Wii Sports Resort: Fun and Games on Vacation
Written: Nov 02 '09 (Updated Dec 30 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Wide variety of games for the whole family
Cons: a couple games get old fast, not too great for single players
The Bottom Line: Lots of fun for families, friends and Wii-kend Warriors!
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| criteeker's Full Review: Wii Sports Resort with Wii MotionPlus Accessory fo... |
Recently I purchased Wii Sports Resort on Amazon bundled with TWO Wii Motion Plus controllers for $56.99. Costco (as well as most other retailers) sells this game pack with ONE Wii Plus controller for $48 or more. Since the Motion Plus controllers retail for around $20 each, Amazon's bundle deal is much more cost-effective than anyone else I have seen thus far.
In most of the twelve games, you'll have the option of using multiple Wii-motes or you can share the controls. That cuts down on the amount of Wii Motion Plus controllers needed. That was a smart move on Nintendo's part because asking people to pay in upwards of $80 for four Wii Motion Plus controllers is a bit much. The most you'll need is two and you can probably get by with one.
Welcome to Wuhu Island. Imagine going on vacation to an exotic island made for fun and competition. While most of you might think that island vacations are meant for 100% relaxation, this fantasy island can actually tone your body and boost your ego.
Why buy Sports Resort? It's really fun and has a pretty good replay value. And in true Wii fashion, the games promote healthy physical competition within your family or circle of friends. Competing for high scores and achievement stamps is what it's all about. Another neat feature is that you can use your custom-made Mii characters or any of your imported Mii characters as your on-screen player. Another great feature is the fact that (finally) these games offer players right or left-handed controls. It's about time.
Wii Motion Plus controllers. Wii Sports Resort requires the use of the (recently released) precision controllers. They plug into the bottom of the Wii controllers and give you a much more precise hand-to-screen motion replication. Any slight wright rotation or hand movement is exactly replicated on the screen. The motion controllers come with longer gel jackets to accommodate the size difference. The only inconvenience here is when it comes time to recharge the controllers. A somewhat laborious task of removing (and replacing) the controller and tether to and from the gel jacket can be slightly annoying but you get used to it.
The graphics are very appealing but still not as top-notch as X-Box 360 or PS3. I prefer physical game play versus highly detailed graphics. I mean, the graphics are beautiful in this game but lack some higher definition you'd see on other consoles. The sound is right on the mark with exception of some repetitive crowd remarks and lame encouragement on the wakeboarding game. The music is okay with possible exception of the rap beat during the Basketball game. It may or may not send the wrong message.
On a negative note: While Nintendo is coming out with more and more game titles that enlist the services of the Wii Motion Plus controllers, these precision controllers are NOT backward compatible with any previously released Wii games. The Wii motion Plus controllers do NOT need their own power, but they do get their energy from the Wii-mote so battery life between charges is diminished slightly.
While you do not need to remove the Wii-Plus controllers for those early games, the precision mechanism simply does not work. On a positive note, I find playing some games WITHOUT the precision controller device is actually better. For instance, comparing the bowling games on Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort, having the precision controller can be bothersome and less forgiving. Every single slight wrist angle affects the bowling ball's path. I bowl much better without the precision controller.
* * * THE GAMES * * *
Archery 1-4 players: The controls are ingenious: You hold the Wii controller like you'd grip a bow. The nunchuk is pulled back to simulate pulling back the string. There's even a sound replicating the tension on the bow as it's pulled back. When I started playing Wii Sports Resort, this was my favorite game. Problem is that the novelty wears off fairly quickly unless you play multiplayer mode. There are three levels of ability; beginner, intermediate and expert. The beginner level has you shooting at a static target from four distances. The intermediate level has you shooting at a moving target with wind gusts at four distances while the expert level has you shooting at moving targets, with wind and barriers. Another plus is that one or two controllers can be shared between players.
I give Archery 8.5 out of 10
Bowling 1-4 players: Really? You travel all the way to beautiful Wuhu Island only to go bowling? Isn't that a little like traveling to Japan and ordering a hamburger from the menu? This version is almost identical to the Wii Sports version only with more precise wrist and hand movement. In my opinion, Nintendo could have come up with a better option instead of this identical bowling game. And because the precision controller actually detracts from the game's appeal (in my family's opinion) this game is hardly ever played in our house.
After playing the standard mode, the "100-Pin game" is unlocked - which is basically the same exact game as the training mode on Wii Sports.
After that, the "Spin Control" mode is unlocked. Basically it's bowling with barriers that you'll need to spin the ball around to get to the pins. This is the ONLY element that makes this bowling version any different than the Wii Sports version.
My opinion, if you're going to include something as mundane on a fantasy island game, there should have been target games or other elements to make this bowling version more fun and more different than the original version. Perhaps a para-sailing or para-gliding game, a Beach Bocci game, Strand Skating, Beach Softball or even Beach Volleyball might have been better than bowling on a resort island. I mean, it makes more sense to me. Call Mii wacky. = )
I give Bowling 5 out of 10
Canoeing:
"Speed Challenge" (1-4 players) Basically, you hold the Wii-mote like you would hold a paddle - with two hands. You paddle to the left and right - trying to keep the canoe in a path to the finish line with a good time.
"VS" (2-4 players) First player across all five checkpoints wins.
It is a decent aerobic workout with a bit of frustration until you get the hang of the controls.
I give Canoeing 8 out of 10
Swordplay 1-2 players: This is sort of a Jedi meets Ninja on ABC's TV show "Wipeout." The "Duel" version pits you against computer (or human) opponents high up on a tower above a lake. The trick is to smack your opponent off the tower and into the water. You can either swing or defend against your opponent's strikes.
Once you've progressed, a game called "Speed Slice" is unlocked and is a lot of fun - especially when up against a family member. Basically, an official tosses objects and when they land in front of you (and your opponent) the objects have an arrow and angle on them. You have to slice the object at the correct angle and direction faster than your opponent. Ten correct rounds wins a match.
Eventually, you'll unlock "Showdown" mode. This pits you against many opponents. One strike and your opponent is down. Defeat all of them and you win the round. But take three strikes and you're out. This really tests your nerves and skills.
I give Swordplay 8.5 out of 10
Basketball:
In the "3-Point Contest" mode (1-4 players) you have five basketballs at five shooting points. Grab a ball and shoot. Each basket is worth 1 point and the last ball in each group is a "red,white & blue" ball and those are worth two points. Wrist angle and release point are critical here, but you'll get into the groove soon enough.
In the "Pickup Game" mode (1-2 players) you play a 3-on-3 game and take turns playing offense and defense.
I give Basketball 8 out of 10
Wakeboarding 1-4 players:
BY FAR the best game on the island. You hold the Wii-mote as you would hold the handle at the end of the wakeboarding tow rope line. As the boat takes off, you steer right and left to come back across the wake of the boat to jump, get air and do tricks. You don't control the tricks done - the amount of air determines the trick done. You have to make sure to land level or the points for that trick don't count. For each successful jump completed, the boat speeds up a bit and gives the player more possibility for higher air and better tricks. Again, if you land your jump anything but level, the points are lost and the boats slows down to the slowest speed.
This is a visually and physically exciting game that my step-kids love the best. Nothing is more fun than to watch the two of them go head to head and scream at each other. Good times.
The constant motion of lifting and lowering your arms does offer some aerobic workout elements as well.
That was the beginner level. There is an intermediate level that includes a faster boat and pylons to ski between. The expert speeds things up more, adds pylons and some tricky barriers as well. Demerits for the most repetitive and annoying encouragement remarks made by the announcer. "Right on" "That's it" and a few others over and over. If not for these annoying remarks, this is a solid 10 game.
It might have been nice to give players the option to use the Wii Balance Board in addition to the Wii-Mote.
I give Wakeboarding a solid 9.75 out of 10
Frisbee 1-4 players:
Trust me when I tell you to do the training first. You really need to get the hang of the controls before you play these Frisbee games.
"Frisbee Dog" You toss a Frisbee and a little yappie dog is supposed to catch it for points. You can choose between automatic and manual controls - trust me... use automatic until you get better at the game otherwise frustration sets in quickly.
"Frisbee Golf" It's golf, except you toss a Frisbee at the goal area on the green. I really like this version of the game. Pretty scenery and tough challenges.
I give Frisbee 6.75 out of 10
Power Cruising (Jet Skiing):
"Slalom Course" (1-4 players) You hold the Wii-mote and Nunchuk as if they were the handles of a Jet Ski or Ski-Doo. The 'B' trigger of the Wii-Mote is the gas and when a wave comes along, twist the Wii-Mote (like a throttle) for get a burst of speed to get big air. All of this while trying to navigate the ocean course and through large and small gates.
"VS" (2 players) It's a race to the finish line.
I give Power Cruising an 8.5 out of 10
Cycling:
Basically, you hold the Wii-Mote in one hand and the nunchuk in the other and alternate swinging the controllers up and down as if there were hand controls on the bike. It's a bit awkward, but you get used to it. Steering is accomplished by tilting the controls either to the left or right. There's a variable though - you can wear yourself out. You start with three hearts and they slowly disappear as you use energy. Gliding the bike allows the Mii character to "catch its breath" (three full hearts) so you can peddle on. Best to pace yourself.
"Road Race" (1-2 players)
You and your Mii character against many cyclists. One of which may or may not be a human. A race to the finish and your choice of many scenic routes.
"VS" (2 players)
A split screen race to the finish line.
It might have been neat to have the ability to use your legs to pedal your Mii character. People who own a spinning machine or a stationary bike could take full advantage of this game. Maybe something worn on the head could steer the character.
Great cardio workout.
I give Cycling 9 out of 10
Golf 1-4 players:
For those of you who don't already own a golf game for the Wii, this one is fairly good. While it's not nearly as all-inclusive as Tiger Woods (who's now known as "Cheatah Woods") Golf, it is fun. Once you've mastered the controls, the game is a lot more enjoyable. You have the option to play three, six or nine hole matches. Too bad there's not a Wii-Golf Cart as an available accessory. = )
My only complaint is that you have to look at the screen to see what your swing is doing (on the meter) while you swing. As you play the game more often, I would surmise that the need to look at the screen might lessen. I know that there's no real "ball" to stare down at, but it does make for some awkward swings that may or may not mess up your "real" golf game.
I give Golf 7.5 out of 10
Table Tennis (Ping Pong):
"Match" (1-2 players) You hold the Wii-Mote as you would hold a Ping Pong paddle. You can swing forehand and backhand AND if you slice the ball it'll react just like the real thing! That's pretty cool. You can play a computer or human opponent and play left or right handed.
"Return Challenge" (1-4 players) Basically, you keep playing until someone makes an error and there's one player remaining. Added points when a beer can appears and you hit it with the ball. Ah, the college memories.
I love that my Mii character is dressed in a Hawaiian shirt. Very slick, indeed.
I give Table Tennis 9 out of 10
Airsports:
Skydiving (1 player) The object here is to link up with the other (computer) jumpers and pose for pictures. The Wii-Mote is basically your Mii character. Any angle you move the Wii-Mote is exactly how your Mii character glides through the air.
Island Flyover (1 player) You hold the Wii-Mote as if it was a paper airplane as you glide over the gorgeous island resort. You can unlock various mods like a single or double baloon shooter, a flare gun, flying at night or in the evening and more. The object here is to pop as many baloons per 5 minute round and find as many check-points as you can. There are 80 total.
Dogfight (2 players) Basically, you fly around (horizontal split screen) trying to pop balloons with your "balloon blaster." Whomever pops the most balloons wins.
I give Airsports 6.25 out of 10
My family loves this pack of games - except for bowling because we already have the game. Once again, what motivates us to play over and over is the record-breaking action and the semi-aerobic workouts. Having said all that, I feel as if this is better game pack for parties or families and offers little replay points for a single player game. After all competing against yourself is not a thrill-fest.
Pack your bags. It's time to fly to Wuhu Island... Wooo Hooo!
Please check out my other Wii-related reviews:
Nintendo Wii Console System
GAMES:
Wii Fit
Super Mario Galaxy
Wii Sports
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Pinball Hall of Fame for Wii
Showtime Championshop Boxing
Game Party
ACCESSORIES:
Nintendo Wii-Mote
Nintendo Nunchuk Controller
Racing Wheel for Wii
Generic Wii Fit Balance Board Rechargeable Battery Pack
Silicone Cover for Wii Balance Board
Recommended:
Yes
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