Hardcore Nintendo: why the Wii isn't just for casual gamers anymore
- — 28 April, 2009 18:10
Wii Sports Resort
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Release: Summer 2009
For the Hardcore: Any hardcore gamer who picked up Wii Sports Resort would probably be interested primarily in laying hands on the Wii MotionPlus attachment for the Wii Remote that ships with every copy of the game.
While Nintendo has stated that MotionPlus units will sell individually, chances are they'll be hard to find. MotionPlus introduces the ability to sense true 1:1 motion input to the Wii Remote, so that the fine details of how you tilt the remote are directly reflected in the game onscreen. This should make for vastly superior motion control, but the proof will be in the pudding.
The main game likely to appeal to hardcore gamers from the confirmed Wii Sports Resort selection is the Kendo swordfighting game, which places two Miis on platforms surrounded by water. The MotionPlus Wii Remote movement is mapped directly onto the swords, and the two Miis basically beat on each other until one is knocked down into the water.
It's got the frenetic fighting of Wii Sports boxing, but this minigame looks to require a lot more in the way of skill and finesse. If some of the as-of-yet unannounced Resort games can cater to the more skilled gamers, Wii Sports Resort could be a fine first step to learning the ins and outs of the MotionPlus.
For the Casual: If Wii Sports Resort follows in the tradition of this year's Wii Play, it may well emerge as the top-selling game of 2009. For many casual players, a Wii is essentially a US$250 machine for playing Wii Sports, which is going to make a sequel highly desirable.
Of the games in Wii Sports Resort revealed thus far, the most appealing for families and parents are likely to the Frisbee toss. For throwing the Frisbee, the MotionPlus attachment allows the precise angle at which you hold the Wii Remote to set up your shot. It's simple, nonthreatening, and perfect for casual players.
