My Wii impressions after owning it for a week now:
Again, these are still early impressions, and I only have two games so far, Wii Sports and Zelda.
Based only on those two games, IMO Nintendo has re-invented and re-introduced "real fun" back into the Video Game console market in a very innovative way.
I have had so much fun with the Wii that I have hardly listened to my Headphone rig in the last week, and that is saying a lot. The only thing that has gotten me to take a break from the nonstop fun is that my shoulder and back are sore, so I need a day or two to heal.
Seriously folks, I would suggest some pre-Wii stretching excercise, especially for 30+ people (or people who may be 'out of shape').
I don't think that the Wii controller scheme is a fad, or a gimmick - I think it is a revolution. The controller is surprisingly accurate and responsive. It really adds to the connection one has with the game they are playing. Sure, I could see some video game developers over-using the controller, but Wii sports and Zelda use it perfectly. The controllers really immerse you in the experience in a very fun way that normal controllers cannot.
I had my nephew and father over this weekend, and we had hours upon hours of fun playing Wii sports. My father even got in on the action - and we are talking about a 59 year old man who hasn't played a video game since Pong. The Wii appeal was so strong for him while watching us play bowling, that he simply couldn't resist. He asked me if he could play - I couldn't believe it! Bravo to Nintendo for reaching a previously untapped market in the console world.
Some (very) minor nitpicks:
I hate the name 'Wii'. I can now utter the word without cringing, but I still think it sucks pretty bad. I think they should have stuck with 'Revolution' because that word better defines what the 'Wii' is about.
As for the emulation, I guess it is neat that they included it, but I could honestly care less one way or the other. I also think that the virtual games are horridly over-priced. If they were priced at $1 to $3 dollars, then I would probably be interested, and purchase a few of the virtual games just for giggles.
The speakers on the Wiimotes are crap, but I suppose they do add a little bit to the experience - it is kind of neat to hear the "swoosh" of the tennis racket or baseball bat when you swing them. Or the 'clang' of Link's Sword in Zelda.
I don't trust the wrsit lanyard that comes with the Wiimotes. As such, I made my own Lanyards out of Paracord which is rated at a 500lb+ breaking strength. I can't imagine why some people feel the need to swing the Wiimotes with Gorilla-like strength because that really isn't needed. The Wiimotes are quite responsive, and you only need to make modest gestures with them to throw a 93MPH fast ball, or knock down 91 pins for a strike in the super-bowling game. With that said, I am still hedging my bets that some drunk idiot will still lose their grip in an attempt to 'accidentally' throw a Wiimote through my 60 inch HDTV - Hence the Paracord wrist lanyards. I would also suggest a Wii 'controller glove' which is made of silicone and is very "grippy".
Also, I would say that people who want Wii mutli-player action had better be sure to have a large enough room for everyone to fit into. I have quite a large living room area where my HDTV is located, and at times even with just two people playing, the potential was there for someone to bump into, or accidentally backhand one another.
Granted, the Wii graphics aren't next-gen, but Zelda looks very nice to my eyes, running in 480P 16:9 through the Wii Component cable and into my HDTV. As a matter of fact, I am quite impressed with the Graphics so far, especially considering the fact that 480P is the best the Wii does. But being an avid gamer for close to 30 years now, I can certainly say that it isn't about the graphics as much as about how fun the game is to play, and the Wii has plenty of fun to go around.
I think any self-respecting "hardcore gamer" would certainly own a Wii, but would of corse supplement it with an Xbox 360 and/or PS3 - at least, that is my plan. As to which console I will be adding in addition to the Wii: it is yet to be determined, and I can't mention which factor will decide it for me here on the message board, since it probably violates one of Head-Fis rules. So far I am leaning toward and Xbox 360 - I will see what the near future holds.
I have played games on both the Xbox 360 and PS3, and the graphics are beautiful, but that was about all I was impressed with, especially when compared to the amount of fun I have had with the Wii. Xbox 360 and PS3 = games I have played a billion times in the past, except now they look prettier. Wii = a new experience for me that makes playing video games fresh, and has renewed the fun factor and immersion in console gaming.
Nintendo has a winner with the Wii. I think they will give the PS3 and Xbox360 a run for their money (especially this holiday season). Whether or not the Wii will have the staying power to achieve and maintain the coveted top position in the console world is yet to be seen.
If you want to take an already rockin' party, and crank it up to the next level, you pull out your Wii
. Watch as the Wii tears the roof off the place with people having an unhealthy amount of fun. The only game that has achieved this for me other than Wii sports has been Guitar Hero 1 and 2.
If you want pretty graphics, deeper and possibly more invloved gameplay or online play, that uses the same old tried-and-true anti-innovative 'blah' controller scheme, then by all means fire up your Xbox 360 or PS3.
The following video almost perfectly sums up how I feel so far with regard to the Wii versus the PS3:
Warning, PG-13 rated content. If you are offended by a 'hot chick' in small tight shorts and a bikini-top don't bother clicking:
Wii versus PS3
That video is a perfect representation IMO. It clearly demonstrates the strengths and weaknesses of both consoles, and proves my point that it would be optimal for the hardcore gamers to have the best of both worlds by owning both a Wii AND a PS3 (or Xbox 360).
That's all the time I have for impressions for now, I have to get back to playing with my Wii.
