Wii has won the hearts of my family in every extent possible. Not only has it allowed me time to clean my house without being tugged to play a board game for the 100th time, it has also brought my husband and son closer, while creating new ways for my family to all enjoy our time together. There are endless amounts of Wii games, some good and some absolutely horrible and pointless. However, it seems that the best games are the ones that are fun and fitting for the whole family.
1. Mario Party 8.
Mario Party is made up of 6 board games and dozens of mini games where you jump rope, spray paint, race, pop balloons and much more! The perk of this game is that four people can play at once! Each player takes there turn by themselves on the game board, and then compete in a mini game all together.
2. Wii Fit & Nickelodeon Fit.
Of course, I have not been able to test the Nickelodeon Fit, but I do have high expectations for it! My family currently enjoys doing yoga on Wii Fit. My son gets a thrill out of seeing Mommy and Daddy attempt to twist and turn into awkward positions, and then show us how it is supposed to be done. It is a great way to spend time together while also getting exercise. I love this game because it eliminates the guilt of just sitting on your butt playing video games. Instead, you are off your butt, and practically on your head playing video games. Although Wii Fit can be fun for the whole family, my son is usually only up for the yoga. However, throw in The Backyardigans and Dora the Explorer and we will have a full fledged fitness party! Nickelodeon Fit is said to have over 30 games with your favorite Nick Jr. characters, including Dora, Diego. Kai-lan and the Backyardigans. The activities range from jumping rope to river rafting and everything in between. THIS is certainly on my Christmas list for my son!!
3. Super Mario Bros.
I mentioned before that Wii has sparked a deeper connection between my husband and son. This game is the connecting piece. My husband grew up playing Mario on Nintendo and he is a self proclaimed “expert.” Of course, I have not seen an old Nintendo box in a decade and am therefore lacking proof, but I’ve seen him on the Wii, and I am thinking he is not exaggerating. He is the king of Super Mario Bros. He and my son got to world 9 (the furthest) in less than 4 days. Getting to world 9 in Super Mario Bros. is just about the coolest thing a dad can do in the eyes of a four year old. My husband has become an overnight hero. Before Mario, I was the center of my four year old’s universe. But in walked Mario, and out went Momma. Although I was jealous for a bit, I have grown to like the moments I can spend alone with my new baby, while hearing my husband and son shrieking with joy and high-fiving in the next room.
4. Wii Sports.
When my husband and I first bought our Wii, we got a bundle of games that included Wii Sports. From there, we became ultimate bowlers and tennis players. And trust me when I say that being an expert at bowling on Wii does not make you an expert at bowling in real life. Boy, it most certainly does not. But, nonetheless, we rock at Wii bowling. When my son was old enough to try it out, he too became an expert at Wii bowling. And from there, it has only got better. We bowl, we play tennis, we laugh, we tease one another, we play baseball, we compete and we all together enjoy our time. Then, we go outside to try it in real life only to find it is not really the same (especially when you’re four years old and the hand-eye-coordination is still lacking). But, in the world of Wii Sports, we are unstoppable.
5. Mario Kart.
Mario Kart is a fun game to play by yourself, with a friend or with the family. You really cannot go wrong with this game. One thing I can say though is that it takes practice. Do not expect to pick up the Wii remote and immediately get 1st place. My son struggled with this game at first and did not seem to have the rationality to not jerk his remote back and forth. But eventually, he calmed down, centered himself and began to drive like a 16 year old who just got their license. He can do pretty well when he is focused, but is easily distracted off the road. I recommend playing the Coin Battle as a family. This eliminates the competitiveness by allowing each family member to be on the same team while collecting their coins. However you play the game, you will have fun and most likely get a little rowdy!
Honorable mentions: Family Game Night, Carnival Games and Rock Band.
Wii is a great way to have fun with the whole family. If you have not played any of these games, I highly recommend them.
