To avoid some bias, in these reviews, I will calculate an average out of 10 based upon the following factors:
Controls-Entered 3 times
Graphics-Entered 2 times
Audio-Entered 2 times
Storyline-Entered 2 times (not entered if the game doesn't have one)
Difficulty-Entered 3 times
Creativity-Entered 2 times
Replay Value-Entered 3 times
Length-Quantity-Entered 3 times
Quality of experience-Entered 3 times
I will also try to review games that aren't reviewed by almost everyone (ex: Pokemon Diamond & Pearl or Super Smash Bros. Brawl)
Wii Music
Controls-5
Usually the instrument controls fall into 4 categories: moving the Wii remote and Nunchuk up and down (for drums or piano), holding the remote upright or sideways and pressing buttons (wind instruments), holding the Wii remote upright and "strum" with the Nunchuk (strings), or the "violin" control where players press a button and move the Nunchuk sideways.
There is also a drum kit mode with full control of the drum set and the Balance Board for foot pedals. While the controls do try their hardest to imitate the real instrument, it sometimes comes off as tacky or limited.
There is no option to select the note you are playing, and it is hard to make the sound you want on the drum set in Jam mode.
Graphics-8
There is not much to say here since it fits in with the cartoony style of the other Wii series games. However, the way the Tutes look and move their mouth is just plain annoying.
Also, the CD cover designer is fun to mess around with, but somewhat limited.
Audio-9
The sound quality is pretty good here! Usually the music comes out as what you want it to sound like.
My only complaint is that some of the brass and woodwind instruments' sounds are a bit fake, such as the saxophone.
Storyline-N/A
Difficulty-10
As far as appealing to all audiences goes, the difficulty couldn't be better. It is surprisingly harder to make good music than Nintendo tries to make it look,
and your only challenge is to please yourself with your creation, which can be a challenge. Also, younger children will find the motions easy if they want to join in.
Creativity-9
At first I was disappointed with Nintendo's direction in this game, but after playing it, I'm glad that it's not another Guitar Hero clone.
Because there are no set notes you have to play, you can make the music sound like whatever you want by changing the percussion, chords, or even the melody!
All I would ask is to take this a step further and allow players to choose what notes they are playing so it can be a true freeform game.
Replay Value-7
While the amount of creativity here is seemingly endless, playing remixes of the set songs over and over again can be downright dull.
I would give it a 10 if you could compose and share songs online! Also, the minigames are nice but only have a few levels.
Length/Quantity-6
Wii Music isn't really about being long or jam-packed with features. However, since you're pretty much limited to the pre-set songs, I only wish it had more features.
I do have to give credit, however, to the game's surprising ability of making you constantly want to play more.
Quality of Experience-9
For what it has, Wii Music makes it work well. If you want to make a rock remix of Super Mario Bros., you can. If you want to give La Bamba a new beat, you can.
If you want to improv using the notes from Daydream Believer, you can. Also, it includes a screen with the set notes in the original that you can pop up at any time. This especially helps on songs with an unfamiliar melody.
Overall Impressions
Wii Music was a step in the right direction concerning music games, but only a step. Nintendo could have really made this game shine by including the ability to compose songs and customize the existing ones more.
It's a fun little gem that any member of the family can enjoy!
