We Ski & Snowboard [Wii]

A year after its release, there are precious few games that use the Wii Balance Board. We Ski was the first third-party game to support the peripheral and was actually released a week before Wii Fit. Unfortunately, while controlling the game with your feet worked well, the gameplay just wasn't there. Unlocking everything from the start meant there was nothing left for the player to do. Such is the case with the sequel, We Ski & Snowboard. This is an aimless snow sports title that doesn't offer any compelling reason for players to get back on their board.

If you played We Ski, you'll find the same experience here with the ability to ride a snowboard tossed in. Namco has created an open world ski resort for players to explore -- but it forgot to add the gameplay. Everything is unlocked from the beginning, meaning there is nothing to work towards or accomplish. It feels like you're playing someone else's finished save file. So, sure, you can race down a mountain or pull off a couple tricks. But why? Aside from unlocking some new clothing for your avatar, there is no incentive to do anything in the game. It's too casual and unfocused. Nothing is propelling the player forward. Lacking any sense of speed, it doesn't even replicate the exhilaration of skiing and snowboarding for real.

Whether you choose to ski or snowboard, the controls are the same (and obnoxious). You hold the remote and nunchuk as you would ski poles and swing them downwards in a pushing motion to get going. This means the cord connecting the two controllers is constantly slapping your crotch. Does it hurt? Only our pride. Is it annoying? Of course it is. When you gain some speed and get going downhill you can twist the remote and nunchuk away from each other to "tuck in" your avatar and stop pushing. But if you're not on a hill and are instead exploring the various buildings and people at the resort, that means you're slapping your crotch. Worse, the waggle controls aren't as sensitive as they should be and the game won't recognize every push.

One thing that does work well is the balance board control. This allows you to steer with your feet and the method is very responsive. Performing a little bounce will get your avatar to jump. The only difference between the ski and snowboard controls is that you face your television to ski and stand sideways to snowboard.

We Ski & Snowboard fares pretty well in the visual department. It has a clean cartoon look and you can ride during either day or night (the park looks nice lit up in the evening). Miis are supported, but the We Ski avatars look better in the game. You can customize your skier with clothing and accessories.

Up to four players can hit the slopes together in split screen mode. But again, the open world design cripples the experience. Everyone is on their own to ski or snowboard where they like. If one person engages in a conversation or an event, everyone's game is interrupted. Or, if one player is using the balance board and they happen to step off or bounce on it too hard, the game will be disrupted for all involved. Also, the framerate nosedives if you add even a second player.

Closing Comments
We Ski & Snowboard goes too far into casual territory and ends up being apathetic. With no structure or goal to reach the game just lays there. Players have no incentive to do anything. It doesn't come close to the exhilarating feeling of playing these sports because the game is slow and the waggle controls are clunky. The balance board has been implemented well, but that's about the only reason to give this sequel a try. Otherwise, it's an exercise in apathy.

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