Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree (Wii)
- Publisher:
- Nintendo
- Developer:
- Nintendo
- Release Date:
- 11.06.2007
- Number of players:
- 1 - 8
- Type:
- Puzzle
We play Big Brain Academy: Wii Degree...
Since the original release of Big Brain Academy for the Nintendo DS, as well as Brain Age, there’s been a craze for improving ones intellect through specialized games. Both Brain Age and Big Brain Academy were at the forefront, but the Wii rendition of BBA is nothing new.
Using nearly identical controls, BBA on the Wii is basically the same game on both systems. In fact, the game seems to be simply a port, redone, using the Wii remote. Not only is it used in the most limited fashion, simply as a pointer, the minigames seemed to be somewhat dumbed down for the slightly more powerful and robust Nintendo console. Pardon me for being judgmental, but remaking a game based around improving one’s ability to process information easier sends out the wrong message.
Multiplayer, as expected, is not online, but even same-system play is difficult to start up and boring to play. Of the three gametypes, only one allows using more than one Wiimote simultaneously, and waiting for your turn is mind numbing. The idea behind schooling a friend doesn’t mean they should listen to the lecture first.
The new features of the game are in no way able to make up for those left behind on its predecessor. User interface may be easier than ever, but even a little imagination never hurts. So while it makes for an alright game, there is no need to be stuck at home with it. Save yourself $20, get a cartridge and get out of the house. You can get some good reading material with the money you saved. Now that will help out with the smarts.
Top Game Moment: Feeling a little smarter after every game…until the next time I played.
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| The same growth chart is an excellent marking for where a player’s strength’s and weaknesses are | One of the new minigames requires players to decipher the blurred image |
Using nearly identical controls, BBA on the Wii is basically the same game on both systems. In fact, the game seems to be simply a port, redone, using the Wii remote. Not only is it used in the most limited fashion, simply as a pointer, the minigames seemed to be somewhat dumbed down for the slightly more powerful and robust Nintendo console. Pardon me for being judgmental, but remaking a game based around improving one’s ability to process information easier sends out the wrong message.
Multiplayer, as expected, is not online, but even same-system play is difficult to start up and boring to play. Of the three gametypes, only one allows using more than one Wiimote simultaneously, and waiting for your turn is mind numbing. The idea behind schooling a friend doesn’t mean they should listen to the lecture first.
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| This game us a prime example of just how the Wiimote is used: as a flashlight | While the professor claims to be so wise, it actually isn’t too difficult to get his score. Just takes plenty of practice |
The new features of the game are in no way able to make up for those left behind on its predecessor. User interface may be easier than ever, but even a little imagination never hurts. So while it makes for an alright game, there is no need to be stuck at home with it. Save yourself $20, get a cartridge and get out of the house. You can get some good reading material with the money you saved. Now that will help out with the smarts.
Top Game Moment: Feeling a little smarter after every game…until the next time I played.
