Off the Shelf: Wii Play

It's a real case of 'should I or shouldn't I?" isn't it.

Everyone buying a Nintendo Wii should definitely find it coming packaged with Wii Sports - mini game heaven as well as one of the most entertaining 'tech demos' we've ever seen.

So in short, why the heck do you want Wii Play, then? It's only 1-2 players whereas Wii Sports is 1-4, and there's a bit less on offer in terms of events or games themselves. So is this a case of 'nice idea, shame about the timing'?

I don't think it is, and here's why. For a start, Wii Play comes with a spare remote controller; a much sought after commodity for every Wii gamer. There's the possibility that if you're stocking up on remotes, you could end up with multiple copies of Wii Play. If this happens, we suggest trying to EBay them or use them as coasters. Keep a spare copy though, in case some terrible fate befalls your original!

Beyond that, it's simply a fact that the mini games available for play within Wii Play are innovative and fun. Using many different positions, Wii Play also acts much like Wii Sports does; as a tech demo of the Wii's capabilities. When cow racing, you'll be holding the remote much like a bar in front of you, and pulling back on it like a 'bit'. Fishing is in 3D space where you first have to grab the rod and then move it around to try to catch the bonus fish. Each game is different; though it's only two players, it allows you to use your Mii characters, which do surprising things to each other when standing around on the menu screen!

The games offer surprisingly high levels of difficulty for those willing to go all the way and try to gain gold (or indeed, platinum!) in every event. There's even a cerebral game, forcing you to strain to pick out identical Miis in a crowd or swimming through a river, etc. Wii Play does offer short and long term gaming, as well as the free remote that comes with it.

It's my view that so long as you’re willing to pay a fiver for this game (and you should be), it's a great deal since it comes with the remote. It may not be the most touched up or graphically amazing title you'll ever see, but it's playable, fun and easily hard enough to bring back veterans later on.

'Just pick me up' gaming has always been the cornerstone of Nintendo gaming on the DS, and this continues on the Wii with titles such as this. A good buy for most gamers who don't take themselves too seriously!