by Todd Pheifer

Created on: February 21, 2008

This last Christmas we took the plunge and got a Wii for our "family gift". I was expecting to have to engage in hand-to-hand combat in order to get my hands on the popular game console, but it turned out to be no trouble whatsoever. Initially, I walked into a Circuit City and asked for a Wii console. The clerk laughed at me so I left. I expected a similar response at Best Buy but after asking a clerk, I was informed that they were in stock and I just had to ask for one at the checkout counter. So much for mortal combat.

The Wii has been a great deal of fun for our family. Our kids are younger, so I suppose their video game needs are simpler than the dedicated gamer. However, after a couple of months of playing, we have yet to buy any other games besides the Wii Sports that came with the console. Wii Sports includes Golf, Baseball, Bowling, Boxing, and Tennis. All have been very enjoyable for both kids and adults. It is amusing that the rudimentary animation and simple graphics can be so entertaining. The unique movements of the controllers which mimic the movements of the player make it a highly interactive experience.

If you are completely unfamiliar with the Wii technology, the main difference from other video games is that the controller senses the movements of the player. So, for example, if you are bowling, you hold the remote in your hand and swing your arm like you would swing a regular bowling ball. The animated character on the screen releases the ball as you would and the ball rolls down the alley. The games are simple enough that children of all ages can enjoy the experience. My three-year-old has enjoyed bowling immensely, and actually does better than her older siblings sometimes because she doesn't try too hard to be fancy.

The other fun part of the Wii is that the player can create a customized character called a "Mii". Players can alter the hair, clothes, body shape, and facial features to match their custom look. As other games are played, Mii's appear in the action, either on teams or in the crowd. Overall, the Wii has been a success in our house as our kids have had fun playing with us and with their grandparents. Happy "Wii"ing.

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