The original Nintendo (circa 1984) had a cool game called Duck Hunt, in which you shot at the screen with a light-gun (a pistol). And now, twenty-odd years later, we have an updated version for the Wii called the Wii Zapper.
The Bundle
Originally released in Japan, the Zapper came bundled with either Ghost Squad, or Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles. Here in North America, we have to be content with Link’s Crossbow Training. That said, the price is only $20, which isn’t tough on the wallet at all.
The Controller
The original light-gun was a separate controller, but the new Wii Zapper is a plastic shell that you insert the Wii Remote (and the Nunchuk if the game requires it).
The controller was originally modeled to look like a shotgun, but was remodeled to look more like a weapon out of a science fiction movie – somewhat like a sub-machine gun. I am not sure if this was done to make the Zapper more usable, or to make sure someone holding a Zapper wasn’t accidentally shot by the police.
At the top-front of the controller, you stick in the Wii Remote. Back at the stock of the controller, the Nunchuk drops in.
The cable on the Nunchuk goes underneath the Zapper, and then up over the side to plug into the Wii Remote. There is a compartment along the way for storing the excess cable.
The B-button of the Wii Remote is connected to a trigger-button on the front of the Zapper; there are no electronics in the Zapper – the trigger simply transfers the force to the Wii Remote.
The Game
Links Crossbow Training is much like the original Duck Hunter; you shoot targets, you defend a position from attacking creatures, or you move through a locale, controlling Link and shooting at enemies.
It’s a simple game, with a simple multiplayer setup that allows for individuals to compete for high score. It won’t take long to complete, and shouldn’t be seen as much more than a demo for getting used to the Zapper.
What’s Good
Well, the price is pretty decent. It’s hard to complain about $20 when it include a game that will keep you entertained for a few hours.
The Zapper will also work with Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles and Medal of Honor: Heroes 2. No other games work at the current time, but I’d expect to see support in future games.
There are some benefits to using the Wii Zapper; the gun-style is more intuitive than the Wii Remote in Medal of Honor: Heroes 2.
What’s Bad
While the quality of manufacture was decent, I thought the design of the controller was less than optimal. The cable for the Nunchuk loops over the side of the controller to plug into the Wii Remote. Excess cable is stored in a compartment with a slide-off cover that would occasionally pop off during gameplay.
In addition, the Nunchuk can pop out of the controller; it’s held in place by two plastic posts and a plastic door that goes around the cable at the base. A more secure attachment would have been preferable.
The number of games you can use this with is limited. Games have to have a different control scheme to be used with the Zapper – in most games, the A-button is the primary button, but when using the Zapper, it’s the B-button. Medal of Honor: Heroes 2 has a whole different control scheme to play the game with the Zapper. I’d love to play the original Resident Evil 4 with the Zapper, but the control scheme for the game doesn’t make it practical
And while the Zapper makes some game play a bit intuitive, I found it uncomfortable to use for more than 20 minutes – the games that you play it with are a bit more intense than those you’ll find in Wii Sports. Taking a break is mandatory with this controller.
Finally, the Zapper will require that you take the silicon glove off your Wii Remote, and while it works with our rechargeable battery system on our Wii Remote, it may not work with other rechargeable battery packs.
Overall…
Despite my lengthy list of complaints, the Zapper is worth getting, primarily due to its low price. I am hoping that other companies look at the Zapper and come out with something better designed.
If you aren’t into games based around guns, then you’ll probably want to skip it, but if First-Person Shooters are your style of game, then this is a low-price add on that will add to the realism.
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