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NINTENDO WII
($249)
Ever since it launched last November, Nintendo's Wii has posted record sales (outselling the PlayStation 3 by as much as 4-to-1) and given the once-struggling company something it lacked during the days of the GameCube: positive press. The system's unique and intuitive motion-control scheme has won over once game-averse consumers who have used the Wii remote to swing a tennis racket (Wii Sports), cook an omelet (Cooking Mama) — and even control an elephant's trunk (WarioWare: Smooth Moves). While the 360 and PS3 battle it out for the hi-def (and high-end) part of the market, the Wii's lower price and innovative style of play has helped the system continue to sell out six months after launch. You'll have an easier time finding an iPhone.
WHAT WE LIKE
With few Xbox 360 or PS3 games really showing off next-generation gameplay, the Wii continues to remind us that fun is what matters most. Quirky mini-game collections like WarioWare and Rayman: Raving Rabbids put the focus on gameplay instead of graphics. To that we say: Hallelujah! The motion-sensing interface has flattened the learning curve to such an extent that many games are true pick-up-and-play experiences.
Best of all, it looks like such third-party developers as Electronic Arts, THQ, and Activision are finally realizing that bringing a title to the Wii means more than just adding a few wrist-flicking motions. Upcoming games like EA's Boogie (a dance and karaoke title) and Playground, THQ's De Blob, and Activision's Guitar Hero 3 (which we haven't seen, but can't wait to play), might dispel the perception that only Nintendo can make quality titles for their own consoles.
WHAT WE DON'T LIKE
First, let's get the big one out of the way: Where is the online play? For a system that is WiFi enabled right out of the box, it seems almost inconceivable that major titles like Medal of Honor are still shipping without an online-play component. (Here's hoping the recently released Pokemon Battle Revolution marks the start of a trend.) Similarly, the WiiConnect24 service — once touted as a way to update your Wii with new content — seems to have fallen off the face of the earth. When was the last time your Wii had a little glowing blue light announcing a surprise waiting on your hard drive? It's been months since we've seen a new Wii Channel, and while the announcement of Wii Ware (original arcade games for the Wii) is welcome news, Nintendo says it won't release any of those games until 2008.
Admittedly, these are issues that are more important to hard-core gamers than their mainstream Wii-playing counterparts. And because Nintendo wants to keep those newbies happy (after all, they are kinda responsible for the Wii's success), we're sure they're looking for a breakout title geared to those mainstream sensibilities. But, hey, Nintendo: Don't forget the loyal and long-time fans who want a reason to keep their Wiis from gathering dust.
MUST-OWN GAMES
In addition to the pack-in Wii Sports — still one of the best games on the system — there are a number of standout titles. The game that makes best use of the Wiimote is WarioWare: Smooth Moves, a collection of bizarre five-second mini-games. (If you ever dreamed of trimming someone else's nose hair, you're in luck.) Third-party publishers, as we predicted last fall, are still having a hard time producing Wii titles that aren't lame (we're talking to you, Scarface and Spider-Man 3). It only reinforces an old myth, but the three gotta-have-'em Wii titles set to be released later this year — Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, and Metroid Prime 3 — are all from...Nintendo. Still, if they're as good as promised, no one's likely to care.
WHAT WE SAID THEN
Last fall, we were Wii-k in the knees for the Wii. We admired its ''gesticular mode of interaction'' and Nintendo's quest to reach a new audience. But we also identified some major concerns that Nintendo would have to address. We warned that ''the lack of next-gen graphics will inevitably catch up with the Wii's still way-cool gameplay.'' Our grade then: B+
WHAT WE SAY NOW
While the Wii continues to dominate the sales charts, there are signs that the system is starting to lose a bit of its luster. The reason? Compelling new games have been few and far between. It's not surprising that we find ourselves playing most multi-platform games on the PS3 and 360 instead of on the lower-resolution (and sometimes gimmicky) Wii. Also, the lack of online play or other Wii Channel updates make us wonder if Nintendo is coasting when it should be strategizing to stay on top. Of course, just one hit — be it Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros., or the new Metroid — will have us reaching for the eraser. Our grade now: B-
NEXT PAGE: Sony PlayStation 3
