The Flying Tomato is back on the Wii with his latest video game Shaun White’s World Stage, developed by Ubisoft. Your overall goal in the game is to reach the World Stage Cup. Do this by winning events and reaching the top 5. Get in the top 5 snowboarders by the end of the season and you’re in the cup.
Ubisoft has done a good job making a family sports game that is easy enough for parents to play with their kids. Graphically the game is not going to break any records, but the cartoonish style matches the tween story line. The story is simple middle school hijinks between the competitors as they await the next event in the airport. In fact it is kind of strange that the whole game takes place in an airport, but plot holes are not something that is going to ruin this title.
From the airport hub you can head to the next event, check your stats and in-game achievements, as well as design your own tricks. Winning events and completing achievements allows you to customize your experience by unlocking new boards, clothes, and characters. The design-your-own-trick option is the only feature in the game that takes advantage of the Wii Motion Plus. So do not run out and purchase a Wii Motion Plus (like I did) if you do not own one. Using this feature allows you to replace any of the default tricks with your own creations. Very shallow and with few animations, this feature feels tacked on.
Two different control schemes allow you to control your character. Use either your Wii remote in conjunction with the balance board or alone. I prefer to play the game using the Wii remote by itself. Tilting the remote sideways balances your board and lifting the remote up jumps. While in the air you tilt the remote and press the A and B buttons to pull off tricks and grabs. No need to be very precise because the controls are very forgiving. In fact, you just need to make a few sharp movements in the air to pull off big tricks. The balance board controls were responsive and a viable way to play the game, but I found them to not be as fun. Use your back foot to steer and your front to pull off tricks. You still need to use the Wii remote as well to jump and activate your boost meter.
The campaign mode is chockfull of different events including races, trick vs. time, slalom, and half pipe just to name a few. Rank up through the campaign and you will be able to play as Shaun White a few times. Playing as Shaun is no different than using your own character and you get nothing for it. It is pointless to take yourself out of the season for one race as Shaun, but I guess when you have a game this short you will do anything to extend the length of game play. I actually finished the game in less than a day. The multiplayer and in-game achievement system do prolong the life of the game. If you are looking for a fun sports game that the entire family can enjoy then look no further than Shaun White World Cup.
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