Family Game Night Vol 2

EA brings us the second edition of Hasbro boardgames adapted for the Nintendo Wii. Developed by Bright Light Productions; volume 2 brings us adaptations of Operation, Connect 4×4, Jenga, Bop It!, and Pictureka.

After the first edition; which was released around this time last year, EA has made it clear that they feel we are ready for volume 2. Featuring five new boardgames (four and a half considering Connect 4×4 isn’t entirely “new”), I once again wonder if this is just another senseless cash-in on the back of established boardgames. After my disappointment in Family Game Night for the Nintendo DS, let’s see if the use of a big TV screen and the Wii Remotes can justify Family Game Night Vol 2 for the Nintendo Wii.

It seems Bright Light Productions has re-hashed the popular Connect 4 by allowing four players to play against each other; and solving the the issue of limited slots by introducing hollow pieces, as well as blockers to compliment the existing solid pieces.
Now, each slot can hold up to two pieces; technically giving us up to two colours per slot, so stay alert. Although a fair bit more complex than the normal Connect 4, Connect 4×4 does a decent job of providing the gamer with a challenge. With plenty to think about before you make your move, and the added bonus of playing against three others, it does feel like a substantial “upgrade”.

The Remix Mode has similarities to Tetris, as any Connect 4s you make will award you with points and then disappear from the board. At the end of the allotted time, the player with the most points is declared the winner.
The main annoyance in Connect 4×4 is that you have to press A before you make your move. Every time. While this may sound like a safe feature, especially if you’re playing a timed game and don’t want to waste away the seconds by not knowing it’s your go; this gets mentally tiring and slows the pace of the game down.

Operation is pretty simple, although there’s no option to change the difficulty setting. Partly because the game only requires you to identify what needs to be extracted from the patient, and to extract it afterwards. Duration of play can be set. The operation itself is similar to that bubble game found in Wii Play; where you have to point the Wii Remote at the screen and rotate it to make the foreign object fit through the various shapes.

The Remix Mode in this adds some variation into the mix. At various points in the game, you’ll be required to shake the Wii Remote to administer oxygen, follow the on-screen instructions whilst keeping in time, and tilting the Wii Remote left and right in order to administer anaesthetic. These additional opportunities to earn extra points, among others, adds more challenge and variation in gameplay to an otherwise repetitive and mundane game.

Bop It! suffers from the same turn-off as the Nintendo DS version. Although you have the Wii Remote to perform the actions that are called out; and using motion control that attempts to emulate the “real” Bop It! instrument; it doesn’t feel as accurate as it could have been. Actions that are called out to you include Bop It, Pull It, Twist It, and Shout It; and you must correctly recall them and perform the action in the given time.

As you progress, the string of commands become longer; with additional commands in the Remix Mode. All in all, a good test of memory and reaction time, but the whole thing is a let down due to certain actions not being responsive enough.

Jenga is digitally recreated but doesn’t feel as fun to play as the real thing. This, for me, is a prime example of something that should be played for real. It could be the most accurate adaptation in the world, but having the blocks displayed on screen loses some of it charm. And of course, when the tower collapses, you don’t have the enjoyment of watching it fall for real and the re-stacking of it. For us adults, we might scoff at the idea of such simple pleasures; but it’s something that kids enjoy and isn’t that the main demographic?

In Jenga Remix: Chance Blocks, the tower consists of coloured blocks and you have to deal cards that determine which colour you have to remove. Asides from specific colours, there’s also weapon-type cards and various gameplay-changing ones.

Pictureka is by far my favourite of the bunch. Challenging gamers to cycle through different screens and search and locate specific items, objects can be literal as well as conceptual. Easier tasks include searching for letters, but more challenging ones include finding sharp items, or things you can drink. The wide range of items to look for, as well as the quantity of each object will keep you on your toes. Imagine Where’s Wally, but more fun and entertaining.

As some selections can fit into more than one category, or none of them at all, any borderline image will be decided whether it counts or not by other players taking a vote. Otherwise, the in-game penguin will decide.
Remix Mode brings sounds, silhouettes, and memory challenges into play. At times, you’ll also have to spell out a particular word by searching for the correct letters. When a sound is played out, this can be the most difficult type to match up, but by no means un-enjoyable. All in all, very fun; especially when playing with friends and family.

Once again, Mr. Potato Head is the mascot of the game that doesn’t really serve any meaningful purpose other than allowing kids to customise and have him squiggle around on-screen. Female gamers can choose to have Mrs. Potato Head instead.

The soundtrack to the game is your usual chirpy, playful tunes that can be organised into playlists and used when in-game. The audio in Pictureka reminds me of the Looney Tunes music; which children should find very entertaining.

Asides from the five digital boardgames, there’s also a High Score Mania mode where you play through ten rounds of mini-games; each one getting more difficult. The aim is to get the highest score by chaining together your bonus multipliers and banking them before the next round.
What’s more enjoyable is the Family Game Show where two or more players can compete against each other and take part in various challenges.

Overall, Family Game Night Vol 2 isn’t too bad. Having everyone gathered round the TV and playing together reinforces the title and remit of the game. It’s a shame that I don’t think too highly of the selection of games that are on offer. The lack of any online modes is another let-down.
As far as replay value goes, you’re only going to get that if you have people to play with; otherwise this compilation gets rather boring down the line. Sure, if you were to buy the real boardgame versions, the total spent would definitely exceed the RRP of Family Game Night Vol 2. However, these adaptations aren’t perfect and some games will definitely be played more than others.
If you can find this title lower than the RRP, then it’s worth the purchase. A decent enough party game that’s good for letting out the competitive side in everyone; but more importantly, simple fun.

+ A fairly decent multiplayer compilation
+ Vibrant visuals
+ For the most part, senseless remote-waving is kept to a mininum

- No online modes
- Some games will be played more than others.
- Not as fun playing on your own

Score - 6/10