Summer Sports 2: Island Sports Party Review for Nintendo Wii

Summer Sports 2: Island Sports Party box art

System: Wii	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Destineer	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Destineer	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Dec. 18, 2008	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

In addition to the actual mini-games themselves feeling unfinished, there are several other aspects of the game that feel underwhelming. The visuals in the game are very poor, despite having some fun island-style elements. Although these elements are nice to look at when the game is still, the visual issues begin when the game is put in motion. The character models have a lot of jagged edges, and the animations are very repetitive. Different play environments are all very simplistic, and they feature little to no moving elements, which is probably a good thing.

Summer Sports 2: Island Sports Party screenshot

Sound in this title is a little better, but still doesn't feel complete. Although there is no voiceover, there is some unobjectionable background music, which is nice to listen to as long as you don't have any marathon sports party sessions. There are some sound effects associated with the different sports, but these are of poor quality and sparse at best.

However, this game wasn't all bad. As I said before, some of the mini-games, like archery, football, and bocce are quite enjoyable, and they are easily played with friends. The game has support for four players, and each can play with their own Wii-mote or players can share a single Wii-mote and take turns. This is a great option for those who want to play a party-style game with limited hardware.

Although the Wii definitely doesn't have any shortage of low quality, party game shovelware, sometimes you can find a title that defies your expectations that turns out to be a fun and engaging experience. Summer Sports 2: Island Sports Party is not one of those titles. This mini-game compilation sticks to the status quo in almost every way imaginable, from the touch-and-go controls to the sub-par graphics. Although some of the games are playable, on the whole the game feels about half-finished. As such, it is definitely not a title I would freely invest any time in. If you are looking for mini-game style fun you would do much better with titles from the Rayman Raving Rabbids series or Mario Party. But whatever you do, it is probably best that you stay away from this party!

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

1.8

Graphics
Graphics are simplistic at best. Jagged lines permeate most landscapes, and character animations are erratic.

2.2

Control
Controls are a mixed bag. Some of the mini-games work well, while others are completely hopeless.

2.1

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Background music is minimal, but pleasant in small doses. Voiceover is non-existent and the sound effects are annoying.

2.0

Play Value
The half of the games that are actually playable can be fun, while the others are simply broken. The single Wii-mote option is nice for social gatherings.

2.0

Overall Rating - Poor
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Aim carefully as you draw your bow and arrow to hit your target. Toss a football with pinpoint accuracy to hit moving targets. Each game type uses unique Wii gestures which intuitively recreate the feel of the real sport.

Adventure Island has a whole new set of games for you to play. Choose from Football Toss, Archery, Bocce Ball, Soccer, Mini-golf, Shuffleboard, Ten Pin and 5 types of Basketball fun.