Sports Illustrated offers favorable Wii impressions

by Blake Snow { Dec 9th 2006 at 4:25PM }

Sports Illustrated's Adam Duerson praises Wii motion, especially in games like Wii Sports, noting the console's ability to pique the interest of his non-gamer friends. Regarding how well the system's pack-in whets the palate, he states: "Wii Sports is meant to showcase the motion-based features of the Wii in a very primitive, ground-level state. In other words: 'Here's what we can do. Just wait until we make it better!' ... [It] also happens to be the best example of what the Wii ultimately is: a group-friendly system that is easy to pick up and play on the fly because of its intuitiveness."

UPDATE: Fixed grammatical errors.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

IRhino @ Dec 9th 2006 4:44PM

Now if i could only find one to buy...

Max Vest @ Dec 9th 2006 4:45PM

Daily Pedant says:

I think you mean "pique the interest". And if they really want to showcase the motion-based features of the Wii in a very primitive, ground-level state -- I suggest Caveman Games. Those cavemen were primitive.

Max Vest @ Dec 9th 2006 4:48PM

Daily Pedant says:

And "whets the palette". Stupid tropes.

jaybleezy @ Dec 9th 2006 4:49PM

@IRhino

Me and you both. I'm getting sick of going to my friends to play without having my own. I just can't wait any longer, I hope there easier to get soon.

Jeff @ Dec 9th 2006 4:50PM

When I first got my Wii, I thought Wii Sports would be a shallow pack-in meant to justify the $50 premium over the Japanese base price.

Instead I found a game that perfect at getting people used to the system regardless of gaming history. I would rate this game as one of the best pack ins of all time dues to its ability to show off what the system can do while exciting our imaginations for the future.

I just mastered Wii bowling by effectively throwing a perfect game. (http://youtube.com/watch?v=dIwOQwjzLGA) While I can safely say I never threw a perfect game in real bowling, Wii Sports ability to reproduce the same frustrations and experiences I have at a real alley have been amazingly phenonomal.

Phil @ Dec 9th 2006 5:03PM

I wish he would have elaborated on why he thinks the golf in Wii Sports is less fun. My roommate and I can't get enough of it. We play at least one round a day, sometimes two or three.

Brad Lee @ Dec 9th 2006 5:12PM

@ Jeff

I second that. I thought Wii Sports was gonna be a quick throwaway title just to show off the motion controls, but I've played Wii Sports far more than any other Wii title yet. All five are quick and addictive games that can be played in short bursts or longer stretches, and even with other friends. All but Wii Boxing can be played with one Wiimote too, which is good since I have yet to find one of those damn things in stores.

My person favorite is Wii Boxing. Even though the controls are sometimes slippery (sometimes my character will just start punching wildly when I mean to dodge), but to me its been the most fun.

@ Phil

Well I don't know about them, but I was a bit underwhelmed with Wii Golf simply because there are only 9 holes. I know it's just supposed to demo what a Golf game will be like with Wii controls, but the nine holes gets boring pretty fast with me

Baseball is the only one I don't care for too much, but thats probably just because I'm not too good at it V_V

Ozyman666 @ Dec 9th 2006 6:06PM

3. Daily Pedant says:

And "whets the palette". Stupid tropes.

Actually, uber-pedant says "whets the palate."

Max Vest @ Dec 9th 2006 6:59PM

Yeah, I noticed that too but felt bad about posting again. Especially after missing it the first time.

Unless, of course, the bright colors of Wii Sports whet the palette?

Phil @ Dec 9th 2006 7:17PM

@ Brad Lee

But every game, save for bowling, is stripped down. Tennis doesn't even let you play a full set. So saying that golf isn't as good because it's stripped down means you're holding it up to different standards than the rest of the games.

But to each their own. Don't wanna get into a huge debate over this. That'd be pretty pointless.

Kent Houseman @ Dec 9th 2006 8:29PM

You just started or are trying to start a debate. Adding that you don't want to get a huge debate over this and calling that pointless should have been put before that paragraph. Before everyone that reads it already knows you want a debate.

So yea, maybe if someone tries to debate you now you can just point to that and say "see, it's pretty pointless."

------------------

Joe @ Dec 9th 2006 10:04PM

I see you grammar fairies Ozyman666 and Max Vest have got things under control on this post. Represent and all that.

Vince @ Dec 9th 2006 9:17PM

Calm down TSHBO... please?
The story here is the Wii is doing what it was calculated to do.
That's why I don't give the Wii anything but last place this gen, it's far too "fun" for its own good.
The PS3 has already taken this round, let's just move on and have "fun" before the next expensive upgrade.

Shagi @ Dec 9th 2006 9:57PM

The only way the Wii would ever be worth it is if the games got a lot better. Too bad they won't. The motion sensing sucks and is always gonna suck, the sooner they drop games designed around that the better.

Wii sports a great game? Don't make me laugh, if by great you mean you feel like playing your Wii for 15 minutes every week, only then will I agree with you.

Out of all my systems the Wii is the biggest disappointment. I can't see how any one can actually own one and say the kinds of things the fanboys are saying about it. Seriously I think that all Wii owners realize they made a really boneheaded move by buying the wii and their only hope is to get a big enough installed base so the system will actually have more than mini games on it.

Wii Teh suck, FTL

Rock on MS and Sony

Chyld989 @ Dec 9th 2006 10:18PM

@Shagi
Why is the Wii a disappointment? Because it's easy for everyone to pick up and play? Because it's a good system to play with a group of friends? Because it's something different? Because it focuses on gameplay rather than graphics (something that don't matter at all, which the Virtual Console can attest to)?

I, for one, DO think Wii Sports is a great game. I don't know anyone that owns the system (five people) that only plays it 15 minutes a week. Hell, I would be shocked if any one of them play it less than 15 minutes a day. It's a very simple game, sure, but it's also very fun.

/shrug

But then again, it's clear that you've already made up your mind, and nothing anyone says or does will change it.

Silver @ Dec 9th 2006 11:15PM

Who let Shagi the hardcore lamer (oops, I meant hardcore GAMER, easy mistake...) out of his troll hole?

Not only is the Wii the most fun I've ever had on a console, but everyone who has played mine desperately wants one of their own, both gamers and non-gamers alike.

Wii is going to be much, MUCH bigger than any of the haters dare to admit. Shagi will just have to learn to deal with that.

LaughingMan @ Dec 9th 2006 11:08PM

For a while now I've been wanting to post something on the weird delusional fanbase of the Wii vs. the quality of games available for it as of now. But I think I'll pass. The only thing I'll say is that it's going to be fun watching this system compete. And you can take that as however you want.

Ben @ Dec 9th 2006 11:05PM

The Wii itself is a great console, but am I the only one who feels that all the games are really mini games that show the system's potential? Aside from zelda, where are the lengthy, innovative games that take concepts from games like wario ware and make them into full fledged games. I know that they are launch titles, but so many of the wii games feel half-baked.

Ndric @ Dec 10th 2006 12:06AM

Ninty need to manufacture these things faster.

gman @ Dec 10th 2006 1:28AM

sooo let's just let numbers speak for themselves. Shagi can just...I dunno watch and cry through hate filled eyes?

jack @ Dec 10th 2006 3:30AM

just because it sells more doesn't mean it is better.

Foetoid @ Dec 10th 2006 4:53AM

@ 21. sooo let's just let numbers speak for themselves. Shagi can just...I dunno watch and cry through hate filled eyes?

LMAO, well said, very well said. As for shagi's comments, he really is one in a million (over 1 mil wii's sold). I have been in regular contact with about half the people who lined up with me on launch nite here at my local EB Games in australia (about 20 people). ALL off them can't believe how good it is and even though Zelda is probably the greatest game ever, Wii Sports is played the most, as it is here in my own home too. Nothing like standing in front of a 50" display playing nothing but Wii Sports for HOURS on end, it works so well. You are certainly entitled to your opinion Shagi, just make sure you know it is a millionth of the total Wii gamer population who agrees with you. And for the record, this isn't a biased nintendo fanboy opinion, i DO have a 360 with GoW and it is the most amazing shooter game eva (HALO 3 FTL....Gears Trilogy FTW)

bearattack79 @ Dec 10th 2006 8:18AM

I’m a graphics junkie, Wii is not for me also the whole Wiimote and Sixaxis tilt sensor thing is a real turn off for me as a casual gamer. When I need to get up and move around I go walk the dog or head out for a hike. Personally I think the motion sensor thing is tacky and trendy. Like those hairy trolls, or hypercolour shirts that change colors in hot embarrassing areas. But the thing is all the rage this holiday season, its novel for families and kids sleepovers and stuff. My last Nintendo console was the N64 and I loved it. Turok #1 throat slashing action. But I’m older now and bright colors and big cartoon heads just aren’t my thing. The lower cost is also a draw, I’m sure parents and teens out there are more than happy to buy one for the kids when they look at the $400 and up alternatives. Remember this is MY opinion. As for XBOX 360 VS Ps3 well I like Pepsi more than coke. And the Ps3 Controller blows.

#1 Xbox 360
#2 Wii
#3 Playstation 3 (wow get it)

I was once interested in Ps3, but really I’m a gamer not a movie buff. If blueray really enhances the gaming experience one day maybe ill hop on that buss but now its xbox360 all the way.

Q @ Dec 10th 2006 10:59AM

My friend received his Nintendo Wii earlier this week and so; had a Nintendo Wii party last night so people could try out the game and all have a go.
Even though the games you get with the package are quite basic, that's what people need at the moment to get used to using the console. I reckon in about a year's time there will be so many amazing games for the Wii its unthinkable.
Good things come to those who wait, so stop moaning because it's going to be worth it.

Aeris130 @ Dec 10th 2006 2:33PM

I seem to recall another console launch recently that presented little more then halfbaked titles and minigames. A simple "gimmick", that is now selling like crazy.

Brad Lee @ Dec 10th 2006 2:38PM

@ Phil

Well too bad, cuz the debate is ON!

Sure all the other games are kinda "stripped down" as well, but Golf just feels the weakest to me. Well, not necessarily the weakest but the quickest to lose its novelty. Unless you're playing against a friend, Golf just doesn't have that competitive edge the other games do. The controls for Golf are probably better than any of the other games, but after playing each hole a few times I've found myself very bored.

I can keep playing Wii Boxing, Bowling, and Tennis without losing interest, but Golf wears kinda thin for me.

I suppose it doesn't really matter though, since everyone seems to have their favorites/least favorites. I love Wii Boxing but don't like Golf or Baseball too much. My brother loves Bowling but hates Wii Boxing. My friend loves Bowling but hates Baseball. Another friend of mine loves Baseball but hates Bowling. And so on.

Mr. Khan @ Dec 10th 2006 3:26PM

@ Brad Lee

I feel opposite, i think that of them all, Baseball and Tennis are the more flat (unless you're playing with others, which i do rarely)

Golf and Bowling give intuitive one player experiences, IMO, and whenever i have an hour to spare from Zelda or Bomberman, its time for Golf, Bowling, and a round of Fitness Age

And i think we should have all known, if you don't like the DS, then the Wii isn't for you

and yes, there will be mind-blowing Wii games by Q4 next year (and a great batch coming out Q2 as well)

mo @ Dec 10th 2006 5:25PM

acually i really like wii sports but i wish i could save it to a channel like a VC game

because as fun as it is it is just a mini game

tennis and bowling rock

Brad Lee @ Dec 10th 2006 5:09PM

@ Mr. Khan

Well, I mean, I do think Wii Golfing is a solid addition to the Wii Sports package, but I just think playing the same holes over and over again is just boring. Sure, the other games are repetitive too, but I don't notice it as much because they are more competitive. I just think Golf in general focuses a lot on the atmosphere, and if the atmosphere is the same it just gets boring.

I used to play Golf for real (as in, in the world outside video games), but eventually I got tired of it, because it was either play on same course I've played on a hundred times already, or drive a long distance just to find another one. Eventually, I just stopped playing because the atmosphere was the same.

I think its been the same way with Wii Golf. Sure it was fun for a little while, but those same holes over and over just have me bored.

I actually agree with you that Tennis and Baseball are flat by comparison, but iddaknow, I just have more fun with them. So yeah, to each his own I guess ;)

Brad Lee @ Dec 10th 2006 5:13PM

@ Mr. Khan

And wait, who said they didn't like the DS? I hope you're not talking about me. I fuckin LOVE my DS.

Revo @ Dec 10th 2006 6:01PM

"14. The only way the Wii would ever be worth it is if the games got a lot better. Too bad they won't. The motion sensing sucks and is always gonna suck, the sooner they drop games designed around that the better."

I guess we've got a prophet on our hands, folks. This settles it once and for all, guys: games on the Wii are not gonna get better because Shagi says so. Any game that uses motion sensing is inherently inferior, developers never learn from their mistakes, and I had better sell mine on Ebay before it becomes worthless.

Heh. Or not.

Shagi @ Dec 10th 2006 9:54PM

The Wii certainly underwhelmes once you actually get to use it. I think I've figured out why I have such a problem with the Wii, it insults my intelligence.

The Wii seems to be a console for people who play games when they want to pass time, not for people who play games beacuse thats what they want to do with their time. If you can play a Wii game and pretend that your doing more than you really are when you seing that remote then your the audience that nintendo is targeting. However if you expect the games to be deep and have lots of great strategies, I just don't think your going to see many like that, its not what the console is designed for.

Nintendo insults my intelligence with all their 'gameplay over graphics' rhetoric as if those two things are mutually exclusive. Nintendo insults their custmoers intelligence with every move they make.

People dont have HDtvs but everyone has a wireless router right? You can let Nintendo tell you what you need, or you can let MS or SONY give you the tools to do anything you want. Unless what you want to do is wave your arms around like a maniac and try to get the laggy response times to approach anything close to a controllable experience.

I just had to say something cause I see a lot of Bullshit comming from the Nintendo fanboys and its obvious they aren't being truthful with themselves in the least.

Heres the deal though, everyone points to the Nintendo DS and says how great it is but theres not even a single title that interests me on the DS, and I dont expect there to be much on the Wii except for 'time wasters' as well.

Terrak @ Dec 11th 2006 4:37PM

Give it up Shagi, i think your constant rants are a vain attempt to stop the inevitable. The Wii is gonna be a hit and you are having a hard time getting to grips with that. I know its hard, you probably experienced something similar when DS proceeded to spank psp out of contention so you desperately hit the Web hoping that your comments can convine people that the should steer clear of the Wii. Unfortunately for you its a wasted gesture. YOur not convincing (or fooling) anyone.

AS for insulting intelligence, thats questionable in your case. You bought a Wii (apparently) even though you hated it and instead of selling it (or have you) you instead rag on about it. That to me doesn't come off as an intellegent decision. Nor is your fruitless & futile attempts at descrediting Nintendo & the Wii.
To put things in perspective has sonys 4D, 2 HDMI on 2 1080p HDTVs at 120fps on ps3 come to pass? No, Hmm but thats not insulting intelligence now is it. Please. Quit kidding yourself. That is unless you have no intelligence to insult.

Face it the console wars are won on casual gamers - not the hardcore gamer alone, and you know deep down that the Wii has the best chance of appealing to them then either 360 or ps3.

I just take comfort that you BS will make absolutely no impact to anyone here no matter how much you bitch & complain about the Wii, and that after I myself have a Wii i think the future of the console is indeed bright.

Silver @ Dec 11th 2006 12:16AM

"custmoers intelligence" - Shagi

Ah, sweet, sweet irony. :)

Random Insanity @ Dec 11th 2006 1:30AM

@33 "People dont have HDtvs but everyone has a wireless router right?"

Nintendo USB Wireless Routers: $45

Sony HDTV: $999

I'm assuming a lot more people have a wireless router than a HDTV...

Revo @ Dec 11th 2006 1:52AM

"33. People dont have HDtvs but everyone has a wireless router right? You can let Nintendo tell you what you need, or you can let MS or SONY give you the tools to do anything you want."

Funny, I was under the impression that if I wanted a PS3, Sony is telling me I also need Blu-Ray, whether I want it or not.

"I dont expect there to be much on the Wii except for 'time wasters' as well."

If you believe all the Wii will produce is 'time wasters', why the heck did you buy the console in the first place? You said "Out of all MY systems the Wii is the biggest disappointment", so you apparently have it, yet you're constantly claiming that it has no future. Your experience with the Wii must have been pretty terrible to change your outlook of it so tremendously. That, or you enjoy buying things you hate.

Shagi @ Dec 11th 2006 11:24AM

Look I'm just saying that since I have all 3 I have no fanboy connections or a vested interest in seeing 'My' console succeed. When you place the Wii against the other 2 consoles in an honest comparison the Wii just outright falls flat.

Those people who have a vested interest in the Wii succeeding (Fanboys and 1 console owners) are never going to tell you the truth about the system, beacuse if it fails, they really get the shaft this generation.

I think for Nintendo to do well they need to produce a lot of units early on before people realize that its really a sham. You gotta get the non-gamers early who believe the comercials literally to buy in before they have a chance to experience it for themselves, cause once you turn the power on the Wii the enthusiasm is completly broken.

I'm sure nintendo will put out some fun time wasters, and I think that FPS games could do quite well with the control scheme but the FPS had better be original IPS so you can't really compare the graphics next to the other systems. Once your 'in the game' it doesn't really matter what controller your using as long as you forget about it. Thats really where the Wii strugles. You spend more time playing Wii games thinking about the controller specifically then you do playing the game (when it comes to motion sensing).

Anyways like I said its definately a non gamer grab, but I don't think its going to appeal to the Non-gamer males as well as the non gamer females. Any guy who sees the motion sensing will think thats great I can really swing at a pitch from 'X' famous baseball player and try to take it outta the park. The controlls in function don't work anywhere near well enough to actually allow this level of interactivity. So non-gamer 'Joe' would probably reather go for the more realistic experince on the Playstation brand that he's farmiliar with, where it actually looks like an adult activity and more like the experience hes after.

I think this was a last ditch effort for nintendo to remain in the hardware market, I don't think they would have tried this approach if they seriously were considering another generation after this. I think it would be better for nintendo to become a software only company, after all if they think their games are more fun than their competitors why dont they use their competitors power to their advantage? You could easily sell a wiimote control joystiq as an add-on and support it within all your branded releases if you really thought it necessary. Instead we get the great desception of selling 3 year old hardware and 8 year old motion sensing tech as something new and exciting.