Wii Music

I was never really interested in Wii Music; I just couldn't see the point. You see, my gaming palette is defined by adventure - interactive titles spark my interest none. Yet despite this, I am hooked on Wii Music. My week has been occupied by late nights split between this and LittleBigPlanet and it's for the same reason; they're both wonderfully unique and highly engaging.

I don't mean to liken the genres of both these games, but instead clearly define the driving principle that makes them each so successful: their creativity. Much unlike Guitar Hero et al, Wii Music is about making music, not just having the fastest reaction time.

It seems that music simulation is all the craze right now - if the sales for Guitar Hero and Rock Band are anything to go by - and despite this Wii Music's official announcement was met with many snide remarks.

Sure enough, fanboys of the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will continue to sit on the internet posting comments about how lame Wii Music is, but it's their loss. Wii fanboys, however, will have something to keep them busy and happy for quite some time. Cammie Dunnaway promised smiles and you're guaranteed to crack some on Wii Music.

There are four instruments to master, and master them you should, as you may go in having a preference for the drums over the guitar, horns and violin and come away preferring the violin. Each, as you'd expect, has a unique way to be played using the Wii Controller. After feeling silly for a little while it's actually rather comfortable, but Wii veterans will be all too familiar with this concept.

Another thing the same people will be familiar with is how sometimes the Wii Controller just won't be as accurate as you'd hope. This is especially apparent in the three mini-games (Mii Maestro, Handbell Harmony and Pitch Perfect) where you'll accidentally hit the wrong note by the slightest margin.

Regardless of these minor control issues, Wii Music is easy to play and can be a very rich and rewarding experience.

Like most games of this nature, Wii Music works best when played with others. Call a few mates over, form a band and let the Quick Jam mode randomly assign you and friends instruments. There's also a Custom Jam mode where you choose the venue, music type and instruments to put on the concert of your dreams. When playing with others who are competent gamers this can get uncontrollably fun. And to top if off, you can record your numbers (approximately 30 will fit on the Wii) and even send them off to your friends via WiiConnect24. Yes, Nintendo do make games with online functionality.

If there's anything to frown about it's the limited selection of songs available. Sure enough, this can be remedied by expansions a la SingStar but I'm of the mind that the core title should be released with a bang, rather than a fizz. Still, it's nice to play along to classic Nintendo theme songs.

Wii Music is a novel and fun experience that will sweep away the hours while you're jamming with your buddies. Give it a chance and you're in for a good time.

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