Wii Rally

I just saw a commercial for Wii Fit that was unlike any video game commercial I have ever seen. It advertised LiveWiiFit.com. The commercial was almost like a short infomercial. Of course with the appeal of Wii Fit to non-gamers, it makes sense that their advertisements wouldn’t be typical video game commercials.

Wii Fit has been out for months now and is still selling really well. With this commercial it seemed their target wasn’t gamers but those looking to get in shape. It’s a little strange to see a game that isn’t new being advertised. Still it makes good sense since it is so popular and in demand. Plus with all the new Wii owners in the United States, it’s a good reminder that there is Wii Fit that comes with the Wii balance board that you can use to play other games.

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?

The dynamic duo of Mario and Sonic is back in another Olympic licensed game. This time the rivals will take on winter games. Mario and Sonic’s newest Olympic game will be released later this year.

The game will take players to Vancouver, Canada - the host of the 2010 Winter Olympic games. There will be new players for the winter games that will be announced later this year. Some of the venues include Alpine Skiing and Speed Skating.

The Wii version will feature co-op and competitive multi-player modes. Mario and Sonic the the Olympic Winter Games will be released in late 2009.

Have you read about sales actually being better in January 2009 than expected? So it’s not at all surprising that January was another banner month for Nintendo of America. Sales of the Wii were up 148% from January 2008 with nearly 680,000 units sold.

The same momentum was seen in sales of Wii games. Wii Fit was number one with more than 777,000 sold. Wii Play was number two with 415,000 sold and third was Mario Kart Wii with 292,000.

While the economy may be slowing down, demand for the Wii is still strong. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s a fun system for both gamers and non-gamers. Those looking for an escape from the economic crisis can find it with the Wii. Plus with so many New Year resolutions that deal with weightloss and exercise, it’s no wonder the Wii Fit is a popular choice especially for those who have tried other exercise programs or gym memberships.

It really isn’t a surprise that the Wii is doing well in sales in the U.S. The Wii is a fun console and with titles like Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii, it’s fun for the whole family.

I have been reading some articles lately that have downplayed the Wii Fit and it’s ability to help people get in shape. One Yahoo! article from Forbes pointed out how a lot of people seem to play the game for a few days and then do not touch it again. Since the article was posted, there have been much praise lefts in comments from people who are using Wii Fit to get into shape.

Wii Fit is being used as part of children’s therapy at hospitals and to motivate employees to exercise. Some people have reported losing weight - double digits even - after they started a workout regime using Wii Fit. I love the one comment from a mom who grounded her son from all his video games except the Wii Fit. Now he’s playing it more than ever and she is hoping to keep him interested in it.

Wii Fit is a fun game and a great way to get moving in the comfort of your home. I do feel better when I play Wii Fit because I feel like I’m doing something for myself which in turn will benefit my family since I will be in better shape. The problem with Wii Fit is that it’s like any other exercise program - you have to make time to do it. For me, it means clearing off a spot to put down the balance board and have room to move. It’s not so easy in our small living room. But there are always excuses when you don’t want to leave your comfort zone.

It is good to read that so many people are not only enjoying Wii Fit but are losing weigh and gettng shape by playing the game.

Two new games are available in the Wii Shop this week - one WiiWare and one Virtual Console game.

WiiWare

LIT (WayForward Technologies, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Violence, 800 Wii Points) is an action/puzzle game where you play Jake. Try to reunite him with his girlfriend Rachel. Dark creatures have invaded your high school and now you must fight through various rooms looking for her. LIT uses both the Wiimote and Nunchuk controllers.

Virtual Console

Wolf of the Battlefield™: MERCS (SEGA GENESIS, 1 player, Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older—Mild Violence, 800 Wii Points) is based on the popular MERCS arcade game that pits you as a mercenary hired by the government to fight terrorism. MERCS adds an original mode that lets you play as one of five different characters.

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.

Logic3 is gearing up for the release of their Funchuk - a mini Wii nunchuk. The Funchuk comes in six colors and retails for $20. It’s a cute, colorful nunchuk that is perfect for gamers with like the smaller controllers.

The Funchuk is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably for both left and right handed players. The 8 way analog stick is on the controller as well as two well placed buttons - C and X. Choose from one of six colors - red, orange, yellow, green, white, and black. The Funchuk easily connects to the Wiimote and can be used with any games that are compatible with the regular nunchuk. They are just so darn cute, too.

The Funchuk mini-controller will be available where most Wii accessories are sold. Visit the Logic3 website for more details on the Funchuk.

Two..Four..Six..Eight..who do we appreciate? How about Nintendo 505 Games for an exclusive game for the Nintendo Wii to bring out your inner cheerleader.

For those looking to become in all-star or just wanting to live out the cheerleading dream can play We Cheer. You will use two Wiimotes are your pom-poms to cheer through 30 high energy songs that span 40 years of music. It’s not all about fun as there is a workout mode to help your burn some calories and to lose weight. Choose your trainer and have fun getting in shape or warming up before hitting the gym.

Featured in the game are real choreographed cheerleading moves. This is great for those wanting to practice before tryouts or for those who don’t make the team but still want to live the dream.

You can create your own cheerleader in the game. Choose from several tops, shoes, and other accessories. You can compete with someone to see who is the best cheerleader or play in cheer off mode that allows up to four people to play.

We Cheer retails for $39.99 and is now available in Europe and the United States.

The game that encouraged you to blow things up as fast as you can is gearing up for a sequel with a party twist. Boom Blox Bash Party will include more multi-player fun and lots of new levels for friends to have fun destroying.

Steven Spielberg collaborated on this sequel to the very popular Boom Blox. Boom Blox Bash Party will have 400 new levels. Some play takes place in space and zero gravity. There are new block types that really lend to the multi-player side of the game.

New levels will be available for download, so the fun just keeps on going. Players will also be able to share levels they create through the Internet.

Boom Blox Bash Party is set to be released this spring in North America and Europe.

Now here is some good news for fans of Rock Band. There will be six new tracks to download for the Wii including four Boston songs.

The tracks are -

Boston “Hitch a Ride”
Boston “Peace of Mind”
Boston “Smokin’”
Boston “Something About You”
Blondie “Hanging on the Telephone”
All-American Rejects “Dirty Little Secret”

Downloadable content for Rock Band has been available for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 for some time. Now Wii owners will be able to buy new song tracks to add to their Rock Band experience.

While it’s not immediately available, eventually all of the 550 downloadable tracks will be available on the Wii. Each track costs 200 Wii Points ($2.00).

Downloadable content for the Wii is purchased through the Rock Band in-game Rock Band music store. You will have to buy Wii Points through the Wii Shop.

Here is an interesting article about Wii Fit and losing weight. It points out the flaw with the Wii Fit being an effective exercise tool - people are still going to have to put in the work to see the results.

As with most exercise equipment and programs, people tend to play Wii Fit for a few weeks and love it. Then they don’t play as often which then leads to not playing at all. The real culprit to Wii Fit being a long-term exercise solution is monotony. The games are the same each and every time you play. It’s the same moves and once you’ve played it a few times, you naturally lose interest. Also from an exercise standpoint, it’s not really good to do the same thing day in and day out as your body will become used to it. You really need to turn it up a notch to really burn the calories.

One thing I would love to see for Wii Fit is downloadable content. It would be great if through the Wii Shop you could download new fitness games or even Yoga routines that put all the moves together. Also a multi-player mode would be awesome as then you could work out with a buddy either online or in person.

I think Wii Fit is just the beginning when it comes to exercise games. There will be plenty more coming out that will make use of the balance board and hopefully will learn and improve upon the shortcomings of the Wii Fit.

This week’s offerings of new games runs the gamut in genre. There is sports, puzzle, and a beloved favorite that will be available today for download.

WiiWare

Snowboard Riot™ (Hudson Entertainment, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone-Mild Fantasy Violence, 1,000 Wii Points) - is a snowboard racing game for up to four players. You can use the Wii Balance Board with this racer where you not only want to be first but to collect items along the way to ensure your victory. Up to four players can play and participate in various ranking modes via Nintendo WIFI Connection.

LONPOS (Nintendo, 1-4 players, Rated E for Everyone, 800 Wii Points) - LONPOS is a puzzle game where players must place all pieces onto the rectangular playing field. The higher the level, the more playing pieces you must place. Use the Nintendo WIFI Connection to see how your score compares with other players and to download new puzzle boards.

Virtual Console

Sonic Chaos™ (SEGA MASTER SYSTEM, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 500 Wii Points) - Play as Sonic or Tails in this classic game. Dr. Eggman(Dr. Robotnik) has stolen the Red Chaos Emerald that has caused Emerald Chaos Emeralds to transport to a parallel universe. Find the remaining Chaos Emeralds to restore the world and to save Sonic’s home from sinking into the ocean.

It took me about three months to find Game Party in stock. When it was released in 2007, Game Party was a bargain price at $19.99. Since the games were fun, I was super excited to see that Game Party 2 was on the horizon.

Having a gift card to Gamestop for $20, I thought this would be a great time to pick up Game Party 2. Well, there was a snag with that logic. Game Party 2 was $29.99. Why the price difference for the sequel?

There are different games in Game Party 2 and most likely more customizable features as Game Party really had nothing in that department. But still I have to wonder if the makers of this fun casual game that was so hard to find on the shelves are hoping to cash in a little more since it was so popular.

I guess I will be waiting on Game Party 2 until the price comes down as the first Game Party was a fun game but wasn’t $30 worth of fun.