thread that we wer epretty well good to go!
Wanted to say thanks I think you saved me about $200

 

[geetey]

kcrew - there isn't anything in the accessory kits that you *need* for your Wii.

 

[Gillian]

I'm getting so excited about our Wii!! We're going to Florida for Christmas but are celebrating Hanukah at home (8 crazy nights) and at my parents house on a Saturday. I still have to talk to DH but I'd like to bring the wii to my mom's to open as that night's gift. She bought some stuff for it so it makes sense to have it there AND we can play on their big TV!

But should we take it to Florida with us? Will it fit in the safe at Disney? Will my BIL be upset if we don't bring it to his house afterward?

 

[coinkc]

Does anybody know the websites that list who has the wii's in stock? I know it's on here somewhere but can't seem to find them.

Thanks.

 

[dodukes]

i think its wiilalerts.com, if you scroll down it has a list of stores and whether instock or not.