The Wii Market The Wii Market offers full shopping experience for anything Nintendo Wii related.

1. 

   Tanya McHenry
   June 15th, 2010 - 09:59

   Review by Tanya McHenry for Monster Hunter Tri Classic Controller Bundle
   Rating:
   Too often the little things are overlooked in games that prevent the gamer from really feeling like this is “their” game. Monster Hunter Tri has managed to avoid most those pit traps, starting with the character creation process.

   First off, and paramount to a lot of gamers, especially those of us of the female persuasion, you can choose the sex of your character. It’s such a simple concept that too often developers will scoff at the idea of making multiple models and essentially snub female players in a typically dismissive fashion. Yes, you can play male or female in Monster Hunter Tri.

   My first Character was female so I am going to cover those choices here. There may be different options available for the male.

   Name: You only get 8 characters for this eliminating some fancy combos but still some freedom.
   
   Sex: Male or Female
   
   Skin tone: Pretty much a range from black to white with tan and browns in between. There are no outlandish colors, green for example, but still a nice range
   
   Clothing: Four choices, but armor will soon cover this so no worries.

   Face: 9 types to choose from
   
   Eye Color: 10 Choices found here
   
   Features: A dozen facial features to choose from, tattoos, paint etc.
   
   Hair: 11 different hair styles
   
   Voices: 20

   Now these, of course, are not limitless and lack some the fine tuning you might see in other RPG games (like on the PC), but there is plenty here to make running into your clone more very unlikely, which is an issue for some other games that are online. My only gripe about this game, and many others, is there is no way to really change the age of the character or the body type so we’re stuck with the teenage girl look. It could be worse of course and overall I am very pleased with the character creation process.

   Now on with game play: for those who picked up the demo and wondered where the heck the tutorial was, have no fear, it’s in the real game. I have no idea why Capcom released a rather poor quality demo. The demo was too short, offered no directions, and a lot of people were stuck using the wiimote nunchuck style. For me, the classic controller is the way to go. Get the camera under control was so much easier with it attached to an analog stick. There are two classic control styles too so hopefully one of those works for you. In terms of graphics, I keep hearing how stunning the game is, and while it does look good, it doesn’t look great on my HDTV; yes I use component cables. It’s not a deal breaker for me, but there are issues with black bars on the right and left sides of the TV for some of us, even in 16:9 “full” mode. The TV I am using is not some low grade model either, nor is it the most expensive thing I can find. Again, it’s not so terrible I would pass on the game for it but clearly looks a lot better on SDTV.

   The tutorial takes awhile to get through, and sometimes I found myself a little lost, not so much as to what I am supposed to do but how to do it. And while there is an in game info section you can access for quick looks ups on your weapons and how you are supposed to use one skill or another, I did consult the manual and online a couple of times to make sure I was doing it right.

   This is a hunting game, lots of battle, and if the idea of battle doesn’t appeal to you, then this probably isn’t the thing for you. I say this because as a Rune Factory fan, I know that series doesn’t necessarily require a lot of battle. Some people might think this game is obvious as to what it is, but let’s keep in mind, Monster Hunter has never been huge outside of Japan and there really isn’t anything like it on the Wii. This is not a standard RPG style either where there is a detailed linear story that guides you from point A to B to C. There is a story but it is minimal.

   Now where this game shines is online. I haven’t spent a lot of time online yet as my friends have yet to purchase the game, but I did browse around. It looks like it could be a little bit of a pain to meet up with friends the first time since it’s separated into cities/servers, but that is just for those of us who have a set group. The rest will have no troubles. It’s plenty populated and there was a “Rookie” section I know I would be hitting and possibly will be hitting if my friends don’t open up their wallets and get this game. This is “real” online play with Wii Speak, USB Keyboard and/or a virtual keyboard option available for actual conversation. I say this because I play Mario Kart Wii and was annoyed with the tiny amount of preset messages available, my favorite, yes and no questions without yes or no answers. For a console with built in online options, the Wii has been sorely lacking in online co-op multiplayer experiences… here it is.

   Now a quick note about battles, there is a lot of strategy involved, even early one when your equipment is almost non-existent. You have to watch what the monsters are doing and they give signs, sometimes just little ones, before they charge or do their attacks. It will take time to get used to your own attacks and theirs.

   Now I wanted to take some time and talk about the classic controller since this is the bundle. I was surprised with how light the controller was and relatively small. This is not a bad thing. The only other comparison I have is the Gamecube controller which I always felt was a little large and bulky. It’s the perfect size for me even if it does feel gutless.

   Lastly, I want to mention a couple of gripes I have with the series. One is the inventory system. I find it to be annoying but it is something I will get used to. The graphics, well I can deal with that. I didn’t buy the Wii for stellar graphics after all; the PS3 and 360 were available for that. One of my other gripes is the videos imply that the areas are vast and open, but when you play them, they feel tight and restrained. There are certain areas you can climb up but all those hills and mountains and even the monsters on them are just direction. Nothing feels real “open” to me in the way I was hoping it would be with the exception of some of the underwater maps which do feel a lot more expansive. My final gripe, and no it’s not a long list aside from minor things mentioned above is of split-screen co-op mode. I don’t care what the game calls it, there is nothing majestic about the Arena mode. It’s basic and unsatisfying though handy for a quick run through. It’s unfortunate they left it so limited. As I mentioned before, the Wii doesn’t have a lot of quality online games, but it does have tons of local multiplayer games, quality and not so quality.

   Anyway, if you enjoy action rpgs, and know that that is, it is the quick and dirty way I can explain the series from a player who has never played the past MH titles and can’t specify the changes as some others might be able to do. One quick note, underwater combat is challenging and fun.

   Happy Hunting!
   
2. 

   Kyle Nicholson
   June 15th, 2010 - 10:29

   Review by Kyle Nicholson for Monster Hunter Tri Classic Controller Bundle
   Rating:
   Monster Hunter Tri is a good game for anyone, whether it be a veteran hunter or someone new to franchise. This game really excels in beauty for being a Wii game and is one of the best wii games of all time.

   Controls- The controls are easy to get used to and if you got the classic controller pro bundle, then controller is very sturdy and precise.

   Graphics- As said before this game looks for good on the Wii. If you have the HD components for the wii and an HDTV then you will be stunned once you take off on your first quest.

   Gameplay- The gameplay is very easy to get used to and there is a tutorial to help you get used to both old and new controls. Once you start beating the bigger and badder monsters you will feel like you have acomplished something huge.

   Online- The most important thing about Monster Hunter is the ability play with others. If there is a quest you cannot complete then you can always get the help of others. You can even use your wiispeak or keyboard to communicate with others. Best thing is there is none of that friend code stuff you have to deal with so you can play with anyone.

   If you want a game to dust off your wii or you are an old monster hunter fan, then this is the game for you.
3. 

   Branden W. Bean
   June 15th, 2010 - 11:12

   Review by Branden W. Bean for Monster Hunter Tri Classic Controller Bundle
   Rating:
   I’ve loved Monster Hunter since it was first released on PS2, and if you’ve enjoyed any other Monster Hunter game, I can end this review quickly by simply saying that this is the best of the series, so pick it up.

   If you’ve never played Monster Hunter before, you’re in for a treat. Some players consider the controls to be moderately complex, so it may take awhile to get used to them, but once you have them down you will be having countless hours of fun…I’m not even halfway through the game and I’ve logged almost 100 hours; I expect to have racked up more than 1000 before I put the game down.

   I’ll try to be succinct. Here’s what you can expect:

   - epic battles with fantastic and huge monsters
   
   - a real sense of risk versus reward in battle
   
   - punishing but fair combat that gives a true sense of accomplishment for victories
   
   - tons of resources to collect and equipment to build and use
   
   - great character customization
   
   - stylistic, exaggerated tribal hunting and gathering
   
   - hundreds of hours of content
   
   - the best online play the Wii has ever seen; no friend codes required!
4. 

   N. Galloway
   June 15th, 2010 - 11:43

   Review by N. Galloway for Monster Hunter Tri Classic Controller Bundle
   Rating:
   I’ll refer you to the many other lengthy and more well thought out reviews on Monster Hunter Tri here on Amazon to get a detailed overview of the game. I would like to ad my vote on the “this game is amazing” side of things.

   With this bundle you get the game and the now indispensable classic controller pro. There really is no other way to play this game….I’ve tried. (well the regular classic controller works fine but the wii-mote and nunchuck combo is severely lacking in precision).

   The game itself is an incredibly deep, strategic, beautiful, and engrossing experience. It’s like “action chess” or something. You have to really think and watch your timing to beat the game’s increadible monsters. The controls are hard to master, but feel just right when you get the hang of it. The character and monster animations are spot on, and the scenery is fantastic. The loading times between areas of the map break up the experience but if that is the price i have to pay for such stunning visuals, then so be it.

   This game hasn’t left my wii since I’ve purchased it on release day. Fun and lengthy single player keeps you entertained but the wonderfully implemented online play keeps you coming back again and again, especially if you have other friends with the game. I recommend getting a keyboard or wiispeak since the in-game keyboard is a chore for communication.

   Get this game (and the bundle with the controller if you can). Even at full price the cost per hour of amazing entertainment is really unbeatable.
5. 

   C. Angel
   June 15th, 2010 - 11:46

   Review by C. Angel for Monster Hunter Tri Classic Controller Bundle
   Rating:
   This and Super Mario Galaxy are hands down the best Wii games available in my opinion. Monster Hunter has a more serious tone and is much more difficult. It has a learning curve, but it’s worth every minute you put into it. Single player is fun and multiplayer is a blast! It works with Wii Speak. You can send text messages with the controller or a USB keyboard. The controller method is horrendous (they have a funky keyboard displayed on screen making it hard to text efficiently). It works great using the keyboard though and most USB keyboards will work. I originally thought I had to buy a Wii specific keyboard, but tried the old one that I had lying around and it worked!

   I am one person that the font appears more fuzzy. I can read it, but it’s not always easy. I have my Wii connected to a HD widescreen television and all the settings proper on the wii…others say that theirs looks great though. It does not take away from the fun though. Speaking of screen…the graphics are great for a Wii game…they definitely don’t match my PS3 or 360, but outstanding for a Wii game.

   About the Controller. I got the bundle that included the controller and have not tried to play without it. I really like the controller and having easy access to all buttons which you won’t have with the nunchuck / wii remote. It feels similar to a PS3 controller…only negative with it is the weight…it feels light and cheap, but it works great.

   About Wii Speak. Two things to note:

   1) You do NOT have to exchange Wii console or friend codes. You do have to send a message to the player online and request them to be a friend within the monster hunter game. Once both accept, then it works like a champ. Other players who do not have Wii Speak cannot hear you talking though

   2) Do yourself a favor and get headphones to listen to the game and speech if you are using Wii Speak. The echo is bad otherwise. The Wii Speak quality is already not good so the echo makes it even worse. Besides, if you get the headphones, you will get a more surround sound experience and can turn up the audio as loud as you want when family members are sleeping (believe me it makes a big difference for me)

   The Online community is awesome. There are always plenty of people online and most are very friendly…they are willing to help you even if you are a much lower rank than others.

   They also put special online only “events” and “Arena” missions that you get to do each week. Some give you special tickets to allow you to get a special weapon that you can’t get any other way. This additional content is free!!!

   Overall, there are a couple of minor issues but in the end this is a fantastic game that will last a long time. I highly recommend it!
6. 

   James Faile
   June 15th, 2010 - 11:52

   Review by James Faile for Wii Classic Controller Pro – Black
   Rating:
   I got this product when I bought Monster Hunter Tri.
   
   I already had a Classic Controller that I purchased when it was first released.

   I have used the Classic Controller to play Super Smash Brothers Brawl since a few months after that game was released. I’m still good at using the Gamecube Controller, but I wanted to start using the new controllers so that I wouldn’t have to hunt for Wavebirds when they stopped being produced.

   This controller addressed all of my concerns with the original design.

   While playing using the original Classic Controller, my left hand would rotate around the analog stick slightly. This would not usually be detrimental until it had shifted enough that pressing a direction would register as a diagonal. For example, trying to press Up-B to recover while my hand was rotated downward caused me to press Over-B which would cause a suicide and a wasted stock.

   With the new Classic Controller Pro, my hand stays anchored in place and I notice less mistakes during critical matches.

   Another issue with the old Classic Controller was the R and L buttons being analog. This was the same issue that Gamecube Controllers have where a slight press doesn’t register as a shield unless the button is completely pressed in. This is an issue specific to Brawl as Melee supported slight indentation.

   However, with the new Classic Controller Pro, L and R are now digital like the rest of the buttons. This lets them be used like Super Nintendo Controller shoulder buttons or like Gamecube Controllers that have had their shoulder button springs removed.

   It’s worth getting just for that.

   Also, the analog sticks are farther apart, which makes it so that Thumb Clash (Thumbs colliding during gameplay) is no longer an issue. It was rarely an issue to begin with, but the thought is nice.

   As for Monster Hunter Tri?
   
   The zR and zL buttons are barely used in this game, so if you already have a Classic Controller the Classic Controller Pro is only worth the upgrade it you have $20 you want to blow. Otherwise the old controller will work perfectly for you.

   All things considered, I don’t regret buying this controller at all and would do it again if I lost or damaged this one.
7. 

   Verified Purchases Only
   June 15th, 2010 - 11:57

   Review by Verified Purchases Only for Wii Classic Controller Pro – Black
   Rating:
   Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3OMBUEKXIBS8W Great for someone with larger hands
8. 

   Mitrox
   June 15th, 2010 - 12:38

   Review by Mitrox for Wii Classic Controller Pro – Black
   Rating:
   I gave this controller a 5 star rating because when you don’t compare it to other controllers it’s a really decent controller. Although this controller feels really comfortable when you hold it, it’s a bit difficult to get used to when you’ve played on the GCN Controller for so long. Especially when you are playing SSBB, you have to reach upward diagonally for the (x)/(y) button ( which delays a few milliseconds and leaves you open for an incoming object/attack). While on the GCN Controller you could click ( x ) towards the right when you needed to react quickly. However, this is not a review about the GCN controller.

   I never owned the original CC since I did not have the money at the time to purchase it. Neither did I have in mind to purchase it because I did not see any use for it until later on. That’s when I started purchasing virtual console games and then that’s when I realized that the GCN controller did not play well with Super Mario World. So I skipped the original CC since it did not look comfortable to hold for other games besides VC ones and I did not want to purchase it just to play VC games. So months later I stumbled across the Japanese design of the CCP on YouTube while randomly searching up Nintendo items. I took massive interest and I pre-ordered it on Amazon. I waited about 1 month and it finally came in the mail. I really loved the look of the controller, and the feel of it. I first tested it with Super Mario World and it ran really smooth. However, when I started playing SSBB with it, I did not feel as free as I wanted to with the controller, but after practicing and memorizing the layout I got a little used to it, but it felt as if I were learning a whole new experience again. It worked great with Super Sonic Racing though, So no if’s or buts there. Anyway, it isn’t called the “Classic” controller for no reason, so you can’t bombard Nintendo with comments on how this controller could of been better when they made it especially for virtual console games with intentions of including it for other games. Most of us know that the GCN controller is still very comfortable. So hopefully in their next gen console they will keep the design and include wireless features without the need to connect it to the wiimote.

   Positive Side:
   
   + Controller is great for playing SNES/virtual console games
   
   + The added handles make it look and feel more comfortable
   
   + The R&L analog sticks are more spaced apart making it easier to reach
   
   + The cord being upward instead of downward is better

   Negative Side:
   
   - the Zr&Zl button location is a bit spaced out (especially when grabbing in SSBB making it feel awkward)

   Overall, this is a great controller. I only have minor adjustments that I did not approve of, other then that it’s a Viewtiful controller. ^^
9. 

   A. Hamilton
   June 15th, 2010 - 13:21

   Review by A. Hamilton for Wii Classic Controller Pro – Black
   Rating:
   I really like the comfort of this controller.
   
   Capcom helped Nintendo with this mainly for Monster Hunter 3 tri.
   
   The Analog sticks are wider apart the shoulder buttons are more like Sony controllers.

   It’s great.
   
   Only downside for me is you still have to connect it to a Wii remote.
   
   Definitely recommended over the older classic controller.
10. 

    Jason M.
    June 15th, 2010 - 14:01

    Review by Jason M. for Wii Classic Controller Pro – Black
    Rating:
    I think that this is a much better controller than the previous version and certainly worth buying. However, this is not the controller that I wish Nintendo would make. Be that as it may, I have to review this controller for what it is. For the sake of reference, I own all three modern game consoles and can compare controllers with each other.

    The controller currently comes in either white or black. The black controller is actually that piano black glossy style that tends to be a fingerprint collector. The most obvious change is that Nintendo added a couple of curved grips on either side of the controller that strongly resemble those found on PlayStation controllers. The ZL and ZR buttons went from tiny nubs to full fledged shoulder buttons and are now purely digital as opposed to the low quality analog from the previous Classic Controller. The analog sticks are spaced a bit further apart and some people claim that this leads to less thumb clash. I wouldn’t go that far, my thumbs can easily come into contact with each other on this controller but to be fair the sticks are further apart than they are on the PS3 controller. For some odd reason, it seems that Microsoft was the only one to get it right when it comes down to placement of the two analog sticks.

    The Classic Controller Pro is not a truly wireless controller because you still have to plug it into the Wii Remote. For a $19.99 price tag, I wasn’t expecting much in that regard. It actually feels great in my hands. The four shoulder buttons and the four face buttons are easy to access and the analog sticks have a nice feel to them. I don’t like how closely spaced the Select, Start and Home buttons are on this controller. The face of the controller is still essentially the same bean shape as the previous controller but now you have those grips instead of wrapping your hands around that bean shape which I always felt was a bit uncomfortable.

    While the Classic Controller Pro is larger than the PS3 controller, it is noticeably lighter and weighs far less than the Xbox 360 controller. I personally like a bit more heft to my controllers but that is an individual preference. What really matters is how well the controller works during gameplay. I would say that the controller meets my expectations. I played Gate of Thunder, Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Super Mario 64 and had no problems switching weapons or executing precision jumping that is needed for Mario games. As it happens, my tournament fighting games are on the Xbox 360 so I won’t comment on the D-pad and how easy it is to perform special moves with it. Given the fact that there are only four buttons on the face, I don’t think that Street Fighter fans would be particularly happy with this controller anyways.

    All in all, I’d say that the Classic Controller Pro is worth the money though I wish that Nintendo would have made a truly wireless controller with rumble.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Name(required)

Email(required)

Website

CAPTCHA Code *