United Wrestling Front Official Review: Nintendo Wii - Console Review
Graphics: If you’re looking for a console with the best graphics around, the Wii is not for you. With that said, the Wii is very capable of producing some kick-ass next-generation graphics. For the most part, the Wii’s graphics are basically similar to that of its predecessor- the GameCube. As the case with all consoles, the graphics depend largely on the game developers. Some games look awesome, others not so much. On the whole, the Wii just doesn’t match up to its next-generation competitors, not that Nintendo wanted to compete on the graphics front. Despite being behind the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3, Wii games can look very impressive and certainly modern. Some games more so than others.
UWF Official Score: 8.5/10
Backwards Compatibility: The Wii shines in this department. Essentially being an upgraded “next-gen” version of a GameCube, the Wii can play all GameCube games without problem. You do need a GC controller and a GC memory card (if you wish to save games), both of which can be easily plugged into the ports located on the side or top of the Wii (depending on how you have your system set up). The GameCube does have some really good games, so if you never got around to getting a GC, the Wii is very much a two-in-one deal for you.
In addition to playing GameCube games, the Wii has the awesome Virtual Console, which allows to download games for the Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis and TurboGraphix 16. Three new games are added to the Wii VC every Monday (here in the USA), so you get new releases every week. The pricing structure can be a little steep, considering these are old games. NES games cost 500 points, TurboGraphix 16 cost 600 points, Super NES and Sega Genesis games cost 800 points and N64 games cost 1000 points. In terms of dollars, that would be $5, $6, $8 and $10. You can buy Wii Points directly through your Wii using a credit card, or purchasing point cards in retail stores (2000 points for $20). For some VC games, you do need the classic controller (which is sold separately), while others you can use the Wii controller or a GameCube controller.
Virtual Console games are stored in the Wii’s 512 MB Flash Memory, which means there is very limited space for storing your VC games. Luckily, you can store your VC games on a removable SD Card, but you will have to transfer the game back to your Wii console before you are able to play it. Another option you have if you run out room, is to simply delete games. Don’t worry, you can return to the VC store and re-download any game you’ve purchased at no further cost. So once you purchase the game, it is yours and you won’t have to ever purchase it again (unless you want it on another Wii).
UWF Official Score: 10/10
Wii Online: The Wii currently lacks, severely, in the online-multiplayer realm. When it comes to online, Nintendo has taken a few “safety precautions” to try and prevent any pedophiles from trying to hook up with kids over the system. That is a good thing, but if all multiplayer games require the exchange of Wii Numbers, then things will get tedious to those who just want to play some games online with other gamers around the world. Obviously, if your friends have a Wii then there is no problem exchanging numbers and mingling with them on the Wii. For online gaming, you’re better off with a PC or Xbox Live.
Using the built-in WiFi connection, you can browse the Internet on the Wii using the “Internet Channel”, which is a version of the Opera 9 web browser built for the Wii. While the Internet Channel was free for a couple of months, it’ll now cost you 500 Wii Points ($5). The question is, is it worth 500 points? The answer, if you have a computer, then no, it’s not good for much and you can live with out it. Websites don’t translate well onto TV screens using the browser, therefore leaving you with no other option than zooming in to read. It can get very tedious and tiring, so for that, it’s not recommend for surfing or reading. It can be very good for watching videos from YouTube on your television though. Depending on the quality of the video, you can watch videos very clearly in almost full screen. Since the Internet Channel’s arrival, a number of Flash Game sites have went online, allowing you to play free Flash games using your Wiimote, which is kind of cool. YouTube videos and Flash games are about the only thing the Internet Channel is good for though.
UWF Official Score: 5.5/10
Controls: The Wiimote & Nunchuk: The Wii’s controller is what got everyone talking about the system to begin with, because it is gimmicky and very different than what you are traditionally accustomed too. Different can be a very good thing though. The Wii’s slender TV-remote style control and motion-sensors makes for very fun and interactive game play. You can swing the Wiimote like a baseball bat, golf club, sword, etc. Hold it like a gun, and point it at the bad guys. You can sit and play just fine, or you can really allow yourself to get caught up in the interactivity and become the character you are controlling (which can be a very good workout). You can different things with the Wiimote depending on the game; some guys require you to move around, others like Super Paper Mario have you holding the controller horizontal like a regular controller for easy familiar gameplay, while still making use of the motion-sensing compatibilities at different times. The Nunchuk is an accessory used by some games to give you more control, such as walking, easily cycling through weapons, opening doors, etc.
Overall, while it can be traditional, the Wii control is very different than anything else out, and it makes for a fun experience and you get use to it very quickly (it is after all simple motions that you already do, for the most part).
UWF Official Score: 9/10
Games: The Wii appeals to all kinds of people, even those who aren’t traditionally gamers, with such titles as Wii Sports and Wario Ware: Smooth Moves. Unfortunately, for the more hardcore gamer, the Wii is seriously lacking in good games. There are a few gems out there, such as Super Paper Mario, Resident Evil 4: Wii, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. It seems that for the moment, the Wii is getting mini-games that make you do all sorts of things with the Wiimote and kiddie games. Currently announced games for the remainder of 2007 do lend some hope though, such as: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire, Fire Emblem: Goddess of Dawn, Super Mario Galaxy, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles and to some extent Crash of the Titans and RAW vs. Smackdown 2008. Hopefully game developers take advantage of the Wii’s compatibilities and produce some good games geared towards the young adults who like T and M ratings over E-rated mini-games (even if they can be very fun).
UWF Official Score: 7.5/10
Final Thoughts: Bottomline, at $250 the Nintendo Wii is an affordable and formidable competitor to the other next-gen consoles of Microsoft and Sony. A lot has been said about the Wii’s inability to (currently) play DVD movies or CD’s, like the 360 and PS3 can. However, the Wii is what it is, and that’s a video game system. It’s not “the only electronic you’ll ever need”, and it doesn’t need to be that. It is a very simple system that offers innovative and exciting gameplay, and it comes packed with one of the Wii’s best games , Wii Sports, which is really designed to merely showcase and get you use to the Wiimote (and Nunchuk in boxing). Of course there are things that could be improved upon for the Wii, and most of those are geared towards the game developers (making good games, and making sure the game interfaces with the Wiimote better). If you’re looking for a fun gaming system - and a great system for couples, parties and families - then the Wii is definitely for you.
UWF Official Overall Wii Score: 8.1/10
- Stinger
Graphics: If you’re looking for a console with the best graphics around, the Wii is not for you. With that said, the Wii is very capable of producing some kick-ass next-generation graphics. For the most part, the Wii’s graphics are basically similar to that of its predecessor- the GameCube. As the case with all consoles, the graphics depend largely on the game developers. Some games look awesome, others not so much. On the whole, the Wii just doesn’t match up to its next-generation competitors, not that Nintendo wanted to compete on the graphics front. Despite being behind the Xbox 360 and the Playstation 3, Wii games can look very impressive and certainly modern. Some games more so than others.
UWF Official Score: 8.5/10
Backwards Compatibility: The Wii shines in this department. Essentially being an upgraded “next-gen” version of a GameCube, the Wii can play all GameCube games without problem. You do need a GC controller and a GC memory card (if you wish to save games), both of which can be easily plugged into the ports located on the side or top of the Wii (depending on how you have your system set up). The GameCube does have some really good games, so if you never got around to getting a GC, the Wii is very much a two-in-one deal for you.
In addition to playing GameCube games, the Wii has the awesome Virtual Console, which allows to download games for the Nintendo, Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis and TurboGraphix 16. Three new games are added to the Wii VC every Monday (here in the USA), so you get new releases every week. The pricing structure can be a little steep, considering these are old games. NES games cost 500 points, TurboGraphix 16 cost 600 points, Super NES and Sega Genesis games cost 800 points and N64 games cost 1000 points. In terms of dollars, that would be $5, $6, $8 and $10. You can buy Wii Points directly through your Wii using a credit card, or purchasing point cards in retail stores (2000 points for $20). For some VC games, you do need the classic controller (which is sold separately), while others you can use the Wii controller or a GameCube controller.
Virtual Console games are stored in the Wii’s 512 MB Flash Memory, which means there is very limited space for storing your VC games. Luckily, you can store your VC games on a removable SD Card, but you will have to transfer the game back to your Wii console before you are able to play it. Another option you have if you run out room, is to simply delete games. Don’t worry, you can return to the VC store and re-download any game you’ve purchased at no further cost. So once you purchase the game, it is yours and you won’t have to ever purchase it again (unless you want it on another Wii).
UWF Official Score: 10/10
Wii Online: The Wii currently lacks, severely, in the online-multiplayer realm. When it comes to online, Nintendo has taken a few “safety precautions” to try and prevent any pedophiles from trying to hook up with kids over the system. That is a good thing, but if all multiplayer games require the exchange of Wii Numbers, then things will get tedious to those who just want to play some games online with other gamers around the world. Obviously, if your friends have a Wii then there is no problem exchanging numbers and mingling with them on the Wii. For online gaming, you’re better off with a PC or Xbox Live.
Using the built-in WiFi connection, you can browse the Internet on the Wii using the “Internet Channel”, which is a version of the Opera 9 web browser built for the Wii. While the Internet Channel was free for a couple of months, it’ll now cost you 500 Wii Points ($5). The question is, is it worth 500 points? The answer, if you have a computer, then no, it’s not good for much and you can live with out it. Websites don’t translate well onto TV screens using the browser, therefore leaving you with no other option than zooming in to read. It can get very tedious and tiring, so for that, it’s not recommend for surfing or reading. It can be very good for watching videos from YouTube on your television though. Depending on the quality of the video, you can watch videos very clearly in almost full screen. Since the Internet Channel’s arrival, a number of Flash Game sites have went online, allowing you to play free Flash games using your Wiimote, which is kind of cool. YouTube videos and Flash games are about the only thing the Internet Channel is good for though.
UWF Official Score: 5.5/10
Controls: The Wiimote & Nunchuk: The Wii’s controller is what got everyone talking about the system to begin with, because it is gimmicky and very different than what you are traditionally accustomed too. Different can be a very good thing though. The Wii’s slender TV-remote style control and motion-sensors makes for very fun and interactive game play. You can swing the Wiimote like a baseball bat, golf club, sword, etc. Hold it like a gun, and point it at the bad guys. You can sit and play just fine, or you can really allow yourself to get caught up in the interactivity and become the character you are controlling (which can be a very good workout). You can different things with the Wiimote depending on the game; some guys require you to move around, others like Super Paper Mario have you holding the controller horizontal like a regular controller for easy familiar gameplay, while still making use of the motion-sensing compatibilities at different times. The Nunchuk is an accessory used by some games to give you more control, such as walking, easily cycling through weapons, opening doors, etc.
Overall, while it can be traditional, the Wii control is very different than anything else out, and it makes for a fun experience and you get use to it very quickly (it is after all simple motions that you already do, for the most part).
UWF Official Score: 9/10
Games: The Wii appeals to all kinds of people, even those who aren’t traditionally gamers, with such titles as Wii Sports and Wario Ware: Smooth Moves. Unfortunately, for the more hardcore gamer, the Wii is seriously lacking in good games. There are a few gems out there, such as Super Paper Mario, Resident Evil 4: Wii, and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. It seems that for the moment, the Wii is getting mini-games that make you do all sorts of things with the Wiimote and kiddie games. Currently announced games for the remainder of 2007 do lend some hope though, such as: Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Dragon Blade: Wrath of Fire, Fire Emblem: Goddess of Dawn, Super Mario Galaxy, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles and to some extent Crash of the Titans and RAW vs. Smackdown 2008. Hopefully game developers take advantage of the Wii’s compatibilities and produce some good games geared towards the young adults who like T and M ratings over E-rated mini-games (even if they can be very fun).
UWF Official Score: 7.5/10
Final Thoughts: Bottomline, at $250 the Nintendo Wii is an affordable and formidable competitor to the other next-gen consoles of Microsoft and Sony. A lot has been said about the Wii’s inability to (currently) play DVD movies or CD’s, like the 360 and PS3 can. However, the Wii is what it is, and that’s a video game system. It’s not “the only electronic you’ll ever need”, and it doesn’t need to be that. It is a very simple system that offers innovative and exciting gameplay, and it comes packed with one of the Wii’s best games , Wii Sports, which is really designed to merely showcase and get you use to the Wiimote (and Nunchuk in boxing). Of course there are things that could be improved upon for the Wii, and most of those are geared towards the game developers (making good games, and making sure the game interfaces with the Wiimote better). If you’re looking for a fun gaming system - and a great system for couples, parties and families - then the Wii is definitely for you.
UWF Official Overall Wii Score: 8.1/10
- Stinger
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