Games

Family Ski and Snowboard

Title: Family Ski and Snowboard

Release date: February 20 2009

Publisher: Namco Bandai

Format: Nintendo Wii

RRP:   34.99

Rating: 6/10

A year after the 'We Ski', comes the creatively titled 'Family Ski and Snowboard'.

The game is playable with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk or the Wii Balance Board, the latter making the title great fun adding a cool sense of realism.

In brief

With a range of challenges, from racing to an "animal search and rescue" mode, there's lots to explore and do which keeps the game interesting. It also includes extreme slopes, slaloms, delivery missions and relaxing rides on the gondola.

All of the above are entertaining, however it's the races that pit you against a selection of other characters that are the most enjoyable. And the Wii Balance Board makes this feature the most compelling.

But that's not to say that this family game can only be enjoyed by the person playing on the Balance Board. Up to four players can share the thrill using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers. However, admittedly the person with the Balance Board will have the most fun.

None of the controls are difficult to master, nor is a high level of skill needed. And the step-by-step schooling option at the beginning of the game gives players of any age a simplistic, handy guide on how to get started.

The game features some beautiful scenery, with 7,000 vertical metres to explore over two huge mountains. Adding an extra bit of class to this element is the ability to choose between day, afternoon and night riding modes, which no matter which you select, is done delicately with grace and looks fabulous.

The title itself claims to be a game for all the family and it achieves this by being user friendly, enjoyable and an all round fun game for players of all ages. 

In terms of value for money, if you already own 'We Ski', despite the new features on the sequel, it's difficult to justify buying another game that is so similar.

But for those who want to explore a ski resort, without getting too cold, for a much cheaper price then going to Austria, this is a great all-round family title to buy, under two conditions:

1. You already own (or intend to buy) the Wii Balance Board.
2. You dont already have 'We Ski'.