Anyone pick up a Wii Zapper, yet? [Archive]

UniHamachi

11-20-2007, 07:54 PM

I still might pick it up as an impulse buy, but I'm not going out of my way to get it. The reviews are that the zapper itself has nice build but is otherwise useless (RE:UC is better off without the shell) because the trigger is mechanical and there is a slight delay when pressing the trigger and it doesn't allow for rapid shooting.

heybtbm

11-20-2007, 07:59 PM

No matter how "desperate" you get...DO NOT buy it from Gamestop. They're charging $24.99, while everywhere else charges $19.99. Even if $5 isn't a big deal, it's just the principle. Have some dignity and wait.

boatofcar

11-20-2007, 08:01 PM

Rob2600

11-20-2007, 08:29 PM

Link?

IGN.com's Wii Zapper review:

http://gear.ign.com/articles/836/836064p1.html

Performance - 5 out of 10
Squishy mechanical trigger has a major impact on the useful performance of the Zapper.

Build Quality - 9 out of 10
The highest of any Wii lightgun bracket.

Ease of Use - 10 out of 10
Seating the Wiimote and Nunchuck in the Zapper bracket is easy as cake.

Value - 10 out of 10
$20 for just the Zapper would be a burn. $20 for the Zapper and Link's Crossbow Training is a steal.

Comfort - 6 out of 10
Tommy gun shape isn't the most comfortable. Trying to shoot fast gets tiring very quickly because of the squishy trigger.

OVERALL - 6.5 out of 10

MonoTekETeA

11-20-2007, 09:39 PM

Looks like something is in need of some modding...

This squishy trigger was what I feared though the whole thing. Oh well.

Merlins Beard

11-20-2007, 09:46 PM

I like how 40/50 is a 6.5. Ratings make no sense.

Rob2600

11-20-2007, 09:51 PM

This squishy trigger was what I feared though the whole thing.

I haven't tried the Zapper yet. What does "squishy trigger" mean?

CartCollector

11-20-2007, 10:06 PM

I like how 40/50 is a 6.5. Ratings make no sense.

Everything doesn't have to be averaged by arithmetic mean. In this case, the bad outweighs the good.
For instance, imagine there's a game that plays well and has good replay value, but doesn't have good graphics and sound. Should the overall score be brought down significantly just because of window dressing?

Merlins Beard

11-20-2007, 10:21 PM

otaku

11-20-2007, 10:41 PM

Forget to check when I was in a store tonight but I'll check work this week for it. Definetly wanna get one with a copy of ghost squad

whoisKeel

11-20-2007, 10:47 PM

I am curious about this. With the zapper, you could look through the scope and aim from 10 or more feet away, with fair accuracy. The Wiimote is more like a mouse, and if you stare down the center of your wiimote, it doesn't necessarily aim anywhere close to where you are actually pointing, mileage will vary greatly depending on your setup, of course. Plus, I assume that all wiizapper games are going to feature an onscreen cursor (therefore defeating the fun/skill of zapper/gun games). I just don't see how the wiizapper is going to be anything more than a 5 minute novelty. That said, I might pick one up just for the pack-in game.

PapaStu

11-20-2007, 11:06 PM

We just returned home from GS with a zapper. I figure its better that we have at least one for the time being instead of having none past xmas. If i make it into another store over the next few days and they've got more out, I might just snag it to save the hastle that will happen come Feb/March when HoTD releases on the Wii and there will be fighting in this household to play the damn game with the one zapper that we'd have.

boatofcar

11-20-2007, 11:19 PM

Thanks for the link and sumary Rob. I'm still not sure about the "squishy" trigger, or what that means.

EDIT: Nevermind, I should have read the whole review first.

Rob2600

11-20-2007, 11:26 PM

Link's Crossbow Training reviews on metacritic.com (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/linkscrossbowtraining?q=link's%20crossbow%20traini ng)

Ghost Squad reviews on metacritic.com (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/ghostsquad)

Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles reviews on metacritic.com (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/wii/residentevilumbrellachronicles)

The Wii Zapper is off to a good start!

geneshifter

11-21-2007, 01:02 AM

Poofta!

11-21-2007, 01:16 AM

They shouldnt give out ratings for the categories then. It looks dumb giving number values to five different categories, and then just blowing them all off and ranking something whatever you feel it deserves.

uh... yeha they should. as the previous example states, a game might have dismal sound or graphics, but still you cant stop playing just because its so damn amazing, while an arithmetic mean would make it lets say a 30/50, overall, the game is so great and deserves to be played making the "fun factor" or "bottom line" scores read closer to 40 or 45 out of 50. (same thing for a beautiful, well written adn composed game that just makes you wanna beat your head against a brick wall its so annoying or boring).

as for the zapper question, im glad about ign's review. since i cant return it to GS once opened and cant really try it out anywhere with certain games, im happy about the meticulous review.

has anyone used the wii blaster (the unofficial shotgun esque gun) with RE and some other games? how does either one do w/ wii play?

dlopez9069

11-21-2007, 11:36 AM

Well I wasn't really interested in it till now but is it basically something to hold you wii remote while you play or is it a special peripheral that can only be used with certain games?

youruglyclone

11-21-2007, 12:17 PM

Well I wasn't really interested in it till now but is it basically something to hold you wii remote while you play or is it a special peripheral that can only be used with certain games?

it's more or less a shell for your wiimote and nunchuck

UniHamachi

11-21-2007, 01:25 PM

It's just a snap in attachment, but it's not for any game in the sense that you lose access to buttons and what not when it's snapped in. Also, the shooting has to be done with the B trigger within the game -- it does not remap buttons or anything (as previously stated, it is just a a plastic doohicky and has no electronics).

heybtbm

11-21-2007, 01:46 PM

Neil Koch

11-21-2007, 02:00 PM

Got myself one of these tonight and i really like it. Link's training is top notch. I also bought my nephews and nieces 2 of these for their Wiis. I also picked up MoH Heroes 2 for the zapper and it works pretty well. The graphics are subpar and the AI is dumber than a bag of hammers, but the zapper just makes it a more interactive and fun game than it would be otherwise.

How's the online part of MoH? I read a preview that said it was supposed to support 32 players, which I'm a bit skeptical of, since I've seen pretty noticeable lag on FIFA, and that's only 2 people...

Rob2600

11-21-2007, 02:31 PM

How's the online part of MoH? I read a preview that said it was supposed to support 32 players, which I'm a bit skeptical of, since I've seen pretty noticeable lag on FIFA, and that's only 2 people...

According to IGN's review:

"includes impressive 32-player online play that runs far better than EA’s other online efforts... Online runs extremely well, and the amount of customization is a huge plus.

The game runs with 32 players online and does so with very little interruption. ... Simply log on to EA Nation, create an account (used instead of friend codes), find a lobby, and start playing. At any time you can initiate a vote to kick players or change the map, as well as outfit your soldier with different weaponry or change control style, making the experience extremely seamless for Wii's first online FPS."

According to Gamespot's review:

"Up to 32 players can duke it out online. ... The level designs are based on maps from the single-player campaign. They've been reworked a bit for multiplayer and are well designed. The multiplayer succeeds both because it moves really fast and because there are 32 players playing at the same time, so there's always some action. Our online experience went smoothly and suffered from very little lag, though it would have been a little more fun with voice chat, which is not supported.

Thanks to sharp controls, speedy gameplay, and an impressive online mode, Medal of Honor Heroes 2 is a battle worth fighting. It really is a great game."

Ruffie

11-21-2007, 06:29 PM

I got mine yesterday and I'm having a blast with it, using it in Link's Crossbow Training and in Medal of Honor Heroes 2. Read my full review here (http://middle-agedgamer.blogspot.com/2007/11/wii-zapper-and-links-crossbow-training.html).

Ruffie
Middle - Aged Gamer (http://middle-agedgamer.blogspot.com/)

Ponyone

11-21-2007, 06:44 PM

can anyone that has it comment on the "smooshy" trigger? does it make your hand tired during manual rapid firing?

Also, can you detach the nunchuck and hold it like normal... incase you have to swing it or something to throw a grenade/sword, it'd look quite odd swinging the gun around.

This is on my christmas wish list, but if it has mooshy trigger and what not, I may pass.

Ruffie

11-21-2007, 06:53 PM

Smooshy trigger? I haven't noticed any issues with that. The trigger hits the B button when you press it. It seems light and ergonomic enough that I haven't noticed any issues with it making my hand tired.

And yes, you can hook it up so that the nunchuck swings free. It even had how to set this up in the Wii Zapper manual, so it's designed to be used that way if the game or the gamer calls for it. Medal of Honor Heroes 2 is designed for use with the zapper, so in its manual it has the control listings for both zapper and regular side by side. Doing things like grenades and sniper scopes are all handled well with the zapper.

As you can tell, I'm happy with the zapper. I'd be interested to hear from others who've tried it, though, to see if they feel the same way. I hope this answers your concerns.

Ruffie
Middle - Aged Gamer (http://middle-agedgamer.blogspot.com/)

Putney

11-22-2007, 12:52 AM

Just picked it up at Walmart. They had 10-15. Since Walmarts distribution is almost identical nationwide...chances are your Walmart has them too. Played the Zelda game for 15 minutes or so. Pretty fun, but damn those Wii graphics makes my eyes bleed...I've been too spoiled by SMG. Pretty good for a free(?) game. I can finally break out R.E. Umbrella Chronicles now. Overall it seems worth $20. Now if Amazon would just ship my damn copy of Ghost Squad.

Now to find a custom DVD insert for the Zelda game. The Wii Sports customs on ebay are excellent. I hope someone else realizes the $$$ potential and makes a decent Zelda one.

Target has also joined Gamestop in the plan to sell it for $25, unfortunately. I also grabbed mine at Wal Mart, they seemed to have no shortage.

As for a DVD insert, I didn't make this, I just found it linked at kotaku.com: http://www.thecoverproject.net/view.php?cover_id=6034

otaku

11-22-2007, 01:26 AM

picked one up tonight for $20 I like it and at least for the included zelda game (which is pretty cool) it seems to work great. Well worth the dough can't wait to get some other games to go with it

MegaDrive20XX

11-22-2007, 01:37 AM

Link's Crossbow Training is so freakin' fun. Move over WiiSports and Wiiplay...we got a new contender...

eggwolio

11-23-2007, 03:15 AM

I'm glad someone mentioned the cover project (http://www.thecoverproject.net). The Wii Sports cases going on ebay are probably printed directly from there and the people there would be none to happy about it.

I'm indifferent on the Zapper. I don't mind the squishy trigger, but part of me wishes that you could separate it and use just the wiimote in the front part like a handgun. I struggle quite a bit on levels that require you to roam around, because I'm best at shooting with my left hand on the front handle and can't move worth a crap with my right thumb. I really hated Link's Crossbow Training at first play, but the more time I put into it and the more I gave it a chance, the better I liked it. I'm definitely excited for more shooters now.

I have to wonder, though. Due to the fact that the sensor bar makes it a little different as to where on the screen you are pointing, will they be throwing crosshairs into the VC titles so you can see where you are aiming?

Mayhem

11-23-2007, 11:34 AM

The trigger is a little spongy but it didn't affect playing the crossbow game at all, no problems rapid firing up all the enemies...

diskoboy

11-23-2007, 04:30 PM

I picked one up today.

This thing works wonders on Elebits and RE4. Playing Elebits without the zapper makes my hand tired after about 10 minutes of play. The zapper makes it alot more comfortable.

Can't wait to give it a try on some genuine lightgun games, like RE:UC and Ghost Squad.

heybtbm

11-23-2007, 10:36 PM

Can't wait to give it a try on some genuine lightgun games, like RE:UC and Ghost Squad.

The Wii Zapper is useless for Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles. You have to hit the "A" button on the Wii-mote every few seconds (to pick up items, use grenades, dodge attacks) which is impossible if you are holding onto the Zapper handle/trigger. Seems kind of silly for Capcom to overlook this...I'm thinking they never truly intended for the Zapper to work on RE:UC in the first place.

MegaDrive20XX

11-23-2007, 11:00 PM

The Wii Zapper is useless for Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles. You have to hit the "A" button on the Wii-mote every few seconds (to pick up items, use grenades, dodge attacks) which is impossible if you are holding onto the Zapper handle/trigger. Seems kind of silly for Capcom to overlook this...I'm thinking they never truly intended for the Zapper to work on RE:UC in the first place.

You do know that in Options, you can change the controls to reconize the Wii Zapper's gun setup so that it makes the Z trigger pick up items and the C to change weapons right?

heybtbm

11-23-2007, 11:15 PM

You do know that in Options, you can change the controls to reconize the Wii Zapper's gun setup so that it makes the Z trigger pick up items and the C to change weapons right?

If "Z" can become "A", how do you use the knife? I'm going to have to investigate.

j_factor

11-24-2007, 03:30 AM

I just got the Zapper. Took me a while to find a place that had it for the normal MSRP. :-/ Well played, Game Crazy.

I wonder if it's worth trying with Elebits...

UniHamachi

11-24-2007, 03:38 AM

Alright, I'm convinced. I'll keep my eyes out for this one.

josekortez

11-25-2007, 12:27 AM

I had an interesting situation happen with another shopper and a Target employee tonight when we both wanted the last one at Target. I had the idea to buzz the associate who nearly lost it when I pressed the button. The other customer told me he had been wanting it, but he didn't know how to get someone to come over. Finally, he walked away because they didn't have RE:UC in the case. The associate finally came over and when she saw that I wasn't pleased about the way she raised her voice when I pressed the buzzer, she kept apologizing. Anyway, long story short, I've got a Zapper now but I'm going to return it if I can find it cheaper than $25.

monkeysuit

11-26-2007, 06:39 PM

In my opinion the zapper is a steal if you can find it for $20.00. :wink 2:

Has anyone used it with Ghost Squad yet?

heybtbm

11-26-2007, 09:09 PM

Has anyone used it with Ghost Squad yet?

Ghost Squad using the Zapper is great. I had more fun with GS the first time I put it in than I did with R.E. Umbrella Chronicles. RE:UC is the better game overall, but GS does have its moments of arcade light gun goodness. The cheesy, Japanese wooden dialog is endearing to me...what can I say?

monkeysuit

11-26-2007, 09:30 PM

Ghost Squad using the Zapper is great. I had more fun with GS the first time I put it in than I did with R.E. Umbrella Chronicles. RE:UC is the better game overall, but GS does have its moments of arcade light gun goodness. The cheesy, Japanese wooden dialog is endearing to me...what can I say?

I can understand that completely! The unlockable costumes are well worth my $50.00.

Rob2600

11-26-2007, 09:46 PM

I just bought the Wii Zapper at the Toys R Us Holiday Express in Manhattan for $20. They had several in stock. They also had Ghost Squad for $33 (Amazon.com is charging $30).

The Zapper is a Christmas present for my brother, so I won't get to try it out for another few weeks.

Icarus Moonsight

11-27-2007, 01:17 AM

Couldn't find one. The retailers didn't have it and didn't know what I was talking about, as another stated and GS/GC were sold out. Think I'll get it at Game Crazy for the actual MSRP when they restock... Wal-Mart is a LAST resort.

Don't think it will work with Elebits very well. Unless you normally open a door with both hands on the knob and the knobs in your house are like a foot long and very oddly shaped. LOL

swlovinist

11-27-2007, 01:30 AM

I love this game, and have already gotten platnum on all levels. Awsome!

chrisbid

11-27-2007, 06:55 AM

I like how 40/50 is a 6.5. Ratings make no sense.

rating numbers are pulled out of the writer's ass, there are no concrete scoring thresholds

TheDomesticInstitution

12-04-2007, 03:54 PM

Alright... I started playing Ghost Squad last night, and found the game to be quite fun. So I went to Wal-Mart today and found they had a Zapper in the back- so I bought it immediately. I was doing pretty good without the Zapper, but when I actually hooked everything up today with the Nunchuck and played- my accuracy went way down. Especially during the mine diffusing section, which I accomplished every time before I had it hooked into the Zapper... now (with Zapper) I had two "failed" in a row. The zapper's build quality is good, but it seems quite a bit harder to aim than with the standard Wiimote. I'm gonna hook it up to a TV in a larger and more open room (instead of the bedroom), and maybe the accuracy will improve. I do like the button layout on the Zapper though. Again this is after playing the Zapper for 30 minutes or so.

Edit: I also recalibrated the Wiimote sensitivity for the Zapper, but it did nothing to improve my aiming. And I recalibrated the in game "aim" menu- with no improvement. I also had the targeting reticule set to "off"

Neil Koch

12-04-2007, 04:05 PM

I picked up the Zapper a few days ago and I'm also finding it hard to be accurate. In fact, it makes Medal of Honor terribly difficult, since the reload detection is hit and miss; I can't even get past the second level.

I'm going to hold off on final judgement until I have it hooked up to my home system, but so far it hasn't impressed me at all. But for only $20, I'm not complaining too much. I think it might be, as was pointed out above, that the first wave of Zapper games might have not been made with it in mind.

TheDomesticInstitution

12-04-2007, 04:30 PM

Now that I look at the way the Wiimote sits in the Zapper, it sits almost an inch higher than where you would actually be holding the Wiimote alone (I examined it after someone had mentioned this either in this thread or another). And you're right, games may have been designed to not compensate for this fact. Although Ghost Squad explicitly states it can be used with this accessory... and there is even a Zapper button configuration... Fuck- I don't know- I'm just kinda talking out my ass.. all I know is the aiming with it sucks- and it's easier to play with the damn wiimote. I haven't played the Link game yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

CreamSoda

12-04-2007, 06:33 PM

Glad to see the Zapper is worth the price, I was excited to see Medal of Honor: Heroes 2(even if it is a big gimmicky). Good to know the game is a decent use of the hardware, now I just need to get a Wii! :p

monkeysuit

12-06-2007, 01:03 AM

I took some advice and picked up Ghost Squad yesterday. Honestly, anyone that threw down $20.00 for the zapper there isn't really a reason not to have this game.

It's not deep, and it won't blow you away, but it's fun and will at least justify owning the zapper right now.

Neil Koch

12-06-2007, 09:46 AM

I played around a bit more with Medal of Honor and I found a way to hold it that alleviated the reload detection problems I was having. The arcade mode is pretty fun with the Zapper, but I've found the campaign mode (where you control the movement) to be much better with just the regular wiimote/nunchuk setup.

UniHamachi

12-25-2007, 12:27 PM

I got my Zapper as a Xmas gift from my best friend (he's not a gamer, but he just happened to be in the right place at the right time and he knew I had a Wii -- it's better than his other attempt at getting me a video game, the GC version of Minority Report I never opened).

I didn't find the trigger squishy at all (although it sounds squishy because of the crossbow sound effect). The only thing I don't like is that the aiming isn't as good as Metroid (within the pack-in game, that is). Actually, I found the aiming is better in WiiPlay's duck hunt than LCT.

Overall, I do like LCT, but the Zapper shell is pretty meh. It still turns my hand into a stiffened claw after extensive play, and I'm forced to do what a lot of others do, i.e. hold the Zapper in one hand and the nunchuk out of the shell in the other.

It's worth $20 for the game itself, but the shell is pretty uninspired.

walrusmonger

12-25-2007, 01:51 PM

I picked up a zapper for me and my friend for Christmas. I have put a couple of hours into Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, and about an hour into Link's Crossbow Training.

For $24.99 (gamestop's +$5 price) it was well worth it. While the aiming is a little weird at first, it is much easier for me to use the trigger, which feels pretty good in my opinion. Umbrella Chronicles is a damn fun game, and Link isn't half bad if you're into Point Blank type stuff.

I picked up Ghost Squad for myself and my friend as well, and have yet to try it out. I've played the game in the arcade and liked it, so I'm sure the Wii version is fun too.

But still, the only reason to get a Zapper... now at least, is if you want Link's Crossbow Training, or are interested in RE:UC or Ghost Squad. Hopefully some other games come out that use the Zapper, but if nothing else comes out, it was still only $25.

Gamingking

12-25-2007, 08:50 PM

I got it this morning, It's neat. The Zelda game it comes with is also fun. I recomend it to anyone who hasn't picked it up.

Rob2600

12-26-2007, 11:17 AM

My brother has been playing with the Wii Zapper for the last two days and it's a lot of fun. Link's Crossbow Training is a nice pack-in. It isn't very deep, but it's fun and features very nice graphics.

Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles is really well-done, too. It's a fun arcade-style shooter with excellent graphics. Great job, Capcom.

The key word is fun. :)

heybtbm

12-26-2007, 11:21 AM

Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles is really well-done, too. It's a fun arcade-style shooter with excellent graphics. Great job, Capcom.

RE: Umbrella Chronicles is much better without the Wii Zapper. The zapper actually makes the game borderline unplayable.

Rob2600

12-26-2007, 12:09 PM

RE: Umbrella Chronicles is much better without the Wii Zapper. The zapper actually makes the game borderline unplayable.

We haven't noticed that at all. The Zapper seems fine.

Garry Silljo

12-26-2007, 04:22 PM

RE: Umbrella Chronicles is much better without the Wii Zapper. The zapper actually makes the game borderline unplayable.

I do better with the zapper.

coreycorey2000

12-27-2007, 10:44 PM

I just beat Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles with the zapper. It was a lot of fun. I also beat Link's Crossbow Training with it (All platinums). So I don't understand what all the complaining is about. I haven't tried Ghost Squad yet.

Frankie_Says_Relax

12-28-2007, 02:38 PM

I'm enjoying Umbrella Chronicles with the Zapper ... however, in the earliest stages of the game, I'm chuckling every time a high pressure situation arises and the characters say "let's get out of here" ...

... you'd think that they'd RUN full speed out of whatever trouble they're in ... but they always just kind of leisurely "trot" around the corner, out the window, or whatever exit provides the nearest escape route.

Does the game ever speed up to the pace of House of the Dead, or is it always a slow walk to victory?

UniHamachi

01-03-2008, 02:46 AM

Ghost Squad is freaking FUN. I mean, I didn't expect much when I rented it, but I think I may have to buy this game. In order to get the pistol grip effect, I'm using the 3rd config where the Z on the 'chuk is the trigger -- it allows me to hold the zapper like a gun. I just ordered 2 Nyko Perfect Shots to get the full effect.

If GS is any indication of the quality of Sega arcade ports, I will definitely be getting House of the Dead 2 & 3 when it comes out. I'm not that enthused about RE:UC because it's doesn't sound as arcadey as GS and HoTD.

In retrospect, I would have rather been gifted with the Perfect Shot and Ghost Squad combo than the Zapper bundle.

SpasticFuctard

01-03-2008, 12:16 PM

I got the zapper for xmas, and found the pack in was fun, the damn thing exacerbates the difficulty I have holding the nunchuck with the ole monkey paw and that it makes the A button and plus controller basically inaccessible. The squishy trigger is less than ideal too. played with it for like 5 mins, then just used it for storage of one of my wiimotes.

the pack in's the only valid part IMHO

SF - waving his wii at zombies since 2007