Billiards -- This pool simulation stands out as the best of the bunch. Players simply aim their cue on the ball and then lunge back and forward with the Wii-mote to execute their shot. It feels like the real sport, but falls short with its lack of game types: no Cutthroat, no 8-ball, just the basic 9-ball game.
Fishing -- A shallow take on the real sport, Fishing requires players to yank cardboard fish out a small pond. Smaller fish zip around the pool, and catching one results in a point deduction. Fishing has its moments, but they soon become fleeting due to the inability of depth perception. Players will get confused trying to set up their poles in the water for the "big catch".
Charge! -- This cattle racing game proves to be the big oddball of the bunch, and also a huge draw. Players move their cow down an open track, jumping over fences and knocking down groups of scarecrows to earn bonus points. It controls like Excite Truck, with the player holding the Wii-mote sideways. Talk about power steering. Charge! provides many entertaining moments, especially for two players.
Tanks! -- Nintendo threw in this little homage to the old Atari 2600 favorite Combat. One or two players hop into miniature tanks and hit a few small battlefields, firing rapidly at enemy tanks. The game features two different control mechanisms -- one with the Wii remote, and one that allows use of the Nunchuk. Either way, players will delight in destroying tanks over several stages.
Wii Play's simplistic graphics and audio won't amaze anyone by only featuring colorful but sparse backgrounds and generic tunes. As far as replay value, players attempt to earn medals in single-player mode. However, this game relies on the statement "the more, the merrier." Competing for a high score in each event adds a great competitive angle, and two-player action fares extremely well for a few of these games.
Unfortunately, Wii Play can't escape its shortcomings. Even with the inclusion of a $40 remote, it ends up coming up short in a few areas. Some of the games simply run out of gas before they even reach the highway. The others, however, make the package worth a look. Gamers in need of another remote should buy the game. If not, stick to a rental.
Final Score: 6 (out of 10)
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