Wii

I bought myself a Wii last week. I justify it by saying the grandchildren will enjoy playing with it, but it's no secret that it's really for me. I've always been into computer gaming, playing Nintendo alongside my own kids when they were younger, as well as a variety of computer games from the earliest pong and breakout games, to the immersion adventures like Myst or Uru. I acquired an XBOX shortly after the sixth generation game systems emerged. The XBOX died recently, and while I considered replacing it with the newer 360 model, I really got swayed to the Wii after playing on it. (though I haven't totally abandoned the idea of replacing the XBOX as well)

I love the interactive aspect of the Wii Sports. I think it's a great idea to at least get kids (and adults) up off the couch if they're going to be playing video games. However, it is important to heed the warnings about allowing adequate playing space when swinging tennis racquets, or throwing bowling balls. We've already had some minor collisions.



The Wii has some entertaining features in addition to the games you can play on it. One of these is the Mii editor. A Mii is an avatar that represents you as a player in some of the Wii games. With the Mii editor, you can create as many Miis as you want, and make them look like you, or like something outrageous. If your Wii is connected to the internet, you can participate in Mii creating contests.

Another entertaining Wii feature is the "Everybody votes" channel. Here you get to respond to various poll questions, and see how your response compares to responses from all over the country, or even the world.

But one of my favorite features is the ability to download classic Nintendo and arcade games, and play them on your Wii. Already I've downloaded Super Mario Bros, Donkey Kong, and Pac Man.

So here I am, with a 21st century, state of the art, 3D, $$$ videogame console, playing side scrollers from the 1980's. Go figure.