Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
System: Nintendo Wii
Genre: Action Adventure
Release Date: Available Now
Review by: Christopher J. Troilo

While controllers have become more advanced through the past several generations of game systems, one piece of hardware gamers may have noticed gone missing is the light gun. The reason is that newer TV models, such as LCD and plasma screens are not compatible with the “traditional” models of light guns, such as the original Nintendo Zapper and Super Scope. However, because the Wii utilizes motion controls to interact with the screen, the Wiimote itself when used as a pointer is essentially a modern day light gun, and many games on the Wii have already taken advantage of this technology.

Nintendo has released an accessory known as the Wii Zapper, which secures the Wiimote and nun chuck into one peripheral. The idea behind it is that it will be easier for gamers, when playing shooting-based games, to aim and move more quickly and easily. The Wiimote locks into the top of the device, and becomes the “barrel” of the gun, while the nun chuck clasps on the back, and allows the user to employ the analog stick to move around.

Nintendo has bundled the zapper with a game specifically designed for its use called Link’s Crossbow Training. In Training, gamers find themselves assuming the role of Link, one of Nintendo’s most well known franchise players, as he makes his way through Hyrule, by shooting targets and enemies with arrows. The game itself is reminiscent of the style of gameplay from Nintendo’s oldest light gun game, Duck Hunt.

Link’s Crossbow Training uses character models, music and locales directly from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. The player has to battle their way through 27 levels of increasing difficulty, each of which falls into one of three simple categories: Target Practice, Defender or Ranger. In Target Practice, Link must shoot bullseye targets scattered throughout the stage, Defender has the hero stationary, but with the ability to turn 360 degrees in order to ward off attackers from all angles, and in Ranger the player actually moves the character as well as shoots in order to defeat enemies and bosses.

Let’s see if Nintendo’s new game and accessory were hit or miss.