Wii launch game reviews

[evilmax17]

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - 1UP - 10 (http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155329)
Twilight Princess is something you rarely see: a 60-hour adventure in which every moment is memorable. But then, maybe that's no surprise -- it represents the full resources and effort of the world's most powerful first-party developer, and thanks to all those delays, it's even enjoyed an extra year of polish and refinement. The question to ask therefore isn't "Is it any good?" but rather "Just how good is it?"

The answer? Truly fantastic. It's not a reinvention of the genre like Ocarina was -- but it's much better, because it takes all its predecessors' raw ideas, perfects them, and creates an experience that's at once new and familiar. It's rare to find a launch game that truly justifies the purchase of a new console, but this is precisely that. If Wii Sports is a game for everyone, Twilight Princess is for everyone who loves games.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - IGN - 9.5 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746691p1.html)
Closing Comments
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is, in my opinion, the greatest Zelda game ever created and one of the best launch titles in the history of launch titles – second only, perhaps, to the at-the-time ground-breaking Super Mario 64. It is also one of the finest games I have ever played. The experience is made better and not worse on Wii. The Wii remote and nunchuk add accuracy and speed to exploration and combat for a heightened sense of immersion. While the game has just about everything going for it, including improved controls, a long and engrossing quest, brain-teasing dungeons and some beautiful graphics, it's not perfect. The difficulty has been upped over Wind Waker, but I wish it were harder still – the boss fights are oftentimes too easy, for example. Additionally, while the visuals are generally impressive, some textures remain blurry to the point they are noticeable. And finally, I still question why Nintendo refuses to add either voice work to the side characters (especially since Twilight Princess features such an improved, dark storyline) or orchestrated music to the soundtrack.
Nintendo's new console ships with Wii Sports, which effectively demonstrates a new breed of games only possible on Wii. The Zelda franchise is equally exclusive to the machine and Twilight Princess is must-see, must-play and must-own entry into the series that proves over and over again why Nintendo is the best developer in the world.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - Gamespot - 8.8 (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html?sid=6161993)
Twilight Princess contains the same expertly designed puzzles and time-tested gameplay that you've come to expect from the series, though parts of its presentation feel stuck in the past.
The Good: Compelling characters and story; outstanding world and puzzle design; longer than most action adventure games; terrific graphics, from an artistic perspective.
The Bad: Wii-specific elements feel tacked on; graphics and sound sometimes go from nostalgic to dated.


Excite Truck - IGN - 8.0 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746278p1.html)
Closing Comments
I'm more of a Burnout and San Francisco Rush fan than a Gran Turismo and Forza gamer, and Excite Truck for Wii is definitely right up my alley. Excite Truck is clearly a first generation console game that will, without a doubt be outdone in the Wii system's later years. But as a game that bursts right out of the gate as a launch title for the system, Excite Truck is a fulfilling, fun, energetic arcade-style racer that features a good balance of technology and technique. There are a few spots in places that could have been filled, like its weak two player option and trick system, but overall this game definitely pulls off the intense racing rush that quality arcade racers offer.

Excite Truck - Gamespot - 6.8 (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/driving/excitetruck/review.html?sid=6161717)
Ultimately, Excite Truck feels more like a tech demo than a full-fledged game.
The Good: Good sense of speed; hectic gameplay makes you feel just shy of losing control of the truck.
The Bad: Not enough here to keep you interested for long; should have been at least a four-player game, if not online.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz - Gamespot - 8.3 (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/supermonkeyballbananablitz/review.html?sid=6161924)
Banana Blitz stands as one of the first, best proofs of what the Wii is capable of. The Good: Single-player game makes intuitive use of Wii Remote; incredible variety of multiplayer minigames; gameplay initially more approachable, but can still present a potent challenge; gives series much-needed visual makeover.
The Bad: Lack of camera control can be frustrating in some boss battles; quality of multiplayer minigames wildly inconsistent; single-player game a little short.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz - IGN - 8.4 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746040p1.html)
Closing Comments
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is a great Wii launch title and I highly recommend picking it up if you at all liked the previous games (discounting Adventure, which was an unfortunate departure). This is also an ideal choice for casuals looking to play Wii with friends or family. The title's easy-to-learn controls make it immediately accessible to newcomers or the uncoordinated among us. However, like with all solid Monkey Ball games, the puzzle arenas grow increasingly more difficult and later stages are downright insane – hence, although everybody can enjoy the experience on some level, only the skilled and dedicated will beat the title.

If you've been on the fence about the Wii controls, put those fears to rest. True, there is a different technique involved, but once you get the hang of it you will be flying through levels with precision and speed. Now that I've played through Banana Blitz, I would not want to go back to the older control configurations.

The single-player affair is engaging and rewarding, but although 100 levels seem like a lot, some of the previous outings actually included more. Given that some of Banana Blitz's 50 mini-games are throwaways, I'd have preferred that the developer spent more time making the single-player mode bigger and better and less time upping the mini-game count. All of that noted, there are still quite a few minis that are worth playing, such as Monkey Target, and they are also four-player-compatible.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz - 1UP - 7.0 (http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155333)
Wii owners are probably going to be burned out on minigame collections way before WarioWare: Smooth Moves arrives, which makes Monkey Ball a nice compromise. It's hardly revolutionary, but it makes smart use of the Wii hardware as it straddles the divide between hardcore and casual gamers. Come for the intricate and frequently difficult single-player mode; stay for the entertainingly goofy minigames guaranteed to hook your most obstinate nongaming loved ones.

Wii Sports - IGN - 7.5 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745708p1.html)
Closing Comments
Wii Sports is a successful showpiece for Nintendo's new hardware and a fantastic means to get non-gamers talking about Wii. Not all of the games are spectacular. Given the choice, I'd prefer not to play either boxing or golf, which is disappointing because both sports seem like a fine fit for the remote. But the games that do work really work. Baseball is good in short bursts. Tennis is a lot of fun, especially with two or more. And bowling is fantastic – I can't wait for Nintendo to use these mechanics and release the inevitable (and much deeper) Mario Bowling. What you're going to find in Wii Sports is a title that demonstrates the potential of the Wii remote, but comes up short in depth and visuals. Play it for an hour with friends and you'll love it. Your non-gamer friends will be dazzled by the immediately intuitive controls and the imported Miis. But the title sacrifices incredible depth and visuals for an immediately accessible experience.

Trauma Center: Second Opinion - Gamespot - 8.0 (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/adventure/traumacentersecondopinion/review.html?sid=6161923)
You don't need a surgeon's patience or precision to appreciate this quirky, inventive, very likable remake of a remarkable Nintendo DS game.
The Good: Fast-paced puzzle action gameplay shows off a lot of what the Wii Remote can do; surprisingly engaging storyline rife with the best kind of anime melodrama; multiple difficulty settings make the high level of challenge more manageable; controls do a great job of simulating some surgical procedures.
The Bad: While the presentation looks good, it feels dated--no support for widescreen 480p displays; some scenarios demand trial and error or punishing degrees of precision.


Trauma Center: Second Opinion - IGN - 8.0 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/745/745710p1.html)
Closing Comments
Now that the Wii launch is truly underway, is Trauma Center worth another dose? Yeah, it is. Putting aside the fact that Second Opinion is a retelling of the DS version, the game is absolutely perfect as an introductory game for Wii players. There’s a ton of diversity in the missions, an all-new Hard mode for previous fans of the series, and an entirely new sixth chapter of the game to appease the “been there, done that” attitude of the hardcore crowd. Trauma Center has a charming style, decent graphical and audio presentation, but really excels in the control department. The franchise has been given a rebirth on Wii, and it has never been better. Everything from interface navigation to tool switching and actual surgical actions is made easier with the Wii-mote/nunchuk combination, and that alone makes it worth your launch dollars. Under the Knife showed players what DS was all about, and now we’re seeing Second Opinion doing the same thing as it ushers Nintendo fans into a new era of innovation and control.

Trauma Center - 1UP - 6.5 (http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155334)
One final thing: Don't let the score dissuade you from playing the game. It is enjoyable. Actually, it reminds me of that college professor who taught a fun class but didn't explain things very well -- in the end, you didn't learn as much as you could have. Second Opinion's fun, but in the end, you feel like you didn't enjoy it as much as you should have.

Call of Duty 3 - IGN - 7.7 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746145p1.html)
Closing Comments
Call of Duty 3 for Wii is a bit of a mixed bag. For starters, the game’s control is pretty solid, and while there are a few issues with the battle actions, the pin-point aiming and Call of Duty driving feels great, adding a ton of immersion in to the game. If the gameplay isn’t your primary focus for FPS games though, Call of Duty 3 may be a bit of a downer, as there’s no multiplayer, and the visuals are pretty weak. If you’re expecting anything more than a solid single player adventure and GCN/Xbox graphics, you may be disappointed. Still, Call of Duty 3’s control is definitely something to experience, and seems to be second only to Metroid. If you’re looking to try the FPS genre on Wii during launch, Call of Duty 3 is the game to show the system off.

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam - IGN - 7.0 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746341p1.html)
Closing Comments
It may be a bit flawed, but Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam still shaped up to be a pretty entertaining racer on Wii. In no way does the spin-off game stand up to Project 8 on the other next generation consoles, but as a “popcorn flick” equivalent to Hawk games, Downhill Jam is a decently entertaining and innovative game nonetheless. A somewhat dated graphical look hurts, though the game runs in 480p and 16:9 to counteract it. And while in-game music is a hassle to work with, there are some killer songs in the 40 track list. The stylistic look of the game is going to be hit or miss for gamers, and whether you love it or hate it, your opinion is justified. Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam is an odd game, but it still can be a blast to play, and the replay value goes up a ton when you throw a few more Wii-motes into the mix. A redesign for a franchise is always risky business, and while there are definitely things to change in a potential sequel, Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam is a solid first step in a new direction for Wii players. More control customization and higher production value is definitely needed, though the game is conceptually sound and still pretty fun in short bursts.

Rayman Raving Rabbids - IGN - 8.3 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746378p1.html)
Closing Comments
Rayman Raving Rabbids is a gamble for Ubisoft because it is so dramatically different from its predecessors. It's not a platformer, but don't let that deter you because it is still easily one of the better games available for Nintendo's new generation system this year. Ubisoft understands that Wii is about new ways to play and it has with Rabbids created a title that utilizes the Wii remote 70 times over. The majority of minis in the title are fun whether you're playing by yourself or with friends, although there are the occasional duds. The biggest drawback is that many of the minis are not designed for simultaneous play; instead you go in sequence. But even with that being true the experience is still engaging and addictive and the title's sense of humor is in a league of its own. It is almost unfair to label this effort a Rayman game because the real stars of the project are the bunnies, whose blank faces and inevitable agonized screams will make you laugh over and over again.

Madden '07 - IGN - 8.5 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746697p1.html)
Closing Comments
As far as launch titles go, Madden 07 for Wii is a very solid first effort. The game includes all the options as the other console versions including lead blocking, create-a-player/team/fan, hall of fame, tons of training sessions including two minute drill and NFL network, and a full-blown franchise mode just to name a few, and throws in an intuitive learn madden tutorial, multiplayer competitions including the amazingly addictive 2-on-2 and Y.A.C. Attack, as well as tons of motion control specifically built for the Wii-mote and nunchuk. There are still a few issues with kicking and big hits that could be a bit more polished, and the general stigma around Wii is that some people will love it or hate it simply because it offers new gameplay over improved graphics, but the game is simply awesome despite the countless naysayers out there.

Madden 07 offers a faster and more brutal game of football, and the added motion control makes pulling off complex football maneuvers easier than it’s ever been. The game is constantly offering pointers to newcomers as well, whether it’s in the on-the-fly tutorials accessible at any time during a game, or in the success/failure prompts that tell you instantly if your motion was too early, too late, or dead on. Madden 07 leaves definite room for improvement, but it’s a tremendous leap in the right direction. If Madden 07 is any indication expect EA and Nintendo to become very, very good friends this generation.

[Ikohn4ever]

Trauma Center

7.0 Presentation
Second Opinion has a solid style, but it still has a hint of “DS” to it as well. Storytelling is done via storyboards and text.
6.0 Graphics
Trauma Center has a great look, though the lack of widescreen support is sorely missed. It has a great style, but still looks very last-gen.
6.0 Sound
The musical composition is beautiful, but the game needed more VO work. A larger library of songs would have helped as well.
8.0 Gameplay
Solid. Second Opinion may be a “Wii-make” but it plays very, very well. More depth in tools would have been nice, but it’s still an awesome introduction to Wii control.
7.5 Lasting Appeal
In addition to over 10 hours of play, Second Opinion adds a new chapter, a few side-quests, and addicting gameplay. The new Hard mode will bring much pain as well.
8.0
Impressive OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average) See All Award Recipients

[botticus]

Let me supplement this from reviews gleaned from GameRankings that haven't been mentioned yet:

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz - 8/10 from Play Magazine

Wii Sports - 8.5/10 from Gamerz-Edge (http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=742379)

Good reviews on both Wii Sports and Trauma Center. About what I expected from Wii Sports, and it sounds like Trauma Center is a quick port (no voice-over or widescreen, for example) with some add-ons - not horrible, but something that can certainly be improved upon in a from-scratch Wii sequel. Should be worth my money though (or because) I never got through the DS version.

:rofl:
(As a side note, always wear your wrist straps. One of our ad girls became so engrossed in tennis that the Wii remote slipped from her hand and crashed into a nearby wall at mach speeds; luckily, although the strap broke, the back case flew off and the batteries spilled out, it all worked again when we put it back together.)

[Kaijufan]

I thought Wii games were required to support widescreen.

[Blind the Thief]

and it sounds like Trauma Center is a quick port (no voice-over or widescreen, for example)

I actually prefer when games do this...each character has a Voice, makes sound / says one or two words when they talk, which gives you a good idea of their personality...but not voicing over everything largely avoids the terrible voice acting that we often see. Nintendo does this a lot (Animal Crossing, Zelda, Mario), but it's good to see it catching on with other companies as well (ICO/Shadow of the Colossus, Trauma Center).


edit: Oh, and, uh, decent scores, I 'spose.

[Dezuria]

I think it was more like, Nintendo said all of their 1st part games would support widescreen 480p.

Also, I'm glad to see Trauma Center SO is good, I never played the DS version and it looked fun. :) I'll have to get it along with Zelda.

[Chacrana]

Hmm.... now do I keep Trauma Center on the DS or sell it off when I get this?

[lordwow]

Trauma Center sounds like my type of game. I didn't play it on the DS, and I'm looking forward to it on the Wii (I've preordered it). Plus I'm a medical TV-show addict, so I look forward to operating and stuff.

[Vinny]

Hm... it's too bad TC was a rushed port. I was hoping for a bit more but it looks like that's not the case. Wii Sports isn't faring too good though it's doing ok and it's free so... eh.

[6669]

Well I'm definitely getting TC. (I guess I'm definitely getting Wii Sports, too)

[Apossum]

Definitely getting Trauma Center still..

It has a great style, but still looks very last-gen.

great...how many fucking times are we gonna see this in every Wii game review?

[Blind the Thief]

Definitely getting Trauma Center still..



great...how many fucking times are we gonna see this in every Wii game review?

Yeah...I don't think these reviewers know what the Wii hardware is. Idiots.

[2Fast]

I'm happy that Wii Sports will be fun and take up some of my time in case I can't find Zelda right away.

[Zoglog]

7.5 score aint bad for a free game. I might have to take a look at trauma center after that review. Though the lack of widescreen could get annoying. But I never played the DS one.

[robbart914]

Yeah...I don't think these reviewers know what the Wii hardware is. Idiots.

Since people compare game reviews of one system to another, does it not make sense to compare the graphics as well. Obviously, if the gameplay style of the Wii proves superior, I suspect even the system's own regular controller based games will get knocked gameplay points for not being motion based. While I feel its mostly fanboys who throw the "my game system's flagship title got a 9 while yours only got an 8!" argument as if it were legitimate, if that's the way of thinking, it only makes sense to compare graphics to the overall standard, though I believe Trauma Center wouldn't even get a 5 in the graphics category if they truly pressed upon that issue.

[io]

This part took me by surprise - bowling with 100 pins, hell yes, count me in! How come we haven't heard a thing about these extra modes before now?


Wii Sports does have hidden depth, though. It's locked away in the Training Mode. Here, you compete in variations on the regular sports affairs - three of each, to be exact. Again, bowling and tennis come out on top, baseball next, and golf and boxing last. The variations on bowling are amazingly fun. There's a mode featuring different pin formations and you have to figure out ways to knock them down. There's a mode where more and more pins are added to the lane. You start out with 10 and end with well in advance of 100 pins, and all of them react and go down with a realistic sense of weight and physics. Finally, there's a mode where obstacles are placed in each lane and you have to set the angle and speed of your ball so that it coasts around them and still crashes into the pins. Playing these modes against friends is an engaging, almost hypnotic time-sucker and one that we can wholeheartedly recommend.


Since my kids have the entire week off after the Wii release (our school district decided to give up the stupid 3 day Thanksgiving week since many kids end up bailing on those days anyway due to family travel/etc), I'll be looking closely at the upcoming reviews to see what other game I should get besides Zelda (and Wii Sports of course). So far, Trauma Center ain't it. I wasn't going to get any of the other games at first, but we'll see how much fun the kids have with Wii Sports. In particular I'm looking towards Rayman and Monkey Ball. I'll probably pick up one of those, or possibly Excite Truck, Monday or Tuesday once the Wii Sports euphoria has worn off (I'll play Zelda with them as well but that's a different beast).

[io]

Let me supplement this from reviews gleaned from GameRankings that haven't been mentioned yet:

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz - 8/10 from Play Magazine

Wii Sports - 8.5/10 from Gamerz-Edge (http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=742379)


Just expanding on Botticus's other reviews here, I see a couple more on Metacritic, including a surprise (to me anyway). All are in Metacritic's 100 point scale:

Dragon Ball Z - 68 from EGM, 90 from GamePro

Super Monkey Ball - 65 from EGM

Excite Truck - 84 from eToychest:
http://www.etoychest.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5398&Itemid=27

Zelda - 100 from GameSpy:
http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/legend-of-zelda-wii/745573p1.html

And the surprise:
Red Steel - 90 from NGamer UK (no linky though :cry:)

It will be interesting to see what others say about Red Steel.
Here's the blurb metacritic posted from that review:

It's liquid movement... A massive improvement on previous console FPS control... Not only making excellent use of the Wii's controllers, this is huge fun in its own right. For a launch title to get so much right is an indicator of great things to come. [Dec 2006, p.70]


Hey OP, why don't you just modify the title of the thread to make this the omnibus Wii launch title review thread! It would be nice to come to one place to see all the reviews and comments on them.

[lilboo]

Definitely getting Trauma Center still..



great...how many fucking times are we gonna see this in every Wii game review?


I agree!! If we see a game that's similar to N64 graphics, THEN we can say the graphics are shitty and look "LAST GEN". <-- I think that's fair enough?

[botticus]

7.5 for Wii Sports from AMN.

http://wii.advancedmn.com/article.php?artid=8196&pg=3&comments=&preview=

[robbart914]

There's a Wii review up at c-net. I gotta go quick so I can't link now.

One of the qualms though is that it eats batteries. Hopefully, that point is exaggerated, but then again, you kind of HAVE to play the hell out of it to find that one out. That's going to be quite a nuisance. I've been holding off on buying a good charger for years since a lot of the tech I used them for, like music, have been starting to get replaced by internal batteries. But it might be time to drop the dough and invest in a decent set, lest I be spending hundreds on batteries.

Hopefully they're just exaggerating though. I have a Logitech wireless for the PS2. Not anything new, but it lasted like 300+ hours no joke. I put in 120 in FFXII, several months and several RPGs later after even putting the batteries in that thing. Crazy.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Nintendo_Wii/4505-6464_7-31355104.html?tag=cnetfd.ld2

Got it up. Still a pretty positive review overall.

[trip1eX]

I won't get TC at $50. I played the DS game. I'd rent it or buy it for $20 tho. $50 tho is way too much for basically the same game I played less than a year ago.


WiiSports. Do we need each Wii review to remind us that the graphics aren't as good on the 360? I think the screenshot was enough and it's a party game. No cares that much about it being photo-realistic looking. Can anyone make a game that's not photo-realistic without it being given a bad graphics score? Ok I know they can, but still. Graphics are about being clear and easy on the eyes and communicating what is going on in a pleasant manner. Not about being photo-realistic.

Funny too how he doesn't think the game (WiiSports) is for hardcore gamers and then says 'hardcore gamers might master the controls in golf with enough practice.'

[Apossum]

Since people compare game reviews of one system to another, does it not make sense to compare the graphics as well. Obviously, if the gameplay style of the Wii proves superior, I suspect even the system's own regular controller based games will get knocked gameplay points for not being motion based. While I feel its mostly fanboys who throw the "my game system's flagship title got a 9 while yours only got an 8!" argument as if it were legitimate, if that's the way of thinking, it only makes sense to compare graphics to the overall standard, though I believe Trauma Center wouldn't even get a 5 in the graphics category if they truly pressed upon that issue.


I think it's a weak spot in most game reviews-- games losing points for what they aren't instead of what they are. I think it makes sense to compare graphics as an afterthought, but not as a main critique in a review.

I mean, he praises the style at a few points in the review, then says "oh, it's not 'next-genny' enough." They might as well say "Trauma center is a launch title for the Wii, which means its graphics look kinda last gen, so we're taking points off" :lol:

[botticus]

They need to grade graphics on their merits. If the graphics on a Wii game are bad - meaning, it stutters, it just looks bad, etc, then sure, mark it down. But comparing the graphics to a system which it cannot match is foolish. It has no bearing on the developer's work or the quality of the game itself. Did reviewers criticize every SNES game for not being in 3D? Style also has to be a big comparison.

Only time I can really see this being applicable is in the context of a cross-platform game, where someone might actually be deciding between two of the systems (i.e. COD3).

[elwood731]

EGM's review policy is that reviews are relative to their system and genre. In other words, RPGs on the PS2 and not compared to FPS on the X360. At least, that's what their policy used to be.

[dothog]

One thing I'm curious about that so many reviewers have overlooked is how do these games stack up to previous generation games in terms of graphics? For instance, how does Zelda: TP or Wii Sports look relative to, say, a GameCube game?

:wall:

[blandstalker]

They need to grade graphics on their merits. If the graphics on a Wii game are bad - meaning, it stutters, it just looks bad, etc, then sure, mark it down. But comparing the graphics to a system which it cannot match is foolish. It has no bearing on the developer's work or the quality of the game itself. Did reviewers criticize every SNES game for not being in 3D? Style also has to be a big comparison.

I didn't read the TC graphics comment as a slam on the Wii as much as disappointment that more wasn't done. TC is a port after all, which should have left some time for extra bells and whistles, graphics among them. And Wii Sports is a packin, which means it is something that every Wii owner will see and lots of undecided people will probably see at a kiosk or demo. It should dazzle, at least a little.

I think, for awhile anyway, it's absolutely fair to discuss the Wii's graphics in comparison to the PS3 and 360 because that's the current basis. We know that the Wii has the capacity for better than the GC, but not really how much since we haven't seen it yet.

Over time, comparisons will fade. The DS doesn't get compared to the PSP anymore because by now everyone knows what each is capable of, and the point of the DS has never been drop-dead gorgeous graphics. The same will happen with the Wii.

[Chris in Cali]

TC sounds good, but no widescreen support = me waiting for it to go down to $20. Then again, that's what I'll be doing with most Wii games except Zelda.

[Blind the Thief]

7.5 score aint bad for a free game. I might have to take a look at trauma center after that review. Though the lack of widescreen could get annoying. But I never played the DS one.

I think they said they didn't do widescreen because it stretched the playing field (which I guess makes sense, given that you're operating...having to go further to the left or right than on standard TVs could make it more difficult or...something.).

[evilmax17]

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz - IGN - 8.4 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746040p1.html)
Closing Comments
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz is a great Wii launch title and I highly recommend picking it up if you at all liked the previous games (discounting Adventure, which was an unfortunate departure). This is also an ideal choice for casuals looking to play Wii with friends or family. The title's easy-to-learn controls make it immediately accessible to newcomers or the uncoordinated among us. However, like with all solid Monkey Ball games, the puzzle arenas grow increasingly more difficult and later stages are downright insane – hence, although everybody can enjoy the experience on some level, only the skilled and dedicated will beat the title.

If you've been on the fence about the Wii controls, put those fears to rest. True, there is a different technique involved, but once you get the hang of it you will be flying through levels with precision and speed. Now that I've played through Banana Blitz, I would not want to go back to the older control configurations.

The single-player affair is engaging and rewarding, but although 100 levels seem like a lot, some of the previous outings actually included more. Given that some of Banana Blitz's 50 mini-games are throwaways, I'd have preferred that the developer spent more time making the single-player mode bigger and better and less time upping the mini-game count. All of that noted, there are still quite a few minis that are worth playing, such as Monkey Target, and they are also four-player-compatible.

[lilboo]

I hope they put up a Rayman review. I was kinda between Rayman and Monkeyball and an 8.4 is a good score!

[Plinko]

Great review--I look forward to picking Monkey Ball up.

[psunami]

Man, looks like Monkey Ball and Rayman will be bought at launch.

[Tybee]

If there was any doubt before, it certainly appears now that this is shaping up as the best launch lineup ever.

[Vinny]

When I saw SMB... I thought Super Mario Bros and was wondering, what the fuck?!:lol:

Oh well, good score for SMB.

[lilboo]

I wonder if I'll be able to pull off getting Zelda, Red Steel, Rayman and Monkey Ball... may have to really kiss my BFs ass. He's already buying me 1 game + 1 complete controller. I gotta get him to get 2 games now, LOL

[evilmax17]

Excite Truck - Gamespot - 6.8 (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/driving/excitetruck/review.html?sid=6161717)
Ultimately, Excite Truck feels more like a tech demo than a full-fledged game.
The Good: Good sense of speed; hectic gameplay makes you feel just shy of losing control of the truck.
The Bad: Not enough here to keep you interested for long; should have been at least a four-player game, if not online.

[lilboo]

Excite Truck - Gamespot - 6.8

Ultimately, Excite Truck feels more like a tech demo than a full-fledged game.
The Good: Good sense of speed; hectic gameplay makes you feel just shy of losing control of the truck.
The Bad: Not enough here to keep you interested for long; should have been at least a four-player game, if not online. (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/driving/excitetruck/review.html?sid=6161717)


Def a game I'll pick up $20 or less :)

[botticus]

Ouch, that's a pretty harsh score. Not entirely sure what separates Excite Truck as a "tech demo" from any other racing game, other than limited multiplayer.

Not necessarily going to disagree with the stated negatives from my playtime, though.

[jer7583]

I was really impressed with Excite Truck.. not the most full featured game, but I really really enjoyed playing it on the demo kiosk. Great Control, great sense of speed, and sending the other trucks flying with those ! icons that make hills was real fun. I might pick it up anyway.. depending on how glowing the Red Steel reviews are.

[evergoo]

I was underwhelmed after playing the demo. The featured single-player didn't feel intense and multiplayer was only 2-player with no AI racers.

As a person who played the NES and N64 version religiously, I was extremely disappointed by the next generation entry. However, I didn't think GS would slam Excite Truck this hard. IMO, the game was above average.

BTW, have reviewers even played the phenomenal N64 version? Everybody seems to compare it strictly to the NES.

Anyways, here's hoping they bring the Excite series back to bikes. And please, Nintendo, make sure to give the next game to an in-house developer!

[js1]

There's a Wii review up at c-net. I gotta go quick so I can't link now.

One of the qualms though is that it eats batteries. Hopefully, that point is exaggerated, but then again, you kind of HAVE to play the hell out of it to find that one out. That's going to be quite a nuisance. I've been holding off on buying a good charger for years since a lot of the tech I used them for, like music, have been starting to get replaced by internal batteries. But it might be time to drop the dough and invest in a decent set, lest I be spending hundreds on batteries.

Hopefully they're just exaggerating though. I have a Logitech wireless for the PS2. Not anything new, but it lasted like 300+ hours no joke. I put in 120 in FFXII, several months and several RPGs later after even putting the batteries in that thing. Crazy.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Nintendo_Wii/4505-6464_7-31355104.html?tag=cnetfd.ld2

Got it up. Still a pretty positive review overall.

Maybe they just used the regular batteries that come with the wii?

Also about the logitech controller you can turn off rumble, there is no speaker, etc...

[io]

Ouch, that's a pretty harsh score. Not entirely sure what separates Excite Truck as a "tech demo" from any other racing game, other than limited multiplayer.

Not necessarily going to disagree with the stated negatives from my playtime, though.

Yeah, same here... I'm definitely not going to spend $50 on this, but I'll pick it up when it hits $20 for sure - which, being a CAG, is more than I'm willing to shell out for most games :D.

Is the two-player really just a Vs. mode? My kids tried it out and had a blast - but it seems like they could have at least had CPU racers in there as well (though online support would have been killer). I just figured I hadn't found that option yet. If that is the case, then, yes, the multiplayer is very limited.

[jer7583]

I was underwhelmed after playing the demo. The featured single-player didn't feel intense and multiplayer was only 2-player with no AI racers.

As a person who played the NES and N64 version religiously, I was extremely disappointed by the next generation entry. However, I didn't think GS would slam Excite Truck this hard. IMO, the game was above average.

BTW, have reviewers even played the phenomenal N64 version? Everybody seems to compare it strictly to the NES.

Anyways, here's hoping they bring the Excite series back to bikes. And please, Nintendo, make sure to give the next game to an in-house developer!

I really could not enjoy the N64 excitebike, no matter how I tried... Controls just felt too horrible, imo. Funny that I liked Excite Truck and you hated that, guess to each his own.

[FriskyTanuki]

I'm not surprised by the Excite Truck score, which was a result of being surprised by the game's lack of depth.

[io]

Hey - just saw an ad for Red Steel on Adult Swim (after seeing one for Elite Beat Agents an hour or so ago). I guess this Wii thing is really happening, eh? Seems hard to believe we're really that close now.

[evilmax17]

Call of Duty 3 - IGN - 7.7 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746145p1.html)
Closing Comments
Call of Duty 3 for Wii is a bit of a mixed bag. For starters, the game’s control is pretty solid, and while there are a few issues with the battle actions, the pin-point aiming and Call of Duty driving feels great, adding a ton of immersion in to the game. If the gameplay isn’t your primary focus for FPS games though, Call of Duty 3 may be a bit of a downer, as there’s no multiplayer, and the visuals are pretty weak. If you’re expecting anything more than a solid single player adventure and GCN/Xbox graphics, you may be disappointed. Still, Call of Duty 3’s control is definitely something to experience, and seems to be second only to Metroid. If you’re looking to try the FPS genre on Wii during launch, Call of Duty 3 is the game to show the system off.

[botticus]

GI gives Excite Truck a 7, review very nicely summarizes my opinions of it:

http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200701/R06.1114.1640.23460.htm

CONCEPT:Not just a good racing game for the Wii, a good racing game, period

GRAPHICS:The game’s sense of speed is awesome, and little touches make it look better than you’d think

SOUND:The squealing guitar solos never dip below the 12th fret. However, you can listen to your own tunes off an SD card

PLAYABILITY:About as pick-up-and-play as you’re going to find

ENTERTAINMENT:This game is an absolute blast to play, but sadly the multiplayer doesn’t hold up

REPLAY:Moderately Low

[Lan_Zer0]

I posted this in the Red Steel thread, but in case you missed it, here it is again, scans from the ngamer review:

http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?i...titled1vq2.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled1vq2.jpg)
http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?i...titled2ze5.jpg (http://img299.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled2ze5.jpg)
http://img71.imageshack.us/my.php?im...titled3mj8.jpg (http://img71.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled3mj8.jpg)
http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?i...titled4ku3.jpg (http://img292.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled4ku3.jpg)
http://img402.imageshack.us/my.php?i...titled5nm6.jpg (http://img402.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled5nm6.jpg)
http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?i...titled6fj2.jpg (http://img262.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitled6fj2.jpg)

Also, incase Red Steel does not get reviewed tonight, gonintendo will probably do a preview of the final game tonight (they just went out now to buy the game).

[botticus]

GameSpy gives Excite Truck a 3/5:

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=743145


Pros
Neat control scheme; great sense of speed; decent single player challenge

Cons
Ugly visuals; annoying music; no online; multiplayer is limited; not much replay value Sometimes I almost wish I felt like I was missing something thinking Excite Truck was "ugly."

Really starting to feel like IGN and GameSpot are holding off the reviews for the high-profile titles that everyone's curious about till the bitter end. I'm looking at you, Red Steel, Marvel: UA, Madden, etc.

[evilmax17]

Excite Truck - IGN - 8.0 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746278p1.html)
Closing Comments
I'm more of a Burnout and San Francisco Rush fan than a Gran Turismo and Forza gamer, and Excite Truck for Wii is definitely right up my alley. Excite Truck is clearly a first generation console game that will, without a doubt be outdone in the Wii system's later years. But as a game that bursts right out of the gate as a launch title for the system, Excite Truck is a fulfilling, fun, energetic arcade-style racer that features a good balance of technology and technique. There are a few spots in places that could have been filled, like its weak two player option and trick system, but overall this game definitely pulls off the intense racing rush that quality arcade racers offer.

[VulSuck]

Ouch, that's a pretty harsh score. Not entirely sure what separates Excite Truck as a "tech demo" from any other racing game, other than limited multiplayer.

Not necessarily going to disagree with the stated negatives from my playtime, though.

I agree with you. It sounds like at least a few reviews are focusing on the lack of multiplayer to the exclusion of all else. Excite Truck is definently a game that I would pay $15 or even $25 for at some point just because it was a whole bunch of fun.

[Lan_Zer0]

Another Tony Hawk review:

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=743182

9.0
Depending on the scores of Red Steel, this might be a launch pick up for me now.

[evilmax17]

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam - IGN - 7.0 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746341p1.html)
Closing Comments
It may be a bit flawed, but Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam still shaped up to be a pretty entertaining racer on Wii. In no way does the spin-off game stand up to Project 8 on the other next generation consoles, but as a “popcorn flick” equivalent to Hawk games, Downhill Jam is a decently entertaining and innovative game nonetheless. A somewhat dated graphical look hurts, though the game runs in 480p and 16:9 to counteract it. And while in-game music is a hassle to work with, there are some killer songs in the 40 track list. The stylistic look of the game is going to be hit or miss for gamers, and whether you love it or hate it, your opinion is justified. Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam is an odd game, but it still can be a blast to play, and the replay value goes up a ton when you throw a few more Wii-motes into the mix. A redesign for a franchise is always risky business, and while there are definitely things to change in a potential sequel, Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam is a solid first step in a new direction for Wii players. More control customization and higher production value is definitely needed, though the game is conceptually sound and still pretty fun in short bursts.

[Ikohn4ever]

well so far the average review score from IGN is 7.77, which is not bad at all.

[lilboo]

Im not a huge fan of the Tony Hawk series..but this is DEF a game to get once it's cheap. It's just one of them CAG-Games if anyone understands what I mean LOL

[Oops! I did it again.]

Read the Excite Truck review at IGN and that reviewer mentioned exactly some of the things that I think will make this game so appealing to me. I think it will be the first game I play on Sunday.

[daroga]

Read the Excite Truck review at IGN and that reviewer mentioned exactly some of the things that I think will make this game so appealing to me. I think it will be the first game I play on Sunday.Yeah. the game is not amazing. I'll not be playing it for 100 hours because it's so deep. It just looks (and is) fun. If I wasn't splurging a bit with the launch, I'd get it after a price drop or two, but I'm allowing myself one game besides Zelda that isn't a story-line driven game to get (in other words, I won't be getting Red Steel right away). I love arcade racing games, and this may not be the best, doesn't mean it's not a fun time.

I enjoyed my time with it at EB, and I'm really looking forward to messing around with it when I did a break from Zelda. And I imagine the falling 700 feet off a mountain effects will be cool in a dark room at night with some friends and some beers. ;)

[panasonic]

Waiting to buy my wii used on here or another site from the people who are disappointed with it :-)

[shipwreck]

I got a few minutes with ExciteTruck today, and it was ordinary beyond belief. The controls were easy to pick up on, but they didn't add anything to the game that differentiated it from controlling with a standard controller. Tilting the controller left and right did nothing to distinguish this from any arcade racer from the late 90's until now.

The collision detection also seemed to be a bit off in that I ended up crashing into a lot of trees when it appeared to me that my truck was not going to actually hit them. This could be because the game is pretty forgiving on hitting the icons, so maybe there is a bit of a "forcefield" around the truck.

All in all, I'm disappointed that this was the first game that I got to play on the Wii and that they didn't have the Nunchuk attachment so that I could try something a little more inventive.

[Lan_Zer0]

Not a review but a very good hands-on from gonintendo.

http://gonintendo.com/?p=8713

Immersive and fun except for the occasional glitch and slow turning speeds (I can only assume there are no options to adjust it).

[botticus]

Wii Sports - GameTrailers - 8.0

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=743256

Reviewing games like Wii Sports is tough. It’s free with the system in North America so therefore our expectations are lower than for a typical game. If you live somewhere else where you have to pay for it, we do not recommend it. A couple of the games are rewarding for the long term, but most can be easily whipped into submission in a matter of hours. The visuals are also severely lacking. We understand that function is almost always more important than fashion, but these graphics are Nintendo 64-level. As a pack-in, Wii Sports is a great way to showcase the capabilities of the system, and is sure to become a party favorite. It’s also a glimpse into the future, when full-featured games will be built upon its fundamentals. We can’t wait.


Trauma Center - Games Radar - 9.0

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=743304


You'll Love:

Unique controller use
Crazy gameplay scenarios
Creative storyYou'll Hate:

Erratic difficulty
Some GUILT seem hellishly unfair
Not $50 different from the DS version

[VulSuck]

Rayman Raving Rabbids - IGN - 8.3 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746378p1.html)
Closing Comments
Rayman Raving Rabbids is a gamble for Ubisoft because it is so dramatically different from its predecessors. It's not a platformer, but don't let that deter you because it is still easily one of the better games available for Nintendo's new generation system this year. Ubisoft understands that Wii is about new ways to play and it has with Rabbids created a title that utilizes the Wii remote 70 times over. The majority of minis in the title are fun whether you're playing by yourself or with friends, although there are the occasional duds. The biggest drawback is that many of the minis are not designed for simultaneous play; instead you go in sequence. But even with that being true the experience is still engaging and addictive and the title's sense of humor is in a league of its own. It is almost unfair to label this effort a Rayman game because the real stars of the project are the bunnies, whose blank faces and inevitable agonized screams will make you laugh over and over again.

[Apossum]

Rayman sounds pretty good. I love Wario Ware, so I might just get this on Sunday.

[evilmax17]

Trauma Center: Second Opinion - Gamespot - 8.0 (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/adventure/traumacentersecondopinion/review.html?sid=6161923)
You don't need a surgeon's patience or precision to appreciate this quirky, inventive, very likable remake of a remarkable Nintendo DS game.
The Good: Fast-paced puzzle action gameplay shows off a lot of what the Wii Remote can do; surprisingly engaging storyline rife with the best kind of anime melodrama; multiple difficulty settings make the high level of challenge more manageable; controls do a great job of simulating some surgical procedures.
The Bad: While the presentation looks good, it feels dated--no support for widescreen 480p displays; some scenarios demand trial and error or punishing degrees of precision.

Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz - Gamespot - 8.3 (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/supermonkeyballbananablitz/review.html?sid=6161924)
Banana Blitz stands as one of the first, best proofs of what the Wii is capable of. The Good: Single-player game makes intuitive use of Wii Remote; incredible variety of multiplayer minigames; gameplay initially more approachable, but can still present a potent challenge; gives series much-needed visual makeover.
The Bad: Lack of camera control can be frustrating in some boss battles; quality of multiplayer minigames wildly inconsistent; single-player game a little short.

[botticus]

Yay, GameSpot's finally getting off their ass and writing some reviews.

Looking very good for those who love Monkey Ball, and honestly, the rest of the launch lineup is doing better than I would have expected.

[evilmax17]

1UP doesn't even have one Wii review, and they only have like three PS3 reviews. Shameful really.

[Lan_Zer0]

Red Steel - 78% - eToychest

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=743437

[io]

Damn, so since I'm waiting till mid-Dec to play Zelda (due to lack of component cables and thus widescreen and proscan till then), and Wii Sports isn't enough to keep me and my kids busy till then, I'm looking at picking up Super Money Ball or Rayman. What do you guys think? They are similar in having collections of mini-games. I have SMB 1 and 2, but I'm not too crazy about them as I find them frustrating and tedious. While I'd give the main game a shot I'd be getting it more for the mini-games. It sounds like maybe it has more multiplayer options than Rayman, but the 2 player cooperative on rails shooting sequences in Rayman sound fantastic.

Now I'm really disappointed Elebits didn't come out at launch as I have that preordered already and that would have been enough. Now I'm feeling utterly un-CAGey in wanting to drop $50 on 2 games that will be bargain bin fodder by the end of 2007 :cry:. Maybe I'll let Gamerush's selection make the choice for me. I have credit to burn there, so if they have either of those games (but not the other) that'll make my choice :D. I guess I'm leaning towards Rayman otherwise, especially after reading that IGN review.

[Friend of Sonic]

I think Rayman will be my second game I pick up...

[io]

Not that it is much of a surprise, but Zelda is running at 98% at Gamerankings right now with 5 reviews. So far it is mostly "lesser" site reviews - the big ones haven't come through yet:

http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/928519.asp

[icruise]

1UP gave Zelda a 10/10

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155329

[Ikohn4ever]

1UP gave Zelda a 10/10

http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155329


i want that damn game so bad

[botticus]

1up bucking the trend.

Super Monkey Ball - 7/10
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155333

Wii owners are probably going to be burned out on minigame collections way before WarioWare: Smooth Moves (http://www.1up.com/do/gameOverview?cId=3150472) arrives, which makes Monkey Ball a nice compromise. It's hardly revolutionary, but it makes smart use of the Wii hardware as it straddles the divide between hardcore and casual gamers. Come for the intricate and frequently difficult single-player mode; stay for the entertainingly goofy minigames guaranteed to hook your most obstinate nongaming loved ones.
Trauma Center - 6.5/10
http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3155334

One final thing: Don't let the score dissuade you from playing the game. It is enjoyable. Actually, it reminds me of that college professor who taught a fun class but didn't explain things very well -- in the end, you didn't learn as much as you could have. Second Opinion's fun, but in the end, you feel like you didn't enjoy it as much as you should have.
Marvel: UA - GameSpy - 4/5
http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=743387


Pros
Controls were nicely developed for the platform; co-op and arcade modes are plenty fo fun; plenty of missions and sidequests to keep you entertained for a long time.

Cons
Lacks the online multiplayer of the other versions; graphics are fairly poor; character progression screen is awkwardly designed.

Super Monkey Ball - GameSpy - 4/5
http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=743386

Pros
Single-player game offers familiar Monkey Ball gameplay with easy-to-grasp controls.

Cons
Touchy remote-control response results in hit-or-miss party games, with far more missing than we'd like.

[lordwow]

Damn 1up... why you gotta be hating.

I'm really looking forward to Trauma Center, even though I've never played the DS Version.

[pop311]

Go Rayman. I really wish you were a platformer.

Also, does anyone else like Matt C.'s voice when doing the video reviews?

[jer7583]

wow.. after that article proclaiming PS3 over Wii last month, and these review scores, I wonder how much sony has paid 1UP/EGM..

[deadite76]

Damn, so since I'm waiting till mid-Dec to play Zelda (due to lack of component cables and thus widescreen and proscan till then), and Wii Sports isn't enough to keep me and my kids busy till then, I'm looking at picking up Super Money Ball or Rayman. What do you guys think? They are similar in having collections of mini-games. I have SMB 1 and 2, but I'm not too crazy about them as I find them frustrating and tedious. While I'd give the main game a shot I'd be getting it more for the mini-games. It sounds like maybe it has more multiplayer options than Rayman, but the 2 player cooperative on rails shooting sequences in Rayman sound fantastic.

Now I'm really disappointed Elebits didn't come out at launch as I have that preordered already and that would have been enough. Now I'm feeling utterly un-CAGey in wanting to drop $50 on 2 games that will be bargain bin fodder by the end of 2007 :cry:. Maybe I'll let Gamerush's selection make the choice for me. I have credit to burn there, so if they have either of those games (but not the other) that'll make my choice :D. I guess I'm leaning towards Rayman otherwise, especially after reading that IGN review.

I'm still undecided between those two as well! The first two SMBs were good, but like you said they can get frustrating. MP looks like fun, but not fun enough to play more than once. I've been tryin to stay away from most if not all Wii previews until this past week so I was pleasantly surprised to see the BG&E team behind Rayman. I know they're different styles of games, but the quality I'm sure will be the same.

[evanft]

I think I'd go with Rayman myself.

[ajservo1]

They need to grade graphics on their merits. If the graphics on a Wii game are bad - meaning, it stutters, it just looks bad, etc, then sure, mark it down. But comparing the graphics to a system which it cannot match is foolish. It has no bearing on the developer's work or the quality of the game itself. Did reviewers criticize every SNES game for not being in 3D? Style also has to be a big comparison.

Only time I can really see this being applicable is in the context of a cross-platform game, where someone might actually be deciding between two of the systems (i.e. COD3).

The sad thing is that most reviewers will pick apart a game's graphics simply by judging how well the models are built and how bad the aliasing is.

It's far more impressive to me if the models are textured well. Doom 3 got away with a lot more than it could have because the models were well textured. I showed D3 to a friend who's a 3D artist and he showed me how the models are put together and it's pretty damn interesting to learn that it's NOT anywhere near as complex as the visuals would have you believe. It's all in the incredibly detailed textures. Anyone who's been using the 360 in HD can tell you the difference visually is going to be in the subtle details, and that usually lies in the complexity of the textures. Dead Rising has like actual 20pt font on bulletin boards on walls as background material. The fact that they bothered to write anything is amazing. The fact that I can read it is even cooler.

[Tybee]

The sad thing is that most reviewers will pick apart a game's graphics simply by judging how well the models are built and how bad the aliasing is.

It's far more impressive to me if the models are textured well. Doom 3 got away with a lot more than it could have because the models were well textured. I showed D3 to a friend who's a 3D artist and he showed me how the models are put together and it's pretty damn interesting to learn that it's NOT anywhere near as complex as the visuals would have you believe. It's all in the incredibly detailed textures. Anyone who's been using the 360 in HD can tell you the difference visually is going to be in the subtle details, and that usually lies in the complexity of the textures. Dead Rising has like actual 20pt font on bulletin boards on walls as background material. The fact that they bothered to write anything is amazing. The fact that I can read it is even cooler.

And the fact that it adds little to nothing to the overall gameplay is rarely acknowledged.

[botticus]

I just need some Madden reviews and at least one other Red Steel reviews. I don't know what everyone is waiting for.

[evilmax17]

I'd like to see a few Red Steel reviews today from the big 3 (IGN/GS/1UP).

Zelda should be the absolute last priority for reviewers. I mean really, who's waiting on the reviews to buy it? These third party games are absolutely depending on review scores.

Hopefully Red Steel fairs decently enough to warrant a purchase. If not, then It'll take a lot of thought to decide between SMB and Rayman.

[botticus]

It's rather annoying when these sites have over a week to play games to review, and in IGN's case, between three people, they get 7 reviews out. They better get at least two or three more up today.

[fldash]

I'm waiting on the Madden review too but I have high hopes that it'll get rave reviews from the mini-games it includes.

[Tybee]

It's rather annoying when these sites have over a week to play games to review, and in IGN's case, between three people, they get 7 reviews out. They better get at least two or three more up today.

I'm not IGN's biggest fan, to be sure, but trust me when I say that that is A LOT under the circumstances. It's harder than you think. Surprises me that they've gotten that many out, to be honest with you (and several DS reviews besides).

I'm sure we'll see Zelda and a few more before the weekend.

[botticus]

I'm not IGN's biggest fan, to be sure, but trust me when I say that that is A LOT under the circumstances. It's harder than you think. Surprises me that they've gotten that many out, to be honest with you (and several DS reviews besides).

I'm sure we'll see Zelda and a few more before the weekend.I understand, but considering GameSpot has 3 Wii reviews, and 7 PS3 reviews (I believe they got the PS3 just a couple days before the Wii), some reviewers are working harder than others, unless they just have a bigger PS3 staff over there.

[Tybee]

I understand, but considering GameSpot has 3 Wii reviews, and 7 PS3 reviews (I believe they got the PS3 just a couple days before the Wii), some reviewers are working harder than others, unless they just have a bigger PS3 staff over there.

Don't know about the size of the PS3 staffs for either pub.

[Zmonkay]

I really wish a Red Steel review'd pop up before tomorrow night. I'm def. buying Zelda and Rayman, but might pick up Red Steel if reviews are good.

[io]

Well, when I went in to get my PS3 at EB, I bought Rayman. I felt bad for not buying any PS3 software ;) so I gave the manager a full retail game purchase, painful as it was. I probably could have bought it tomorrow night when I go to the midnight launch but I didn't want them to run out (they had about 5 copies). Just a warning - he said they didn't get enough Wiimotes to fill the preorders let alone have any more available for sale. I preordered one so I need to get there early to make sure I'm not the one left out.

I had called Gamerush prior and they said they didn't even have Rayman on order. Then I went in there later and they just got a copy of Monkey Ball. Just 1 - I guess if I want it with GR credit I had better get it ASAP. Though I think I still might wait. I'll be kicking myself if I get bored of Wii Sports and Rayman and need something else though :D.

Gamerush got 1 and only 1 of the following: DBZ, Madden, SMB, Tony Hawk Downhill Jam. They didn't get my preordered Zelda yet.

[mrbigjonstud]

I'm going to have to skip the ign review for red steel... why the hell is it not up by now? oh well, I'm gonna buy it and hope for the best. I can always ebay it if it sucks terribly....

[Strell]

The vibe I get from Red Steel is that by this time next year, there's gonna be a sequel.

Which makes me want to pass on it.

So I'm down to Zelda and Monkey Ball as definites, but I need a third.

This helps free up TIC at Gamestop, which I guess I can use for accessories or something.

[Apossum]

so...zelda reviews thus far:

GameSpy: 5/5
Gamerz-Edge: 10/10
Lawrence: 9.9/10
GamersMark: 9.6/10
UnderGroundOnline: A (95/100)
TSA: 9.6/10
Nintendo Power: 9.5/10
1up: 10/10
ANM: 9.7/10
GoNintendo: 9.9/10
GameInformer: 10/10

I have to say, I'm really let down. Only 3 10s.

[io]

By the way, does anyone else have Rayman? It seems very cheaply packaged. For one thing, the cases seem flimsier than GC ones. Also, it has the melted "re-sealed" shrink wrap look to it. But I know many Ubisoft games for the GC were like this too. The other Wii games I saw at GR had the normal folded shrinkwrap (but the cases were just as flimsy). I will open it later just to make sure it is OK, but I can't imagine it had been opened and resealed - they must come that way.

Also, PS3 cases are stubby (ie, shorter than what we are used to). It is a minor thing, but really threw me off when I saw them. Plus they are clear plastic :D.

[jer7583]

I bought Rayman and Red Steel today on impulse.. May end up returning Red Steel, depending on how things go sunday morning, and reviews

[Strell]

Ok, I think I got it. Zelda + Monkey Ball + Rayman.

Zelda cuz it's Zelda. Wtf.

Monkey Ball because I got that as a launch game for the GC for Christmas, so there's a nostalgic element.

And Rayman because the video review makes it look hilarious.

I might get Trauma Center soon, or possibly wait until Elebits.

I think I can wait on Red Steel for the time being.

[FriskyTanuki]

I understand, but considering GameSpot has 3 Wii reviews, and 7 PS3 reviews (I believe they got the PS3 just a couple days before the Wii), some reviewers are working harder than others, unless they just have a bigger PS3 staff over there.
They've had the PS3 for two weeks and the Wii for one week. Just looking at their current reviews that are up, they have had about 4 or 5 people working on the reviews that they've had up for both the PS3 and Wii. With the glut of games coming out this week, it's no surprise that we haven't seen a mountain of reviews this week for either system.

[anomynous]

Damn 1up... why you gotta be hating.

I'm really looking forward to Trauma Center, even though I've never played the DS Version.
judging from the DS game, TC will be worth the money, it is a great game. but its fucking hard

[blackclips06]

lack of multiplayer really seems to be hurting Call of Duty 3.

regardless im still psyched for this game. im holding it in my hands right now. cant wait.

[rodeojones903]

Gamespot's zelda review is up.
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html?sid=6161993

[evilmax17]

Gamespot's zelda review is up.
http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/thelegendofzelda/review.html?sid=6161993
Gerstman really seems to be trying to make a name for himself lately.

[Strell]

I always love it when I'll read something across the board - in this case, that the control is very intuitive - just to find some fucker who disagrees.

[FriskyTanuki]

I always love it when I'll read something across the board - in this case, that the control is very intuitive - just to find some fucker who disagrees.
9 out of 10 dentists agree with youl.

[Strell]

I imagine Frisky is the type of guy that sat in math classes and tried to argue with the teacher or professor that 2+2=5 if you do programming.

[evilmax17]

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess - IGN - 9.5 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746691p1.html)
Closing Comments
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is, in my opinion, the greatest Zelda game ever created and one of the best launch titles in the history of launch titles – second only, perhaps, to the at-the-time ground-breaking Super Mario 64. It is also one of the finest games I have ever played. The experience is made better and not worse on Wii. The Wii remote and nunchuk add accuracy and speed to exploration and combat for a heightened sense of immersion. While the game has just about everything going for it, including improved controls, a long and engrossing quest, brain-teasing dungeons and some beautiful graphics, it's not perfect. The difficulty has been upped over Wind Waker, but I wish it were harder still – the boss fights are oftentimes too easy, for example. Additionally, while the visuals are generally impressive, some textures remain blurry to the point they are noticeable. And finally, I still question why Nintendo refuses to add either voice work to the side characters (especially since Twilight Princess features such an improved, dark storyline) or orchestrated music to the soundtrack.
Nintendo's new console ships with Wii Sports, which effectively demonstrates a new breed of games only possible on Wii. The Zelda franchise is equally exclusive to the machine and Twilight Princess is must-see, must-play and must-own entry into the series that proves over and over again why Nintendo is the best developer in the world.

I need Red Steel reviews damn it, not Zelda!

[evilmax17]

Madden '07 - IGN - 8.5 (http://wii.ign.com/articles/746/746697p1.html)
Closing Comments
As far as launch titles go, Madden 07 for Wii is a very solid first effort. The game includes all the options as the other console versions including lead blocking, create-a-player/team/fan, hall of fame, tons of training sessions including two minute drill and NFL network, and a full-blown franchise mode just to name a few, and throws in an intuitive learn madden tutorial, multiplayer competitions including the amazingly addictive 2-on-2 and Y.A.C. Attack, as well as tons of motion control specifically built for the Wii-mote and nunchuk. There are still a few issues with kicking and big hits that could be a bit more polished, and the general stigma around Wii is that some people will love it or hate it simply because it offers new gameplay over improved graphics, but the game is simply awesome despite the countless naysayers out there.

Madden 07 offers a faster and more brutal game of football, and the added motion control makes pulling off complex football maneuvers easier than it’s ever been. The game is constantly offering pointers to newcomers as well, whether it’s in the on-the-fly tutorials accessible at any time during a game, or in the success/failure prompts that tell you instantly if your motion was too early, too late, or dead on. Madden 07 leaves definite room for improvement, but it’s a tremendous leap in the right direction. If Madden 07 is any indication expect EA and Nintendo to become very, very good friends this generation.

[Oops! I did it again.]

Cool review, glad to see another positive view of it. I know I'm going to love it.

I'm looking at the box right now, wishing I could play it! Haven't touched the Xbox version in a month, in anticipation of Wii Madden.

[FriskyTanuki]

I imagine Frisky is the type of guy that sat in math classes and tried to argue with the teacher or professor that 2+2=5 if you do programming.
Actually, it was the other way around. :lol:

Strell seems more to me like the kid in my classes that make jokes and comments throughout the class period that nobody but him and the two friends that sit next to him laugh at.

[botticus]

Yay, a Madden review. Looks like another keeper.

I have a feeling all 6 of my games will be staying put. The nice thing is, I will have one action-RPG (Marvel), one adventure (Zelda), one sports (Madden), one FPS (Red Steel), and one party game (Rayman). If nothing else, it will make future purchases easier since I will have something to relate later games in the genres to.

[SilverPaw750]

Where are all the Red Steel reviews?

Or Ubisoft reviews in general? I want to know how Far Cry Vengance is.

[botticus]

Trauma Center - GameSpy - 4.5/5

http://www.gamerankings.com/itemrankings/launchreview.asp?reviewid=743621


Pros
Wii controls translate very well; addicting gameplay; funny story; visual updates.

Cons
Some operations are still rock-hard; gamers with weak stomachs need not apply.

[KickYourHeadOff]

Farcry is delayed to december i think?

[io]

So, no one else got Rayman and noticed (or had) the same crappy shrinkwrap?? I decided to crack it open - looks new inside. It seemed kind of light so I had my concerns (though I did hear the tell-tale disc rattle). The reason it is so light, besides the apparently flimsier cases (vs GC), is that the manual is nearly non-existant. It is all Black & White inside too - I think others had mentioned many of the launch games are like that. No big deal to me, but I have to admit the overall presentation is a bit cheap n' cheesy - doesn't seem like something that cost $50 :lol:.

In case anyone hasn't seen one yet, here's the outside and inside. I guess I was expecting something more dramatic out of the DVD labels - fairly plain on this one, anyway:

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/6175/rayman1jy0.th.jpg (http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rayman1jy0.jpg)

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/7991/rayman2ig5.th.jpg (http://img294.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rayman2ig5.jpg)

[dallow]

Gabe (Penny-Arcade) said Zelda's graphics weren't even up to par with what GC can do at it's peak.

Although he doesn't care, he just thought he should mention it.

Rushed? I want games to at least look better than GC.
I'm getting Zelda and TC, I know I'll love them both.

[Lan_Zer0]

GameSpot Red Steel Review - 5.5

http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/redsteel/review.html

Two positive, one negative. I hope more come out before I head to EB tomorrow night.

[io]

Metacritic now has enough reviews on a few of the games to have "official" averages. Here's their all time top score list for the Wii ;)

1 Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, The 2006 98
2 Trauma Center: Second Opinion 2006 81
3 Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2006 80
4 Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz 2006 79
5 Wii Sports 2006 78
6 Excite Truck 2006 72

This is no surprise whatsoever, but it looks like we have one "classic" game in this launch and a bunch of "good" games that are getting fairly high scores now but would probably score 5-10 points lower if they were released, say, next year. So far, at least, no "horrible" games. That's good!

[FriskyTanuki]

Rampage: Total Destruction - 5.1 (http://www.gamespot.com/wii/action/rampagetotaldestruction/review.html?sid=6161992)

Shocking.

[PleasantOne]

Has anyone seen any solid info on Blazing Angels? I can't even figure out the release date... I see different things everywhere. I'd really like to see some video of how the Wiimote is used in this one...

[daroga]

Gabe (Penny-Arcade) said Zelda's graphics weren't even up to par with what GC can do at it's peak.

Although he doesn't care, he just thought he should mention it.

Rushed? I want games to at least look better than GC.
I'm getting Zelda and TC, I know I'll love them both.I n an effort to not alienate Gamecube owners too much Miyamoto had the teams levae the graphics untouched for the Wii. Also, that way, they could simply focus on getting the Wii controls right.

It'd be nice if it was prettier, but I'd take GC graphics over a totally broken control method anyday.

[FriskyTanuki]

Has anyone seen any solid info on Blazing Angels? I can't even figure out the release date... I see different things everywhere. I'd really like to see some video of how the Wiimote is used in this one...Delayed until at least December.

[botticus]

So, no one else got Rayman and noticed (or had) the same crappy shrinkwrap?? I decided to crack it open - looks new inside. It seemed kind of light so I had my concerns (though I did hear the tell-tale disc rattle). The reason it is so light, besides the apparently flimsier cases (vs GC), is that the manual is nearly non-existant. It is all Black & White inside too - I think others had mentioned many of the launch games are like that. No big deal to me, but I have to admit the overall presentation is a bit cheap n' cheesy - doesn't seem like something that cost $50 :lol:.
Yeah, mine was packaged the same way. Manual's tiny as hel too.

[pop311]

So, no one else got Rayman and noticed (or had) the same crappy shrinkwrap?? I decided to crack it open - looks new inside. It seemed kind of light so I had my concerns (though I did hear the tell-tale disc rattle). The reason it is so light, besides the apparently flimsier cases (vs GC), is that the manual is nearly non-existant. It is all Black & White inside too - I think others had mentioned many of the launch games are like that. No big deal to me, but I have to admit the overall presentation is a bit cheap n' cheesy - doesn't seem like something that cost $50 :lol: This isCHEAP ass gamer

[io]

This isCHEAP ass gamer

Right, which is exactly WHY I'm a bit pissed at paying full retail for cheap 'n chessy packaging :rofl: Had I payed $10 for it I'd be thrilled.

Anyways, 12 hours till I can actually play Rayman - if the gameplay is stellar I will forgive Ubisoft's packaging :D.

[evanft]

Good to see that Madden 07 turned out good.

[Zmonkay]

Monkey Ball or Downhill Jam. That's the decision I must now make.

[Ikohn4ever]

looks like I might have to get madden

[evanft]

Monkey Ball.

[FriskyTanuki]

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam - 6 (http://www.gamespot.com/events/wiilaunch/story.html?sid=6162037&pid=932938)

Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam is a passable but unexciting racing game that substitutes the finesse of the other Tony Hawk games for simple and scattered action.

The Good: Moves fast; steering with the wii remote works pretty well.

The Bad: Over-simplified trick system gets in the way; not enough track variety; kind of ugly, once you get past the high speed.

[botticus]

Heh, Madden reviews:

http://www.gamerankings.com/htmlpages2/932733.asp

6.5 from 1up, 8.4 from GameSpot. I'm noticing a pattern with all these games. Some people love 'em, some people hate 'em. Go go CAG impressions!

[PleasantOne]

Delayed until at least December.

Thanky Frisky... I hope it's out before Christmas... so I can get it as a present... for my husband.. not like I enjoy WWII flight sims or anything... *cough cough*

[Apossum]

Go buy trauma center!

[Blind the Thief]

Go buy trauma center!

QFT.