Wii Party Review for Nintendo Wii

System: Wii	Review Rating Legend
Dev: NDCube	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Nintendo	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Oct. 3, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

House Party is, without a doubt, Wii Party’s most unique component. It’s an odd batch of games that will likely make most hardcore gamers cringe, but it’s also an inspired addition that could prove especially fun for younger players. The House Party games require players to become physically involved, either by hiding controllers around the house or passing a controller as if it were a bomb. Though seemingly hokey extras to scoff at, these games are perfect for a slumber party or the like.

Wii Party screenshot

In spite of the fun my family and I had with Wii Party, the game doesn’t exhibit nearly as much personality as the Mario Party games. The board in Board Game Island is pretty lackluster, and as cute as the Miis can often be during a given mini-game, they’re easily forgettable. You can have a really fun time with family and friends every once in a while, but it’s not something you’ll likely feel compelled to break into on a daily basis.

If you were hoping for online play, you won’t get that here, either. There’s absolutely no online interactivity included in Wii Party, not even leader boards. Before actually digging into the package, I was baffled by the omission. However, once you tinker around with Wii Party a bit, you’ll understand what Nintendo was going for. A party isn’t something that happens between people many miles away, and considering how Wii Party comes to life when played with others in the same room, it’s safe to say Nintendo successfully hits their mark.

Wii Party’s look and overall presentation is considerably attractive, though the game does have some noticeable highs and lows. Wii Party appears to be using the same tech as Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort, which means bright skies and lots of simulated solar flare. The Miis are dolled up in quite a variety of outfits and offer entertaining expressions when they win or lose. Certain textures, however, are downright ugly, yet water effects often look on par with the HD consoles. Luckily, where it counts the most, Wii Party never really stumbles. The framerate is delightfully smooth, and the game’s vibe is always upbeat and relaxing.

If you’ve played either of the Wii Sports games before, you’ll recognize most of the audio features packed into Wii Party. Lots of Mii cheering, an announcer who sounds like he could be a game-show host, and the sound effects are low-impact while being subtly integral to the action of each mini-game. Though many of the game’s themes are a bit corny, they somehow fit right in with Wii Play’s casual vibe.

If you approach Wii Party as a single-player affair, you’ll likely find a package that is only moderately entertaining at best. Bring it with you to Thanksgiving or some other social gathering, however, and Wii Party will light up a room. Whether it be a sleepover for the little ones or a family get-together, Wii Party is something any and all Wii owners will want as part of their collection. The mini-games aren’t perfect and the presentation isn’t quite up to Nintendo standards, but the package is still bursting with potential, in spite of its flaws.

By Tony Capri
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
Wii Party is inviting, with loads of bright colors, lighting, and simple effects. Backgrounds, however, are full of low-res textures, and certain assets are downright ugly. A silky smooth framerate keeps graphical woes at bay.

3.9

Control
Some of the minis are, as one would expect in a mini-game collection, mindlessly simple. However, you’re rarely asked to motion like an idiot, and within the intended context, Wii Party is just plain fun.

3.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Bland themes somehow work alongside the rest of the game’s presentation, and the variety of simple sound effects get the job done.

3.8

Play Value
There are an enormous number of mini-games under the hood here, and House Party is an odd yet inspired addition you won’t find anywhere else. In spite of Wii Party’s breadth of content, it’s still a package with fairly limited appeal.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

From Board Game Island to Bingo, these party games let up to four friends or family members play mini-games together in fun and hilarious ways.

If it's just you and a buddy, pair up for these two-player games, and play as friends or foes in a variety of co-op and competitive mini-games.

There are over eighty mini-games to choose from, ranging from 4 Player to 1 vs. 1, 1 vs. 3, and Pair games. Pick up and play any of them with your party crew!