Wii-views and X-ratings

Mario Kart Wii

fawii — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:47:58 +0000

Mario kart wii is the latest instalment of the series, the first one dating back to 1992. The main perk about this version is the use of the Wii remote. The game is sold with a steering wheel included which gives the game a whole new experience, note that its easy to play it without the steering wheel. The game also allows you to play with a traditional controller, or even a gamecube controller, for those who are used to the older version of the game.
            The game itself is very similar to its predecessors, very close to the Nintendo DS version. All the good aspects of the series are here and improved, with some new contents too. There’s a whole array of new circuits to play on, and you can also play some of the previous circuits. The game is impressive graphically, not using the Wii to its full potential, but it’s the best graphics seen in a Mario kart game yet. Very colourful characters and terrains really reflect the world of Mario games.
            The game will be played for a very long time, because there are lots of contents to unlock, different karts, bikes and characters. But mainly, it’s the online multiplayer feature that will get you playing for years to come. With a ranking system that allows you to play against opponents with similar skills as you.
            Mario kart Wii is one of the few games that every Wii owner should have, it’s a highly enjoyable experience and great fun alone or with friends!

Lost Odyssey

fawii — Tue, 06 May 2008 23:15:06 +0000

Lost Odyssey proves that a turn-based RPG still has merit in modern gaming. While there is nothing in Lost Odyssey that will convert action-RPG fans, there is plenty to please those already singing in the choir. Lost Odyssey creates several memorable characters and a somber setting that should please those sick of JRPGs that seem made for 10-year-olds. There are quite a few things that go wrong — from the bad stealth portion to performance issues — but none of it kept me from enjoying the overall adventure. It may not be in the same class as Mass Effect, but for a system in desperate need for more quality RPGs, Lost Odyssey fits nicely into the 360 library. - Ign, Xbox360

Super Mario Galaxy

fawii — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:37:25 +0000

Super Mario Galaxy is one of the greatest platformers I have ever played, Wii’s best game, and an absolute must-own experience. And to me, this odd trek through space really does feel like the true sequel to Mario 64. It harkens back to the N64 classic with nostalgic faces and places from the Mushroom Kingdom, but it also re-invents the franchise with new space-themed mechanics and fresh Wii-enhanced controls. It is, as I have said since I first played it, a near-perfect combination of old platforming values and new design.

Expect to be blown away by the fantastic level challenges and galactic variety. Expect to be blown away by the addictive gravity effects — you will jump off ledges just to see if you can rotate all the way around a structure. And expect to be blown away by the tight controls and beautiful graphics.

Galaxy isn’t quite perfect. There are some minor issues — tiny blemishes, if you will, hiding on the backside of a supermodel. There’s the auto-camera, which works exceptionally well most of the time, but every so often stumbles. And there’s the overall difficulty — a little too easy to 60 stars and to defeat bosses for my tastes. But even with these potential drawbacks, Nintendo’s Tokyo studio has created a platformer that deserves its place among the very best and will surely be remembered in another decade as a classic.