WiiMusic
© 2008 Nintendo of America
Like paint-by-numbers for music, this simulation (for one to four players) requires a Wii Remote, Nunchuk, and Wii Balance Board to play a wide range of instruments to the beat of a song or by improvising. The faster you play, the faster the song moves. Our testers had mixed feelings about the experience; perhaps because they were expecting more of a game element. There's no arguing that Wii music is both immersive and innovative -- it is a title that every game designer should spend some time with. But it has a "one trick pony" element to it which is important to consider before investing $50. Unlike the many other music sims being released this fall, WiiMusic has a LOT of instruments and music styles (compared with titles like Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero, which seem to focus on the rock genre). Content includes the ability to choose between 60 instruments using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers (both are required). To strum a guitar for example, you make a strumming motion; each stroke is directly mapped to a musician avatar on the screen, that you design. You can also use your Mii. There's a collection of instruments for each motion: guitar, banjo and sitar; or you can drum to play jazz, congas, and marching drums. A hammering motion is used for the piano, vibraphone or marimba; or to play in a handbell choir. If you have a Wii Balance Board accessory and you want to play drums, you use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers as drumsticks, and use your feet on the Wii Balance Board to operate virtual pedals for the bass drum and hi-hat cymbal. Connected features let you send recordings to other players, as long as they also have a copy of the game and also use the WiiConnect24 service. In addition, there is a tone quiz. The bottom line? This is an amazing new title that breaks new boundaries in game design, but it may be better to borrow than to buy, unless you're a game designer or interested in using it for introducing children to musical concepts.
$50, Wii
Teaches: music, rhythm, gross motor coordination, music, timing, ear training, music appreciation
CTR Rating: 92%