Ah, memories childhood summers in the back yard... sun, hotdogs straight off the grill, sipping lemonade made from fresh squeezed lemons fresh off the tree, and competitive games of lawn darts, bocce ball and croquet. Don't sit there staring at the words on the screen, you know you kicked grandma's behind at badminton. It's not quite the way I remember it, but I do remember elementary school recess and some blistering games of tetherball and more than a few vicious volleyball matches through high school. Lawn Games from developer Mock Science, will help each of us relive those titular moments on the backyard green.
Eight games in total; the six mentioned above along with horseshoes (but no hand grenades) and lawn dice (new one for me). For those who didn't grow up with a - what are the dimensions of a large back yard? Ok, for the rest of us, there is an array of different environments representing the Southwest and Northeast of the US and various exotic locales around the globe. *wonders what a lawn darts would be like in Egypt...*
"Casual" sports games for the Wii have been The Next Big Thing™ since Wii Sports was released with the Wii. While a few games have been ok, even enjoyable, none have really had that something special that makes Great-uncle Sidney run out and buy the machine for Grandma Martha. Rather than dissect each accordingly I'll just state my blanket opinion that in most cases the polish hasn't been there, particularly in the controls.
Lawn Games is surprising on several levels. First is the art direction. Rather than attempt a "real life" environment, or simply create a cell-shaded cartoon world, there is a clear style and design. Hair is rather over the top (no pun intended); colors are bright and vibrant; the world borders between a fantastic 3-D plastic Pixar-like feel and the surreal. Distance exists, detail can be found and for lack of a better term, it is whimsical.
Adding to the fun are unlockables. Not quite what I'd call achievements although there are plenty peppered in. As someone who succeeds at failing with panache, I can't wait to see how I unlock the birdbath.
I would never have considered an RPG-style character creation for a casual sports game; nonetheless, you'll be picking your gender, body, head, hair, feet, and clothing. Then you'll work on your skills. Speed, timing, aim and luck are up for improvement. Rather than brute strength or blanket coordination, these are more in tune with the subtle movements of the games - I rather like the idea.
Luck is something you don't often see but it is a big part of anything skill based. Though we discussed other uses, currently, luck is built up over time and then used at that crucial moment when you just have to take down your obnoxious sister who apparently learned lawn darts at some summer retreat (or who just "gets" the Wii-mote). It can also be convenient if you don't want to use it against your little brother or kids. Ultimately, you can create your own unique lawn champion.
Now that Nintendo has decided to sidle up to the precipice and peak over the drop into this wild and wacky world of connectivity, Mock Science have decided to leap without a parachute and push the envelope of what the Wii can manage. (Look out below!) Not only will there be 4-player online play, but there are also 32-player online tournaments. Coordinating four at my house, four at yours, four at his... this could be interesting. But the ability is there!
When I consider Wii Sports and what makes it truly good, it would be the controls. Nintendo - for obvious reasons - has the advantage over all other developers in this area. Yet, it has been nearly two years... it was refreshing to hear the words, "we put of a lot of work into real motion" come from the mouth of one of the developers. He specifically stated that they wanted to have controls that give the same or better experience as Wii Sports. One can only hope.
Due out at the beginning of next year, this looks to be a fun title that may actually have the chance to survive the holiday crush. I love the idea of a game that once again, makes me want to get off my couch. I'll be watching this title with the hope that it stays on track. Don't let silly and light-hearted graphics fool you - the Wii has proven graphics don't make a game. I'm wondering if this isn't going to inspire a revival of lawn dice (doesn't a revival require a previous trend?).
I'm a mother of two boys, ages 7 and 10 and live in the chaos that ensues. I've a permanent disability that keeps me homebound, so books, kids, games and books are my constant companions. Oh, and books, too. *grins*
My children both play games so I often play them first, getting to know exactly how something may effect my sensitive and easily stimulated older child vs. my stoic and imperturbable younger.
I like games for games; for the pure enjoyment of them and believe that no game is wholly bad, though some are real stinkers.
I also have the dexterity of a camel in mittens so find playing FPSs difficult (and I also don't like the gore) and RTSs at times can stump me. I just can't seem to move quickly enough to keep up with them. Some of my favorite games are arcade games and I'll spend 3-5 years on the same 5-6 levels because I just never get any better. But, I have fun.
