Wii Rally

After playing my fair share of party games for the Wii, I’ve come to a conclusion. These games are fun for a few days. Then they stay on the shelf collecting dust. So I’ve decided not to buy any more party games for a while if ever again.

The next Boom Blox game is a party game that will be released soon. Although I love Boom Blox, with the word ‘party’ in its title makes me leery of it.

My hope is that the new Wii MotionPlus will bring some sensitive control to party games. That’s my biggest complaint is that the same flicker of the Wiimote can toss a coin, ball, shoot hoops, and more. I can do basically the same movement for most games. So instead of having 40 party games, I really have five. Or at least five different moves I have to perform to play the games.

If the Wii MotionPlus doesn’t help with this problem with party games, then I may never buy another one again for the Wii.

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata announces an expansion of the Virtual Console. Now Wii gamers will have new choices when it comes to classic games.

Virtual Console Arcade will feature arcade games that aren’t released for other console systems. Games that have been released so far are:

STARFORCE
Mappy
Gaplus
Tower of Druaga

More titles are forth coming. That extra storage from high capacity SD cards will come in handy for those who download these arcade games. These classic arcade games give those nostalgic gamers just another option when it comes to playing video games on the Wii.

The first official MotoGP licensed game for the Wii has been released for sale. MotoGP turns the WiiMote into handlebars, giving players an experience in two wheel racing.

Players can join and compete with their racing heroes in three classes - 125cc, 250cc and MotoGP. Players can play in tutorial mode to get acquainted with the game. Then they can take part in career mode where their goal is to become the MotoGP champion. There is also quick race mode where players can choose their favorite track to just have fun without the worry of advancing their career.

MotoGP will also feature a head-to-head option with the addition of AI controlled bikes to add more of a challenge to the game.

MotoGP retails for $39.99 and is rated E for Everyone.

We have been playing a lot of Rock Band 2 for the Wii. One song that I absolutely adore is Duran Duran’s ‘Hungry like the wolf.’ It has always been one of my favorite. I remember having the album (yes the album - not a CD) when I was a teenager. I remember singing this song in my bedroom and staying up late on Friday night to watch music videos. I was always thrilled when this one was played.

So I have sung this song many times, so I decided to try it on Rock Band 2. I’m not a singer by any stretch of the imagination but have wanted to give singing a try for Rock Band 2.

So here is my score on my first try at the song on medium.

I was so thrilled! I didn’t do nearly as well on the other songs I attempted.

Thanks to income tax returns, we purchased Rock Band 2 for the Wii. Now that you can download content to the Wii for Rock Band 2, it was an option for us to get it for the Wii since we knew that we wanted access to all those songs available in the Rock Band store.

I was surprised to see so many songs available for the Wii. Each song costs 200 Wii points. There are some songs that cost 0 Wii Points. That’s a nice surprise. The only problem with Rock Band 2 Wii is I can see downloading a lot of songs and not having enough blocks of memory.

The other day my three-year-old was looking through Nintendo Power and noticed Sonic the Hedgehog. The magazine was published in early 2008, so it was about his new adventure. My nephew had received a Sonic game at Christmas and my daughter really seemed to like it. So after her interest in Sonic renewed by the magazine, I decided to spend some Wii points on a Sonic game.

I chose Sonic the Hedgehog 3 because I thought that I hadn’t played it before. We owned Sonic the Hedgehog but wasn’t sure about the sequels. Once it downloaded, I played it for a few minutes and then realized that I had played it before. This isn’t the first Virtual Console game that I’ve bought only to realize that I have played it before.

It is fun to play them again but it would have been been nice to play a game that is new to me. Of course as far as the Sonic game goes, I had really downloaded it for my daughter. So I’m really not that upset that I have played if before.

It shows me that I have played many more video games than I can remember. It also reminds me that I need to stick to WiiWare games if I’m looking for a new game. I have been tempted to download Streets of Rage since we loved it for the Sega. Since there are sequels, I was thinking of downloading one we haven’t played - or at least I don’t remember playing until I start playing level one.

There are plenty of Virtual Console games that I know I haven’t played since I’ve never heard of some of the titles. Still it’s a leap of faith to buy a game that you know very little about. It could be good but it could also be worthless.

So what Virtual Console games would you recommend?

If you love all things creepy and crawly or zombies, then you are in luck this week as some exclusive games will be released for the Wii. Two games feature zombies while another one lets you experience a bug’s life but rest assured it’s no Disney story. If those genres aren’t your style, then there is a new kart racing game featuring Jimmie Johnson and many more NASCAR stars.

Deadly Creatures is a third person shooter set in a harsh environment - a dessert full of terror. Players control an armored scorpion and a deadly tarantula as they fight their way through hostile terrains. Deadly Creatures is rated T for teen and will retail for $49.99.

House of the Dead Overkill is all about killing zombies. In this tale you must fight the zombies that are the reason behind the first House of the Dead. Agent G is fresh out of the academy and on the case in Louisiana as he and his partner investigate some mysterious disappearances.

OneChanbara: Bikini Zombie Slayers is an exclusive for the Wii and features sisters Aya and Saki who are zombie fighter Samurai. The sword wielding action is tailored for the Wii making use of both the Wiimote and Nunchuk. OneChanbara features split screen action so two player can kill zombies at the same time.

NASCAR Kart Racing is designed especially for the Wii. Players can play one of thirteen NASCAR drivers in their quest to become NASCAR Kart champion. There are 24 entertaining race layouts that span through canyons, junkyards, back roads, and more.

Today I did something I haven’t done in years. I went bowling. Going bowling is an experience from the rented shoes to the greasy food. But with Wii Bowling, part of Wii Sports, I have a better game. So which experience is better?

Like most people, I like to win. Real-life bowling with my 42 score really does a number to the old ego. Plus usually my first game is my best game. Most people like to play at least two games. My second game starts off strong but then turns to the gutter as my wrist gives out.

With Wii Bowling, I have a better game, so it’s good for my ego. And I can have a fun evening with friends in my living room instead of a loud bowling alley. So some points can be made in favor of Wii Bowling to real-life bowling.

Still even though I bowl better with Wii Bowling and can as much fun with my friends playing it as real bowling, it is hard to be the overall bowling alley experience. From the uncomfortable shoes to the TV scorecard mounted above your lane, you just can’t get those kind of memories at home.

Two new WiiWare games and one Virtual Console game are now available in the Wii Shop. One WiiWare game will give your brain a workout while the other one will test your time management skills.

WiiWare

Brain Challenge™ (Gameloft, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points) - Yes, by now we all know that our brain needs exercise just like any other part of our body. Gameloft brings Brain Challenge to WiiWare, giving those wanting to give their brain a workout another option. See who has the biggest brain in three multi-player modes.

Yummy Yummy Cooking Jam (Virtual Toys, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone-Animated Blood, Comic Mischief, 1,000 Wii Points) - For those Diner Dash junkies (like myself) here is a nice WiiWare game that will put to the test those time management/food serving skills. Play career mode and you might just wind up the top chef in town. You will also serve some interesting customers including vampires, ninjas, and mafia thugs.

Virtual Console

Mega Man™ 3 (NES™, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Cartoon Violence, 500 Wii Points) - The third installment of Mega Man for the Nintendo system makes it debut on the Virtual Console. Mega Man will have to defeat evil relying on his new slide move and his canine companion Rush.

Two new WiiWare games and one Virtual Console game are now available at the Wii Shop.

WiiWare

Strong Bad Episode 3: Baddest of the Bands (Telltale Games, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older - Alcohol Reference, Crude Humor, Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Suggestive Themes, 1,000 Wii Points) Strapped for cash, Strongbad heads out to the “Battle Royale of the Bands.”

Art Style: ROTOHEX™ (Nintendo, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 600 Wii Points) Use triangle panels to make beautiful mosaic of stained glass. As the triangles fall, rotate them to group six of the same color together. Once the hex is formed, it’ll disappear and make room for more pieces.

Virtual Console

Earthworm Jim (Sega Genesis, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone - Animated Violence, 800 Wii Points) This classic game originally released for the Sega Genesis features Jim, an ordinary earthworm who finds a space suit that transforms him into a super-intelligent being. Or at least by earthworm standards. Jim learns of the evil plans of Psy-Crow and Queen Slug-for-a-Butt and decides to save the Princess. Run, jump, swing on hooks, and launch cows to defeat interesting characters you will meet on your journey.

Ahoy, today is Talk like a Pirate Day and what better way to celebrate than to take your doubloons and buy some Pirate-themed games for the Wii. So, break out the Wiimote and your scurvy Mii to enjoy a few pirate games on the Wii.

Pirates the Key of Dreams is available through WiiWare for 1,000 Wii points. Up to four players can play this shoot ‘em up action game set on the high seas. Invite your mateys over swashbucklin’ time.

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End is the game based on the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie. ‘Nuff said as it’s pretty evident what this game will be about. Still those interested in reliving the movie(which was fun to watch) will enjoy this one.

Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball is not released yet but should be out this winter. If you can dodge a scallywag then you can dodge a pirate? This is probably a discussion we have weekly at our house - who would win a dodgeball game, pirates or ninjas? Not buying it? Well in this game you can also face off with robots and zombies. Aye, it’s looks like a good time be had by all with this game.

Pirate Party is yet another party game but with pirates. That makes it a must have! Well, maybe not but does look kind of fun. I mean, it is pirates. Shiver me timbers! This title isn’t out yet and has no release date set.

Aye, there are some fine choices when it comes to pirate-themed games for the Wii. So pull out the Wiimote me hearty and have a good time.

Do you remember the VHS tapes of the fireplace burning or how about the ones the featured aquariums? If either of those tapes were interesting to you, then you might enjoy the WiiWare simulation game My Aquarium.

In My Aquarium, you add fish to one of several tanks. Then you can feed them but have to feed them right food or else they won’t eat. You can also set up dates where the fish will perform a special dance just for you. Just like a real aquarium you can only put so many fish in one tank. Good thing you have several tanks to choose from and can even delete fish easily from a tank. You can also zoom in to get an up close view of each fish. Set up your aquarium and then set your music to enjoy watching your fish.

My Aquarium is 500 Wii points and is kind of fun especially if you have younger gamers in the family who enjoy playing games. It is more than a screen saver and can be entertaining at least for a little while.

Ready for the next “get off the couch and move” game for the Wii? Well, get ready because it’s coming early September.

Active Life Oudoor Challenge is the first in a series of games that feature its own playing mat and is meant to keep you on your toes. There’s over a dozen games like jump rope, river rafting, and water trampoline that will get your whole body into the game.

Play as your Mii as you traverse the varied game play using the special Active Live mat. Think DDR mat but with a slightly different look.

Active Life Outdoor Challenge is rated Everyone. The next game in the series will be Active Life Athletic World. It doesn’t have a release date yet. Outdoor Challenge is slated to be released September 9, 2008.

Have you gotten your copy of Wii Fit and balance board? Then you may want to pick up this starter kit later in the week. It comes with a yoga mat and a protective case for your balance board.

Thinking about buying a Wii balance board? Here are a few quick facts about the balance board to help you make your decision.

Weight Capacity 300 lbs.

Batteries 4 AA batteries that last up to 60 hours. A rechargeable battery for the balance board will be available soon from NYKO.

For use on hard surfaces or thin carpet.

Video games that will use the balance board Wii Fit, We Ski, Don King Presents: Prizefighter, Rayman Raving Rabbids(no title yet).