This holiday I checked out a new Wii game based on the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. It features many of the same events that you’ll see in the Winter Games and you can choose your favorite Nintendo or Sega character to compete with or choose your favorite Mii character. It uses the Wii controller and the balance board (if you have one). This is definitely a party game. I played by myself first and though it was fun, it was lacking something. Later I played with two family members and that’s where the real fun begins. We were laughing our asses off at each other while figure skating. The characters are funny enough doing this but watching someone go from sitting to standing and flinging the Wii remote around to perform a spin is quite amusing. Be sure you have the straps on your Wii remote for this game because you’ll need it.

In the main menu you can choose from Winter Games or Party Games. I suggest you play some Winter Games first as the Party games don’t give you instructions on what to do. The Winter Games include popular sports like Skiing, Ski-jumping, Freestyle, Snowboarding, Speed Skating, Bobsled, Figure Skating, Hockey and Curling. Yes curling and believe it or not, curling turned out to be pretty fun. As you play you unlock Dream events, these are not “official” events but fun none the less. If you choose to play Festival mode (under Winter Games) you get to play through 16 days of Olympics, starting with the opening ceremonies (a much shorter version) to the closing ceremonies. Your goal is to be the overall winner.

The events seemed really long at times so quick games are not always an option. When you find yourself asking… when does this end?, that’s not a good sign. The instructions were not always clear on how to play an event. If you haven’t played it before, be sure to read the control instructions. Each event used a different set of controller functions. While the game is fun, it does lack the “just one more time” appeal.

Last, check out the shopping menu and spend some of the stars you earn. Paint and decals for your equipment or a fancy new winter suit for your Mii. Overall this game is a good one for the family and with the Winter Games starting soon, it’ll be fun. Oh and be sure you give the figure skating at least one try.

[A copy of this game was provided by the publisher for review purposes.]