Sunday, April 26, 2009

Wii on the Big Screen

Here is the link to my video of playing Wii in Crazy Chapel. Enjoy!


http://www.rexmunyonphotography.com/wiivideo-small.html

Please check out some of the other posts and comment on my blog!

Quantum of Solace

Here are some pictures from the new James Bond game, Quantum of Solace. This game blends first person shooter with an option for third person action.Enjoy!


Thursday, April 23, 2009

More Q and A...



Here are some more questions that people have had about the Nintendo Wii. First, responding to a specific question about a game...

Q: Does Quantum of Solace have a multiplayer mode or a battle mode?
A: Yes. There is a multiplayer mode on QoS. I haven't personally played this game but will some time in the near future. Here are the multiplayer modes:



Bond Versus: A lone Bond plays against six other members of 'The Organization'. Bond will win if he defuses 2 of the 3 bombs or eliminates every member of the organization. To make the game fairer, Bond has 2 lives, can see all enemies, and can use any weapon set (whereas the members of The Organization have only 3 basic options). The Organization wins if Bond dies twice or if he cannot defuse two bombs in the time limit.

Team Conflict: Basic Deathmatch of MI6 versus the 'Organization'.

Golden Gun: This is a standard free-for-all conflict, which the main aim is to score 100 points. One point is scored for a kill with normal weapons or for picking up the Golden Gun, while kills while holding the Golden Gun (or killing the person with it) scores 6. When holding the Golden Gun the user will appear invisible or blue depending on which team the player is on. The winner is the first to score 100 points, or the highest amount in the allotted time limit.

Bond Evasion: There are four teams, MI6, SAS, Rebels and The Organization. One player of MI6 is randomly designated as 007, and therefore the VIP. MI6 wins the round if 007 can get to the escape point, or if all of the Organization are eliminated. The Organization wins if 007 is prevented from escaping in the time limit, or if 007 dies. Rebels also appear on the map as snipers which are randomly placed in sniping positions. The Organization take control of helicopters and are assigned the task of killing Bond.

Territory Control: Basic match of one team having to control a point to gain points for their team.

Q: Which is better for the Wiimote- regular batteries or rechargeble?
A: I really don't think it matters. I would recomend a good set or two of rechargebles and just switch them out when the other batteries die. Here is a picture of the Nyko recharger stand. It costs about $25.00. (Walmart.com)



Q: The Wii carrying cases are really small. Is there a better option for transporting the Wii?
A: Yes! I actually use a tool case with the tear out foam padding in the bottom. You can get one of these at just about any hardware store. I think Menards has them for $25.00 (ish).

Q: Can I learn to play an instrument by playing Wii Music, Rock Band, or Guitar Hero?
A: Sorry, thats a no. All of these games simulate playing really well, but they are not the real thing. You can learn about music and harmony stuff, but playing Rock Band doesn't make you a rockstar. If you really want to learn, then play a real instrument.

If your question has not been asked, post a comment and I will try to help you!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Question time!

Here are a few questions that I have heard in relation to the Wii and what my answer is to them:

Q: What type of memory storage does the Wii use?
A: The Wii has both internal and external storage. If you download a game from the Wii Shop channel it usually gets saved on the internal storage. Yes, the Wii only has 512 MB of internal memory, but you can also get a 2GB SD (secure digital) card for the Wii. This should be enough storage for most gamers.


Q: I still have Gamecube games. What about the memory card?
A: On the top of the Wii, there are two "flaps" that open. One is for the Gamecube controllers to plug into and the other is for the Gamecube Memory card. You can't transfer data between the systems though.

Q: I play a lot and sometimes my hands start hurting. What should I do?
A: Take a break! They put a new function on the Wii called.....Save. Ok, so its not really new. Having your hands cramp happens. My suggested time is that for every 45 min.-1 hr. take a 10-15 min. break, get some food,water, and rest for a minute. The next level will still be there.

Q: Is the Wii Fit really worth it?
A: Yes!!!! It is really cool. You are not only limited to the Wii Fit game, but can also use the board for Wii Music, some snowboarding games and some other party games. Oh, and you can get in shape at the same time.

Q: What is a good 1st person shooter for the Wii?
A: Here are a few: Metroid Prime 3, any of the Medal of Honor games, Quantum of Solace (even though its story mode is really short). Some of these games also have multiplayer modes as well which is always a lot of fun.

Have a question on the Wii? Post a comment with your question and I'll answer it. Bye all!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Force Unleashed

Here is a slide show from one of my favorite games, Star Wars: Force Unleashed. Enjoy!


Thursday, April 2, 2009

Wii in Chapel?

What does the Nintendo Wii and 900 screaming college kids have in common?

Total insanity.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to take my Wii in for Crazy Chapel at MBBC. Initially, I wasn’t sure what the reaction would be from the student body. Will they like it, will they not, will they think this is dumb? I didn’t know. But I was willing to see.

Chip Herbert, the student body president, talked to me about the idea and I thought it sounded really cool. The only question I had was, Can we hook the Wii up in the gym? To solve this problem, I went to an expert.

Rex Munyon, head of Media Services at MBBC, was able to answer all my questions. The best part was we had to do a little testing before the actual “performance.” So we took the Wii in one night and played for a few hours. It was awesome. The “test” went great. (I bowled a strike from the lobby in the gym on Wii Sports. Yeah wireless sensor bar.) Roughly a week later the real “test” would come.

Crazy Chapel started off really well. Needless to say, I was really nervous about how Mario Kart on the big screen would go over. Just then Dr. Phelps announces, “We need some gamers! Calling all gamers!” We got the “best” from all classes and they were off. The freshmen racing as Princess Peach, Sophomores as Yoshi, Juniors as Mario, and Seniors as Waluigi.

It was an extremely close race. When one class was in the lead that class “rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” I couldn’t say which was higher: the excitement, the competition, or the noise level. It was SWEET! When it was all over, the freshmen class had won by a narrow margin. Overall though, having the Wii in Crazy Chapel went great and was a ton of fun.

(I am hoping to have a video of that portion of Crazy Chapel on here sometime soon. So stay tuned!)

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Basics of Wii

Here are some of the basics of the Nintendo Wii and some of the accessories available to purchase.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Wii movie

Here is a Jing movie that I made to show everyone just what some of the links on my site do. Enjoy!


http://www.screencast.com/t/df2Ux87pjas

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Police use Wii

Hi all! I found this online and thought people would enjoy it. The link below goes to a brief article on how the police in Japan used the Mii feature to look for a hit-and-run suspect. Don't believe mii? Check it out.

http://i.gizmodo.com/5145727/japanese-police-use-mii-avatar-wanted-poster-to-hunt-down-hit-and-run-suspect

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Ode to a Wii

Hi all! Since my blog is about the Nintendo Wii, I figure I'll share the poem my dad wrote about my first experience trying to get a Wii. But first, some background info.


When: 5:30 A.M. (on a Sunday, no less)
Where: Wal-Mart in Watertown
Why: To get a Wii!!!! (first attempt)
How many Wiis: 17
How many people got them: 17
Number wii were in line: 19 (extreme sadness)

Anyway, here is the poem- "Ode to a Wii" by Rex Munyon

Wii set our alarms, early to rise,
Wii could barely sleep, at 4 opened our eyes,
But forced ourselves back to sleep
Surely til 6 the Wii would keep.
Wii were headed out to Wal-Mart,
A Wii apiece wii wanted in our cart.
Seventeen Wii wii knew were in the store
Fifteen other buyers, wii hoped there were no more.
Alas the pain, the agony, the bitter despair,
Seventeen buyers were already there.
Wii should have got up at 4
And headed to the store
And wii might have gotten there before
The Wii were no more.

The End.

The moral of the story is, "You may not have a Wii, but you can always go to McDonalds for breakfast." Some lesson. (and yes, if you are wondering, I do have a Wii now-but that's another story.)

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Indiana Jones x2

I found these pictures online and thought that this was interesting.

Picture 1-



This picture is obviously from Indiana Jones when he gets the idol and is then chased by the boulder. The next picture is from the game, Indiana Jones Lego.

Picture 2-











I think they look a lot alike. What's your opinion?

Wii Characters

Here are pictures of characters/scenes from some Wii games. Click the caption button to see the name of the game. Enjoy!

a Wii little interview....

Hi all you Wii users out there! This post is a little different than the others. The assignment was to interview someone. Who better than brand new Wii owners?

I interviewed the Roths, asking them questions about the Wii and relating topics. Mr. Roth works in financial aid at MBBC and Mrs. Roth works in the registrars office. Here are the first thoughts of new Wii users:

Q: How long have you had the Wii?
A: About 2 weeks, Wii got it on February 11.

Q: Why did you get a Wii?
A: (Mr. Roth) My brother has one and Wii enjoyed playing his. (Mrs. Roth) Another reason Wii got it was for the Wii fit. It came in the package.

Q: Package?
A: Wii bought the Wii off Ebay. It came with the Wii, Wii fit, and Wii play. They threw in a second nunchuck too.

Q: How are you planning on using the Wii?
A: (Mrs. Roth) Well, I've been using the Wii fit for physical fittness. Wii also plan on using it when are adopted students come over.

Q: Do you have any other games?
A: No. Just Wii sports, Wii play, and Wii fit for right now.

Q: Are you planning on getting any other games?
A: Yes. (Mr. Roth) Some type of Nascar racing game. Wii will look into some others too

Q: What were your first impressions with the controls?
A: It takes some getting use too. Wii really liked it and enjoy playing the Wii. (Mr. Roth) I read the instructions while she tried it out.

Q: Have you had any problems with the Wii?
A: Not really. (Mrs. Roth) I have trouble finding the cursor sometime, but usually manage.

Q: Any other likes or dislikes about the Wii?
A: (Mr. Roth) I like the design. It's very compact, not obtrusive. The sensor bar seems a little flimsy, like it won't hold up. (Mrs. Roth) Once again, the cursor sometimes. The Wii is also very addicting. You play for a lot longer than you think you are.

Q: Last question, was the Wii a good addition to your home?
A: Yes. Wii have no regrets at all about gettint a Wii.

Well, there you have it. The testimonial of brand new Wii owners. Until next time!

Friday, February 13, 2009

All fun and games.....

Well, I need to add another game to the list of party games:

Star Wars: Force Unleashed- $49.99-With the Wii controls you can battle a friend using the force. Stick to the light side during two player battles or succumb to your inner dark side. This game also has an awesome single player mode. Battle rogue Jedi, rancors, and Imperial stormtroopers as Darth Vader's secret apprentice. One of the best games I own.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Party Games

One of the biggest questions concerning the Wii is, "What are some good party games for groups?" Here are 4 of the games I own geared toward bigger groups. I have listed the name of the game, the price I paid for it, and a brief review of the game:

Mario Party 8-$49.99-The latest installment in the Mario Party saga, this game combines the classic Mario Party with the Wii-mote’s range of capabilities. Whether you’re washing a chain chomp, pounding a nail, or shooting a suction cup gun you get to use the Wii-mote for all the “comic mischief” (in the rating) you can handle. New characters include Boo, Toad, Dry Bones, and Birdo. Good for 4 players, but not for a really BIG group.

Super Smash Brothers: Brawl-$49.99-This game is a Wii version of Super Smash Brothers: Melee. It involves many of the same characters (Mario, Luigi, Peach, Pikachu, Fox, Link) while also introducing some new ones (Lucario from Pokemon, Snake from Metal Gear Solid, and the ever popular Sonic the Hedgehog). The game-play is battle oriented and good for 4 players. This game is also compatible with the Nintendo Gamecube controller. Battle length is short enough to pass around the controller. Excellent for BIG groups!

Wii Sports-free with Wii- Who wouldn’t enjoy Wii Sports? The game comes with the Wii and is the BEST party game I own. All the sports include bowling, tennis, boxing, baseball, and golf. Games are short enough with bowling and tennis for parties. Golf is long due to the nature of the game. It’s golf-did you really expect more? Baseball and boxing are only for two players. Baseball is generally pretty good. Boxing, in my opinion, is the worst of the Wii sports. The fights are interesting due to the little bit of lag time between the Wii-mote and the sensor bar. Overall though, Wii sports is a really great game.

Mario Kart Wii-$49.99-Mario Kart will never be the same! Using the Wii-mote alone or combining it with the Nunchuck for more of a controller feel, any way you play it Mario Kart is awesome. There is a brand new variety to the tracks, each one with its own twists and turns (literally). Some tracks are brand new and some are taken from Gamecube, Nintendo DS, and even some of the earlier systems. Game-play is good for 4 players and is fast enough to include BIG groups.

A little history....

The Wii first came out in 2006 and was created by Shigeru Miyamoto, the same guy who brought us Mario and Donkey Kong. Using intelligent new design and giving new meaning to “wireless” controller, the Wii has sold over 44 million consoles worldwide. During creation, Nintendo codenamed the Wii project “Revolution.” But when the Wii was complete, the name “Revolution” wasn’t practical. So they called it Wii, because “Revolution as a name is not ideal; it's long, and in some cultures, it's hard to pronounce. So we wanted something that was short, to the point, easy to pronounce, and distinctive. That's how 'Wii,' as a console name, was created,” stated by Reggie Fils-Aime, President of Nintendo of America. In an interview with Satoru Iwata, CEO for Nintendo (in Japan), he stated, “The thing we're thinking about most is not portable systems, consoles, and so forth, but that we want to get new people playing games.” The Wii has definitely done just that.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

first one

Hi everyone! This blog is on the Nintendo Wii. I want to be able to help you or point you in the right direction to get the answers you need.