The public library is a pretty amazing place, especially since they even lend out video games these days. You might remember a few months ago when I reviewed four Nintendo Wii games that I borrowed from the library. They were Rabbids Go Home, Samba De Amigo, Punch-Out!! and Grand Slam Tennis. Some were better than others.
I have since made a couple more trips back to the library to take out some more video games for the Nintendo Wii. They may not be the newest games on the block, but you really can’t beat the price of free when it comes to the public library. I am paying my taxes, after all, and that’s what funds a public service like the library. If you’re looking for a good Wii deal, investigating some older titles that you may have missed is a great place to start.
Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party
Take Rabbids TV Party as an example. It was about $60 when it first came out, but you’ll have no problem finding it for about $20 brand new in many major retailers. Opt for used and you’ll find it for even less. Much like previous Rabbids games that feature an assortment of mini-games, Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party
Basically, the crazed rabbids find themselves trapped inside a television and the 65+ mini-games are themed around TV show parodies. You get involved in professional wrestling, high-speed racing, and even a Jerry Springer-esque talk show. Some of these games involve the Wii Balance Board too. Is TV Party particularly innovative? No, but it does provide for some good laughs.
The Price is Right
Come on down! You’re the next contestant on The Price is Right
It’s not. Yes, you get to participate in contestant’s row. Yes, you get to play pricing games, spin the wheel, and participate in the Showcase Showdown, but it just doesn’t feel the same. The Wii controls feel tacked on and while it may be funny to play some virtual Plinko, you’ll get bored of the video game very quickly.
Animal Crossing: City Folk
When I played the original Animal Crossing on the GameCube, I thought it was remarkably innovative. You take out a mortgage for a home, you interact with the townspeople, you earn money by fishing and collecting fruit, and — best of all — the game recognized the internal clock of the console. Play at night and the game took place at night. Play on Halloween and your neighbors would be in costume.
Animal Crossing: Wild World on the Nintendo DS did much the same, but it allowed us to go portable with our virtual lives. So, where does Animal Crossing: City Folk
If you’ve played the previous two iterations, you shouldn’t bother with City Folk. If you’re new to Animal Crossing, though, this can be a terribly addictive endeavor that’ll provide hours of engagement and enjoyment.
Tatsunoko vs. Capcom
I remember I was really excited to see a real fighting game on the Wii, as Nintendo’s consoles are largely ignored compared to the PlayStation and Xbox for fighting games. With Tatsunoko Vs Capcom
It doesn’t help, from a North American perspective, that the Tatsunoko characters are largely unknown around these parts either. The controls are simpler and I feel this takes away some of the depth that I’ve come to expect from a Street Fighter-esque title. That said, it’s still quite the enjoyable game and it’s a good training spot in preparation for the upcoming Marvel vs. Capcom 3, which uses an evolved version of the TvC control scheme.
Don’t you just love those adorable but crazed rabbids? We had tons of family fun time playing the rabbids series.
But the public library offering video games for borrowing? I just don’t get it. They must have changed their mission statements in order to keep up with the times.
I’m thinking the rationale is the same as why the library offers Hollywood movies, magazines, etc. They may be mostly for pleasure, but there can be some educational value there too. It’s a community service either way.