Wii MotionPlus - Is It Worth It?

By Andrew Shin

So I was sitting in front of my computer this past Sunday and having a mental tug-of-war on whether or not I should splurge and treat myself to EA's Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 for the Wii. Why the Wii version specifically? Well simply because I really wanted to play Tiger Woods in a true simulation format with the use of the Wii MotionPlus attachment for the Wii Remote. After a bit of contemplation, I folded and headed to my local EB Games to pick up the bundle that included both the game and the Wii MotionPlus.

Since then, I've put in hours with the game. Not necessarily trying out all the different game modes and features, but simply playing hole after hole. Without having to say too much about the game, I can confidently say Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 on the Wii is solid. And with the addition of the Wii MotionPlus, it becomes much better.

Let's focus more on how the Wii MotionPlus improves gameplay. When Nintendo first introduced the Wii MotionPlus at last year's E3, they claimed it would further enhance the motion sensing capabilities of the Wii Remote. The slightest of wrist movements, range of motion and speed would all be accurately captured and translated in-game for a more realistic gaming experience. I'm going to weigh in here and pass judgment that Nintendo has delivered thus far with the Wii MotionPlus.

When playing Tiger Woods, using the Wii MotionPlus definitely brings about as true a golf experience as I've ever seen in a game. Just like in real golf, your hand and wrist position is key to delivering a swing that launches the golf ball on a nice straight path. As you swing through with the Wii Remote, if you turn your wrists either in or out, it will result in a draw/hook shot or a fade/slice. Also, how much you close in or open up your wrist positioning will dictate the degree of angle in which the shot draws or fades. Aside from wrist position, there's also the factors of swing motion and speed. The range of motion in your swing and speed in the follow through will dictate whether you hit it hard and long or soft and short. This variance in motion and swing speed becomes valuable on approach shots and particularly during putting. When you combine all the variables described above, playing Tiger Woods with the Wii MotionPlus forces you to think about your approach on each and every shot you make. The end result is remarkable.

Now you're probably thinking that making a decision on the Wii MotionPlus based on just one game is permature. I disagree. If we are considering strictly how the Wii MotionPlus will enhance gaming on the Wii, then EA's Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 is evidence that it works...and works very well at that. The true question becomes, will game developers be able to create games that effectively utilize the capabilities of the Wii MotionPlus? I suppose we'll see in the coming year.

In the end, I do think the Wii MotionPlus is worth the investment. It is an accessory that has the ability to elevate your Wii gaming experience with the enhanced motion sensitivity. In terms of cost, it's reasonably priced at $25 CAN and an even greater deal if you purchase it bundled with a game as you save a bit of money. Current bundles includes Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and Grand Slam Tennis and upcoming games such as Wii Sports Resort and Red Steel 2.

I'm recommending the Wii MotionPlus. It's surely worth it.