Toy Story Mania – Wii

Last year when Disney’s California Adventure opened a new ride called Toy Story’s Midway Mania, I took a trip to see what all of the fuss was about.  When I walked out of the ride, got back in line and rode it again, I understood. I’ve been craving a return to DCA in order to play/ride the game again. Thanks to Disney Interactive and Papaya Studio, the wait is quelled, at least a little bit.

Toy Story Mania released this week for the Nintendo Wii. The game takes several aspects of the original ride and expands on them in a fashion that makes it much more interactive. You start the game by playing story mode, which will require a single (relatively short) sitting. Each level tasks you with five (sometimes less) challenges. Fulfill the minimum (2 out of 5 for example) to progress in the story and all 5 to unlock that game in free play mode.

Once you have completed the story mode it unlocks five additional character-based story areas: Rex and Hamm, The Sarge (Army Men), Bo Peep, Woody, and Buzz.  As you play through the different levels you’ll encounter a variety of mini games (skeet shooting, pinball, and ski ball are just a few) that help you to earn tickets based on your score.  These tickets are used to unlocked additional games, including the 3D versions, stickers, and sticker pages.

The 3D games leave much to be desired though.  When you put on the 3D glasses (the game comes with two pair) you are supposed to be able to see a difference, but the only thing I see is a variation of colors.  The technology advances for 3D in relation to TVs are simply not as sophisticated as they are for film. Editors Note: For a deeper explanation between the technologies and why TVs are limited, Wikipedia has some excellent material.

Each of the areas contains a different style of gaming, but the main idea is to shoot, throw, or fling things at the screen.  The Wiimote is the perfect controller for a game like this because you do more than just hit the A and B buttons.  At times the game does have some repetitive patterns and voices that can be rather annoying, but the main levels offer enough of a variety to keep the interest of the average gamer. Hardcore gamers, on the other hand, will be able to play through all levels, unlock all games, and buy all stickers in about three hours.  Despite that, the game does have replay value, particularly for some family friendly competition at parties.

Toy Story Mania is lighthearted fare slanted to the young and young at heart. It’s good ole fashioned fun for the kid in everyone.