Children's Video Game Review:

The Nintendo Wii franchise has produced a rhythm game called Wii Music. But is it a hit or a flop? This review discusses how the game works and its value to players.

Nintendo’s Wii was an enormous hit, the novelty of a motion-based game system firing the imagination of seasoned gamers and novices alike. Along with their other innovative ideas to get people moving, Nintendo promised to create a rhythm game that anyone could play, and so Wii Music was born.

The premise of Wii Music is that the player can simulate playing songs with over 60 different kinds of musical instruments. As the player progresses, they unlock ever more complex songs, which are a range from Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to classical or rock songs. The game has single player and multiplayer modes, plus three minigames—Maestro where the player has to conduct an orchestra, Handbell Harmony where the player keeps time with bells, and Pitch Perfect where the player has to identify correct pitches in the right order.

The game is played with the Wii controller and Nunchuk, moving them according to different instrumental methods, like moving controls up and down to simulate hitting keys on a piano keyboard. For the drumming section, the player also uses the Balance Board for floor pedals. There is no penalty for moving the controllers wrong, however, and it seems the only thing you can affect about the songs is the tempo. For the Jamming sessions, the player can watch a replay of their songs and even save the sessions and create a cover for their musical endeavors.

Rated E for everyone, the Wii Music game’s largest flaw is its simplicity. There are enough instrumental combinations and songs to keep the compulsive player going for a long time, but there’s not much challenge to shaking the Wii remote. Very young gamers will love being involved in the music and action on the screen, and the multiplayer mode has potential for short-term goofy social interactions, but once the novelty wears off, this game may not see much play time. Nintendo’s Wii Music was a good idea that wasn’t fully realized, and for seasoned gamers, Guitar Hero or Rock Band are more apt to entertain than this simplistic rhythm game.
 

Pros:

• A great game for multiplayer purposes- makes for great play dates or family time.
• Large and fantastic selection of instruments and music for people of all ages

Cons:

• May become monotonous for gamers who are used to other rhythm games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero
• Without any high scores to beat, it may make certain players feel that they don't incentive to play for very long.

Our Rating:

B+

more information:

For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Wii Music