Wii Warm Up: Wii Music -- and everyone else
It's well-established that most average gamers don't seem to think too much of Wii Music, but what about all the casual and irregular gamers in your life? Do they even know about Wii Music, and if so, what do they think of it? Heard anyone asking for it, or know anyone who's gone out to buy it? Nintendo seems to think the title has a lot of potential in the home stretch, and we want to try to measure that by what you've heard and seen.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bowser the Baptist @ Nov 16th 2008 10:42AM
Wii Music has gotten a rough ride but if you look at the software as a tool for small children then I can definitely see some worth. I still see the game as a little silly, but it's a still whole lot more worthwhile than the Rock Band/Guitar Heroes of this world. At least this game allows you to express some semblance of creativity, while the latter two are nothing more than American Idol, superficial trash. If you own Rock Band, Guitar Hero, or a combination of the two, then you're a bad person.
soupisgood @ Nov 16th 2008 11:10AM
what! so your saying because i like rockband i am a bad person. i play drums , the none plastic ones. I like playing drums in rockband also. why am i a bad person.free style mode in rockband 2 is just the wii music drum set thing just better
warioswoods2 @ Nov 16th 2008 2:04PM
@soupisgood
Well, you probably still are a 'bad person' if, as I suspect, you made that comment without actually trying out Wii Music's drum mode. It might be that, even after trying both, you'd stick with the RB one, but from what I've seen of RB2, Wii Music has several advantages. First would be the great dynamic range - the WM drums allow anything from the lightest touch to a hard hit, while it seems to me from watching demonstrations that the RB2 drums are either completely touch-insensitive or only allow an almost imperceptible difference between a hard and soft hit. That makes a huge difference in a drumline, as I'm sure you'd understand. Also, in RB2 you basically pick a set and have 4 drums plus the pedal - in WM, you have control over an entire set - 2 pedals (bass & hi-hat), 4 toms, and two cymbals.
I'd say you don't know what you're talking about, but just bought in blindly to the idea that Wii Music is simplistic.
FreeAgent @ Nov 16th 2008 3:01PM
everybody i talk to just has a problem with paying 50 for this game. anyways...you are ridiculous for your "bad person" comment.
The Fatass of Kickassness @ Nov 16th 2008 9:15PM
I've been expressing creativity for the last week and a half in the GHWT studio.
AltCtrlPwn @ Nov 16th 2008 9:54PM
"I've been expressing creativity for the last week and a half in the GHWT studio."
If I wanted to express creativity, I'd pick up my electric/acoustic guitar.
When I just want to have some fun with friends/relatives, I pick up my plastic guitar.
therpham @ Nov 16th 2008 11:38AM
My mom told me she got it for my 17-year-old sister for Christmas. I'm not sure how much use it's going to get because between the influence from me and her boyfriend she leans much more toward traditional than casual.
bug frawg @ Nov 16th 2008 11:38AM
With wii music it's a bit hard to tell. It's misunderstand by the core and has a bit more depth than can be explored in a quick play session.
bug frawg @ Nov 16th 2008 11:40AM
*Misunderstood
Dustin @ Nov 16th 2008 12:09PM
My sister and I saw the commercial together. She likes Guitar Hero and Mario Kart but that's it.
She thought it looked cool. She looked at me with a smile like she wanted me to buy it. I told her that if we bought it then we'd only play it once or twice then never touch it again and she agreed.
It didn't take much persuasion.
Mr Khan @ Nov 16th 2008 12:12PM
I haven't seen the ads for it, i really don't know where people are looking
Sparky @ Nov 16th 2008 12:21PM
Would you consider Wii Fit a game or a tool? what about Brain Age? I think Wii Music is more of free form tool than an actual game. Include the lessons for instruments and arranging techniques and the comparisons with Rock Band/GH are just not appropriate. More appropriate would be along the line of Magix Music Maker for PS2 or other actual sequencer programs. I hope the Korg sequencer for DS would make it to the states or other useful programs/ non-games will be developed for Wii. It's the difference between reading history or writing your own. I'll buy a copy for my Dad. My 7 year old and I love it, No arguments, just fun. Besides, who can resist making your burly friends Mii do the tango to "Material Girl" or having Alvin and the Chipmunks sing "O' Xmas tree".
Luke @ Nov 16th 2008 12:38PM
They actually made this game i thought it was a joke
Adam @ Nov 16th 2008 1:13PM
To me, Wii Music is essentially a toy, not a game. Something you play with at your own pace. Actually, much like a real musical instrument. It works best in a group because then you can actually see people improvise in real-time based on what their friends are doing. There is no scoring system and no actual goal that must be reached, so it really can't be judged as a "game". Your songs can be analyzed and interpreted in various ways for their own artistic merit, but there's still no one right way of judging them. I really enjoy Wii Music and would like to see more songs and more lessons/customization of the balance board drum kit.
LordD @ Nov 16th 2008 1:20PM
Since I'm a musician and gamer I wanted to know what the fuss was about, so I tried it out - and I am really surprised. It's really not that bad, and much of the critisism I've heard just...isn't true! It is hard as hell to make some songs sound good, but at the same time there's a whole lot of potential to make cool arrangements pretty easily.
Then again, the game lacks in some areas - there should be more modern songs and - since that the whole point with the game - more possibillity to change the arrangements, like adding more rytminstruments and changing the parts around.
What is weird though, since this is seen as a super-casual game, is that my girlfriend didn't care to much about it. She loves mario kart, but this just didn't work - the lack of points and competition saw her bored after 10 minutes. So the coolness of this game was definately the single-player mode for me, there's some hidden depths there, if you engage in it!
warioswoods2 @ Nov 16th 2008 1:47PM
You are absolutely right, and, as I've said before, it is always those with formal music training who actually understand this game. But, more to the point, anyone who thinks this game is more appropriate for the 'casual' market is either misinformed or, pardon my severity, a complete and utter idiot.
GH and RB are the most casual of all casual games - I know from experience that anyone at a party will pick up those games and try to hit the notes as they scroll down the screen, and will enjoy it for a few minutes at a time. Wii Music, on the other hand, requires a developed musical ear in order to produce an arrangement that sounds even remotely interesting.
The problem for this game, as far as sales are concerned, is that it's stuck between two worlds, without a proper home in any demographic -- the adolescent and post-adolescent idiots who run around on blogs calling themselves gamers and decrying Nintendo's supposed abandonment of them will never understand Wii Music, but, at the same time, it is not at all appropriate for quick casual play.
I have to disagree, however, with your criticism of the song selection -- I was skeptical as well at first, but when forced to record several familiar and public domain songs before unlocking others, I came to realize that the whole point of the game is to take even the most familiar tune and try to rethink it. Shameless plug time: I'm moderately proud of how my recording of the Bridal Chorus turned out on day one after my purchase ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENUq9h-foLI ).
We need a friend code exchange for sharing Wii Music videos on this board.
LordD @ Nov 16th 2008 4:26PM
I do agree that playing the classics and kids-tunes are a whole lot of more fun then I had though initially, and it also makes a very cool point - classic opuses and childrens tunes alike are nothing more then good melodies, that can and should be (re)interpreted. But, as far as I am concerned, that point would get even clearer if they would throw in some more at least semi-modern tunes. I for one would love to rock out to some 70s hardrock tunes or make Kraftwerk songs with taiko drums and shamisen...
Andrew @ Nov 16th 2008 1:29PM
Wii Music can be great if you don't take it at face-value: "a game without or goals or much depth". And yes it's not a traditional game, but it is fun. Sure they could've added better songs, but it's definatly not as bad as reviewers like IGN made it sound.
On the Jam sessions mode you can take out all the instruments, then record each one yourself however you wish. I already do that with real instruments in my own compositions... so this is a great way to share some of that with friends who maybe aren't so musically inclined.
Daryl @ Nov 16th 2008 1:33PM
I am not one of these people who is going to yell "Nintendo abandoned me," as I understand that the goal is just to be more inclusive. Perhaps Nintendo underestimates the difference between a recently converted gamer and a casual gamer. Even new gamers want a challenge.
Perhaps they've listened to the propaganda spread about them by opposing brands and fanboys, and bought into the casual vs hardcore argument. I think it's better to ignore the argument. I've never played the game, so I don't want to sound too judgemental, but it just seems to me to be one case where I actually agree that Nintendo is going too far to dumb down the game and make it easy for a broad audience. Even recently converted gamers want a challenge. Ignore the hardcore vs casual thing and just make good games for all gamers!
warioswoods2 @ Nov 16th 2008 2:11PM
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, you're completely wrong. Wii Music is very difficult, it just doesn't present that difficulty in the form of a score, instead your music will either sound great or terrible based on your arrangement and touch. RB and GH are the ultimate casual games - anyone can hit buttons along with a scrolling score, and these games reduce music to being nothing but a button-based implementation of DDR. Creating a well balanced and arranged recording in Wii Music is a very difficult task -- check out the This Weeks' Wii Music Videos on the Nintendo channel on your Wii to see some great examples of what can be done, then actually try to make something half that good. It's damn hard.
Daryl @ Nov 16th 2008 3:32PM
I will give you this much. I thought wii fit would not offer much for a fitness enthusiast and distance runner like me, and I was wrong. So I could be wrong about wii music too. After all, I haven't played it. These are just my impressions, they aren't based on much.
lazymangaka @ Nov 16th 2008 2:23PM
It probably would've made a bigger casual splash if there'd been some sort of a pack-in to sweeten the deal. As it stands, not even the casual gamers in my life know or really care about Wii Music--they're all having too much fun with Guitar Hero nowadays.
sara @ Nov 16th 2008 3:20PM
i want to get wii music for christmas, so i pray to god that i get it lolz
muka @ Nov 16th 2008 3:37PM
it is good for small kids--way less annoying than toy pianos or xylophones. We bought it four our three-year-old's birthday and have been having fun with it since. I think that if I'd bought it for myself I'd be annoyed with the dorkiness of it, but it's something fun to do with her and I find myself continuing to play after she's lost interest.
and soupisgood is a bad person...
LordD @ Nov 16th 2008 5:48PM
That is one of the reason I got this game as well, to engage my 2-year old in some virtual musicianship. However, he didn't really respond to it - wich is strange since he loves to whip the wiimote around as well as pounding on real instruments...ah well, perhaps in a year... I, on the other hand, is starting to really enjoy it!
Oh, and someone mentioned friend codes: my code is 6403-3181-6833-0135 if anyone wants to exchange vids!
warioswoods2 @ Nov 16th 2008 6:36PM
@LordD
8378 9716 1696 8633
Gewurz Man got equipped with... Guitar Hero! @ Nov 16th 2008 5:33PM
Telling me I'm a bad person for owning Rock Band and/or Guitar Hero is NOT the way to convince me that Wii Music is something I rethink my stance on.
If I had kids, I'd get the game and play it with them, but that's not the case. Guitar Hero to me, is fun. Wii Music to someone else, is fun. End of story.
Now, on the other hand, if Nintendo wanted to boost sales of the game they would make it a mandatory purchase to access Club Nintendo for North America. Either that or the term Nintendo Revolution would have a different meaning.
LordD @ Nov 16th 2008 5:55PM
I agree that inital comment was clumsy - I own both GH3 and wii music, and they are both good games. Just completely different games.
+++volume+++ @ Nov 16th 2008 5:45PM
wii music = death of video games
Jay @ Nov 16th 2008 6:20PM
The price tag is only reason we haven't bought it. We'll wait for $30.
CPFace @ Nov 16th 2008 6:47PM
I completely agree with the sentiment that GH/RB is for casual play and Wii Music is much more involved. I put Rock Band in, pick up my guitar, and I'm playing. With Wii Music? First I want to come up with an idea that I want to implement -- an all-NES Horn version of Eine Klein Nachtmusik, a classical version of Daydream Believer, a rock version of Scarborough Fair -- and then I have to spend half an hour or more playing through all of the parts, trying to figure out how I want them to sound and then actually making them sound like that. The result is a lot more satisfying too -- I've got a couple remixes that I enjoy putting on as background music.
As far as the casual gamers in my life go? When I set up Rock Band, the whole family wanted in. When I popped in Wii Music, they wanted to bring Rock Band back out.
warioswoods2 @ Nov 16th 2008 9:10PM
If you're up for trading videos sometime, I'd be interested to see what you've come up with.
8378 9716 1696 8633
mrtee073 @ Nov 16th 2008 7:37PM
I've spent hours playing this game since it came out. Most of my time comes in tinkering with my performances. Trying to sound the best I can before I finalize the song. It's great to work and work with the parts and then have it all come together beautifully. I am an musician and I'm sure this helps with my overall enjoyment of this game. But that doesn't mean only musicians can enjoy it. Anyone who loves music can get much enjoyment out of Wii Music.
This is a game I will continue to come back to again and again. It's rewarding and enriching. It's a game and a learning experience all in one.
Stalin @ Nov 16th 2008 8:23PM
after reading some of the positive comments about wii music that have been posted here, it sounds a whole lot more interesting than what i had presumed.
Anti-Villian @ Nov 16th 2008 8:46PM
The question wasn't about whether or not Wii music is good it was whether or not people around you are interested in buying it, but of coarse this has turned into another debate.
My answer: If it wasn't for wiifanboy I wouldn't know what wii music was, like everyone else I know.
Tom @ Nov 16th 2008 9:45PM
My kids 8 and 4 like it alot. I think it is fun. Definitely something I pick up and play with on occasion.
bknight @ Nov 16th 2008 10:04PM
I think WII Music is just getting lost in RB and GH:WT hype machine
I never though it would sell great as people are not sure what that game actual is.
Maybe that should do a ad with Heidi Klum it worked for Guitar Hero.
ROb @ Nov 17th 2008 12:21AM
sign me up in the Wii Music Lovers category; i can't get enough of this game.
I honestly have to say that I think this game is just a bit too hard for the modern gamer. Like the others, I think it much more challenging to make an artistic thing than I do simply playing until I memorize a level.
I think about Wii Music constantly. I'm Not a musician (always wanted to be, but I'm not any good) and I love Wii Music because it lets me feel like I actually am.
ROb @ Nov 17th 2008 12:32AM
Oh, and
4504 2346 5856 4772
would way dig sharing.
warioswoods2 @ Nov 17th 2008 7:57AM
8378 9716 1696 8633
LordD @ Nov 17th 2008 1:23PM
I added you, mine is 6403-3181-6833-0135 . Will be cool to see someone elses vids!
ROb @ Nov 17th 2008 2:28PM
Sweet! I'll add both; maybe we can get a group project goin' on!
ROb @ Nov 18th 2008 1:29AM
you're both added
siro @ Nov 17th 2008 4:23AM
wariowoods2: I watched the video you made. Some original interpretation in there. Very nice, indeed.
Joost @ Nov 17th 2008 8:00AM
My 2 sons, 4 and 6 years old like the toy very much, the drums, the trumpet, everything is a joy for them to play with. They don't like any of the normal 2d or 3d games at all other kids their age like to play. With this, it's different, they can try all instruments, and be on stage without any pressure. Good game imho.
SoshiKitai @ Nov 17th 2008 1:09PM
Simply put... I just want a game where I can lay back and not even look at the screen.
...why? Because I like doing things with my hands while I'm resting (and "boooo" to you people who just thought of another meaning to that sentence)...
Wii Music sounds perfect for it. :P
bluedanube @ Nov 17th 2008 11:04PM
I can't believe how much fun I"m having with this game! The coolest part, though? Working hard on something, and then having your own song stuck in your head
Thta's what I want out of a music game
(check out a recent favorite here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KG0XNNDstk
)
ACtual Person @ Dec 12th 2008 1:44PM
This is probably one of the most creative games I have ever played. It comes the closest to playing a real solo on an instrument than any other music software I've played. Its pure fun. I was very excited to buy this and do NOT regret it a cent. I can see though how most gamers out there won't understand what this game is all about, so please don't ruin it for those of us who do. I come from a very musical background and was classically trained, and you can tell that many other great musicains put a lot of work into making this a great experience. My Wife who has been reluctant to pick up any musical instruments, was immediatly hooked. I would just like to thank anyone who was involved in making this game, its just genious!