.jpg)
Nintendo seems to not get the point of what we want from WiiWare. Quanity does not make up for the huge lack of quality that has been put into WiiWare. This week’s release “Family Pirate Party” can be summed up with one statement: Party game without the party elements. This isn’t the first installment in this type of franchise. There were family table tennis and glide hockey as well, which were both utter abominations in all aspects. FPP sports the same problems that plagued previous titles, but with a few additions.
Family Pirate Party is essentially a Mario Party clone. But it’s almost as if the developers took a look at Mario Party and said “We just need the board game part, no mini-games at all.” You choose from one of the four playable characters and you each race around collecting as much cash as possible in each round. You do this over and over again moving about a board until it’s over and a winner is declared.
Party games work with compelling mini-games to keep up the excitement. FPP does have some mini-games but they are single player only and so random and lackluster that they don’t really count. The wacky events that occur give you nothing to choose from except the help card spaces which act like items that let you steal money roll again.
There is just so much wrong with this title that it is crazy to think that this passed the focus testing from Nintendo. Controls, with only simple button presses, and visuals are both very weak. The visual design is disgusting and some of the screens for the game are blurry, showing a lack of pride in the game. Simply put, the money you were going to spend on this title could simply be used to wipe your derriere and flush down the toilet.
Pros: Makes you want to play Mario Party
Cons: Controls, visuals, no mini-games, you friends will despise you
Sounds: 4.25
Control: 4.75
Graphics: 4.5
Fun Factor : 1.5The Info: Platform: WiiWare, Publisher: Aksys Games, Developer: Arc System Works, Players: 1-4, Price: $5.00
Related Links: Make sure to check out this week's GPArcade giveaway and be sure to answer our question of the week. Also read up on the WiiWare: Hasbro Family Game Night 2 coming this fall.
