Six board games, stuck in a Nintendo.
And it just about holds together, albeit with a couple of problems…
I am always in two minds when a table top or board game shows up on a games console.
So we welcome EAs latest offering afterMonopoly,Hasbro Family Game Nighton Nintendo Wii.
Before I even kick off the case, lets get this straight it says FAMILY in the title.
Its hard on the eyes and just annoys me.
Developers, c’mon.
I do find myself wondering if Miis would have been better.
ASims-esque trophy room is included per profile, which will appeal to collect-em-up types and kids.
The game presents everything through the viewpoint of entering a gaming room, which is yours.
Load up a new profile and everything changes, so personalisation is good.
Until you switch these off, they constantly spring up if you dont act quickly enough within any game.
This is intended to help you if youre stuck, but in reality, they pop up too soon.
Essentially, its a six game package, but the choice element is strong.
In value terms, this represents well.
Now what about the meat of the games within?
Sliders is going to get first mention to get it out of the way, really.
All four pieces home means you win.
This is a real example of a game that is far better suited to real life.
Sliders in electronic form until a version appears with a power bar of some sort.
When youre playing Sorry!
Sliders or Sorry!, the game rotates the playboard around as each player takes their go.
If you feel wozzy, take a break.
is actually very well converted aside from the rotating board.
I noticed one difference from classic Sorry!
runs smoothly, without problems.
you’re free to practice against computer opponents first if youve never played before.
Get all four pieces home to win.
you must read the scrolling information on every card youre holding in your hand.
They do various things such as switching pieces with other players.
The only silly feature here is the Player two, look away now!
But never mind, its fun and worth a spin!
I found this to be fairly dull as half the fun of Yahtzee is actually rolling your own dice.
Even though the Wii edition allows you to shake and toss the dice, it isnt real.
One for the fans out there…
Now were through to the big two Connect Four and Boggle.
Firstly, Connect Four has two interesting new modes, advanced and power chips.
These are worth trying out, although personally I prefer the pure strategy of straight up classic Connect Four.
The sounds and graphics present it delightfully, and Id play this again.
In traditional Boggle, everyone plays in a timed round.
Letters must link either horizontally, diagonally or vertically.
Longest words are something like 8 characters long in a typical game.
If a word is allowed, its allowed.
This removes arguments about the validity of any word, or who it should go to.
Board games arent cheap these days and they also take up space.
Choice has got to be a good thing, and so for that.
if nothing else,Hasbro Family Game Nightis a worthy contender to the Christmas family get-together package.
Its fun, kid safe and worth a spin.
Just watch out for some frustrating underlay and design.
Rating:
3 out of 5
