Not only is Wii Sports the best selling video game of all time, but it's still one of the best games available on the Wii. Much like the Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt compilation that was packaged with the NES, Wii Sports quickly found its way into our homes and hearts (whether you wanted it to or not). The game showcased the system's potential, but ultimately, it showed us why we purchased a Wii in the first place. So, knowing all this, what should we expect from its follow-up, Wii Sports Resort?
After nearly 2 years, the wait is finally over and I'm happy to say that Wii Sports Resort delivered.
Hit the jump for the full review!
Exactly how long did you and/or your family play Wii Sports? Myself, I must have played the game for 10 months before eventually selling off my Wii (it was for an engagement ring folks!), and honestly, even at that stage I wasn't sick of the game. Even though the game was a little shallow, its pick-up-and-play gameplay gave it a lasting appeal. Whether you had 5 or 45 minutes to kill, Wii Sports had something to offer you.
So, since the previous 5-sport compilation had such a lasting appeal (contrary to its ultra-simplicity), is Resort guaranteed to keep us fed for the next couple of years?
The first thing I noticed when I started playing Wii Sports Resort was the amount of sports included. I knew the number was bigger than 5, but I would've never guessed 12. However, the satisfying number of sport games comes with a hefty (for me anyways) price. Instead of including various practice and game modes for each sport, users are given various modes depending on the activity (i.e. bowling has 3 while wakeboarding has 1).
Honestly, I only have two solid complaints with Wii Sports Resort. My main concern is that not every activity utilizes the MotionPlus technology. Which is a little bothersome considering Resort was hyped by MotionPlus. Those that use MotionPlus, like frisbee golf, really showcase the new sensitivity and possiblities of the peripheral. However, the sports that fail to employ MotionPlus are still damn fun and should not be discredited.
My second complaint is the lack of online play. I can't imagine the magnitude of an online-enabled Wii Sports Resort. My friends and I would kill for the chance to play each other in 'folf' while sitting comfortably in our homes. It's amazing how Nintendo is dominating in hardware and software sales while being technologically behind the competition. 
To my surprise (... not!!), I found that Wii Sports Resort caters to casual gamers more than its predecessor. For example, when you play frisbee golf or bowling, you're given the 'manual or automatic' option. Users can use the B button in order to grab and release the frisbee or bowling ball, or they can choose the 'automatic' option where the CPU determines when the frisbee/ball is released.
All in all, Wii Sports Resort is an extremely entertaining game that builds upon the original's atmosphere and presentation. While I enjoyed every activity included (frisbee golf being #1), I eventually became depressed because I no longer have a Wii. I knew it would happen sooner or later, but Nintendo has officially forced me in to repurchasing a Wii (The Conduit was the initial push).
This is definitely a game that could reach out to and convert Wii-haters and disbelievers into Wii-lovers (giggle).
Oh, and like many specialists predict, this'll probably be the biggest selling game of the year.
PROS: Solid number of sports, manual & automatic option, frisbee golf, keeps the Wii Sports presentation and atmosphere
CONS: Not every game utilizes the MotionPlus tech, no online play, not many game modes for some sports.
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- Wii Sports Resort
- Score: 4.00/5.0
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- GamePro's Score: 4.00/5.0
