I have every reason to throw this game exactly the way Matt Bertz suggested – “use this same arm motion to fling this Hudson game into the Hudson River.” Hudson Soft’s Deca Sports, also known as “Sports Island” in the UK, isn’t as unique as it has been referred by several gaming critics. Designed exclusively for the Nintendo Wii, this ten-sport game combines ten sporting events into one game. An addictive and fun-filled game, solely for those who haven’t stepped on the playground ever since their first play date, or for those who want to waggle controllers for an hour and giggle.
Rated “E” i.e. for Everyone, this game offers an immersive experience for just young and casual gamers who can’t get enough of real sports on the ground. But now with Deca Sports they’ve an alternative – a compilation of ten sporting activities ranging from familiar basketball and soccer to obscure figure skating and archery. Hardcore gamers would find this so-called fun game somewhat ridiculous. The most frustrating thing about Deca Sports is that it’s not bad – it’s just bland, uninspired, and of questionable value. Each sport in the game takes full advantage of the unique physical interaction capabilities of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk. The Wii Remote is used in different yet accessible ways. With a subtle swing of the Wii Remote, you can hit and spike the ball in Beach Volleyball, while twists of the wrist produce a wild ride down the slopes in Snowboard Cross. In Figure Skating, you need to keep to the music and properly time all of your jumps and spins in order to impress the judges while passing the ball and lining up shots is essential in Soccer.
Deca Sports support both single player and multiplayer modes, in addition to a training mode to practice essential skills. The game is too basic for single-player gaming and too expensive ($30) for multiplayer gaming and it bores its victims. Though some sports are excellent, particularly archery and curling, while others, such as the figure skating, beach volleyball, racing events, aren’t so hot. Single-player sports like archery are passable mini-games, but the team games are an insult to the sports they represent. The results are up-and-down, depending on which event you choose. The inability to use your Miis as playable characters hurts. Careless graphics with utterly forgettable sound, mute characters, coupled with the cheesy music makes it a must skip game. The casual gamers might find it appealing. But then they will have tough time finding anyone to play with them. Self-respecting gamers, just stay away!
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