Wii Play

"A simple set of games, designed to familiarise the player with the Wiimote."

Wii Play, like Wii Sports, is a simple game consisting of 9 mini games. Each mini game, while being fun and simple, tries to accustom the player with each different aspect of the Wii-mote's use. The 9 games may all be played multiplayer, each with at least 2 players, which is a big plus considering Wii Play comes with a free Wii-mote, and a good slice of this game's fun and replay-ability comes with the multiplayer modes. One small criticism is that each game must be played at least once, starting from Shooting Range, before another game is unlocked.

Stage 1: Shooting Range
Shooting Range is the first game. It's a replica of the NES classic Duck Hunt, and pays respect to it as ducks routinely cross the screen. Shooting Range consists of five rounds, where players must shoot balloons, targets, skeets, cans, UFOs and ducks with their on screen cross hair which is directed by aiming the Wii-mote at the screen. Players are also given an on screen tally which monitors how many points each player is on. Replay-ability for this game is high, especially when playing with friends.

Stage 2: Find Mii
In Find Mii, the player must select Mii's from a group that matches a certain criteria, such as finding two or three of the same Mii, or the Mii you're using. You're given 10 seconds of time, which runs when the game is on, and given an extra 10 seconds for every level cleared. Earlier levels are easier are are used to build up your clock, while later levels are most complex and time draining.The game finishes when your time gets to 0. The game is enjoyable the first couple of times played but gets boring and repetitive quickly.

Stage 3: Table Tennis
Table Tennis is a bit of a let down in single player mode, where the only mode of play is rally. The player must return a ball to the computer until he or she misses. There's an on screen tally as the player returns balls. Replay-ability for two player is good.

Stage 4: Pose Mii
The player must move their on screen Mii around the screen into bubbles and change their pose using the A and B buttons. In earlier levels, the player is eased into the game, only focusing on one aspect. But later on, players must twist, and change pose as the bubbles twist and drop at fast speed towards the bottom of the screen. The game ends when three bubbles hit the bottom of the screen. This game gets repetitive but is still fun if you're looking for a change.

Stage 5: Laser Hockey
Laser Hockey is played as a mixture of traditional pong and air hockey. The player must use two Wii-mote conventions, the twist and point, to get the ball past the enemy and into the goal. The game lasts for 99 seconds and winning scores are counted. The game is greater enjoyed two player.

Stage 6: Billiards
Billiards consists of traditional 9-ball pool. The player must get the balls into the pockets in numerical order, ending at 9. Players are given points equal to the ball(s) they pocketed. Pocketing the cue ball gets you a -3 penalty. Two player is played in the same manner.

Stage 7: Fishing
The player must hook paper fish in a circular pond. Bigger fish give more points, and a x2 multiplier is given to the fish at the top of the screen. The players fish for a set time, and then their points are calculated.

Stage 8: Charge!
In Charge!, you are in control of a cow and must run a track, destroying scarecrows and jumping fences along the way. The player controls the cow by holding the Wiimote sideways, and tilting it to move. Points are given for hitting lines of scarecrows, and jumping scarecrows, along with a time bonus given at the end of the track. In two player, the players are given a set time at which to run on the track and stop when the time runs out.

Stage 9: Tanks!
The player controls a toy tank, which is maneuvered around a small disclosed area. The player must use a combination of bullets and land mines to destroy progressively more and stronger tanks. The player may use the d-pad to control the tank but it's recommended that you use the Nunchuk to avoid uncomfortability.

All in all, the games are simple and easy. Some games have a greater replay-ability value than others, but each game should keep you entertained for a while. Each game is also short, and can be played in a few minutes of spare time, but are also designed for people with a little more time, who can spend some time trying to beat high scores and win platinum medals. Platinum medals can be won for each game after a certain score is reached.

The game is very versatile, made for beginners, but is also enjoyable by those already familiar with the Wii-mote. The games are also designed for those with some free time and want to play in between other things, or those who want to invest some solid time and earn a few medals. The replay-ability for most games and two player modes are also enjoyable. And hey, if that's not enough, it also comes with a free Wii-mote at little extra charge. All in all, Wii Play gets a 7/10.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 01/02/07