 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Wii Music
- Price: $49.99
- Genre: Music
Common Sense Media says
Intuitive game too simple for music gamers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this music game doesn't contain any inappropriate graphics or lyrics. It's simpler to play than other music games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, but it may not provide enough challenge for those used to playing those competitive games.
What's it about?
A word of warning for Guitar Hero or Rock Band fans expecting a similar experience with Nintendo's WII MUSIC: you might be very disappointed. While you get access to 60-odd instruments, can play songs or "jam" with virtual musicians, and even record your performances for prosperity, this game lacks depth. However, young children and players who love fooling around with music might find the format intriguing, for a while.
You don't actually play any notes in Wii Music; rather you simply move the motion-sensitive Wii Remote or nunchuk controller to create musical riffs. Your movements create an improvisation to a song. There are five ways to play instruments: hold the Wii Remote and nunchuk like a guitar (with hands outstretched) and strum away; play the drums or piano by holding the two controllers like drumsticks (alternatively, you can play drums using the Wii Balance Board for your kick drum and hi-hats, but it's not an easy endeavor); a violin-like control scheme by pressing the B, C and Z buttons while moving the Wii Remote left and right; or trumpet- or flute-like control with the Wii Remote up to your lips and pressing the 1 and 2 buttons.
Is it any good?
For those used to playing the current popular music games where you "play" notes on musical instrument controllers, the play mechanic of Wii Music may feel dumbed-down. Rather than playing notes, you just move around the controls to simulate playing. Players may also find that the music quality and selection is disappointing. Instead of studio recordings, the music featured in the game is MIDI instrumental versions. The selection of songs to jam with doesn't include current music, rather players select from songs like Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Ode to Joy, The Entertainer, Every Breath You Take, and La Cucaracha. There are also video game soundtracks from Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda.
Admittedly, Wii Music is more fun with up to four friends or family members jamming together in front of the same TV (each handling a different instrument). Plus, the ability to send a composition electronically to friends and family members who have the game (and who can then tweak the composition by adding new sounds) is a good idea. You can also partake in various mini-games, though some are better than others (sorry, but the one in which you conduct just isn't fun). While Nintendo tried to create a mainstream music game that anyone could pick up and play, it missed greatness because the notes are all laid out for you in advance and the music is a cheesy selection of poor quality songs. We tried Wii Music out with a couple of kid-testers and the game held their interest for only a short while.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about whether or not Nintendo really flubbed with this game. Or is it genius? Perhaps it was designed for children. Do gamers mind they're not playing any notes and simply must wave their arms to the beat? And will players care if these songs are not studio recordings but rather MIDI instrumental versions of classics?
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AGE
Great Fun For The Whole Family!
I personally enjoy music, so this game was so much fun for me!! You get to play several different instruments (using the Wii remote and Nunchuck). Some of my favorites were the handbells and conducting. My whole family really enjoyed playing togther trying to best the other in how accurate they could get. I would most certainly recommend this to anyone who loves music or using the Wii remote actively.
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AGE
I love music so it's O.K. with just a few features
I like this game even though I wish there was more songs and instruments. But it's still a good game for musiclovers, just not really for people who want more of a challenge.
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AGE
ugh.
this game is WAY to easy... i played it once and didn't like it. Get Guitar Hero or Rock Band...
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AGE
My fav Wii game!!!!!!
This game will teach kids about new instruments and some made up ones. It also features 50 songs and some minigames. This game is for everyone!!!
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AGE
One of the worst games I have ever played, and possibly one of the worst games ever.
In an apparent attempt to make a music game with all the fun of listening to a three year old playing with an air horn for hours without the hassle of good music, fun, or playing an actual game, Nintendo has spawned one of the worst casual game monstrosities ever released. The instruments range from bagpipes to the dogsuit, and they all sound terrible, and are repeated over and over again. It is impossible to shake the wii remote in a way that it will actually create music, and trying to cordinate with 3 other friends without a note chart is nigh impossible. The songs consist of such public domain hits as twinkle twinkle little star and happy birthday, as well as pop songs from 20+ years ago, and a few game themes added for seasoning. Playing this game is sort of like trying to play Beethoven on a piano with 3 keys, and all of them sound like doorbells. The only people I can possibly conceive enjoying this game are 4 year olds and 40 year olds who've never played any other game. This game is crap and Nintendo should be ashamed for releasing this casual garbage instead of material for people who actually enjoy playing games.
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AGE
Needs more songs
Wii music is fun, but there are some things that I don't like. First of all, you have to do this one player mode thing in order to unlock stuff, which is dissapointing because no one else can play. Second of all, they're aren't that many songs to play. It would have been nice if they had added more. Thrid, they're aren't that many instruments. Also, some instruments you just hold 1 or 2 on the wii remote to play (I.e. the saxophone, the clarinet) which makes it more unrealistic. On the plus side, it's fun to jam out to songs (there's a free mode where you can choose your own song and instruments).
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AGE
a disapointment
the game was a disapointment it wasnt fun. and kids five and under might find it a little hard to play.
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AGE
You will either love or hate it - nothing in between.
This is one of the most misunderstood Wii games ever made. If you skim the surface of it, you are sure to want to pull the disc out of your Wii, toss it in the pile of games and forget about it, cursing yourself for wasting money on it. HOWEVER, if you spend time to get into it, this game (more like a toy or hobby) can return rich rewards, especially if you like creating music. True, there are only a limited number of play-along songs, but the secret to enjoying them is to *not* play the songs as written. Instead, improvise your own tunes with the myriad instruments, ignoring or partially using the tunes given to you in the game. Taking this approach opens up a door to creativity that Rock Band and its ilk cannot supply. Basically, this "game" lets you compose and perform your own music as a six-piece combo! As you perfect and hone your tunes, you'll find that hours can go by and you'll be amazed at the results. For an idea of how complex and wonderful this can all be, watch some of the YouTube videos composed on Wii Music. The only minor downside is that there should be more songs downloadable, but because this game was a major flop for Nintendo, they will sadly never develop a Wii Music 2 with online features. Also, because this game was not well received and is widely misunderstood, you can probably get it used for only a little money. Grab a copy and see what you think!
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AGE
Childish
My little sister used to love this game! I think it's too easy and childish for me to play.
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