Before you can play any of the uDraw games, you obviously need the tablet. The tablet itself is slightly ‘chunky’ and robust compared to other peripheral devices out there. This is due to the Wii-mote actually slotting into the left side of the tablet, therefore providing an interface for the options the games offer. The main function however is the pen-like stylus and touch pad that allows the player to draw anything their heart desires. The stylus has a pressure-point tip and a side button, giving users the feeling and control of a real pen or pencil.

The tablet introduces a type of interation similar to what DS users may have already experienced. It allows for casual gamers to be introduced to more creation-based titles, as the stylus and drawing mechanic will immediately be familiar. The tablet does provide some really great opportunities for innovative game design, but for the meantime, we only have a few to judge from.

The Games

uDraw Studio comes bundled with the tablet and serves as a starting point for the functionality of THQ’s new peripheral. The game allows players to create what they want on an empty canvas, colour in existing images and show off their masterpieces in their very own gallery. Not much was to expect from this title, and one shouldn’t. It’s a stock standard entry level experience which is basically a very flat tech demo for the device. It’s undoubtedly marketed towards a younger audience, however the controls do become complicated, and a simple task such as changing pen colours becomes a chore. On the good side, the tablet and stylus work very well – it’s accurate, responsive and ‘feels’ like a real drawing tool.

Pink unicorns are rad

Another title is Dood’s Adventure. We haven’t had a chance to try this title out, but it fits the mould of what is more appealing regarding this technology. Similar to something like Drawn to Life, players can create their own hero (or heroine) using the draw tool, and then embark on a 2D based adventure, where players have to ‘pencil-in’ objects to help their character through 60 levels; and from the accuracy of the tablet, it looks promising.

So in closing the uDraw Tablet is experiencing that typical ‘early peripheral release stage’. The device itself, while simple, is promising with it’s ability and technology, the problem is that there are no real titles to sell the device. At the end of the day, it’s all going to come down to the games, and with Nintendo seeming to be moving onto bigger things as of late, the uDraw Tablet’s future looks sketchy despite it’s promise.

Pros

• Awesome for drawing-crazed kids
• Tablet is robust
• Potential for innovative titles

Cons

• No game library just yet
• Surface needed for proper use
• Some controls complicated for age group

*Reflects peripheral and game bundle

Instead of running the game’s plot alongside the film, the story takes a diversion and follows the many exploits of Rango’s tales. As Rango begins telling the townsfolk of Dirt about his former adventures, the player jumps into those moments and plays out a variety of scenarios from riding a roadrunner to having a shootout on a train. The story of Rango is an interesting one, although the game’s plot is a little thin. Its saving grace however is a very funny narrative and the humorous manner in which it’s told is worth checking out.

Rango could be classified as somewhat of a 3D platformer, however it features on-rail shooting segments which make it stand out from the crowd. Most levels will require your stock-standard jumping, running and climbing, however throughout these levels Rango will encounter enemies, which shifts the format to a gallery shooter. Rango can pop out of cover using the Z button and fire at enemies by pointing and using the Wii-mote. A shake of the nunchuck also reloads Rango’s trusty six-shooter, which is a nice touch of immersion.

The gameplay is actually very impressive given the reputation of movie tie-ins. The controls are solid and a variety of levels and gameplay mechanics are combined to create a really versatile title.

Not only does it play well, but Rango looks really good on the Wii as everything from the character models to the level design have a very unique look to them. The cut-scenes stand out as highlights in the visual department, and the camera works excellently to give players the right angle for a jump or shoot-out.

Movie games are usually bad, but thankfully Rango is showing that any mould can be broken. An interesting premise, great controls and fun visuals makes Rango something worth checking out.

Pros

• Gameplay variety
• Funny script

Cons

• Shooting segments are only ‘on-rails’
• Short levels

In recent years, no one has been slapped around more than our favourite anthromorphic hedgehog Sonic. His recent games have been scrutinized by critics and fans over and over again, however there’s no denying that Sonic still has the charm and potential that everyone’s after.

Sonic Colors is the new iteration to put Sonic to the test, but does can this Wii exclusive keep up with the competition?

Sonic Colors plays out like many other 2.5D platformers these days, as the tried and tested side-scrolling formula is mixed up with 3D backgrounds and perspective changes. The difference with Sonic is that it’s fast, real fast. This is probably the fastest Sonic game since his hay days on the Sega Megadrive. The pure pace of the game, along with intricate platforming allows Sonic Colors to be the intense and challenging Sonic experience that you’ve been longing for.

While Sonic has returned to the fundamentals of his origins (in some respect) there are also new gameplay additions which mix-up the play style. Sonic can acquire different power-ups in the form of small multi-coloured aliens. These colours can give Sonic the ability to drill through the ground, transform into a laser, change into a giant spiky pink ball, and a number of other things. The power-ups really do add a new depth to the game, and open up a variety of new ways to play the levels.

Sonic Colors is also an incredibly good looking game on the Wii. Like the name entails, levels are brightly coloured and extremely vivid, while Sonic himself looks and moves better than ever. This is definitely a visual style both SEGA and the Wii should be proud of.

Sonic Colors isn’t without its small flaws, but it’s one of the best Sonic games to be released in recent years. Everything players want such as the speed, visuals and solid platforming is there, while the new color power-ups add a new dimension to the experience.

Pros

• Sonic’s fast pace is back
• Beautiful visuals and backgrounds
• Color power-ups
• Sonic and Tails finally have decent voices once again

Cons

• Difficult at times
• Control issues

Donkey Kong and his simian primate friend Diddy Kong have flashed their faces across a few of Nintendo’s gaming platforms over the last few years, but something that has been lacking is a fully-blown platformer reminiscent of DK’s glory days.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is a true-to-form throwback to the prequel on the Nintendo 64, but does the big Kong’s latest adventure make us go bananas?

Ok, enough monkeying around. DK is pissed. All of Kong’s bananas have been stolen by his fellow jungle buddies while they were under a hypnotic curse by some mysterious Tiki men, and DK wants them back. It’s a simple enough premise with simple enough progression. Players are going to traverse through 2.5D levels to regather all of DK’s prized yellow fruit while dealing with some incredibly difficult platforming sections. Thankfully, the difficulty can be eased with sharp accuracy and timing, which is a welcomed challenge to the genre.

There are also boss battles at the end of each location which provide a great change of pace and variety. They mostly require players to learn a pattern and expose a weak point, but they are fun and exciting climaxes to end of sections.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is also one of the best looking games on the Wii, thanks to incredible animations and vividly coloured characters and backgrounds. There are even some very unique visual twists and some very funny cut scenes and moments in the game that make it memorable.

Donkey Kong Country Returns is definitely not as easy as it looks, however if you’ve got the time and patience and you’re a fan of the big ape, you’re in for one of the best games to hit Nintendo’s little console.

Pros

• Gorgeous visuals
• Music, environments and world will tear up DK fans
• Co-op support

Cons

• Difficulty spikes
• Motion controls feel tacked-on

The biggest difference between annual releases, such as the Tiger Woods series, is undoubtedly the new features. This time around, the most notable addition is the integration of a first-person camera system. Now this isn’t just an aesthetic touch-up, as it also affects the gameplay. Players are given a top-down perspective over the ball as if you were on the course itself. The responsiveness also has been beefed-up as players can clearly see the tilt and fade of the club as they rotate the Wii-mote.  Overall, the new first-person mechanic adds a lot to the game and immerses the player like never before. We’re just wondering why it hasn’t been done sooner.

In terms of game modes, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 now finally features the Ryder Cup, allowing players to take their patriotism to the virtual course in order to represent the United States or Europe. The Ryder Cup can also be taken online, allowing 24 players to rack up points for their respective countries.  It shows that the community element of Tiger Woods has definitely been given some attention, and all competitive players are going to start enjoying the series a whole lot more.

Some smaller tweaks also make a welcomed and appreciated appearance in the game, as the crowds, commentary and atmosphere when playing has been jazzed-up, creating the feel and mood of big golf tournaments for the player. As for the visual elements of the game, not too much has changed, although some new animations, golfers and courses keep the entire experience looking fresh(er).

Tiger Woods PGA tour 11 contains a lot of elements which leave the title feeling awfully familiar and may not warrant a full price purchase for fans still satisfied with PGA 10. However, the new first-person perspective, along with the new golfers and tournaments may just lure in long-time fans.

When it comes to the story of Mario games in general, it can be said that if you’ve played one, you’ve played them all. Galaxy 2 surprises us as Mario is on route to visit the beloved peach when she is kidnapped by Bowser. As unexpected as this kidnapping is, Mario has to set out to save his precious princess and defeat his arch enemy. By teaming up with the ever cute Lumas, you will have to explore a number of worlds and galaxies in search of Peach.

In typical Mario fashion, Galaxy 2 delivers all the fun gameplay we’ve come to expect from the first one, and then it steps it up a couple of notches. The game begins in the typical side scrolling fashion but then it reverts back to its 3D adventure platforming form. Once again you will have to visit galaxies and worlds in order to find power stars. Thanks to a new system of navigating worlds or galaxies, moving from galaxy to galaxy is a much easier process. From your new starship (which is a giant Mario face), you can interact with a number of characters as well as jump into your navigation system.

What would Mario be without his power ups? Galaxy 2 has all your favourite power ups from the first and also adds a couple of new ones such as ‘Cloud Mario’ and ‘Drill Mario’. You will also be able to receive help from your trusty man/lizard/thing servant Yoshi which is a great new addition to the game. The gameplay in Galaxy 2 is faster, crazier, and even more fun than the first Galaxy.

The visuals of Galaxy 2 are not worlds apart from its predecessor, but there’s definitely an improvement to be seen. The level design has taken a step up and all the new galaxies make you feel like you’ve been slipped an even stronger drug. There is lots of variety to be found in all the galaxies, with levels ranging from water, to jungle, to lava levels and pretty much anything you could imagine. The detailing is great and the visuals are so uniquely stylized which adds to this superb gaming experience.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 has managed to take a great game and make it even greater. It steps in as a welcomed change from the usual gaming experience. Its all about bringing the fun and enjoyment into gaming without the serious undertone. Plus it can also make you feel intoxicated as you run, swim, fly, and jump around the crazy looking levels. Definitely up there with the stars.

While South Africans are more accustomed to the rules of rugby union, rugby league is extremely popular down under and across parts of Europe, and it’s definitely worth getting familiar with. To discuss the rules may slightly vear from the review, but the basic rundown is that there are only 13 players on the field, and you have 5 tackles to make something happen, with all the other features of rugby thrown in here and there.

Ok, to the game. Rugby League 3′s gameplay is an incredible step-up from it’s predecessors. The overall feel and control of the game has been tightened up in just the right places, to allow for a more realistic, yet fluid game. Passing feels more precise and diverse, while the running aspects, such as sidesteps, fends and dummies, are much more organic which cut the game free of pre-canned animations and dull physics. The game also features a wealth of competitions, ranging from the NRL, Superleague, Toyota Cup and a deep and immersive Franchise mode, where you’ll take your team and manage them through seasons, injuries, training and transfers.

Tactically, Rugby League 3 requires some attention in order to score some crowd pleasing trys and defend some dangerous line breaks. Teams will have playmakers, defending specialists, kickers and flyers (wingers) and players will need to utilise their team accordingly in order to get an edge on the competition. The game also features on-the-fly defence and attack patterns, whereby with the touch of a button you can call your fullback to join the line, initiate some cover defence or just boost the aggressiveness of the tackles. This all adds a refreshing aspect to the often one-dimensional attacking schemes we’ve seen in previous rugby games.

Rugby League 3 features three different control schemes: the wiimote alone (held horizontally), the wiimote and nunchuck, and the GameCube controller. Our advise would be to try and pick up a GameCube controller as it is by far the most superior and responsive control scheme, and although we appreciate the pysical aspect Sidhe included with the motion controls, the GameCube controller just fits best.

Now, it’s not the best looking game out there, but RL3′s visuals are quite impressive for the Wii. The player detail, animations and the overall look is great, and it’s excellently highlighted through some great cameras, post-try cutscenes and awesome menu layout. Just try not look at the crowd up close.

The entire rugby community has been dying for a new sports title and Rugby League 3 does not dissapoint. Don’t be intimidated by the different rules, and if you’re already a fan, you’ll love the game. Rugby League 3 is by far the best in the series, and with improved gameplay, features and visuals, RL 3 is definately taking a step in the right direction.

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This is a game that offers a lot of variety in terms of game modes. The single player missions are bursting with different events including drifting, knockout races, and challenges where the player will have to dodge pots, shoot specific targets with different powerups, engage in some battle arena’s, take on some normal race events, try out some jump races and a whole lot more.

Built with the same engine as SEGA’s Outrun 2’s, the engine allows the game to shout with exuberance as it pushes the visuals, character animations and the overall playability. As an example, in order to be successful in races, the player will need to use cornering techniques of either drifting through corners or cautiously slowing down. It adds some depth to the racing and makes it a lot more fun to master.

There are a selection of power-ups, however they are a little disappointing.  There are only about seven different power-ups, and it would’ve been great to see a larger variety. Although, the different game modes and unique level designs allows for enough diversity, that the lack in power-ups is forgotten.

Whenever Sonic is around, you can always count to get an appearance from his faithful companions, Tails and Knuckles. Not only has he brought his loyal sidekicks, but the rest of his SEGA family as well. By completing missions the player will earn SEGA miles to purchase characters such as Dr. Eggman, B.D Joe from Crazy Taxi, Shadow, Amy and many more. They’ve thrown in all the characters you’d expect, plus a whole bunch more you wouldn’t, which makes the variety of characters very interesting.

To put simply, the visuals are stunning. There is absolutely zero room for improvement in the level design, as you race around defying gravity on the most colorful and vibrant of imaginative tracks. They represent what fans have come to expect from Sonic and SEGA games. The characters and their accompanying vehicles are extremely detailed which allows for the game’s visuals to flow and complement each other perfectly.

The sounds are excellent, with one exception – irritating commentary. Then again, what would a game be without commentary that isn’t slightly irritating after clocking in a couple hours and hearing it over and over again.

Kart racers are built for multiplayer fun. SASASR has redefined what this means and more. The game has four player split screen for local, and eight players online. The players can either race against each other or play a versus mode in a battle arena.

Sonic and SEGA all star racers offers so much more from a kart racer perspective. It’s fast paced, beautifully designed, carrying addictive multiplayer and the single player missions are giving it the gas to take poll position.

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Nitro boasts a Career mode which allows players to compete in events from a number of different exotic locales from around the world. Game modes such as Team Races, Elimination and Drift events are available, and completing these races unlocks new tracks and cars. Unfortunately, there aren’t too many cars to unlock, but all the favourites and big names are there such as the Ford GT and latest Lamborghinis.

Nitro is officially the first NFS title designed specifically for the Wii, and the controls and gameplay definitely highlight this. The racing is directed towards a more arcade feel with quick speeds, long drifting turns and nitro at your disposal. The Wii-mote works well as a control option, as the Wii-mote controls accelerating, and a tap of the B button will throw your car into a drift while using the nun-chuck for handling. Nitro (which is gained by drifting and drafting behind opponents) is also activated by shaking the Wii-mote, which adds an incredible sense of speed and frantic pace to the game.

The inclusion of police in the races is a big plus for Nitro. Cops will chase you down during races and try stop you from finishing, with traps, roadblocks and other preventative maneuvers. The longer they chase you, the more pressure they put on you, so it all adds to the excitement and intensity of the race.

Nitro is a very good looking game, not just for a Wii title, but in general. The colours are vivid, levels are fantastic and the awesomely disproportionate cars look amazing. There is some definite charm to Nitro, and some nice little touches, such as the “Own It” mechanic, which causes the leading player’s vinyl to be painted and strewn across the buildings and surroundings as they race to victory, this adds some style and visually unique elements to the game.

Need for Speed: Nitro is a phenomenally good racing game. It’s has all the bells and whistles that make great arcade racing fun, and it’s highlighted even more by being on the Wii. It could’ve benefited from a few more tracks, but Nitro is a title that should be taken notice of, otherwise it’ll speed right past you.

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Just by looking at the title, you’re instantly informed that this is no ordinary racing game. F1 2009 is a fully licensed title so one can expect to see all their favourite F1 drivers as well as the drivers that they loath. You will also have the pleasure of racing globally as you jump from each F1 track location to the next; something of a dream come true for that little kid inside you that wanted to be an F1 driver.

When it comes to game modes and to the track, F1 2009 means some serious business. There are a variety of game modes which range from time trials, practice laps, quick race, Grand Prix weekend and the Formula 1 Championship. In the Championship, players must choose a driver and set out to become number one as they participate in every race in the F1. This game mode carries much depth as you can go through all the motions of these events. This includes; Saturday practice and all three qualifying sessions which lead up to the big race. F1 2009 is no half-hearted racing game.

Once you’ve picked your driver and a race mode, you’ll be ready to experience the depth that is found within the gameplay. F1 2009 boasts a number of different racing settings which cater for the noobiest of noobs and the most hardcore veterans. F1 2009 offers a great experience with its racing sim characteristic which gives you the true feeling of driving an F1 car. To add to the fun, the gameplay gives off the feeling of high speed so trust us, going down the straight at 280km/h with a sharp right coming up will bring loads of excitement. The racing is very solid and rewarding. To add to the realism, drivers can also opt for dynamic weather conditions, part malfunction, tire wear and fuel depletion all in the spirit of true Formula 1.

Graphically, F1 2009 may well be one the better looking Wii titles and while it may not look ‘amazing’ to the little graphic snob inside of you, it is still a very solid looking title. Yes there are a few textures that may seem lacking but overall it does not detract from the greater experience.

With a number of different control schemes to choose from, players are sure to find one which they’re comfortable with. F1 2009 supports the nunchuk , classic controller and the Wii mote for motion control. The steering wheel peripheral that comes in box is a nice touch as well.

When the chips are down and there is nothing but you and the track, F1 2009 is a great racing title for the Wii. It has a vast number of game modes, stellar gameplay and it supports split screen. This is important in racing titles today as nothing is better than beating a mate. It offers the player a great and fun-filled experience.

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