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

[Bibbidi]

I am a Wii newbie. We don't even have it yet. DD made a decision to buy Wii for my DGS10. Now she can't find it. So just wondering what we are in for here. Is it still so hard to find like in previous years? Anyone know who seems to have it in stock more often than other places?

Thanks a bunch!

I just read an article online today that Walmart is going to be selling a shipment of "thousands" of Wiis online, starting tomorrow - they will be offered as single consoles at the regular price ($249.99) as well as bundles. I checked online today to see if they happened to be in stock early and they are still out of stock--but I would be up early in the am if you need one. I would mention though that I've routinely seen Wii consoles in stock at my several local Targets (Cincinnati area) many times this fall--including on Friday. One Target had at least 5 in stock in the morning. I hope that helps you some.

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

I just read an article online today that Walmart is going to be selling a shipment of "thousands" of Wiis online, starting tomorrow - they will be offered as single consoles at the regular price ($249.99) as well as bundles. I checked online today to see if they happened to be in stock early and they are still out of stock--but I would be up early in the am if you need one. I would mention though that I've routinely seen Wii consoles in stock at my several local Targets (Cincinnati area) many times this fall--including on Friday. One Target had at least 5 in stock in the morning. I hope that helps you some.

Thank you very much. The info is very much appreciated.

 

[harleyquinn]

Congrats to HarleyQuinn and Horned King on your upcoming release!

Does anyone have any info on Star Wars Unleashed? My DS8 loves LEGO Star Wars. I know Unleashed is rated T, but why? Would it really be inappropriate for an 8 year old? TIA

Thank you!

You can go straight to the ESRB website and it will tell you why a game gets a certain rating. I know that SWU got it for violence, but there's no blood. The ESRB is very interesting when it comes to rating things. If I were you, I'd go to IGN and see if you can watch a video of the game--they almost always have one. I can't really say whether its appropriate for an 8 year old, but I might be more concerned about how good the game is. I was watching a game review show that put the game in its, most disappointing games segment and I've heard that it was pretty flawed, but best on the Wii.

I know we have a few thread members that have actually played it--hopefully they will weigh in!

 

[Justin the Hook]

Congrats to HarleyQuinn and Horned King on your upcoming release!

Does anyone have any info on Star Wars Unleashed? My DS8 loves LEGO Star Wars. I know Unleashed is rated T, but why? Would it really be inappropriate for an 8 year old? TIA

Does your 8 year old watch the movies? That is more likely the better answer to this question. If he has seen the movies and i would say Episode 2 and 3, then this game would be fine. There is no blood but a lot of animated killing. The story is very deep, but the controls are difficult to master. I would shy away from this for him right now, but is your husband is a SW fan this is a great game for him.

 

[harleyquinn]

Does your 8 year old watch the movies? That is more likely the better answer to this question. If he has seen the movies and i would say Episode 2 and 3, then this game would be fine. There is no blood but a lot of animated killing. The story is very deep, but the controls are difficult to master. I would shy away from this for him right now, but is your husband is a SW fan this is a great game for him.

Thanks Justin!

This is how I feel about the situation too, but I didn't want to influence it as I haven't actually played the game.

 

[Justin the Hook]

Thanks Justin!

This is how I feel about the situation too, but I didn't want to influence it as I haven't actually played the game.

Not a problem; I have already played though the game both ways, it is a great game. If they are like me and their kids can watch SW because it is a great story, than he'll be fine. It is just those darn controls that might get an 8 year old. It is rated T.

 

[SandrA9810]

I find gamefaqs to be alot better at reviews, plus there's a message board and walk-throughs available. And it's from gamers that are playing the game.

I also recommend buying used video games for your own kids. Sometimes other people think it's a little wierd buying a used gift, but you have the option of returning it after the holidays if the kids absolutly hate it. Even if they only give you a store credit, you can get something different. With a new game, if it is opened, then it can only be exchanged for the same exact item. Same goes for most dvd's and other electronic items.
Plus at Gamestop (which has bought over E/B game) they're pretty good about doing a buy 2 used get 1 free on games and dvd's, and if you get thier discount card, you get the Game Informer magazine which is really good as well for one year (so kids have something to look forward to till next Christmas). You save 10% off all used purchases, except on used consoles. I managed to find a composit cable, I think it's a monster cable for about 10$ because it was marked as Used cable/other brand (since it wasn't made by microsoft, sony, or nintendo) and it was for all three systems. Monster cables are expensive, but high quality. So you never know what kind of deal you can get. Plus, here there's three of them on my way to work, and one in the opposite direction not too far away. So it's usually pretty easy to find what you want in one of thier stores. They can also look up inventory of any store (updated nightly), so make sure they call before you make the drive over. Plus with E/B being bought over, Gamestop did not close a lot of the second location inside the malls. So you'll more than likely find a yellow store (old E/B store) and a black/red store (gamestop).

BTW, if you do buy a bundle, you can always return the extra stuff. Kari got a ps2 slim bundle at her job's Christmas party (every one was envious of her, as they knew she worked for gamestop). But there were two greatest hits game gran turismo that sold used for like 3$ but 20$ new (it was originally bundle when first released), and Jak and Daxter, an extra controller, and memory card. We kept Jak and the memory card, and used the 45$ on the return at wal-mart for more games.

 

[SandrA9810]

BTW, if you are a wired family for internet, or have dial-up. Use your Wii to find an access point. Especially if you live in the city. There are so many bussiness that offer free wi-fi hot spots and neighbors that don't include a password for internet access. You get updates on your Wii, but there's never excessive downloading or use of broadband, so as long as your just surfing the net or downloading a game from the site, people aren't going to notice you on.

 

[The_Horned_King]

BTW, if you are a wired family for internet, or have dial-up. Use your Wii to find an access point. Especially if you live in the city. There are so many bussiness that offer free wi-fi hot spots and neighbors that don't include a password for internet access. You get updates on your Wii, but there's never excessive downloading or use of broadband, so as long as your just surfing the net or downloading a game from the site, people aren't going to notice you on.

Let me just warn....In MOST states this is HIGHLY Illegeal...and I have known more then one person to actually get caught and taken to court over biteing off someone elses broadband access.

Just a warning.

 

[cjackearl]

Hi. My family will be receiving a Wii for Christmas this year. I also purchased a Wii Fit, an extra controller and Zak and Wikki something that I found for $10 clearance at Kmart. I hesitate to buy any more games because: 1. I've already spent a boatload of money and 2. I'm not sure who is going to spend the most time playing. I kind of thought we'd rent a few games over Christmas break to see what everyone liked. My question: Will the Wii Sports, Zak and Wikki and Wii Fit (really for me, but if I know my kids...) be enough to enjoy?

 

[Hidden_Mickey]

Not a problem; I have already played though the game both ways, it is a great game. If they are like me and their kids can watch SW because it is a great story, than he'll be fine. It is just those darn controls that might get an 8 year old. It is rated T.

Thanks guys. He has seen all 6 movies and is a Wii addict. I have no doubt he can handle it. I just didn't want it to be too graphic.
You guys rock!

 

[TwingleMum]

Does anyone know any Airplane/flying Wii games?? My almost 8 yr old DS really loves airplanes. Big TIA.

Also the light saber controller. Can you use it for Lego SW?? Or does it just go with SWU??

 

[TwingleMum]

Not a problem; I have already played though the game both ways, it is a great game. If they are like me and their kids can watch SW because it is a great story, than he'll be fine. It is just those darn controls that might get an 8 year old. It is rated T.

I'm new to gaming. What does "I played though the games both ways " mean??? Thanks

 

[tinkerbellmagic]

I am a Wii newbie. We don't even have it yet. DD made a decision to buy Wii for my DGS10. Now she can't find it. So just wondering what we are in for here. Is it still so hard to find like in previous years? Anyone know who seems to have it in stock more often than other places?

Thanks a bunch!

Ok, that was me posting this. Just thought I'd update in case anyone else is looking for a Wii, here is my experience for today Dec 8. Bright and early I started out at:

1. First stop: Best Buy - "Sorry, we don't have any Wii's. Check back next Sunday."

2. Second Stop: Target #1 - "Sorry, we don't have any Wii's. Call every few days or so. Not sure when we will get anymore in."

3. Third Stop: Toys R Us - Losing hope after two strikes, and not seeing any Wii's in sight, there are the usual dozen or so people in line at the game counter. I walk up on the sidelines and whisper to the cashier, "You don't have any Wii's, do you?" "Yes, we do!" he says. I get in line behind the masses and hope to heck they don't sell out before I reach the front of the line. So Woohoo! Yeah! I bought the Wii DD wanted for DGS10. There were three left. The lady in front of me got one, I got the next one, leaving only one left for another lucky person. I paid $249.00! They kept the Wii's on the floor next to the cashiers in the original shipper so it wasn't obvious.

4. Went to Target #2 for other Christmas shopping and noticed a single Wii in their locked cabinet.

Things are not as bleak as they were last year. Good luck!

Now, I know nothing about this system, so need to read this thread.

 

[harleyquinn]

Hi. My family will be receiving a Wii for Christmas this year. I also purchased a Wii Fit, an extra controller and Zak and Wikki something that I found for $10 clearance at Kmart. I hesitate to buy any more games because: 1. I've already spent a boatload of money and 2. I'm not sure who is going to spend the most time playing. I kind of thought we'd rent a few games over Christmas break to see what everyone liked. My question: Will the Wii Sports, Zak and Wikki and Wii Fit (really for me, but if I know my kids...) be enough to enjoy?

Yes, I think that should be plenty to keep you busy for a while. Supplementing that with a couple of rentals would be perfect.

Does anyone know any Airplane/flying Wii games?? My almost 8 yr old DS really loves airplanes. Big TIA.

Also the light saber controller. Can you use it for Lego SW?? Or does it just go with SWU??

There are a few flight sims, but I'm not sure any of them are worth buying. Here's IGNs lists:
Action Flight games and Flight Sim games

Yes, you can use the lightsaber attachment with Lego Star wars or any other game if you really want to. It's just a piece of plastic that you slip the wii mote into.

I'm new to gaming. What does "I played though the games both ways " mean??? Thanks

I think he means that he played as the jedi and as the sith.
In Lego Batman you can play as the villians or the heroes--it's really cool.

 

[The_Horned_King]

Just giving the thread a week beofre christmas bump...incase any new owners have pre gift giving questions.

 

[Banana magic]

I just got a notice that the Rock Band 2 special edition we ordered for our new Wii has been shipped and will be delivered in a couple days. I was originally told this was not going to be here until a week or so after Christmas. Very happy that the kids will have this on Christmas now!

 

[mdrob214]

I just got a notice that the Rock Band 2 special edition we ordered for our new Wii has been shipped and will be delivered in a couple days. I was originally told this was not going to be here until a week or so after Christmas. Very happy that the kids will have this on Christmas now!

We love Rockband! Give a review on RB2 when you ge tht chance, please?

 

[Banana magic]

We love Rockband! Give a review on RB2 when you ge tht chance, please?

I'll post a review after the kids get it hooked up at Christmas.

 

[left210]

Which one is best - Guitar Hero World Tour or Rockband 2? If you already have Guitar Hero if you get World Tour can you use two guitars at the same time?