Here - Take the Wheel, errr WiiL
Written: Jul 01 '08 (Updated Jul 23 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Adds a bit of realism and comfort to driving games, inexpensive
Cons: None really
The Bottom Line: Adds another dimension to any racing or driving game for the Wii system. May or may not be needed like the light gun is to shooting games.
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| criteeker's Full Review: RACING GAME STEERING WHEEL CONTROLLER for Nintendo... |
Video games have come a VERY long way since the days of "Pong." Today's Wii console system allows its players to interact with the games on a physical level. So parents can take solace in knowing their kids are moving while playing games - just like the old days. You remember when kids actually played games that involved physical activity...right? I mean, some of today's kids get less exercise than a grueling Chess or Checkers match.
But I digress - back to the product in question. While playing games on the Wii system, the controllers are used to tell your character when and how to move. This steering wheel will allow a player to steer his or her vehicle or character through the courses of the Wii gaming system. This is done when a player turns the wheel (and nested controller) to the right or left, that motion is mimicked on the screen.
This ultra-lightweight wheel accessory may or may not be a "must have" but it does lend a bit of realism to any Wii driving-oriented game. Since the Mario Kart game comes packaged with a wheel, you'll probably need another one (two or three) if you wish to race with friends or other family members.
In the "Need for Speed" game (for the Wii) it does not allow for (2 players to race at once) side-by-side driving, so be sure to check on the back of the box for details about whether or not a particular game allows for multiple drivers at the same time.
You might ask, "Does it have a better reaction to the movement over using the Wii-mote by itself?" There is, of course, no difference in reaction time but it does take a bit of strain off your hands and wrists. Your hands rest on a wheel so driving in the game is more natural and more comfortable. Driving with just the Wii-mote can be tough because the Wii-mote ends are so small and it may be a bit tricky - especially using buttons and having to hold a small device. Imagine driving your car with linear device as opposed to the wheel you're used to. The wheel would win every time.
On the back of the wheel, there's an opening for the "B" button (for turbo boost in racing) and on the left side, there's an opening for the Wii-mote to click on game options.
Basically, the wheel is just a housing for the Wii-mote that nests inside the center portion of the wheel. So you can't really call this wheel a "controller" per se. Can you play the racing games with the Wii-mote sideways between both your hands? Yes, but this wheel accessory lends a bit of realism to the driving experience. And at this price point, it'll be easy to bring smiles to your kid's faces.
Since the Wii's color scheme is white, this wheel accessory is white and that spells frequent cleaning because it'll show dirt quite easily. And with the germ factor, I would suggest buying a container of disinfectant wipes and keeping it in the vicinity so that players are less likely to spread germs and so everyone can use clean controllers and accessories.
Since there are no electronics involved with this steering wheel, I would advise looking on Ebay for the really good prices.
If you don't like the "open top" wheel design, other companies make a traditional full round wheel. I found one option at Wal-Mart for $9.99.
I give it a solid 4.5 stars only because it doesn't add quite the depth that a light gun does for a shooting game.
Please check out my other Wii-related reviews:
Nintendo Wii Console System
Wii Fit
Wii Sports
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Nintendo Wii-Mote
Game Party for the Wii
Pinball Hall of Fame for Wii
Recommended:
Yes
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