I’d like to think I was a pretty fantastic snowboarder, but I know I'd be telling a lie. I was quite amazed I survived my previous holiday without braking my neck; I certainly whacked my head enough times. Despite this, I enjoy boarding, but most of all I love the tranquility of the slopes. "Wii Family Ski and Snowboard" really encapsulates the spirit of a boarding holiday for me.
I confess, as much as I liked the first Wii Family Ski game, I really didn’t play it as much as I wanted. I found peace in the relaxing atmosphere, and was impressed with the games use of the Balance Board, but the utter lack of any feeling of achievement disappointed me. I’d win a race, and nobody would care. I’d collect 32 ski goggles in a single run, and nobody would give a crap. Fortunately the latest version has rejuvenated my love for the (now) series.
The most obvious change in this release, is the addition of snowboarding. While playing with the balance board, the player orientates the device length ways towards the TV. Leaning forwards and back simulates the effect of leaning on the back and front edge of the snowboard, and results in a turn. Additionally, various buttons on the remote and nun-chuck allow you to perform other moves, such as edging, and short turns. Jumping is done by lifting your weight off the board, without allowing your feet to actually leave the board. Turning both the remote and nunchuck 90 degrees onto their sides, puts you into a tucked stance, and increases your speed. I was a little disappointed that this couldn’t also be done by shifting your weight forwards on the board. Overall the controls were good, with or without use of the balance board.
As an alternative to the normal on piste game, a new off piste mountain range has been added to the game. The game designers have really experimented, making some very satisfying natural landscapes. The texture of the snow has also been improved, with work done to simulate consistencies varying between powder and sheer ice. Visually the snow looks great, but sometimes you feel like the effect of such surfaces on the controls, has been reduced down to allow easier "family" play.
Character building is pretty good, with players being given the opportunity to use a pre existing Mii, or design a Family Ski avatar. You can use your new unlocked gear to perfect your look, which is pretty satisfying if you like that sort of thing.
Thankfully Namco Bandai have introduced some sense of an achievement system, by allowing players access to new ski gear and clothing as they complete sections of the game. I was pretty satisfied when I unlocked myself a penguin suit, for completing some of the off-piste challenges. This system could still do with some improvement, as the player has no clue what they need to do to unlock a specific achievement, and even when you do complete a task, you are unaware of your new items until you exit the game back to the main screen.
Overall I am pleased with them game, and suspect I will be playing it for a while. I feel a real desire to explore the pistes extensively, finding some of the hidden items, and unlocking content. I’d be excited to see yet another sequel, hopefully which introduces some more flexible controls, and a better achievement system.
Overall 7/10.
Hugh Gallagher is a techie and avid gamer who writes for the Nintendo Wii Game Console Blog.