Wii Sports Resort Review for Nintendo Wii

System: Wii	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Nintendo	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Nintendo	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Jul. 26, 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

I also really enjoyed Canoeing, where you hold the controller vertically and use it as a paddle to row left and right until you get to the finish line. It's quite similar to the real thing, minus the strain in the arms. I wish it was that easy in real life! Cycling is, of course, done with the arms rather than the legs, but it's surprisingly intuitive. Pedaling is done by alternating moves between the Nunchuk and the Wii Remote with the correct timing, and in order to control the bike you just smoothly move your arms left or right as if you were holding the handlebar. You can bike in three different set-ups, and three more are unlocked after you race for a while. I won't mention every single game, but you should know they're all fairly easy to control, and some are more engaging than others, depending on your taste.

Wii Sports Resort screenshot

Games such as Golf, Cycling, and Power Cruising include a few different scenarios where you can play, but they're all part of the game's main island theme. Admittedly, Wuhu Island is a lot more attractive than the setting in the first Wii Sports, but I guess the game could have used some more details, variety, and especially sharper visuals. The presentation as a whole is still really nice, but we're ready to see some upgrades in the graphics department, rather than the same old visuals with "jaggies" and pixelated textures. It definitely looks better on a smaller screen, but more and more people have big HDTVs nowadays. On the other hand, the inclusion of Miis almost makes up for it; they're always welcome in these kind of casual games. The Miis wear flowery shirts in their favorite color, and there's an option you can turn on that downloads popular Miis from the Check Mii Out channel into the game. Otherwise, you'll find a mix of your console's Miis or premade ones.

The new background music suits the game. It's basically the old tune from the original Wii Sports, but with a lot more depth and instruments you'd expect to hear in an exotic island concert. Also, there are new tunes within the different challenges, and some of the old sound effects have been reused, while new ones have been added. The first Wii Sports felt a bit like a low-budget test game, while this one seems to have higher standards as far as content, overall presentation, and gameplay.

For a night of casual gaming with friends and family, Wii Sports Resort is great. The inclusion of Bowling and Golf is an added plus, as it would stink to have to swap games in order to play them. If you're in the mood for Wii Sports Resort, eventually people will ask for these old favorites, so you might as well have them on the same disk! All in all, players should be happy with this new offering, as long as they know what to expect. It's an upgraded version of Wii Sports containing two of the old games and ten new ones, with multiple unlockable challenges within them. Just remember to pick up at least an extra Wii MotionPlus when you get it. It's the only way to get the full multiplayer experience!

By Maria Montoro
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.7

Graphics
Wuhu Island is cool, and the Miis are all dressed for the occasion with flowery shirts. However, the graphics still look a bit pixelated, especially on bigger screens.

4.7

Control
Most games are easy to play. Controls are even more intuitive than in previous Wii titles. What's best is that most challenges are actually fun!

3.9

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Previous Wii Sports tune has been reworked to fit the tropical theme. New melodies throughout the game are also very nice.

4.0

Play Value
Wii Sports was a must for Wii owners, as anyone could pick up and play those games. Wii Sports Resort is also very fun to play with people, and it's an added experience with new games, more precise controls, and good ol' Wii Bowling and Golf.

4.1

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

Game Features:

Wuhu Island has so many things to do, there's never a dull moment. A dozen activities await visitors: Archery, Frisbee, Basketball, Cycling, Canoeing, Power Cruising, Table Tennis, Air Sports, Bowling, Swordplay, Golf, and Wakeboarding.

The activities use the precision controls of the Wii MotionPlus accessory to help players come much closer to the physical reality of engaging in the actual sports. Every real-world action, whether it's a perfect drive on the fairway or a slice off the course, is meant to be faithfully replicated.

Each activity has multiple fun challenges designed to keep visitors coming back for more. Basketball players might compete in a three-point shootout or jump into a three-on-three pickup game. Archery enthusiasts must aim for the bull's-eye across ever-increasing distances and obstacles.

Different activities use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers in different ways. For example, players hold the Wii Remote like a paddle in Canoeing, while in Cycling they use both arms to "pedal" with the two controllers. The Wii MotionPlus accessory picks up every nuance of motion and translates it onto the TV screen.

Depending on the activity, players can compete solo or against other players. Some activities even let players team up to work cooperatively.