Wii Play: Motion Review for Nintendo Wii (Wii)

System: Wii
Dev: Nintendo EAD
Pub: Nintendo
Release: June 13, 2011
Players: 1-4
Screen Resolution: 480p	Cartoon Violence

Although only four games are available at the start, the rest are easily unlocked by simply playing the ones available. Each has a difficulty rating from one to four stars and provides a practice round whenever you choose, so even non-gamers can try their hand without intimidation. Many of the game modes are also locked, which are only accessible after receive a medal for exemplary achievement in your attempt. There's also a local leaderboard for bragging rights, but no online functionality. I'm willing to dismiss this one fault, since the design of game is meant for fun with those near and dear.

Wii Play: Motion Screenshot

The graphics are nothing spectacular, and don't look a far cry more advanced than the nearly five-year-old original. But it does keep with the Mii-inspired utopia, where perfect weather abounds and the flora and fauna seem genetically tailored for flawlessness. A throng of cheerful Miis add a morale boost as you perform pleasurable tasks like balancing a hundred scoops of giant ice cream that reach toward the heavens. The colors are vibrant, and the animations are simple but accurate, making this game (as all the Mii series forbearers are) inviting for everyone. Well, everyone except the hardcore purists, that is.

There's a line drawn between Nintendo and the anti-fanboys yet again. With their attempt to rekindle any affection with the shooter/fighter centric crowd, Wii Play: Motion only solidifies the market Nintendo has targeted from the get-go—the broad family appeal. This only heightens the arguments brought forth by the core gamers. But for those who still enjoy the simplicity of gaming and the hope that video games can bring families together, Wii Play: Motion may very well be just the thing.

Although packed with a fresh Wii Remote Plus controller, Wii Play: Motion may not share the same sales success as its predecessor. With the advanced control scheme still only required on a limited list of titles, many Wii owners will be satisfied with the four or more regular controllers they probably already own. But if one should happen to break down, or you are looking for full-on Plus gaming experience, there's no reason you shouldn't pick up the bundle. At a mere ten dollars more than purchasing the controller by itself, there's enough play value in Wii Play: Motion to justify the extra cost, with a great assortment of games and modes to keep you entertained while playing solo or with a group.

By Sean Engemann
CCC Contributing Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
Nice colors and animation, but nothing overly advanced by today's standards. The many locales offer a variety of visual ambience, and there are some great water effects.

4.0

Control
A nice mix of tried-and-true motion schemes, as well as some we've never seen before. The response isn't perfect, however, and Nintendo could still have done more to showcase the capabilities of the WiiMotion Plus.

3.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The expected mix of light and whimsical background music and sound effects is present. There's nothing too shocking or even realistic, but it fits the bill for a Wii game series.

4.5

Play Value
At only ten extra dollars when bundled with a new controller, there's enough content and replayability to consistently keep you breaking this one out, especially when friends and family are looking to play.

4.1

Overall Rating - Great
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Immerse yourself in 12 fun and exciting games with challenging gameplay variations. Using the Wii Remote Plus controller, up to four players can play a variety of games with unlockable modes.

No matter how many people are holding controllers, everyone in the room can participate in the fun of Wii Play: Motion. Games offer rich single-player experiences and even better multiplayer fun. Master the easy-to-pick-up controls and share the fun with others.

For those looking to add an extra controller to their collection, Wii Play: Motion includes one Wii Remote Plus controller, making this title a must-have for any Wii console owner.