Jun
30
Sorry I don’t have a more exciting update for you today. My brothers and their families are in town and staying with us, so I won’t have much time for updating the old blog. But it’s been so much fun, and we’ve been spending most of our time drinking, swimming, and making up games involving a ball being thrown at your head while jumping off the diving board. Also, I’m super excited because I got a Wii console! I only got three games: Wii Sports (which comes with it), Super Mario Party 8 (which I didn’t open yet, and only got because I wanted a “party” game for my family to play while they’re in town and the clerk recommended it, so if it sucks, let me know so I can take it back before I open it), and Lego Star Wars (which you would have to pry out of my cold dead hands). I’ll be looking for more games, so if anyone has any suggestions, I would be happy to hear them. Keep in mind I don’t have any friends, so they should be primarily one player games.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Super Mario Galaxy, and Mario Kart. Mario Kart has online play, so you can play with all of your online friends.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:34 am
I recently bought a Wii too,and I’m loving it. My favorite is Wii bowling, but I also enjoy Pinball Hall of Fame and Endless Ocean. Have fun!
June 30th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Thanks for the suggestions! Mario Kart for the SNES was my favorite game growing up.
I keep reading reviews that say Mario Party 8 sucks major balls, can anyone confirm this? I asked the clerk for a recommendation and he said either Mario Party 8 or Super Mario Galaxy. Obviously I chose the wrong one, because every review of Super Mario Galaxy says it’s incredible.
June 30th, 2008 at 8:51 am
I’ve enjoyed playing Mario Party 8, as long as there’s more than one person, it’s pretty fun.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Thanks Avitable. I guess it’s worth a shot. What’s the worst that can happen? $50 isn’t the end of the world.
On an unrelated note:
Photogreg, I used to think your screenname was split photog-reg. Like photog was short for photographer and reg was short of regulation or something.
Yeah, I’m a moron.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:19 am
So yeah. I have every mario party game that has ever been made. Every one. It’s a great game to get a lot a friends together and play and drink beer. It’s basically like a board game. My friends and I call it beat jan, because my friend john (who we call jan) never ever loses.
I agree about mario kart. Very fun….and you can connect to friends and play. (Maybe you and I can get our wii’s together)
Super smash brothers is good and so is metroid corruption.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:20 am
We love Mario Party 8….before our Wii ate it. Yes, we’ve owned Wii long enough to actually have to send it in to get fixed. Carnival is another fun game that is fun playing with other people or playing with yourself. In a single player mode you can unlock crazy hats, shoes and accessories which you can then dress your mii in. Kinda funny. Mario Cart is a must have. Especially if you were a fan of previous releases. Enjoy. We spend WAY to much time playing Wii.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:32 am
I’ll have to get Mario Kart. How do you hook it up to the internet?
June 30th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Your Wii connects to Wifi through the WiiConnect.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:37 am
No way! It’s that easy? I can do that!
June 30th, 2008 at 9:37 am
Yup - it’s that easy.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:38 am
You have to go ahead and get the Wii Fit which is way more fun then it sounds. Oh and you get the added benefit of your Mii being altered in ways that you don’t want your Mii to be altered.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:38 am
Haha, I read your “I am a moron” as “I am a mormon”. I was awestruck until I figured out what you really said.
Interesting fact, though: The angel the Mormons are named after was actually called Moron but they found it an inconvenient and unsellable name for their cult.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:46 am
If you can’t tell, I’m at work today when I’d much rather be home playing Wii. I just set it up this weekend, and I’ve hardly had any time to play. So I need to talk about it to make myself feel better.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Well there’s always Smash Bros. Brawl if you wanna play against people online. Another fun one player game is Zak n’ Wiki; my bf got it for me, and it’s pretty much like a mission-based old-school adventure game.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:48 am
I like to play with my wii at work.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:50 am
I do too, but people get suspicious if I’m in the bathroom too long.
June 30th, 2008 at 9:54 am
I love the Wii! Mario Kart is a must have. I also have enjoyed Super Mario galaxy. Haven’t played Super Mario Party for the wii, but we had it for the gamecube and it was lots of fun.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:10 am
I have a wii too! My dad and I bought one about a year and a half ago, and I still only have 2 games. They’re just expensive and I’m too cheap.
But I do rent - and seriously, get Super Mario Galaxy - it was the most fun I had playing a game in a loooong time. I also have SSX Blur which was pretty fun but you have to be into snowboarding games and it takes some time to get used to the controls. Everyone says that you have to get Zelda because it’s like the essential Wii game, but I haven’t played it yet.
If you have mario kart, I may just have to go out and buy it so we can play online together. That sounds dirty.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:22 am
My partner rarely ever plays video games, so like you, I primarily seek out one-player games, or at least games that have plenty to do by myself. Here are my favorites:
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Super Mario Galaxy, Zelda Twlight Princess.
Also, “Rayman Raving Rabbids” is stupid hilarious single player fun (there’s a sequel, but the first one features more gameplay).
“Geometry Wars Galaxies” was one I discovered and quickly became addicted to, harkening back to old school, vector-graphics games. Simple and, as I said, addictive.
FInally, I got “Boom Blox” last month, and am blown away not only by how fun it is, but by how much it, beyond all other games, the best use so far of the wii remote technology. Sick fun, TONS of different game play, and even better if you get the chance to play party mode with others. Seriously, check it out!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:24 am
Super Smash Brothers Brawl
Wii Play (Comes with a controller)
Super Mario Galaxy
MarioKart
Those are the only games you need, since youve already got Lego Starwars, which pretty much kicks ass
June 30th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Lego Star Wars FTW!
You probably don’t need anything more than Wii Sports to keep your family occupied while they’re in town. Mario Kart is fun but it isn’t the easiest game to get into if you’re not already an avid gamer. I’ve heard good things about Wii Play (it even comes with an extra controller!) though I can’t personally recommend it.
Super Mario Galaxy is an awesome single player game. That should keep you occupated for some time when it’s just you, your Wii and your vibrating “controllers.”
June 30th, 2008 at 11:10 am
If you like Lego Star Wars, Lego Indiana Jones is also pretty awesome. Super Mario Galaxy, of course. We love Mario Party and play it frequently, but that could just be us. Um… what else. Super Paper Mario was pretty fun.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
haha yeah I can totally relate to not wanting to work once you get one. I called off sick the monday after I got it. Because I’m awesome like that. I spent weeks thinking about my wii instead of working.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Super Mario Galaxy is AMAZING and got amazing reviews. If you actually read reviews (like I do), you should check out gamerankings.com, which is like Rotten Tomatoes for video games. I usually tend to agree with reviews myself.
My other recommendations would be Twilight Princess (if you like the Zelda series)
BUT my number one recommendation is OKAMI!
It is my favorite game OF ALL TIME, and I’ve played a lot of games. Note that I played the PS2 version, so the Wii version’s controls will be a little different. Either way, PLAY IT.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Okay. So Super Mario Galaxy is a must.
Mario Kart also seems to be a must. Perhaps we can make a blogger racing event? Publicize it for a while, then have a huge tournament with all boggers.
I was thinking about Lego Indiana Jones too. But I’ll probably wait util after I finish Lego Star Wars. I’d hate to OD on Legos. Do I get to use the controller as a bullwhip?
I forgot about Zelda Twighlight Princess. I definitely want to get that one. The last Zelda game I played was Link to the Past for SNES, which was great.
OKAMI? Never heard of it Nicky. I’ll need some details.
June 30th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Chaz recommends Boom Blox. Apparently it’s something that Steven Spielberg drummed up.
He suggested looking it up and checking it out. Sounds fun.
I’ve never played Wii before (Chaz’s mom has it at her apartment), so I don’t have any personal recommendations.
June 30th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Damn. Now I see that someone recommended it first…
D’oh!
June 30th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Mario Party is fine, it is a bit tedious, but my nieces love it. Nintendo could do a lot more with it.
Here are the games I’ve played that I recommend:
Super Mario Galaxy (must buy)
Trauma Center 2 (surgery!)
Rayman Raving Rabbids 1 & 2 (it really is the most weirdly funny game. those wacky French)
Boom Blox (this game is pretty darn awesome. It is like Jenga on steroids, and it came from Steven Spielberg)
Big Brain Academy (yes, a learning game, but it is well done)
Super Smash Brothers Brawl
Once you get your Wii connected to the net, you’ll be able to download games from the Virtual Console, be it either old games or new games (Wii Ware) made for the service. I have Super Mario Brothers 1 & 3, Super Mario 64, Contra III, and Sin & Punishment. For Wii Ware, I have purchased the new Dr. Mario and an original game called, Lost Winds, which is freakishly great.
Okay, last thing, it may take some trial and error to get the Wii online. I had to mess around with a lot of settings before it actually took. So, be ready to restart your modem, router, and maybe even change the settings of the router.
June 30th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
I can’t comment on a Wii as I don’t have one, but if Okami on the Wii is anything like the PS2, then it is a fun game.
You play a goddess trapped in the body of a dog and have to solve puzzles/complete missions to prevent the resurrection of the Orochi. During your quest, you learn the Celestial Brush to “draw” “spells” (for the lack of a better word).
It is a fun game, with neat graphics and a good story.
June 30th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
ooo u should get guitar hero
its pretty fun
and makes u feel talented-or at least it does for me
June 30th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
I’d say definitely check out:
Super Mario Galaxy
Mario Kart
Okami
Rock Band (the solo modes are awesome and the game is just hands down the best thing that has been released on a console in years, given it’s pricey, but it’s literally the one thing I adore more than hmm, well actually a handful of things)
June 30th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
LINK TO THE PAST?! wow. You’re behind. Did you not play the best reviewed game of all time, Ocarina of Time?!
Okami is an adventure game (often described as being similar to Zelda games) where you control a wolf. You use a celestial brush to do a lot of stuff, like solve puzzles, attack, etc. A lot of people thought this would be good on the Wii since the wiimote can serve as the brush through motion controls. But the PS2 version is slightly better in the controls department according to popular opinion.
A HUGE draw is art style-it’s hard to describe it accurately, but just Google it and see the beauty.
If you want a more in-depth look, read the IGN review (they’re very trusted in the video game world).
(and it was Game of the Month when it came out!)
http://wii.ign.com/articles/865/865958p1.html
June 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Guitar Hero is definitely a lot of fun. My friend has the whole band set. I suck at the drums though. Guitar is definitely my favorite.
No, never played Ocarina of Time. I didn’t have the console for that. Game Cube, right? I was an XBox guy around that time.
June 30th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
Absolutely DO NOT get Rock Band for the Wii. It is severely gimped from the 360 and PS3 version. If you really want to get a group music game, then wait for Guitar Hero: World Tour, which will have all the stuff that should be in the Wii version of Rock Band, like downloadable song and tour mode. Plus, you’ll be able to create your own music and download what other people have created.
June 30th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
btw, Craig, you can play Gamecube games on the Wii. So, if you want to play Ocarina, get it for cheap somewhere.
June 30th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Okay, last post, and I’m done…mainly because my sleep addled brain forgot that Ocarina was actually N64, though you could get a limited edition for Cube. I would imagine it’ll come out for virtual console eventually. The Gamecube Zelda was The Wind Waker.
June 30th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Ack! Silly me. I didn’t have N64 either. I was on Playstation at the time.
I don’t think I’m gonna get any of the music games anyway. They’re fun to play for a while, but nothing I need to own.
June 30th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Ocarina is already out on the virtual console I believe…
June 30th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
This is perfect because I can make exactly zero suggestions for wii games!
I wouldn’t have slightest clue.
June 30th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I’m as bad at video games as Miley Cyrus is at singing.
Give me Pitfall and an Atari controller and I’m the shit — hand me that damn multi-button PS3 controller sitting in front of our TV and I’m like the Hillary Clinton campaign machine — I know how to get to Point B, I just don’t know how the hell to get it all to work…
July 1st, 2008 at 12:46 am
I know a ton of people have said it, but it is all about the Mario Kart. That game just kicks so much ass. If you get it I want a race!
Lego Starwars was an awesome choice, as was Marioparty. Mario Galaxy is good, as is Elebits. Guitar Hero is expensive, but also totally worth it.
July 1st, 2008 at 11:22 am
I would definately recommend the two Avitable mentioned in the first comment, Super Mario Galaxy and Mario Kart. I just got super mario galaxy 2 days ago and I love it. Its a very well made game. And mario kart is just plain awesome.
July 1st, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Craig I think your idea of a blogger Mario Kart race is awesome! What a great idea!
July 1st, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Me too! I’ll try and set something up as soon as possible. I still need to get Mario Kart. But maybe we could play some Sports in the meantime. I’ll give out my friend code as soon as I figure out how to get on the internet.
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:53 am
I pretty much agree with what’s been said.
Mario Party is fun, but my one complaint about MP8 is that luck plays almost too much of a role in who wins, and skill can be left often unrewarded. It’s still fun to play though. I highly suggest team battles in MP8 when you have a full 4-person group playing.
Mario Kart is tons of fun, and is something that both game veterans and newbies can enjoy.
Super Smash Bros. is also a really good multi-player game, but it is a bit of an acquired taste if you’re not used to its style. It’s a bit of a different interpretation of the classic fighting game.
Super Mario Galaxy is a GREAT single player game. There simply is nothing better, in my opinion.
Super Paper Mario is also really cute. It’s sort of a hybrid between a typical 2D side-scroller and an RPG. The gimmick is that you can manipulate dimensions to go from 2D to 3D, and it really makes for a great game.
If you ever enjoyed any of the Zelda games after the original, you’ll probably enjoy Twilight Princess as well.
Wii Fit would probably be a lot of fun for your family as a whole. It’s got a bunch of cute little minigames that help you get into shape and let you compare (and judge) your family.
There are also TONS of great games on the Virtual Console. Some of the ones I find myself playing the most are:
Bubble Bobble (NES)
Super Mario Land (SNES)
Sonic 2 (Genesis)
Pokemon Snap (N64)
Super Mario Bros. (NES)
Kirby 64 (N64)
I’m not sure if I added much (or anything) new to what other said, but hopefully that will give you an idea of what to at least think about.
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:06 am
I know I just posted, but I thought I’d add more of my two cents:
Geometry Wars Galaxy is great. Great great great. It is very reminiscent of classic arcade shooters like Galaga, Astroids, etc, but has a much more updated style visually. It can feel a bit like you are spending a ton of money on a simple concept of a game, but definitely a good game.
I played Okami on the PS2. It is definitely very comparable to the Zelda series, but I personally like it better–MUCH better. While it doesn’t have the classic Nintendo nostalgia accompanying it, it has excellent gameplay, story, and style.
Big Brain Acadamy is fun, but I don’t think it’s a big enough game to make it worth its pricetag–but that’s just me. I’d rent it.
Wario Ware Smooth Moves is a TON of fun. It’s great to play with a huge group of people, up to twelve players. It is absolutely ridiculous and random humor, but is pulled off really nicely. My complaint about it is that you have to unlock the multiplayer mode.
Some games I’ve REGRETTED purchasing:
Nights: Journey of Dreams
Pokemon Battle Revolution
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 am
Kari Emil
The mormon angel’s name was Moronai, not moron. It’s a joke that they should be called Morons if they were to be named after the angel. Thought I’d “straighten” out a common misconception.
July 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Note: this is from my 14 year old. He love it. He wooops me and everyone who goes against him. Check out the wii point cards. He has downloaded tons of his old fav games like Mario 3 and others for cheap. Wii point cards are like $20 for 1000 points. Most games are 500 points = $5.00 There is lots of room to download right to your Wii.
Check it out! Nope they are not wireless, but still loads of fun.
July 13th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Sell your Wii, go buy a PS3 and play Metal Gear Solid 4.
It’s just soooo pretty.