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Stage 1: Impressions

Stage 2: Analysis

Stage 3: Evaluation

The moment I've been dreading you've been waiting for, the review score. But before that, allow me to address a problem with rating a game like this: monetary value versus replay value.

As far as money goes, Wii Play is a great game for people really needing that extra controller. After all, most rental stores charge close to $10 these days for next-gen games. For a little more than a rental, gamers can try out the unofficial sequel to Duck Hunt and a few other quirky games. Of course, that's if you need an extra controller.

If this game sold on its own, without the controller, it wouldn't be worth more than $15. The game is very short, very simple, and can be addictive if you're interested in the games. If you're uncertain of these mini-games, be cautious. There are no extras to unlock, no secret stages, and the only so-called code is switching the Pong-esque paddles into power-button circles.

Wii Play is fun for a few days, but there's no difficulty modifier to keep gamers on their toes. Once players understand how the opponent will respond, the game is too easy and gold medals are the only incentive to keep playing. Even then, medals are fairly easy to attain, so unless players are simply fond of one game or another there won't be much motivation to return. Wii Play should have been incorporated into Wii Sports to enhance the experience. Calling disc swapping a pain is petty, but fans of Wii Sports may rather keep that bundled disc in the console instead of swapping it out with a game of repetitive point-and-click additions.

Still, the game is fairly good for a two-player experience. For the casual gamer not interested in any other game than Wii Sports, and needing a controller, the purchase is a no-brainer. For gamers rarely playing Wii Sports, Wii Play may not be that wise of a decision. The Wii Remote really puts all the value into the game, though it's more of compilation demo than an actual game.

Even in the fourth month of the console's launch, gamers are still finding it difficult to find controllers. If you're one of these people, grab a copy of Wii Play and put your mind at rest. After all, it's something more to play when you're not on the Everybody Votes Channel.

To justify the score below, and criticism would be dealt regardless of the score, the gameplay is mediocre relative to its overall value. If these games had been sold individually on the upcoming super-secret channel meant to add new games via wireless Internet, it probably would be just as worthwhile. Oops, guess I've said too much.