Games Community Blog

Well well, one for the Wii too.

First thing you notice about the Nintendo Wii, is that it is SMALL especially when sitting next to the PS3 (like it was in the AOL video game room. Yes, we have one of those) Honestly, its not much bigger than a PS2. But instead of the foreboding black of the PS3, Nintendo goes for white. If console looks could have a mood, the Wii looks like a happy device while the PS3 is the Death Star.

In contrast to the PS3 set up, the Nintendo Wii was SIMPLE to set up.(From what I was able to view) Full disclosure, the system had been set up at someones apartment already so it is possible that there was some aches and pains, but I didn't see any.
The Wii dashboard console is really clean and easy to navigate. The icons on the screen are large and navigation is a cinch. Once you get used to the Wiimote pointer your pretty much able to navigate, no problemo!
Of course, everyone wants to hear about the Wiimote; the thing is cool! Initially you have to get used to moving it around and navigating. Once you do point it at the screen you get the hang of it and your able to move through menus relatively fast. I for one had trouble initially as when you are aiming off the screen, there is no cursor to tell you that you're lost. Its a pretty significant problem and one I am sure Nintendo will address. (They seem like a smart bunch) Also, the cursor feels a little jumpy at first. These are all minor complaints as the innovation of trying something new takes over.

The thing I noticed first while watching people play, is the whole concept of people standing to play video games. Not since arcade stand up boxes can I remember people standing up to play video games (Yes, yes, demo kiosks but they suck) The whole experience is different. There is a sense when you initially see games being played that everything has just changed. Everything that was once one way has changed. Not that I am gushing over the thing, just that its a totally new way to interact with games. From that stand point its very cool.

Playing the games is a different experience. I played only the Wii Sports titles. They games are essentially demos for the Wiimote. All the games are very stripped down and emphasis is placed on using the Wiimote. In my limited playing time it was pretty easy to get the hang of the thing. Also, there feels as though there is a whole world of options. Once you feel confident of doing things one way, you start experimenting with different attempts at playing the games. For instance, with tennis your instincts tell you to swing in a natural motion and just meet the ball, however once you get the hang of that, you start trying to perform lobs and smashes. Everything feels like a learning experience with regards to the actions of the Wiimote. I really like having that sense of exploration within the game play. Too often games are locked into certain game play modes and the Wiimote has changed that. I am excited to see what Nintendo can do of in a larger sense what the gaming powers do.

With all that said, it is not perfect. You do have to move around and do some practicing before get a handle on the controls. There is a learning curve with the device in ones hands that isn't ordinary. Also, I found the light weight of the Wiimote to be tough to deal with. I think that is a personal preference and maybe Nintendo will sell different types of Wiimotes over time. Truthfully after playing baseball and golf, my should hurts! Now, I am not in the most perfect of health, but that seems strange. Nintendo better be ready for some frivolous lawsuits for knuckle heads who hurt themselves.

Overall its been a really fun day to be working. New consoles and new ways to play video games! We would love it if you all would post your first impressions of the Wii. Head down to a store display or the Nintendo World store here in Rockerfeller Center. Play, enjoy and tell us about it!