Play up to 60 instruments
Unlike other rhythm games, such as Guitar Hero, we won’t follow set notes on screen, but Wii Music will be mores about improvising, learning your each instrument and feeling the rhythm. The music can be played through a mixture of motion and button presses that we’ll have to execute in time to the music, hence the reason why Miyamoto and his friends were rocking around on stage like they’d lost control of their limbs.Each instrument will require a different approach. IGN has revealed that when you’re playing the trumpet you move the Wii-mote up and down to increase and decrease the blowing strength and that holding the C button down when playing the guitar will allow us to play single notes rather than chords.
The main game mode will see a 6 player band attempting to complete a variety of songs, which we assume will get more difficult as you progress. At E3, Nintendo revealed that ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ and ‘Yankee Doodle’ are amongst two of the songs on offer, but we also know that more complicated pieces such as the Legend of Zelda Overworld Theme and the Mario Theme tune will also be included. According to the official press release, we can also look forward to playing jazz, rock and latin-flavoured numbers.
Up to 4 human-controller players can take part in the band and they’ll also be multiplayer split-screen. We’ll also be able to drag along our Miis to play.
Wii Music will sell millions, there’s no doubt about that. Personally, I think it’s going to be a great game for the kids, something to stimulate their senses and teach them rhythm. But, others don’t quite agree. As Steve B on the HEXUS.community forums put it:
When the Wii first came out, I would have been like woah, that's cool. Now, however, I gritted my teeth when the Mii's came on the screen and almost cried when the people on stage started dancing.
What a crock...
He continues : "If they want to learn rhythm, why don't the parents get them to learn an actual musical instrument?
He's got a point you know.
More screenshots overleaf