As the biggest selling game of all time, Wii Sports was always destined to receive a sequel but who could have predicted it would take nearly three years? The reason, Satoru Iwata revealed back in 2007, is that Nintendo absolutely would not create a Wii Sports 2 unless it could significantly outdo the first. The original game after all, was the perfect way to show new gamers what the Wii Remote was all about and that’s something that it only needed to do once.

But now Nintendo effectively has a new Wii Remote. Courtesy of the MotionPlus accessory, it now offers much more accurate control and needs a game that can acquaint the uninitiated with its abilities once more. Enter Wii Sports Resort – a title with two hefty responsibilities, to convince casual Wii users that they need MotionPlus, and to address criticisms of the first Wii Sports by delivering a substantial amount of gameplay that can sell without piggybacking the console itself. It manages to do both of course, but you may be surprised by which one it does best.

As a demonstration of MotionPlus’s capabilities, Wii Sports Resort is mostly successful. With 12 full activities on offer, not all make the accessory sing but most do highlight its evolution above the standard Remote. Most players will gravitate towards the Swordplay event first and will discover perfect one-to-one replication of their movements on screen, immediately proving that the accessory delivers on its promise and setting the mind racing at the prospect that a proper Star Wars Lightsaber game can’t be too far away. Table Tennis similarly excels by playing exactly as you’d expect such a game to play. Every twist and spin of the Wii Remote is accurately translated to the in-game paddle and rightfully has an effect on the outcome of the game. Unlike previous Wii tennis efforts, a half-hearted flick of the wrist will not return the ball. Instead, you’ll need to use either forehand, backhand, lob or slice – all done without the need to press a button – while following through to just the right degree.

If anything showcases the difference between old and new control methods best then it is the reappearance of both Golf and Bowling in Wii Sports’ repertoire. Though some will accuse their inclusion as lazy padding, they are entirely necessary given the marked improvement on offer. Golf’s use of hook, slice and power now gives you much more control over your shot, as well as providing further ways to cock it up, as does Bowling’s increased emphasis on spin.

Certain other activities fare less well, however. Cycling asks you to peddle with your hands while Basketball denies the ability to freely move around the court, both examples that may frustrate those looking for true simulations of the events. Wii Sports has never totally been about re-creating reality, though – it wouldn’t use Miis if that was the case – and wherever it deviates from simulation it does so to keep its activities fun and accessible, ever aware that it must appeal to all kinds of gamers at once.

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