Revolution or Novelty? (Nintendo Wii)

Member Name: Review_God

Product:	Nintendo Wii
Date:	31/08/08 (39 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun and simple to play

Disadvantages: Games may lack the depth some people want

The Nintendo Wii has been described as both a revolution and a novelty, but which view is correct?

In my opinion the Wii is one of the biggest step forward in console gaming for a long time. Not because of it's technical ability but because of the innovations behind it. I'm not going to claim that Nintendo invented motion controls - that isn't true - but they were the first to bring it to the mainstream. After a decade of button-only controls, the Wii really changes the game.

The Wii is aimed directly at the mass market. Nintendo wants children, adults and elders all to play the Wii - and they do! People who previously hates games consoles now love the Wii.

Why? The Wii is designed to be simple to understand, simple to use, and simple to play. People like being able to act out their games rather than pressing buttons. It's fun and is a great group activity.

But the Wii's main strength is also it's weakness. Many 'hardcore' games don't find the depth in Wii games that they want. To them waving about a wiimote like a tennis racquet is childish and gimmicky. To them, this console doesn't doesn't deliver.

But there is no denying that the Wii has changed the face of console gaming. Nintendo has vastly expanded the market to almost anybody and made the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 into niche consoles.

If you just want to play fun games with friends and haven't owned a console before, this is probably the console for.

If you have owned playstations and xboxes in the past you will probably have some fun with the Wii, but ultimatly be clamouring for more.

Summary: The Wii is good fun, and is great to play with friends, but hardcore gamers may want more.