We Ski & Snowboard Review for Nintendo Wii

System: Wii	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Namco Bandai	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Namco Bandai	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: March 3, 2009	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

Once again, I was thoroughly impressed by just how easily and soundly the controls, especially the trick system, was implemented. A vast improvement over We Ski concerns the ability to pull of tricks all over the mountain. Players will find a lot more interesting hits scattered throughout the mountain this time around - one of my major complaints from the last go. It seems the focus of the game has shifted away from tedious missions and has skewed more toward finding your own rhythm and enjoying the actual play experience - a good move by Namco players should enjoy.

We Ski & Snowboard screenshot

The sounds are acceptable but the graphics are great. The musical themes are scant and uninspired, and the fake talking sounds while conversing are grating and therefore superfluous. As previously mentioned, the mountains and their vistas are beautifully rendered - a rarity in a casual Wii title.

If you pick up this title without picking up a Wii Balance Board, you'll definitely be missing out. However, the game is still fun and easily controlled even if you can't shell out the cash for the entire rig. As with We Ski, the game is still only compatible with one Balance Board at a time. This makes the multiplayer experience less interesting than what it could have been, but cruising around the slopes with friends in the living room is still a pleasant experience. However, single-player action still trumps the basic multiplayer offering.

Unfortunately, other than the ability to snowboard and the addition of a second, more open and wilder mountain, this title is essentially identical to what its predecessor brought to the table. As such, owners of the original game won't find a truly compelling reason to pick up the second attempt. That being said, We Ski & Snowboard is the definitive edition if you haven't already plunked down cash on the first. Also, the developers have once again done an excellent job of organizing the loads of options and additional content in the game. This is a casual Wii exclusive that has gotten loads of polish and has been lavished with time and care; purchasers won't feel as if they've been swindled by a slapped together mess. Consequently, I recommend We Ski & Snowboard for those who have not played the original, can't get enough of the original, or are in need of a uncomplicated snowboarding fix - just don't expect a barnburner.

By Jonathan Marx
CCC Editor / News Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
The mountains and vistas are impressive to behold with solid textures, and there are tons of goofy objects to unlock.

4.1

Control
The game controls very well whether you use the Wii Balance Board or not.

2.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The tunes are as sparse as in the original, and the Animal Crossing-like gibberish gets annoying.

3.4

Play Value
Once again, the solid controls and polished presentation make the game enjoyable, but I can't help but feel like I've done all this before, less than a year ago... oh, that's right! I did.

3.5

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

Game Features:

Enhanced Maneuvering: Trick skiing, including backwards-riding, flips, daffy ducks and helicopters are now possible! Snowboard goofy or regular and twist, turn and flip as much as your body can bear. Jump anywhere, anytime! And put your improved skill set to the test in the brand new Family Ski & Snowboard Fun Park, complete with huge half-pipe, rails, and fun boxes.

Interactive, Dynamic Environment: Perform jumps wherever you want to on skis or snowboards in a fully-explorable environment.

Beautiful Scenery - With 7,000 vertical meters to explore over two massive mountains, there is a virtual world of wintry wonder to wander! And with Day, Afternoon and Night riding modes, you can set the mood as you see fit.

Relive the Memories: Replays can occur in any game mode at any time, and from multiple camera angles, just like on TV! Any instance in a replay can be captured as a static photo.

Interactive Additions: NPC's can be recruited in game play as tour guides around the mountain, and NPC's and Mii's are there to keep you company, skiing or snowboarding with you, ahead of you, or behind you.