The Wii - A welcome return to simplicity (Nintendo Wii)

Member Name: chazzabelle

Product:	Nintendo Wii
Date:	18/12/07 (78 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, fun, addictive

Disadvantages: not great graphics, need to get to grips with the controller

Where to start with the Wii. I am a bit of a technophobe - I don't own a snazzy phone, my digital camera broke 6 months ago and I still haven't bought another one and I don't even have the internet in my house. It stands to reason therefore, that I'm not a massive console fan, especially those that over complicate games so you never have a clue which direction you're meant to be heading, getting more steadily lost by the minute. However, I do like the occasional dabble on something like the SNES or the GameCube simply because they're simple, easy to use and can become quite addictive.

So when the Wii came out, I was quite happy to have a go - the simplicity of it appealed to me. And I wasn't unpleasantly surprised. The console itself looks good - it's clean lines and bright white shell is sleek and modern. The wireless controllers are easy to use although little tip: always use the wrist strap - I got over excited on one particular game, the controller flew out of my hand and out of the window. I like the almost retro ethos of the console - the games are not complicated, the Miis are simple and fun. It's a welcome return to the ease of the earlier consoles.

I sampled the original game, the tennis, golf, bowling etc. The tennis was my personal favourite, thrashing my little brother, pretending to be a much smaller, much less fit Venus Williams. The golf was also fun, although a few of my co-Wii friends did have trouble working out how to pretend the 10inch stick in your hand was meant to resemble a golf club. However, I did have a few qualms with this particular series of games. The bowling and baseball I simply couldn't get my head around - the controller never seemed to interact with the console the way I wanted it to, meaning the ball flew off or went into the gutter more times than I would like. And this does seem to be a recurring problem with the Wii - as the controllers are wireless, you do have to stand pretty dead-on in order for them to work effectively. However, get the hang of it, and you're away.

Now a lot has been said about the graphics of the Wii. Some have loved the return to the uncomplicated graphics, with a distinct lack of realistic backdrops. Some have commented that it's a bit of a step backwards. I think that both arguments have their merits however I must say I am with the former. It really just fits in with the whole ethos of the Wii in that it's fun! The games that Nintendo have made don't lend themselves to intricate graphics and realistic characters - the simplicity of the graphics fits in well with the simplicity of the games.

Overall, yes the Wii has it's good and bad points. The controllers can be hard to get used to. The games are silly and basic and the graphics are clean, but very uncomplicated. But hey, let's lighten up a bit here - the Wii has never been marketed as a serious console - it's all about having fun and being accessible to those who might not go for something like and Xbox 360 or Playstation 3. The Wii has recognized a place in the market for an uncomplicated, fun and easy console, and I think they've got it right.

Summary: An excellent console, much fun