A simple, fun game that even your 80 year old grandmother can play.
THE GOOD
-Good controls
-Easy to pick up and play all the games
-The game is FREE!
THE BAD
-Some games are too simplified
-Graphics are plain
OVERVIEW
Wii Sports is a good game for the whole family. When your 80 year old grandmother has a blast, you know you have a good game. The hardcore gamer will enjoy this game but I think that the casual gamer will enjoy this game more because anybody can easily pick up and play. Wii Sports contains the following simplified versions of the sports: bowling, baseball, tennis, golf and boxing. Not only can you play these sports but there are training modes for each sport and a fitness test.
GAMEPLAY
All the controls are easy to learn and each game is simplified to make it easy to pick up and play. This game really uses the full range of motion of the Wii Remote. Also, the controls fit well with each sport which makes each game feel like reality. Now I will give you a short break down of the gameplay per sport.
BOWLING (my favorite) does a really good job with the accurate pin action and smooth controls. You can even throw the ball on the other lanes or backwards, which gives a startled reaction from the crowd. This game allows 1-4 players to bowl against each other. Before each shot you can change your position from left to right and also the angle. Then, just hold the Wii Remote in front of you, press and hold the B button, make a swinging motion (while the computer moves you forward), and release the B button. You can change the speed of the ball by making a faster motion from start to finish and the curve (or hook) is determined by how much you twist your wrist when you release the ball. I will say that the pin action closely resembles real bowling which is a nice touch. In the training mode you can practice spares, using hook, and even your power.
BASEBALL is much simpler then regular baseball because you only play three innings and you don't use the players to field the ball. In baseball, which is for 1-2 players, one person pitches and the other bats. All the fielding and base running is done by the computer. The pitcher has a few pitches that they can use like the curveball and screwball for example. To pitch just swing the remote like you would a normal baseball. The harder you motion the faster the ball will go and you can choose the direction by using the D-pad on the controller. Batting is even easier. To bat just swing the remote and time your swing with the pitch. In the training mode you can have a home run derby, practice swing control or just some battling practice.
TENNIS is another sport that doesn't require you to move your character on the screen. This sport is for 1-4 players and you can play singles or doubles (just make sure you have enough space for everybody). In tennis the computer moves your character towards the ball and all you have to do is swing the remote to hit the ball back. Serving is done by flicking the remote upward to toss the ball up and then downward to swing the racket. Timing is key to placing the ball where you want it to go on the court and power is generated by how fast the user swings the remote. The training mode lets you practice your swing, timing and control.
GOLF is another fun little game that lets 1-4 players compete against each other. Before each shot you have the option to change you club between a generic driver, iron, wedge and putter. Once you have the right club you can zoom out to aim where you want your ball to go. To hit the ball just hold down the B button (not holding it down will result in a practice swing) and make a swinging motion like you would a normal golf club. Distance is based on how hard you swing but if you swing too hard the ball will either slice or hook. Putting can be a little tricky because the remote is a little touchy here. The training mode will help you improve your putting, chipping, and accuracy.
BOXING is very, very tiring! You can duck and weave your opponent while trying to connect their face with your jab or hook. To play you just hold the Remote and Nunchuk up and make a punching motion with your arms. If you tilt the controls to the side your character, on screen, will move in that direction and if you hold them together you can perform a block. Each time you play you start off in a practice mode for about a minute to get a feel for the game and then the bell rings. Each player has a certain amount of life and when it runs out your player will fall to the ground and the referee will start the count. If you get knocked out multiple times you won't get up and the match will end. The training mode will let you work the punching bag, and practice dodging and punching.
GRAPHICS & SOUND
There is not too much to say here because the graphics are very plain.
The sound effects are pretty good and help with making each sport feel realistic.
CONCLUSION
Even though each game is simple and the graphics aren't the best you really can't go wrong with this game. It is fun for everyone and whether you like it or not the game comes FREE with the Nintendo Wii.