Wii Sports Resort impressions (and video!): MotionPlus killer app, or killer tech demo?
By Paul Miller 
posted Jul 23rd 2009 12:23PM
posted Jul 23rd 2009 12:23PM
MotionPlus hardware
Overall? Two thumbs up. Sure, it's lame that an add-on is necessary -- it would've been nice to have all this power the first go 'round -- but the add-on does the trick and really does offer some impressive motion tracking. The main drawback of the controller is that it occasionally gets slightly off-kilter, at which point it's usually smart enough to ask you to re-orient it. Luckily, it's easy enough to set the controller face down and let it right itself. It's not perfectly ideal, but it's not a big hassle either. Microsoft and Sony will obviously have an advantage for re-orienting, with their camera-based systems, but the added complexity of those systems also means more opportunities for funkiness. At least MotionPlus feels like a known quantity, and doesn't involve any voodoo or know-how to get it back on track (or to set it up in the first place).
We wouldn't say any of the games offered in Wii Sports Resort offer any "true" 1:1 tracking, but of course if you were actually doing something with 1:1 motion, you'd probably need a bigger room to play in. Nintendo has struck a good balance between "on-screen responsiveness" and "not smacking your sister in the face." Almost everything feels right, however. Subtle movements and sudden twists all enact a predictable response on-screen and in gameplay -- you feel like you're as much "there" as you'd really want to be. It's still possible to play some of the games in "lazy mode," but it's certainly more difficult than it was in Wii Sports -- simple flicks won't always do.
The games
- Frisbee: We suck at frisbee. We suppose much of that could be the fact that we actually know how to throw a for-realsies frisbee, and this just doesn't feel like throwing a real frisbee. Naturally, the motion-tracking is spot on, but it lacks in the delicacy of release. The disc also doesn't seem to fly quite right -- due to a seeming shortage of physics. Of course, we're probably just making excuses for the fact that we suck.
- Power Cruising: It's like Wave Race, but not very fun somehow. The steering is easy enough to grasp, and quite sensitive, but the overall game is simplistic and very boring.
- Swordplay: This is the real winner in our book, especially thanks to the mode where you get to mow down Mii assailants with your mighty plastic sword. The VS. mode is a real blast with a friend, but we had little trouble going pro when up against the computer. We still felt a lack of depth, but at least it's a **cathartic lack of depth. We just need a Zelda game and a Star Wars game to implement this exact sword system and we'll die happy.
- Table Tennis: Another great game and probably offers the best VS. mode outside of swordplay, but it sure is short on options.
- Golf: It adds draw and fade, just like the new Tiger Woods, but overall felt like Wii Sports golf to us.
- Air Sports: The dog fight mode is a blast and a great demonstration of the controller technology, but the gameplay isn't very well designed or balanced.
- Basketball: A nice diversion, but another game lacking in depth. We did enjoy the detailed shooting motion, however, which picks up on aim, timing and even backspin. It felt like all those hours of free throw practice in our backyard finally paid off. Almost. Word of warning, however: a family member managed to break a lightbulb with this one, demonstrating the fact that vertical space is a whole new danger zone in Wii Sports Resort.
- Archery: Another fun control scheme that needs to be instantly transplanted into the next Zelda title, but the actual "game" of trying to get more points gets old pretty fast.
- Cycling: It's a bit of a workout, and there's some camera wonkiness, but it actually provides a lot more depth in gameplay than the other racing titles, thanks to the drafting and pacing aspects.
- Bowling: It's supposed to have slightly more detailed control, but we didn't feel it. Still, Wii Sports bowling really didn't need much refinement.
- Canoeing: Quite a lot of fun for a lap or two, but seems hastily put together.
- Wakeboarding: Doesn't seem like it needs MotionPlus, but it's another fun way to spend 15 minutes.
Most of the games unfortunately rely on some innate desire to win high scores, which has held little appeal for us ever since our glorious Tetris days. Sure, you get the right amount of testosterone in the room and everything's a competition, but we'd much rather spend our time shooting our friends in the face (virtually, of course) or destroying them in table tennis than showing them how many fake points we can score doing fake tricks over fake wake.
Wrap-up
"We Resort".... to spending our money elsewhere....
congratulations on the first gay pun.
your just mad you were 56 milliseconds too late...
spell check is slow aint it?
"spell check is slow aint it?"
Perhaps you should have considered revising your post before using YOUR in the wrong context?
On topic... The motion control games are fun for a little bit, and good for a laugh in a party. Not something I can do all the time though. The more accurate the movement, the better. That's my thought on the whole thing.
You're both wrong on your spelling & basic grammar. @Idlemind - It's supposed to be "You're" not "Your". Just to make sure "you're" on the ball: "you're" is a contraction of "you" and "are". Go back to grade-school english. Morons.
My bad mein GrammarFührer, I was so busy snuffing out the small flames, I neglected to tent to my own... you should try it...
But the subject at hand is... does this thing really work? As was said, the more accurate the better.. so I guess we will see..
It might be worth the buy, just for the new games...
BTW: jacka$$1 I'm sure you know plenty about being on the ball(s)
the game
"Wii Sports Resort. We've spent some sweaty days with the product to get a real feel for all 12 games included (each with a few different activities to keep things fresh), "
.....
@Idlemind: "tent"???? You mean "tend"!!! GOD! You're not too bright are you?!
guys STFU
That guys watch owns.
Also, doesn't look as bad as I thought it would be. Not just a simple remake.
can we play this without the motion plus addon?
that probably the catch... you probably CAN... but the game only comes with the add on...
it doesnt seem possible though... the regular remote can rarely accurately judge the orientation of itself.. im pretty sure the game will ask you to attach the motion plus in order to begin play.. o well it doesnt seem like these are any good anyways..
I wonder the same thing. Will this work with a USB keyboard?
Looks interesting too bad i sold my Wii it was sitting collecting dust
Off-topic: YOU ARE NOT A GUNDAM
:D
Something about the tone of this article made me read it(in my head of course) in the voice of that guy who reviewed the Ken Sing Ton Vii.
i know the motion plus makes tiger woods 10 much harder
You're absolutely right about games like this simply providing a blueprint. I got the same feeling from the original Wii Sports. The whole time I'm playing, I'm thinking, "This control scheme would kick ass if they put it in a better game." This release seems like nothing more than a Motion Plus demo. Weak.
Ya, speaking of which that reminds me of some of those games what were showed off with the Wii originally that looked awesome and just disappeared(Project H.A.M.M.E.R. comes to mind...)
i really wanted HAMMER and Disaster: Day of Crisis. looks like that won't be happening. i bought a Wii on launch day and haven't played much of it in the last 9 months or so but i might go buy Wii Sports Resort for shits and giggles.
I have no doubt this will sell really well.
I also have no doubt that it's a complete waste of money and will collect dust just like the rest of everyones wii toys.
I don't think Nintendo was trying to make a stellar game. I think they were trying to demonstrate some things this controller can do and then be implemented into new games such as Zelda.
I'm pretty sure they wanted to make buttloads of money.
Well duh, that's any respectable business motive. There is nothing wrong with making a butt load of money, but if they can demonstrate this and show how future games can be better then that buttload just got a lot bigger.
I know, I just saw the opening for a snarky comment and went for it.
I bet this game probably won't be available without the WiiMotion plus accessory though. I already have mine from the great Tiger Wood 10 game.
The only thing that bugs me about Tiger Woods 10 is that they force you to buy a 2nd MotionPlus to be able play the mini games.
Looks like a tech demo....a killer tech demo.....but tech demo all the same.
What happens when I combine 2 motion plus addons on one wiimote? Imagine the CHAOS. mwhahahah
you still have a system with nothing but shovelware
Tend...
dammit...
I hope they NEVER change the comments system. It kinda reminds people the importance of proofreading....
A lot of other sites states this game has lots more depth to it then wii sports , so i dont get this sites statement that it lacks depth.
Basically if you even remotely liked wii sports this game is supposedly atleast 2x better.
Where does this video take place? It just looked interesting.
I also though Engadget uses Viddler?
Woo awesome
I don't know about that being awesome merely for the fact that I think Nintendo could have done better. I mean Ps3 Track ball or what ever looks more accurate and if looking at the sword play of both Ps3 looks better because of the graphics and control ability.
This game is a tech demo in the sense that it demonstrates the technology well, yes. In that sense, Mario 64 was a tech demo for the analog stick. I don't think people properly give credit to the amount of effort that goes into properly balancing and designing these new style games, though. Just look at the knock-offs, which are all practically worthless. Wii Sports, however, was a brilliant and innovative game that has been played for years by many. Wii Sports Resort, in my experience, is even better. Of course, much of this is due to the motion plus peripheral, and I do think a few of the games were just tacked on. It is still a must buy for anyone that owns the system.
I really hope Zelda makes good use of the motion plus. It would be a shame if it does not.
Wiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!!!!!!!11
:3
@robpetrin
You just lost it.
I am a little confused. Am I the only one who had no trouble playing Zelda and Metroid Prime 3? It didn't really cross my mind to make the motion control accuracy better, or that it was even needed. Or is it making other kinds of gameplay and motion possible?
Anyway, wake me when theres another Zelda or Metroid calibur game. I've been waiting.
Metroid Prime Trilogy this summer, and a new Zelda that was announced at E3 after the press conference ;)
What does this AIM login do? Testing.
Overall it's a fun game. Been playing the crap out of swordplay for the past four days. My arm hurts much more than it did with the first game. It's a much bigger workout than before.
Don't know if I can justify $20 on another WMP, though.
I don't think Nintendo is trying hard enough to win over more dominance in this console gen. merely for the fact that I think Nintendo could have done better. I mean Ps3 Track ball or what ever looks more accurate and if looking at the sword play of both Ps3 looks better because of the graphics and control ability.
GOD DAMN COMMENT SYSTEM. Nilay, Chris, someone fix this. please.
Wiii!!
Really?
REALLY?
Regressing much?
Your Wii collecting dust = You never invite people over to your place.
But seriously, people, stop saying "It's lame that Nintendo didn't include this from the start".
That's like saying it's lame Nintendo didn't release the Wii instead of the NES back in 1985.
Cheap MEMS gyros didn't exist when the Wii came out. Aren't you glad to have the Wii
Motion Plus now instead of waiting until the next gen system?
"Your Wii collecting dust = You never invite people over to your place."
Your comment is somewhat misleading. Usually the invitees want to play a system with some worthwhile games, rather than "Blue Shell" or "Super Smash Bros. You Seriously Bought This Again?".
"Cheap MEMS gyros didn't exist when the Wii came out. Aren't you glad to have the Wii
Motion Plus now instead of waiting until the next gen system?"
No, not really, since I really doubt that the next gen system will allow me to use my $80 controller from the previous iteration when they can make me buy a new one. That's without going into the coming flood of titles shat out by developers unable to make WMP work right with their terrible, terrible titles