Jan 17, 2009

Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit

Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit

5 out of 5 stars



Rock Band 2 Cymbals work, as advertised, and are a great supplement to the overall drum system.

I am a little bit perplexed about the negative reviews stating that they are "too sensitive" or that it was difficult to put together.

After reading said reviews, I timed myself to see how long it would take to put all 3 together. The result was 9 minutes and 23 seconds with no difficulties.

As for the "too sensitive" part, I tried 5 different songs and alternated between drum pad and cymbal use. Both pads and cymbals still responded with single hits, no missed hits, and no "double" hits. I suggest that if you are experiencing double hits, it might be that the cymbals are not screwed down tight enough and the wobbling could introduce more than one hit.

As for my own personal experience, Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit is well-made and has already enhanced the overall experience. They are by no means a necessary addition, but they are certainly a fun one. What makes them even more fun is that they can be used in the drums' "free style mode" where all 4 pads play as different sounding drums with 3 different sounding cymbals. It's not a professional drum set, but you can certainly play it like one and it sounds great. Hit the "-" sign and you can play different drum kits programmed into Rock Band 2.

From an experienced gamer, I highly recommend this product and rock on!

Review from Amazon - Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit

VIDEO REVIEW - Rock Band 2 Triple Cymbal Expansion Kit

Wii Play Poms

Play Poms

5 out of 5 stars



We got Play Poms this afternoon. There are two adapters for wiimotes and one for a nunchuck.

Some reviewers have mentioned having problems with gameplay when the pompoms are attached to the wiimotes. We cannot scroll though the game options using the white glove (wiimote motion) when the wiimotes are attached to the pompoms, but the game is fully operational with the pompoms attached to the wiimotes when the wiimote buttons are used to scroll through songs, stages and outfit choices.

My kids both score better when using the Play Poms. They think that it feels more realistic than using just the wiimotes. Plus the swishy noise drives the our cats crazy - a bonus!

Review from Amazon - Play Poms

VIDEO TRAILER - Play Poms





All Wii Accessesories

Jan 10, 2009

Official Wii Speak Microphone

Official Wii Speak Microphone

5 out of 5 stars



We bought 4 Official Wii Speak Microphones to talk with family around the US. Works like a charm with the Wii Speak Channel. We have been able to talk in a conference call situation between all with great clarity for hours with little or no breakups during the chat. Highly recommended if family and friends have Wii's.

Review from Amazon - Official Wii Speak Microphone

VIDEO REVIEW - Official Wii Speak Microphone

Nyko Wing and Intercooler

Wii Wing Wireless Controller & Nintendo Wii Intercooler

5 out of 5 stars


Teamed with the Virtual Console, the Wii Wing Wireless Controller gives players the option of downloading older, Nintendo classics onto their Wii system. Just plug in the dongle adapter to the bottom of the Wii remote and hit the sync button. Syncing up to the system may take a couple of tries, but it does work. Next, just hit the power button and wait for the blue light to illuminate. After it pairs up, the player is in business. The D Pad and sticks were right on the money. Surprisingly the sticks were nothing but sweet perfection.

Styled after the older controllers and ergonomically correct, the controller is powered by (2) AAA batteries. Recharging is via a USB port. The Wii Wing Wireless Controller can also operate without batteries as long as a connection is kept via USB port.

Nintendo Wii's most glowing feature is its capability to play the older games from earlier consoles. Without a doubt, the Wii Wing Wireless Controller is another perfect accessory for Wii enthusiasts young and old alike.

AND

Before buying this Nintendo Wii Intercooler, my Wii would overheat and shut down after an hour of play. Very frustrating! The kids were nagging me to send it in for repair but I dreaded the process and the expense. Then I stumbled upon this little gadget and it's the best $15 I've spent all year. The Wii hasn't overheated once since we got the fan, and it's on for 6 or 7 hours at a time. All you have to do is plug it into the back of the Wii and you're done. Don't listen to the complaints of it being too loud. The only time we notice the noise is when the house is completely quiet, and even then, it's just a whirring/humming noise. During game play you can't hear Nintendo Wii Intercooler at all. I highly recommend this to anyone who has overheating problems with their Wii.

Reviews from Amazon - Wii Wing Wireless Controller & Nintendo Wii Intercooler

VIDEO PREVIEW - Wii Wing Wireless Controller & Nintendo Wii Intercooler

Jan 3, 2009

Wii For Dummies Review

Wii For Dummies, New Edition

5 out of 5 stars



At first, I thought this book was only for people who bought the Wii as their first video game console. Wii For Dummies is definitely aimed at them and includes great information for first time users. There are chapters on how to set up the system (with troubleshooting tips), how to use the controller, and how to choose games, all written in simple, easy to follow instructions. The chapters assume the reader doesn't have any video game knowledge and holds their hands through processes such as reading the ESRB ratings and reading reviews of new games.

However, even with the writing for a new user, there are still nuggets and useful information for more experienced readers. For instance, the section on Channels in the Wii is extremely helpful, uncovering information I didn't know about the console. The list of websites specifically optimized for the Wii and setting up a specific Channel for Wii Fit was information I didn't know and found really fun. The book also includes suggestions for games on both the Virtual Console and Wii for all types of play: party, solo, and in between.

I think the most useful parts of the Wii For Dummies, New Editionfor both new and experienced players are the suggested resources that are included in each section. Links to websites that cover kid-friendly games, links to mainstream video game review sites, and tips to find out new information on the console are invaluable for the book and teaches the reader where to find information the book can't cover. It's definitely a good primer about how to become informed about video gaming in general.

I found Wii For Dummies, to be chuck full of useful information that both applies to the Wii and gaming in general. The writer does a great job of writing simple to follow instructions that are entertaining and witty. Sometimes I read a section I already knew just to see his funny take on it. I definitely would recommend the book for users who just got the Wii and don't know exactly what to do with it or as a gift for a relative or friend who is not a gamer. For more experienced players, I would still recommend it for all the great content on using all of unexplored features of the console.

Review from Amazon - Wii For Dummies, New Edition

Wii Fit Board Cover Review

Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleeve

5 out of 5 stars



After seeing some of the reviews, I was afraid that Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleevemight be flimsy, but I ordered it anyway as the price made it worth a try compared to some of the other covers. When I first took it out of the package, it did indeed look like it might be flimsy, but I took my time placing it on my balance board - and it was not hard to install at all! I use my Wii Fit for at least 30 minutes every day and have not had any problems with the Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleeveat all. It stays firmly in place and even provides a little cushion and extra "grippage" as I work through yoga, strength exercises, aerobics, and balance games. I usually workout in my bare feet (I'm the only one using the board), but have worn sneakers a few times without any ill effect to the cover other than scuff marks, which clean up easily. The color is paler and more translucent than it appears in the photo - and I am very pleased with the way it looks. The most important thing is that it does a great job of protecting and preserving the balance board.

ALSO - Wii Fit Rechargeable Battery Pack for Balance Board

Review from Amazon - Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleeve

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Fit Balance Board Silicone Sleeve

Fitness Bundle Review

Wii Fit sold separately.

Wii 5-In-1 Fitness Bundle

4 out of 5 stars



I really did need everything in this Wii 5-In-1 Fitness Bundle
, well maybe not the socks, but the rechargeable battery, the silicone cover, the yoga mat and the storage bag are great accessories for the Wii Fit.

VIDEO REVIEW - Wii Fitness