I decided to start a bi-weekly write up about games for the Wii featuring two games- one worth checking out and the other that should be avoided. In addition, I’ll try to pick the games based on a theme since some games are great in one aspect but lacking in another. This edition will feature multiplayer games that can accommodate at least three players found on the Virtual Console.

Great Grand Prix

If you need a game that can entertain up to four people and you want to do it for around $10, I strongly recommend Mario Kart 64. This game provides three race options in a two player mode and two options in the three or four player modes. Since the focus of this blog is on games for three or more I’ll focus on that mode.

Playing with three or four players in Mario Kart 64 gives you the option of a versus mode or a battle mode. In the versus option, each player chooses a character to compete as in a race to the finish. Remember, size and individual characteristics of the character will affect how they perform. For example, Toad is light so his steering and acceleration are better than the average racer, but it takes longer to attain his top speed. Not only will your characters attributes make a difference in your performance but obstacles and weapons on the course will aid or debilitate your pursuit of the finish line. From heat seeking shells to size altering lightening, there are plenty of weapons that will come your way after running over a transparent “?” box, just like to side scrolling Mario games (except these weapons/extras are much more varied and graphically cooler). Pick from sixteen race tracks, from a cruise in the country to racing through Bowser’s Castle. This mode will give you hours of entertainment.

If you and your guests get tired of racing you can try out the battle mode. Here choose from four battle arenas to duke it out until the end. Each player gets three balloons to represent how many more hits they can take. Every time you get hit, you lose one balloon (including driving into a pit). The goal is to be the last one standing, er… driving.

Bomb of a Multiplayer

If you’re looking for a multiplayer game that will provide an afternoon of enjoyment, Bomberman ‘93 is not recommended. Bomberman ‘93 really isn’t that bad of a game. However, the multiplayer mode, which can accommodate up to five players, will not provide hours of multiplayer enjoyment. The main problem is it gets boring for three or more people fairly quickly. Despite having multiple stages to choose from, and each stage having unique amenities such as conveyor belts and warps, the multiplayer mode will keep everyone entertained for a limited time.

It is a fun multiplayer game for the first few round, but unless everyone you are playing with is a Bomberman fan, don’t count on everyone wanting to play 30 rounds.

So if you’re looking for the safe bet I recommend Mario Kart 64 over Bomberman ‘93. However, if I am one of your guests either game would be fine for a six hour game shindig.

Rx by

Dr. M. CLK