As a family with both a little kid (5) and an older one (10), we’re always looking for Wii games that we can play together. These tend to be physical games that require no reading. Here’s a title that we tried recently and all enjoyed because it kept us moving with music, if you call pop covers sung by chipmunks “music.” Alvin, the Squeakquel, for Wii delivers what it promises, a fun music game for kids that older players can enjoy, at least for a while.
Alvin is a classic music rhythm game. Players just use their WiiMotes to match the required rhythm for Alvin and Chipmunks covers of hit songs like “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Funky Town,” — titles dad knows — along with some more recent pop hits. Dads who have priced out the expensive Rock Band paraphenalia will be happy to note that there are no added accessories needed. Alvin for Wii works right out of the box.
Wii games aren’t a slam-dunk for family play. While the Wii is perfect for family play, too many titles are ported from Playstation or XBox and are really only made for single players. Alvin for Wii is one game that is made for multiplayers, not as an add-on feature. While Alvin, The Squeakquel can be played solo, it’s far more fun as a party game or played by dad and two kids (3 players max).
Th kids loved the songs and it was fun watching my kids discover Chipmunk versions of music I could sing along with. “How do you know all the words, Daddy?” they wondered. Because I knew the songs, I also dominated in point totals on almost every song. However, while the kids loved the music and played the songs several times, this game got tiresome quickly for older ears and its novelty value wore away after a few plays. For adults, this game will make a fun family hour, but don’t expect to take it out night after night for more replays.
All in all, if you want to try out a music and rhythm Wii title that will work for little kids, that isn’t too complicated, and that does not require a $300 investment in a Rock Band set, this is an amusing title to start with.
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