My Ratings System: Buy, Rent, or Pass

Okay, after not much consideration, I feel that this simplified ratings system best keeps with the theme of our blog. Keep in mind that I am speaking solely on my behalf but to me this site is not so much about nailing down some arbitrary ratings number as much as it is here to publish simply whether or not a game is worth buying. So with my ratings, you won't have to decipher exactly what a certain number means. If I think it is worth spending money on, I will come right out and say it. If I don’t think you should waste your money, then following my review will be my suggestion to pass.

There will be some games I will suggest renting as opposed to buying or passing. This will most likely be the case if I feel the game is too easily completed but is still a lot of fun (while it lasts). Other factors (such as excellent multi-player modes) could upgrade my recommendation and in those circumstances, I will be sure to explain my reasoning.

Game Review: Medal of Honor: Vanguard

This game doesn't seem to offer much new to the gaming world but it is still fun to play. I saw one review online that gave it a 5.5 out of 10. I think it definitely deserves better than that. Of course since the game is played on the Wii, the controller set-up is different from traditional games like it. This takes a little getting used to but it is not difficult.

I started this post a little over a week ago. Since then I have been bombarded with dental, medical and computer problems. To quote my brother however, I am happy to say that finally life relents. I have had a little more experience with this game and it seems that one of things I feared about it is true. The game, while fun, is simply too short. I have not spent that much time playing but have already completed three out of the four campaigns. I have decided on a ratings system which I will begin using in this blog. Quite simply, my reviews of games will culminate with my suggestion to either "Buy", "Rent", or "Pass". My explanation for this ratings system will be in my next post.

"Medal of Honor: Vanguard" Conclusion: Rent

Game Review: Tiger Woods '07

I just recently received this game but I already love it. So far, about 90% of my shots are slices but I have just been compensating for this by aiming to the left. It has been a long time since I played real golf but if I remember right, I used to slice a lot of shots so in that respect, the game has been realistic.

I created a character and in the first day of my first tournament, I shot 44 over par. Sadly, that isn't too far off from my real game either. Okay, I wasn't quite that bad but let's just say of all the sports I played, I was the least talented at golf. I think on the second day of my first tournament (on the Wii), I shot around 25 over par. Not much to be proud of but hey, at least its progress.

Despite my lack of success, I really do like the game. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys golf games. The only caveat I will throw out there is that Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 will be out in August as my brother just posted. So you may want to think twice before shelling out a lot of money for '07 if you plan on buying '08 when it comes out.

My first Wii online reviews: News and Weather

Weather:
Although you can get weather info from a seemingly unlimited number of sources on the web, the weather application on the Wii is not only convenient but has a very user-friendly interface. It just has a nice look and feel to it. When I first saw it on there, I didn't really think it was a feature I would use but actually, I have been checking it frequently and feel I will continue to do so.

News:
If you are like me, you probably saw this link on your Wii and thought news and news. What could they possibly have that would make theirs different? And for the most part, the answer to that is nothing. But like their weather, their news also has a nice look and feel to it. They do have one feature called "slide show" that basically does just what it says. When selected, headlines pop up on the screen every so many seconds. When you see one you like, you press the "A" button and the story is displayed. One of the neat aspects of "slide show" is that when going through the headlines, a marker travels across a map indicating where the story is from. For example, a headline about a sports story concerning the Chicago Cubs would have a circle on a map zoomed in to Chicago, Illinois.

Neither of the features mentioned above would be a reason to purchase the Wii but considering they are free to anyone who can access the internet with their console, they are nice little extras. I now prefer accessing both news and weather via the Wii to using my computer. I should mention however that while they do have a respectable amount of news available, it is no substitution for the amount of news you can find through a 1000 different websites. I would speculate that at most times, there are 10 to 20 stories available in each of their 7 topics (but don't hold me to that).

How I Fixed My Wii Remote When It Stopped Working

I was unpleasantly surprised last night when while playing with my Wii, my remote suddenly stopped working. I didn't drop it or hit it against anything or even lay it down for that matter. One second it was functioning normally and the next the remote's power was off. When I tried to turn it back on, the lights would blink several times and then it powered down again. The sytem would only power on and off if pressed the power button on the console. My first instinct was to change the batteries so I did (twice actually). I also tried resynchronizing the remote but of course that didn't work. Then I came to the conclusion that I was going to have to exchange it. I was also worried that the problem may have something to do with the Wireless Sensor Bar or even worse, the console. If that was the case, I would have to exchange the whole system. And if I needed to do that, I knew the chances of them actually having the Wii in stock was slim to none.

Fortunately, all that worry was for nothing as a couple of hours after the problem began I had an idea which I thought was a Hail Mary, but I decided to try it anyway. All I did was unplug the AC cord from the back of the console and plugged it back in. I honestly didn't think there was a chance it would work but I was willing to try anything. Imagine my surprise when I pressed the power button on the remote and everything was back to normal. Both the remote and the console powered up and I haven't had any problems since. So if you ever experience these same symptoms, try what I did before you start to worry. I hope it works for you too.

Gamers, Wii have a Problem: Defective Wrist Straps

I got online with my Wii today and I thought I should share the first message I received from Nintendo. After inspection I learned they made this announcement months back but I just now received it since I just got online. I am posting it for those who don't have their Wii on the net and therefore may not have seen this message. It seems to only concern the first Wiis bought. Here is the message:

"Nintendo has received some reports that when consumers swing the Wii Remote with the original version of the wrist strap using excessive force and accidentally let go, the cord connecting the controller to the wrist strap can break. Nintendo has made a new version of the Wii Remote wrist strap available to replace the original one used in early product shipments.

Please call (800) 859-4519 or visit http://www.nintendo.com/consumer/strapreplace.jsp to determine if you need to replace your wrist strap."

Get Free Nintendo Wii items drinking Coca-Cola

I am a heavy Coca Cola drinker so about a year ago I started collecting codes for their "mycokerewards" program. They have continually listed more and more items available for redemption. And now, in addition to a lot of other nice items, they have added the Nintendo Wii console and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End game for the Wii. You would have to drink a lot of coke to be able to get the Wii system but the game is a reasonable goal. I currently have just enough points to get the game but as I said, I drink a lot of Coke and I have been collecting close to a year. I should also mention that I live by myself. Therefore, a family may save up points much faster. Still, that is not a bad reward for drinking Coke for a year considering I would have drank it anyways.

I don't plan to redeem my points for this Wii game but I guess it is possible that I would cash in for a different Wii game someday. I have no way of knowing but I imagine they will soon offer more games. Their two Wii items have only very recently become available. They also have Playstation 2 and XBOX 360 games. And when they first started offering games for those consoles, they only had one or two, but over time, they added more. Hopefully, they will do the same with Wii games. Finally, for those interested in portable gaming, they currently offer the Nintendo DS Game System.

If you would like me to send a referral for you to get signed up, send and email to alanswiimail@prestonsburg.com with mycokerewards in the subject and your email address in the message body.

Game One: The Sports Package

Currently the only game I own is the Sports Package which comes with the system. Actually, I spent more time trying to find the system than I have playing it. I expect for all that to change soon but I will go ahead and throw in my two cents on the Sports Package. By far, I have done more Bowling than any of the other games and I don't even like real bowling. The rest of games are entertaining but none spectacular. Here is my order of preference: Bowling, Boxing, Baseball, Tennis, and lastly Golf. However, I do look forward to playing Tiger Woods Golf. I have heard that is completely superior to the Sports Package Golf. Supposedly there is no comparison. Overall, I have had fun playing the Sports Package and consider it a terrific starter game for the system especially since it comes with it. It has also let me develop an appreciation for how well their innovative controller technology works as they seem to have nearly perfected it.

My quest to purchase the Nintendo Wii

My parents bought the XBOX 360 for me about a year ago for my birthday but unfortunately it was stolen. Selecting my next console was difficult but I decided to buy the Wii primarily because of the cost. Additionally, I had heard many good reviews of the system. The controller format for the Wii should be intriguing to any gamer and I am certainly no exception. When I decided to purchase the system, I had no idea that they were in such high demand. I called store after store. From Wal-Mart to electronics stores to gaming specialty shops. No one had the system in stock. A sales associate at Best Buy told me to show up at around 5:30 on Wednesdays or Fridays (when their deliveries come in) and they usually have them in stock for about 15 minutes before they sold out. So the next delivery day, I was there by 5:30 and their trucks came in but surprise, surprise; not a single Wii in that shipment. As you can imagine, I had about lost hope. Other stores wouldn't even tell me when they expected to get them and no one would let me purchase one in advance. I was considering paying a premium and ordering one off eBay but I really didn't want to do that since cost was a factor in choosing the system. Finally, a few days after my pointless trip to Best Buy, I was at a friend's house making the usual calls to stores around town (and some out of town), when my friend asked if I had tried EB Games. I had called both of their local stores the day before so I figured it was pointless. But since he mentioned it, I decided to try again. I called one and they didn't have it. Then I called the other store and was shocked when the sales associate told me they had one. I asked him if he could please hold it for me for 10 minutes and he did. I consider myself extremely fortunate that it only took me a little over a week to find the Wii as I had come to the conclusion that it may be a matter of months. Supposedly Nintendo is increasing production so hopefully others won't have to go through what I did before long. If you are wondering whether all this was worth the effort, the answer is absolutely.

Alan's Introduction

Hello, my name is Alan and I am new to the Nintendo Wii. After purchasing the system last week, I received an invitation to join this forum from my brother (evilbilly). Hence, I am also the Uncle of Ralph and Paul who post here as they are my brother's sons. I currently have limited Wii experience to write about so for now I will just detail my endeavor to obtain the Wii and review the Sports Package. Also, I welcome any emails with questions, comments, or whatever. Just send them to alanswiimail@prestonsburg.com.

-- Alan, age 30
Lexington, KY