Of all the games available for the Wii, I think this one is the pinnacle that makes the infra sensor controls worthwhile. "Lightgun" capability on the HD! I have the Dreamcast version which does not work on my HD CRT, now is played on the CRT VGA computer monitor.
The Comparison
Okay, so how does the Wii version compare to the outstanding Dreamcast release? Very clean exact Arcade graphics, looks identical. Could not tell any difference between the two. The DC level of graphics is a good thing considering a lot of Wii games use that silly motion blur. The screen flash which is needed for the Dreamcast lightgun is not on the Wii versions. All the great cheesy voices are here too.
"We are meeting G over there."
A nice bonus is the additional House of the Dead 3 game. Actually plays easier, allowing more time to aim. The shotgun is very satisfying blasting all the ghouls. Sadly, the over the top B Movie voices are gone, but still a great gunfest.
The real jewel is the infra sensor. It is very accurate, even better then the Dreamcast Lightgun on a regular CRT. Very easy to aim at blowing off the arms, legs and kill shot of the head. I was tempted to pick up an outer gun shell to give the Wii Remote a better feel. Not sold on the idea of an outer plastic trigger operating the Remote trigger. A slight delay in the shot and wear of the plastic buttons. If I was to get one, it would be a duel trigger to operate both the B Trigger and A button.
Rapid Fire
I am spoiled by the Dreamcast Interact Lightgun. Not only does it offer RAPID FIRE but also AUTOMATIC RELOAD. Nothing more fun then shooting off the arms of the Zombies with a "Machine Gun." Unfortunately the Wii Remote has no Rapid Fire and the Wii HOTD 2 does not have this option. There is an unlock for HOTD 3, a hopeful maybe it might offer the Rapid Fire? There are some Wii auto fire gun alternatives:
Aftermarket Remote with Rapid Fire
http://us.codejunkies.com/Products/Wii- ... 00701.aspx
http://www.amazon.com/WILDFIRE-FX-CONTR ... B002677ZLC
This Wiimote looks promising, it has built in Rapid Fire! The downside is it does not take standard AA batteries, but has a built in proprietary rechargeable battery. Disappointing since rechargeables do not last as long in a gaming session and eventually wear out.
Dreamgear Game Blaster Pro
http://www.dreamgear.net/game-blaster-pro.html
This one is plain silly. At first I thought the Rapid Fire was electrical. No, its done with a battery operated front solenoid that taps the B trigger. Maybe it works, but that can't be good for the Wii Remote trigger.
Internal Rapid Fire mod with the AcidMods Wii Rapid Fire Kit
http://www.acidmods.com/forum/index.php?topic=24956.msg183636#msg183636
This is very appealing, looks to be a great mod. Now if they would only sell this kit again!
Final shot score:
Dreamcast - Rapid Fire, Auto Reload and VGA CRT monitor.
Wii - Dead Accurate Tracking, Bonus HOTD 3 and HD TV.
This is where the Wii has beaten the 360 and PS3, by being the first out the gate with not only Light Gun games, but FPS genre with the instant and precise aim anywhere on the screen! I like the Wiimote over even a mouse for the dead accuracy the sensor produces. Even on newer HD TVs the forgotten light gun games work again.
House of the Dead on any TV including HD LCD TVs! "Thankyou for rescuing me."
