RickInOz

Yes, that’s right. We have succumbed to temptation and got ourselves a Wii. As a result our lives are officially on hold whilst in the novelty phase.

For those who don’t know or understand what a Wii is, let me explain what makes this gaming console special. Most game machines promote sitting in dark rooms on the couch for hours on end trying to make Lara or some other pixelated character do the impossible, or blasting monsters. It’s a sure route to obesity and social isolation.

The Wii on the other hand encourages activity and all of the games involve some sort of physicality. The controllers are different from the standard variety in having G-sensors and gyros. This means they can tell the orientation and direction and speed of movement of the controller. So, for example, when playing tennis you have to actually play strokes as if you were playing tennis for real.

Now at this point the cynics will be asking: “Why not simply go out and play these games for real?”. The answer lies in the sheer variety of games on offer on the console against the cost of the equipment needed to play the games in the real world. And, of course, the cost of getting to a sports venue. Not to mention it doesn’t rain inside, so you can always play these games whatever the weather outside.

Then there is the social aspect as Wii parties have become common. You can take your Mii with you to your friends house and play on their machine against their characters with all of your settings and previous scores taken with you. Or why not invite a bunch of your mates around with their Miis on your machine.

Oh, and did I mention how much we paid for all of this? One of the local electrical retailers (who will remain nameless for fear of giving them free advertising) does price matching against any competitor. Through a combination of negotiation and haggling I managed to get pretty much that same package the chump I described in my previous posting bought. He paid $710 for used equipment with no warranty. My sweet-talking got the same package, brand new with warranty, for $600. Just goes to show you can get bargains if you know where to look.

Anyway gotta go – the Wii is calling!