I was quite surprised when I heard the good news.
My Wii is in from repair!
And it came back a week sooner than I expected!
One thing to note is that all of my game downloads and channels were gone, but upon inspection of the shopping channel, all my games are freely downloadable.
I was hoping that they'd give me my points back so that I could purchase different games, but that deal would be too good.
The second thing I noticed was that all my Mii's are no longer editable.
It definitely sucks but at least I didn't lose them all. (Yay Jordi Laforge and David Susuki Mii's)
All in all a good day... Except that I have to start over on unlocking everything in Wii Fit. (I was using my friends' Wii)
At least I have a Wii age of 24 now woot!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Current Fav Games: Wii Fit, Online Poker
Showing posts with label Nintendo Wii. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nintendo Wii. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Wii Fit: First Impressions (Balance Games and Final Words)
When I look back on Wii Sports, I think about the continuous hours of fun that my friends and I could have with only a handful of games. Could Wii Fit balance games bring the same fun factor? It will be a tall task.
Soccer Heading is fun minigame. However, like a lot of the games on Wii Play, they're more for show. They don't have the lasting factor that will keep you coming for more.
On top of that, in terms of exercise, it's not really beneficial in that way either.
Ski Slalom is a great game! I completely understand why Wii Ski came out. Even though it was such a quick minigame, it was engaging, it was frustrating, it was responsive, and it felt like skiing.
Ski Jump is also very enjoyable. I found myself going back for more, trying to beat my score. My gf's calves were hurting the next day from all the ski jumping she did.
Table Tilt is my favorite game of all the balance games. Unfortunately it ended too fast...
Conclusions:
There's some Wii Play-esque type stuff here. There's some fun stuff but will I be playing them in a year? Unless I'm showing it to friends who haven't seen it, probably not.
I believe that it wouldn't be fair to base my review on only the first few hours, but probably at least a month of play.
If I am able to lose weight or get stronger, it would definitely affect my perception of the game.
So far, my feeling is that the game is not for everyone.
But if you were willing to buy a Wii in the first place, then you're willing to buy into innovative ideas.
You might like it after all...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Current Fav Games: Wii Fit, DDR, Halo 3
Soccer Heading is fun minigame. However, like a lot of the games on Wii Play, they're more for show. They don't have the lasting factor that will keep you coming for more.
On top of that, in terms of exercise, it's not really beneficial in that way either.
Ski Slalom is a great game! I completely understand why Wii Ski came out. Even though it was such a quick minigame, it was engaging, it was frustrating, it was responsive, and it felt like skiing.
Ski Jump is also very enjoyable. I found myself going back for more, trying to beat my score. My gf's calves were hurting the next day from all the ski jumping she did.
Table Tilt is my favorite game of all the balance games. Unfortunately it ended too fast...
Conclusions:
There's some Wii Play-esque type stuff here. There's some fun stuff but will I be playing them in a year? Unless I'm showing it to friends who haven't seen it, probably not.
I believe that it wouldn't be fair to base my review on only the first few hours, but probably at least a month of play.
If I am able to lose weight or get stronger, it would definitely affect my perception of the game.
So far, my feeling is that the game is not for everyone.
But if you were willing to buy a Wii in the first place, then you're willing to buy into innovative ideas.
You might like it after all...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Current Fav Games: Wii Fit, DDR, Halo 3
Wii Fit: First Impressions (Aerobics)
Ahh... The infamous Aerobics exercises that I've heard about. (Particularly the Hula Hoop)
Two words for Hula Hoop. Fun and hilarious!
Not only is it fun to play, but just watching people play is fun!
On top of all that, it's amazing how well girls do at this game. =))
Here's the 4 million view video:
Being a fan of DDR, I didn't have much expectations for Basic Step... And boy was I right.
It's boring and feels unresponsive. The song is quite repetitive, and it was waaay too easy for me.
Hopefully the Advanced version of step has more to offer.
The Basic Run was a pleasant surprise.
Sometimes the run wasn't responsive, but the scenery brought me into it, and seeing my Mii friends running around was a nice touch. I found myself running as close as possible to the screen in order to immerse myself.
Real runners will cringe at this activity though.
Also make sure you hold on to the Wii in your pocket, cause it fell out of pocket onto the ground a few times.
2P Basic run is the same thing, but with two people.
Depending on who you play with, you'll end up racing, and rolling numerous times. =)
Conclusions:
2 fun games out of 3 ain't bad.
I wonder how the boxing game is...
Next up: Balance Games
Two words for Hula Hoop. Fun and hilarious!
Not only is it fun to play, but just watching people play is fun!
On top of all that, it's amazing how well girls do at this game. =))
Here's the 4 million view video:
Being a fan of DDR, I didn't have much expectations for Basic Step... And boy was I right.
It's boring and feels unresponsive. The song is quite repetitive, and it was waaay too easy for me.
Hopefully the Advanced version of step has more to offer.
The Basic Run was a pleasant surprise.
Sometimes the run wasn't responsive, but the scenery brought me into it, and seeing my Mii friends running around was a nice touch. I found myself running as close as possible to the screen in order to immerse myself.
Real runners will cringe at this activity though.
Also make sure you hold on to the Wii in your pocket, cause it fell out of pocket onto the ground a few times.
2P Basic run is the same thing, but with two people.
Depending on who you play with, you'll end up racing, and rolling numerous times. =)
Conclusions:
2 fun games out of 3 ain't bad.
I wonder how the boxing game is...
Next up: Balance Games
Wii Fit: First Impressions (Strength Training)
I was very excited about the strength training.
I've never been motivated to do strength training in the past. Perhaps Nintendo could motivate me.
5 activities were initially available. (probably because I unlocked it during yoga)
1. Single-leg extensions
They were easy enough. I didn't feel that much resistance though.
2. Push-ups and side plank
I was impressed with this exercise.
It recognized when I did the movements, which is important.
Also, I could see myself being motivated to do this again.
And I was actually getting into a sweat.
3. Torso Twist
Another simple exercise that doesn't have as much to do with strength as it does with balance.
4. Jackknife
This is a variation on a sit-up.
When I watched the demo, I realized that you can totally cheat on this exercise and it would think you're doing it.
You basically lie beside the balance board and place your feet on it.
To the time of the whistle, you lift your feet and do the sit-up variation.
I did them for real, and obviously I could feel my abs working.
However, if you can't get over the fact that the board has very limited use in this exercise, you'll cheat, or at the very least you won't be motivated to do it again.
5. Lunge
Great exercise.
I felt the burn with this activity.
I could see myself being motivated to do this again.
Conclusions:
You can definitely get a good workout with some of these exercises (pushups, jackknife, and lunges), as long as you can motivate yourself to do it, and NOT cheat.
Next up: Aerobics
I've never been motivated to do strength training in the past. Perhaps Nintendo could motivate me.
5 activities were initially available. (probably because I unlocked it during yoga)
1. Single-leg extensions
They were easy enough. I didn't feel that much resistance though.
2. Push-ups and side plank
I was impressed with this exercise.
It recognized when I did the movements, which is important.
Also, I could see myself being motivated to do this again.
And I was actually getting into a sweat.
3. Torso Twist
Another simple exercise that doesn't have as much to do with strength as it does with balance.
4. Jackknife
This is a variation on a sit-up.
When I watched the demo, I realized that you can totally cheat on this exercise and it would think you're doing it.
You basically lie beside the balance board and place your feet on it.
To the time of the whistle, you lift your feet and do the sit-up variation.
I did them for real, and obviously I could feel my abs working.
However, if you can't get over the fact that the board has very limited use in this exercise, you'll cheat, or at the very least you won't be motivated to do it again.
5. Lunge
Great exercise.
I felt the burn with this activity.
I could see myself being motivated to do this again.
Conclusions:
You can definitely get a good workout with some of these exercises (pushups, jackknife, and lunges), as long as you can motivate yourself to do it, and NOT cheat.
Next up: Aerobics
Wii Fit: First Impressions (Yoga)
Alright Yoga time! (I guess)
I'm normally pretty open to trying new things, but I was sure that Yoga wouldn't be my favorite part of the game.
However, I've tried yoga with the gf at home once, and I'll admit that it was very relaxing, almost too relaxing... To the point of falling asleep.
When the screen loads, there's only 4 poses to start.
The first exercise, Deep Breathing, is relaxing... But in the back of my head I was thinking that this better not count as one of the 40 activities.
The real highlight of the first 4 activities for me is the tree pose.
The first time I did it, I nearly fell off the board.
Needless to say, the Tree Pose is tough for a yoga noob.
Obviously you can guess that the gf beat me on every yoga activity.
Something to note. Switching out between profiles seems like a chore.
Conclusions:
For guys: You probably won't enjoy the Yoga.
For girls: It's relaxing, and you'll probably kick guys asses at it.
Next up: Strength Training!
I'm normally pretty open to trying new things, but I was sure that Yoga wouldn't be my favorite part of the game.
However, I've tried yoga with the gf at home once, and I'll admit that it was very relaxing, almost too relaxing... To the point of falling asleep.
When the screen loads, there's only 4 poses to start.
The first exercise, Deep Breathing, is relaxing... But in the back of my head I was thinking that this better not count as one of the 40 activities.
The real highlight of the first 4 activities for me is the tree pose.
The first time I did it, I nearly fell off the board.
Needless to say, the Tree Pose is tough for a yoga noob.
Obviously you can guess that the gf beat me on every yoga activity.
Something to note. Switching out between profiles seems like a chore.
Conclusions:
For guys: You probably won't enjoy the Yoga.
For girls: It's relaxing, and you'll probably kick guys asses at it.
Next up: Strength Training!
Wii Fit: Eventual Review
Being Smarter Than the Average Bear, I realized that some of our friends haven't touched their Nintendo Wii's in a long time. So a phone call l8r and I have a Wii until I get it mine back from repair! Woot!
When the Wii arrives, I'm totally ready... This should only take a minute to start right? Hell no...
I totally didn't realize how long it takes to set up.
First I gotta hook it up.
Then I turn the Wii on.
Then I realize I need to sync the remotes.
I sync the remotes, and the Wii Board.
Then I turn on the Wii, and it tells me I need to do a Wii System Update.
*a few grueling minutes l8r*
Ok it's go time!
I load up Wii Fit.
Omg the Wii System Time is wrong...
*another few minutes l8r*
Aw crap my Mii's aren't on this Wii.
I load it up from the saves from my remote (luckily).
*another few minutes l8r*
After several screens, verifying my birthday, and setting a password (which I realize is pretty pointless), its finally time for the Body Test.
*measuring... measuring... measuring... All done!*
My Wii Age is 37! Boo!
At least I'm in the normal BMI range (though not by much).
In a few hours, the actual review...
When the Wii arrives, I'm totally ready... This should only take a minute to start right? Hell no...
I totally didn't realize how long it takes to set up.
First I gotta hook it up.
Then I turn the Wii on.
Then I realize I need to sync the remotes.
I sync the remotes, and the Wii Board.
Then I turn on the Wii, and it tells me I need to do a Wii System Update.
*a few grueling minutes l8r*
Ok it's go time!
I load up Wii Fit.
Omg the Wii System Time is wrong...
*another few minutes l8r*
Aw crap my Mii's aren't on this Wii.
I load it up from the saves from my remote (luckily).
*another few minutes l8r*
After several screens, verifying my birthday, and setting a password (which I realize is pretty pointless), its finally time for the Body Test.
*measuring... measuring... measuring... All done!*
My Wii Age is 37! Boo!
At least I'm in the normal BMI range (though not by much).
In a few hours, the actual review...
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Trials and Tribulations of getting Wii Fit
I'm sure there are many people out there that feel really dumb not to pre-order Wii Fit.
Guess what? It's been sold out everywhere and unless you want to bay $50 more on Ebay you weren't going to get one for a while.
I've been checking the stores constantly...
I went to Best Buy a few times (always sold out) and they said that last Friday morning, they had 150 units come in.
Unfortunately they had 300 people line up that morning. So 150 people went home unhappy...
Best Buy says check on Fridays.
I went to Future Shop a few times (always sold out) and they said to come in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. They were all very helpful though, which is nice.
I went to The Source a few times (always sold out) and they have no idea when they get their shipments.
Apparently they only received 2 copies of the game in their last shipment. (very sad)
Also, the sales reps that I spoke too seemed very annoyed (obviously by the amount of times he's been asked the question). Hopefully for the store's sake it was just that sales rep.
Despite the unlikeliness, I went to HMV, hoping it was there. Of course it wasn't, and he said that every shipment that has come in never made it to the shelves cause ppl were there waiting for the copies to come out the door.
I thought about going into the Sony Store and asking if they had Wii Fit... I chuckled and moved on.
I've been to EB Games three times.
The first two times with no success.
But the third time was the charm...
A friend and I walked in, and he asked the obvious question.
No was the reps reply... Grrr...
When are you expecting more asks my friend?
"Well lucky for you a Purolator shipment is scheduled to come in in 90 minutes."
No f 'in way!
I looked at my friend, knowing he had to leave soon, and I said "l8r man I'm sticking around!"
And I was immediately on the phone, calling a friend to head over since he wanted a copy.
Luckily for me I was the only one in the store looking for the game. (I think the release of Ninja Gaiden 2 had something to do with it)
So I stood there... And chatted it up with the rep.
What he didn't know was that I wanted a 2nd copy to give as a gift.
At the same time, my friend might not make it in time.
I had to hedge my bets and try to pick up 3 copies...
He turned out to be a really nice guy.
He told me that he's become desensitized by the amount of times he's heard the same question, every time there's a big release.
I suggested putting up Sold Out signs.
Apparently they've tried that... People will miss the sign completely, or will literally look at the sign, read it, and ask, "So it really IS sold out?"
That probably would piss me off even more. =P
So eventually he allowed me to take two copies.
40 minutes l8r the shipment arrives.
They were expecting 15 copies, but the shipment only had 10.
After being on the phone a final time (in front of the rep), I knew my friend wasn't going to make it in time.
I guess he was feeling awfully generous, but he allowed me to pick up a third copy (using another credit card).
Is it worth all the hype? I dunno yet... I haven't got my Wii back from repair!
But what I do know is that the gf is excited, and I'm all for any games that she wants to play as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Current Fav Games: DDR, Halo 3, Soon to be Wii Fit
Guess what? It's been sold out everywhere and unless you want to bay $50 more on Ebay you weren't going to get one for a while.
I've been checking the stores constantly...
I went to Best Buy a few times (always sold out) and they said that last Friday morning, they had 150 units come in.
Unfortunately they had 300 people line up that morning. So 150 people went home unhappy...
Best Buy says check on Fridays.
I went to Future Shop a few times (always sold out) and they said to come in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. They were all very helpful though, which is nice.
I went to The Source a few times (always sold out) and they have no idea when they get their shipments.
Apparently they only received 2 copies of the game in their last shipment. (very sad)
Also, the sales reps that I spoke too seemed very annoyed (obviously by the amount of times he's been asked the question). Hopefully for the store's sake it was just that sales rep.
Despite the unlikeliness, I went to HMV, hoping it was there. Of course it wasn't, and he said that every shipment that has come in never made it to the shelves cause ppl were there waiting for the copies to come out the door.
I thought about going into the Sony Store and asking if they had Wii Fit... I chuckled and moved on.
I've been to EB Games three times.
The first two times with no success.
But the third time was the charm...
A friend and I walked in, and he asked the obvious question.
No was the reps reply... Grrr...
When are you expecting more asks my friend?
"Well lucky for you a Purolator shipment is scheduled to come in in 90 minutes."
No f 'in way!
I looked at my friend, knowing he had to leave soon, and I said "l8r man I'm sticking around!"
And I was immediately on the phone, calling a friend to head over since he wanted a copy.
Luckily for me I was the only one in the store looking for the game. (I think the release of Ninja Gaiden 2 had something to do with it)
So I stood there... And chatted it up with the rep.
What he didn't know was that I wanted a 2nd copy to give as a gift.
At the same time, my friend might not make it in time.
I had to hedge my bets and try to pick up 3 copies...
He turned out to be a really nice guy.
He told me that he's become desensitized by the amount of times he's heard the same question, every time there's a big release.
I suggested putting up Sold Out signs.
Apparently they've tried that... People will miss the sign completely, or will literally look at the sign, read it, and ask, "So it really IS sold out?"
That probably would piss me off even more. =P
So eventually he allowed me to take two copies.
40 minutes l8r the shipment arrives.
They were expecting 15 copies, but the shipment only had 10.
After being on the phone a final time (in front of the rep), I knew my friend wasn't going to make it in time.
I guess he was feeling awfully generous, but he allowed me to pick up a third copy (using another credit card).
Is it worth all the hype? I dunno yet... I haven't got my Wii back from repair!
But what I do know is that the gf is excited, and I'm all for any games that she wants to play as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Current Fav Games: DDR, Halo 3, Soon to be Wii Fit
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Nintendo Wii Pixelation Void
I wish video problems didn't bother me, but this one was too obvious to miss.
I've been playing Mario Kart (as usual), and I noticed some pixelation issues.
I was getting vertical pixels, on every screen, for any game. =/
*ring ring*
(me) Hi I'm getting vertical pixelation issues on every screen.
(me) I suspect that there's something wrong with the video card
(nintendo rep) Alright can I get your Wii serial number pls?
*gives number*
Well you no longer have the system on warranty.
You can send it in for repair, but it will cost you $75.
And it could take 11-15 business days to solve the problem
Doh $75!? 11-15 days?
I decided that the $75 was a better price then buying a new one.
But now that the Wii's gone, I'm finding myself wondering what I'm going to do.
Should I start playing poker again?
Should I start practicing the guitar again?
Should I play more DDR again?
Perhaps I should start looking for Wii Fit again?
Probably a little bit of all of that.
I did some googling and found that 2% of Wii's have this problem, and would eventually degrade over time.
Here's a Youtube link of the problem:
I also suspect that leaving the Wii on standby is a BAD idea.
My gf and I recall that the Wii can get very hot when left in standby.
The fan doesn't seem to turn on when its on standby...
And that's probably why the video card has problems.
WORDS OF WISDOM: Turn your Wii completely off (power light changes to Red) every time you stop playing.
It may prevent video card degradation...
We'll see how much I can accomplish in the next few weeks...
It'll probably be as productive as when I stopped playing Everquest and World of Warcraft.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Current Fav Games: Temporarily NOT Mario Kart Wii
I've been playing Mario Kart (as usual), and I noticed some pixelation issues.
I was getting vertical pixels, on every screen, for any game. =/
*ring ring*
*gives number*
Doh $75!? 11-15 days?
I decided that the $75 was a better price then buying a new one.
But now that the Wii's gone, I'm finding myself wondering what I'm going to do.
Should I start playing poker again?
Should I start practicing the guitar again?
Should I play more DDR again?
Perhaps I should start looking for Wii Fit again?
Probably a little bit of all of that.
I did some googling and found that 2% of Wii's have this problem, and would eventually degrade over time.
Here's a Youtube link of the problem:
I also suspect that leaving the Wii on standby is a BAD idea.
My gf and I recall that the Wii can get very hot when left in standby.
The fan doesn't seem to turn on when its on standby...
And that's probably why the video card has problems.
WORDS OF WISDOM: Turn your Wii completely off (power light changes to Red) every time you stop playing.
It may prevent video card degradation...
We'll see how much I can accomplish in the next few weeks...
It'll probably be as productive as when I stopped playing Everquest and World of Warcraft.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Current Fav Games: Temporarily NOT Mario Kart Wii
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Addicted to Mario Kart Wii
I've been playing Mario Kart Wii constantly for the past few weeks.
It has totally cut into my other gaming time.
I stopped playing Super Smash Brothers immediately after getting the game.
I haven't played guitar since I got the game.
I haven't been playing online poker.
I haven't been playing DDR (and am feeling much fatter)
Am I addicted to Mario Kart? Definitely.
How do I know?
Other than actual playing time, I've won every cup in the game... TWICE!
Going through the game the first time makes sense... I wanted to unlock everything.
So I did... Including unlocking Rosalina without having a Mario Galaxy save on my system. (it's possible)
Then some people come over while I'm away, play using my save (cause it has everything), lose some points in my online score (sucks), and try using a remote and nunchuck to play. (suckier)
I've always taken pride in the fact that my wheel percentage was at 100%...
I love rocking people online even though they're using a controller. (a happy 7263 rating)
Why would I wanna "cheat" by using a controller when most of the appeal of the wii installment comes from the fact that you can "drive" your vehicles now?
At least that's my philosophy...
So when I checked my stats and saw wheel percentage down to 94%, I felt like my save was tainted. =P
So being the addicted gamer I am, I decided to leave that saved game for guests, and start over with my own save...
Hopefully I'll see you online (and beat you while youre using a controller)... >)
6849 VR rating and rising
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Current Fav Games: Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart Wii, and Halo 3 on weekends
It has totally cut into my other gaming time.
I stopped playing Super Smash Brothers immediately after getting the game.
I haven't played guitar since I got the game.
I haven't been playing online poker.
I haven't been playing DDR (and am feeling much fatter)
Am I addicted to Mario Kart? Definitely.
How do I know?
Other than actual playing time, I've won every cup in the game... TWICE!
Going through the game the first time makes sense... I wanted to unlock everything.
So I did... Including unlocking Rosalina without having a Mario Galaxy save on my system. (it's possible)
Then some people come over while I'm away, play using my save (cause it has everything), lose some points in my online score (sucks), and try using a remote and nunchuck to play. (suckier)
I've always taken pride in the fact that my wheel percentage was at 100%...
I love rocking people online even though they're using a controller. (a happy 7263 rating)
Why would I wanna "cheat" by using a controller when most of the appeal of the wii installment comes from the fact that you can "drive" your vehicles now?
At least that's my philosophy...
So when I checked my stats and saw wheel percentage down to 94%, I felt like my save was tainted. =P
So being the addicted gamer I am, I decided to leave that saved game for guests, and start over with my own save...
Hopefully I'll see you online (and beat you while youre using a controller)... >)
6849 VR rating and rising
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Current Fav Games: Mario Kart Wii, Mario Kart Wii, and Halo 3 on weekends
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