When I acquired my Nintendo Wii console, I was looking forward to testing out an array of sports games. There are plenty of games within this category available, but the appeal is limiting. Although, there is a range of superb fitness games available. However, these are more exercise routines than actual games.
I enjoy trying out titles before electing to buy them, renting titles is a great way of doing this. However, there are surely people who decide to go out and buy some of the more popular titles. But many of the games are geared towards younger gamers.
After testing out a number of games in this category, I have only found Top Spin 4 worth buying. This is a game that I personally love that takes full advantage of the control system. But with many of the other sports video games it appears the control system is more of a hindrance.
One of the major problems seems to be that the control method isn't in use for the whole game. In Top Spin 4, the player must swing the Wii Remote on an almost constant basis, but this does not seem to be the case with many other games. In other cases, the player is able to play quite passively until a shot making opportunity arrives.
This can make things a little bit confusing because the control method is changing in gameplay. But I have been disappointed with many of the titles rented that I expected to be good. Having previously played similar titles on other systems, it is only natural to expect certain things. But in many cases, the game doesn't even compare to the PC version.
This also draws into question who the Wii are targeting with their titles. I have long-held the view that the console is not necessarily for serious gamers, but for families and those new to video games. Nevertheless, there are serious gamers that own a Wii due to the innovative control method. It would be nice if the console offered those people a better experience.
Personally, the disappointment with the titles has led me to view my Wii as more of a piece of fitness equipment. And I feel this is, perhaps, an area it truly excels in for everyone. But I hold out hope of finding more sports video games to my liking in the future.
James Kent is an all-round sports fan and a keen player of sports video games; he currently owns a Wii and enjoys playing the latest titles, follow him on Twitter and via Facebook.
