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

[Newfie2000]

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.

Oh, you are so welcome - I'm glad I could finally help someone, rather than always asking questions!

 

[harleyquinn]

HSM3
Mario Olympics or
Mario super galaxy?

TIA!!!

Super Mario Galaxy is by far the best game on your list. And just about everyone can just pick up and play it. It is more challenging than the others, but a little challenge is a good thing, especially at 8 and 11.

You've got 3 party/family games between Wii Sports, Wii Play, and Mario Kart, so I would take Mario and Sonic at the Olympics off the list.

I haven't heard much of anything about HSM3, but if BOTH girls are REALLY into HSM then you should consider it. The main thing here is that you will get a lot more of your money's worth from Mario Galaxy as the game is longer and not just a fad.
Let me see what I can find about HSM...

 

[harleyquinn]

There are a couple of reviews on Amazon for HSM3
Amazon link

 

[cruisnfamily]

OK, need some Christmas help for DS13. He's a video game kid who has hardly touched the wii over the last year. He's been playing some online role playing games on the computer mostly. He'll occasionally play super smash brothers but that's about it. We did rent Geometry wars which he really loved. Back in the early days of the Wii he was very into it and played through zelda and mario galaxy until they were finished, he also likes lego star wars. He doesn't care for most of the "party" type games(wii play, carnival, etc), although he did like the raving rabbids ones. Anyway, trying to regenerate interest but nothing really great is being released.

So, here's what I'm thinking...and I'm looking for your reviews if you have them. I've already read up on them on ign but wanted to see if anyone else had an opinion.

Animal Crossing Wii(the new one being released next week)
Line Rider 2 Wii(he used to play this on the computer all the time)

Kirby ultra star for the DS
Geometry wars for the DS(from Grandma)

I've already got Guitar Hero tucked away for him and Wii Fit for his sister. Basically I'm looking for opinions on the animal crossing and line rider games.....and also, I've been considering DeBlob and MySims Kingdom but I'm leaving them off the list as I don't want his entire Christmas haul to be video games. Tell me if you think DeBlob or MySims Kingdom are better choices than the games I've listed.

Thanks!

 

[Justin the Hook]

OK, need some Christmas help for DS13. He's a video game kid who has hardly touched the wii over the last year. He's been playing some online role playing games on the computer mostly. He'll occasionally play super smash brothers but that's about it. We did rent Geometry wars which he really loved. Back in the early days of the Wii he was very into it and played through zelda and mario galaxy until they were finished, he also likes lego star wars. He doesn't care for most of the "party" type games(wii play, carnival, etc), although he did like the raving rabbids ones. Anyway, trying to regenerate interest but nothing really great is being released.

So, here's what I'm thinking...and I'm looking for your reviews if you have them. I've already read up on them on ign but wanted to see if anyone else had an opinion.

Animal Crossing Wii(the new one being released next week)
Line Rider 2 Wii(he used to play this on the computer all the time)

Kirby ultra star for the DS
Geometry wars for the DS(from Grandma)

I've already got Guitar Hero tucked away for him and Wii Fit for his sister. Basically I'm looking for opinions on the animal crossing and line rider games.....and also, I've been considering DeBlob and MySims Kingdom but I'm leaving them off the list as I don't want his entire Christmas haul to be video games. Tell me if you think DeBlob or MySims Kingdom are better choices than the games I've listed.

Thanks!

I would shy away from Line Rider, why buy a game when your DS can play it on the computer for free?

MySims and Animal Crossing are very similar. Animal crossing is played in real time. If it is 6 pm at your house it is 6 pm in Animal Crossing. So the different times you play you can get different results. I have AC for the Gamecube and DS and my DD9 plays the one for her DS all the time. Neither game has any action, just a lot of doing chores for people around the town. Either one would work, but for a 13 year old, I would go towards Star Wars The Force Unleashed, hands down the best game. There is violence but no more than what is in Smash Brothers.

 

[paula70]

Super Mario Galaxy is by far the best game on your list. And just about everyone can just pick up and play it. It is more challenging than the others, but a little challenge is a good thing, especially at 8 and 11.

You've got 3 party/family games between Wii Sports, Wii Play, and Mario Kart, so I would take Mario and Sonic at the Olympics off the list.

I haven't heard much of anything about HSM3, but if BOTH girls are REALLY into HSM then you should consider it. The main thing here is that you will get a lot more of your money's worth from Mario Galaxy as the game is longer and not just a fad.
Let me see what I can find about HSM...

Thanks for the reply and the amazon link! You made a very good point about the types of games I have. I am a little concerned that Mario galaxy might be too hard since my DD's and I are COMPLETE novices w/ any type of gaming but they are smart girls so they might be up to the challenge.

I also agree that since they are girls and like HSM3 and LOVE to dance, this would probably be a good choice as well. Such decisions...

BTW, I have really enjoyed the info on this thread! I'm a "researcher" when it comes to just about everything and when I found out my DD"s were getting a Wii I knew that DIS members would have great info! THANKS!

 

[lovetheprincesses]

Can anyone tell me anything about Disney Sing It or teh undersea diving game? Wii Music?

 

[Disney8704]

Thats an easy question - get Super Mario Galaxy. HSM3 is nothing but a shelf-filler, Mario & Sonic Olympics is OK, not that great and Super Mario Galaxy is one of the best wii games to get!

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!!!

 

[Disney8704]

All are shelf-fillers and should stay away from.

Can anyone tell me anything about Disney Sing It or teh undersea diving game? Wii Music?

 

[harleyquinn]

I would shy away from Line Rider, why buy a game when your DS can play it on the computer for free?

MySims and Animal Crossing are very similar. Animal crossing is played in real time. If it is 6 pm at your house it is 6 pm in Animal Crossing. So the different times you play you can get different results. I have AC for the Gamecube and DS and my DD9 plays the one for her DS all the time. Neither game has any action, just a lot of doing chores for people around the town. Either one would work, but for a 13 year old, I would go towards Star Wars The Force Unleashed, hands down the best game. There is violence but no more than what is in Smash Brothers.

I have to agree with Justin here. I think your DS's problem is that he's too old for a lot of the games we discuss around here. He needs more of an adventure/challenging game and SWFU is really great, especially if he's a SW fan.

Do you guys have Paper Mario? It might be a good option too. I think AC, Sims are just too young for a 13yo boy. He might play a little, but it won't hold his interest.

Thanks for the reply and the amazon link! You made a very good point about the types of games I have. I am a little concerned that Mario galaxy might be too hard since my DD's and I are COMPLETE novices w/ any type of gaming but they are smart girls so they might be up to the challenge.

I also agree that since they are girls and like HSM3 and LOVE to dance, this would probably be a good choice as well. Such decisions...

BTW, I have really enjoyed the info on this thread! I'm a "researcher" when it comes to just about everything and when I found out my DD"s were getting a Wii I knew that DIS members would have great info! THANKS!

Well, as a girl who grew up gaming, we all start somewhere. My first game that I really played was the first Mario Brothers when I was younger than your girls and I loved it.

Mario Galaxy is truly an entry-level game, especially at their ages. It's really not about being a novice.
As for HSM, I think it sounds terrible and I doubt it would hold their attention very long, but that's just me. I really don't like these dance games that are just you flailing about your arms, DDR with the dance pad is so much better.

I wish you could rent Mario Galaxy for them, but that's not going to work in this situation. Does anyone you know have a Wii that they could try it out on?

 

[harleyquinn]

All are shelf-fillers and should stay away from.

Hi Teresa!
I would consider RENTING all three, but I wouldn't buy any. Why? Because by the time it's time to bring them back, the kids probably wouldn't have touched them in days. They are that bad...

And one more time

DO NOT BUY WII MUSIC Don't support crappy games!

 

[paula70]

Super Mario Galaxy is by far the best game on your list. And just about everyone can just pick up and play it. It is more challenging than the others, but a little challenge is a good thing, especially at 8 and 11.

You've got 3 party/family games between Wii Sports, Wii Play, and Mario Kart, so I would take Mario and Sonic at the Olympics off the list.

I haven't heard much of anything about HSM3, but if BOTH girls are REALLY into HSM then you should consider it. The main thing here is that you will get a lot more of your money's worth from Mario Galaxy as the game is longer and not just a fad.
Let me see what I can find about HSM...

Well, as a girl who grew up gaming, we all start somewhere. My first game that I really played was the first Mario Brothers when I was younger than your girls and I loved it.

Mario Galaxy is truly an entry-level game, especially at their ages. It's really not about being a novice.
As for HSM, I think it sounds terrible and I doubt it would hold their attention very long, but that's just me. I really don't like these dance games that are just you flailing about your arms, DDR with the dance pad is so much better.

I wish you could rent Mario Galaxy for them, but that's not going to work in this situation. Does anyone you know have a Wii that they could try it out on?[/QUOTE]

I do know a couple of people who have the Wii but not sure if they have Mario galaxy and they don't live close. Trying the games out just might not be an option since this is a HUGE xmas surprise! That is why I am having such a hard time choosing games-No one I really know and can discuss it with has a Wii.

To be honest, I am probably over-thinking it (I tend to do that-overwhelm myself w/ info!). If you experts reccomend the galaxy game then I'm going to trust you and go for it! The thing is I was planning on buying the extra controllers and 2 games anyways, so this 'free' one from target is honestly a bonus as far as I am concerned!

Thanks again!

 

[harleyquinn]

You definitely have enough to keep em busy!!

Let us know if you have any other questions!

 

[Newfie2000]

I'm not sure if anyone here is interested but thought I'd throw it out there... I was browsing through Best Buy.com last night and noticed that Space Chimps for the Wii (also for PS2) is marked $9.99. I know it was $29.99 in the store so I am assuming it has got to be a mistake (it's not even marked as sale or anything). So I ordered it for store pickup and just went to pick it up - shelf price is still $29.99. Thought maybe some of you were looking for inexpensive games to start, or stocking stuffers, etc.

 

[lovetheprincesses]

Thank you!!!

 

[MerryPoppins]

I am considering looking for a Wii for our family at Christmas. Our son will be home from college for a visit. He's 21. For the most part, he won't be part of the group using the system since he's not often around. Our daughter is a senior in high school. She's 17. Her Occupational Therapist actually suggested that a Wii might be very good for her. She has Sensory Processing Disorder and movement is her friend. DH and I are in our 40s. The kids are both into games. DD has a PS2, DS a PS2 and a PSP. Both play games on the computer. DH also loves games. I'm a newbie, who always goes the wrong direction or jumps when I'm supposed to duck. The kids just like for me to play because I'm the comic relief. We would not be concerned about if a game looks babyish as long as it's fun. My family doesn't mind cutesy, if it's not too easy and still fun to play - if you know what I mean.

So my question is, what do you suggest for our family? If I buy a system what should I add? Most of the time it'll probably be one person playing. I'd guess we would seldom have more than two people playing at once. Wii Fit would probably be a great idea, but I'm not sure I want to spend the extra money right now. Do any of you really love it? I recently saw a bundle that included Wii Sports, Sonic and the Secret Rings, M&Ms Kart Racing, and Looney Tunes Acme Arsenal. Are those any good/appropriate for our crew. What games would we love?

Sorry I know I'm talking about things you've discussed before. But I'm wondering specificly about our ages, situation, etc.

 

[harleyquinn]

I am considering looking for a Wii for our family at Christmas. Our son will be home from college for a visit. He's 21. For the most part, he won't be part of the group using the system since he's not often around. Our daughter is a senior in high school. She's 17. Her Occupational Therapist actually suggested that a Wii might be very good for her. She has Sensory Processing Disorder and movement is her friend. DH and I are in our 40s. The kids are both into games. DD has a PS2, DS a PS2 and a PSP. Both play games on the computer. DH also loves games. I'm a newbie, who always goes the wrong direction or jumps when I'm supposed to duck. The kids just like for me to play because I'm the comic relief. We would not be concerned about if a game looks babyish as long as it's fun. My family doesn't mind cutesy, if it's not too easy and still fun to play - if you know what I mean.

So my question is, what do you suggest for our family? If I buy a system what should I add? Most of the time it'll probably be one person playing. I'd guess we would seldom have more than two people playing at once. Wii Fit would probably be a great idea, but I'm not sure I want to spend the extra money right now. Do any of you really love it? I recently saw a bundle that included Wii Sports, Sonic and the Secret Rings, M&Ms Kart Racing, and Looney Tunes Acme Arsenal. Are those any good/appropriate for our crew. What games would we love?

Sorry I know I'm talking about things you've discussed before. But I'm wondering specificly about our ages, situation, etc.

A lot of the games I want to suggest to you are party games that more than one person would play at a time. A lot of the single player games don't have as much movement.

I suggest you stay away from a bundle like you described, a couple of those games are pretty useless.

I suggest you get the regular system and Wii Play for the second controller. How many games are you looking to purchase? I think from what you described Wii Fit might be a great purchase. It's very popular and could really help.

My favorite games for adult and teen gamers are Mario Galaxy, Paper Mario and Zelda. I think your whole family might enjoy all of those and they are single player...
I suggest you get the system, Wii Play and possibly Wii Fit, then get some video game rental gift certificates so everyone can pick something to try (especially since DS will be going back to school).

Did you read the first couple of posts on this thread? There's a list of other games too. If you see something there that you think might be interesting, I can tell you more.

 

[MerryPoppins]

Did you read the first couple of posts on this thread? There's a list of other games too. If you see something there that you think might be interesting, I can tell you more.

Thanks so much for the reply. I really don't know how many games I plan to get. I guess it depends on how good a deal I can get on them. I was sort of hoping to find a sale, but I hear that's iffy.

I did look at the list. Unfortunately, I know next to nothing about games so I wouldn't know where to start. DH may have some ideas. I'll ask him and maybe come back. Thanks again.

 

[mdrob214]

I'm thinking of Disney: Think Fast. Who has played it? No little little ones here, will we be bored? Keep inmind I am a huge Disney junkie and we all enjoy playing things like the Magic Kingdom board game, even now that my kids are 11 & 14

 

[cruisnfamily]

I have to agree with Justin here. I think your DS's problem is that he's too old for a lot of the games we discuss around here. He needs more of an adventure/challenging game and SWFU is really great, especially if he's a SW fan.

Do you guys have Paper Mario? It might be a good option too. I think AC, Sims are just too young for a 13yo boy. He might play a little, but it won't hold his interest.

Yes, he's played all the paper marios(gamecube and wii)...those are the types of games he likes.

He's not expressed any interest in SWFU and is not particularly a SW fan. He loved the AC game for the gamecube and played it on and off for many many months although not in a while. He's said he wants that game. The only reason I was thinking of the mysims game is that a friend of his has one of the mysims for the wii and says it's really good. I'll skip the sims though because if I make a choice between the 2, AC wins.

As far as line rider, I actually think you're all wrong about that, I think he'll definitely get $20 worth of play out of it even if it's just like the free computer version. He likes making course and things like that...spends a lot of time on SSB making his own levels...and it sounds like line rider would be right up his alley and it's a bargain for $20. I guess I was just wondering if anybody had it and can say if it's any good, you know, is it hard to control or is it actually lame or anything. I'm pretty sure he'll like the basic premise as long as the game functions properly.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback....any comments on DeBlob?