When the Nintendo Wii was released, hardcore gamers as well as non-gamers like senior citizens and middle aged people were excited to play it as it gave them innovative gameplay. But the only thing was that some of the motions were way too complex for some of the non-gaming folks.
So now EA Sports has come out with Family Play, which will be embedded in all games that are developed by them. Family Play makes it optional to use the nunchuk controller. So now, players can use the Wii-mote for gesture-only control.
Dave McCarthy, Executive Producer for the three games developed at EA Canada spoke with IGN. He said, “EA Sports Family Play on the Wii creates an incredibly accessible and user-friendly experience that the whole family will enjoy. While many fans love to control every piece of the action, novice players can have just as much fun jumping in to throw a touchdown pass, nail a three pointer or take a shot on goal. Family Play brings together fans of all ages to enjoy playing EA Sports games, and even lets them ease in to Advanced play if they desire.”
IGN also got some details of the three games. Here are they:
Madden NFL 08: In Madden, it’s all about throwing, snapping, kicking, and stiff-arming. Players will grab the Wii-mote and easily pull off any of these moves with no need for button pressing. AI players find the holes in the defense, and you’re responsible for making the big play or shoving a defender out of the way. Plug the nunchuk back in and take direct control of the action once you’re ready.
NBA Live 08: Shooting, passing, and stealing is a breeze with NBA Live’s Family Play mode. Forget about setting up complex passing plays or worrying about the technical rules of the game, and focus instead on sinking jumpshots, passing with the flick of the wrist in either direction, or blocking and stealing on defense with either flicks up/down or left/right respectively. Want to drive to the hoop? Just hold the B button and your AI-controlled baller will get the hint.
FIFA Soccer 08: With FIFA Soccer 08, leave the running and ball-handling to the computer and line up a perfect shot with Wii motion. Take over throw-ins, passes, punts and corner kicks without the need for buttons, and plug backing the nunchuk once you think you have what it takes to step up to Ronaldinho. If you’re a hardcore FIFA fan, crank up the AI difficulty and pass an extra Wii-mote to a friend or family member. It’s not so easy when your human opponents know all the right moves.
Electronic Arts will release more details of Family Play soon. So now get ready to play with your grandparents who would now be very, very glad to play basketball with you!
