101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix (Wii) Review

The basic premise of 101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix is plain and simple - a collection of 101 sports games in a party-sized format that aims to keep four players entertained for tens of hours. With a wide range of sports on offer, such as tennis, speed racing, rowing, basketball, football and skiing, Nordcurrent and Ivolgamus have certainly done a fine job of including a massive amount of variety to entertain all sectors. However, in a party game such as this, the execution of the mini-games is of paramount importance.

There are six non-descript characters to choose from when starting up the Career mode (who you choose has no bearing on the mini-games), along with only ten of the entire mini-game line-up unlocked. Up to three other friends can join in the action in the Multiplayer mode, but there are no specific differences from the main game other than that certain games are single-player only affairs. The initial objective is to beat the 2,000 points barrier, whilst in some circumstances also coming ahead of three competing members (controlled by the computer in the situation where human opponents are not available). Achieving this goal leads to further mini-games being unlocked, meaning players are not stuck with the initial ten for long. There is a fair amount of diversity amongst the games included, with not every single one only using the Wii Remote, as certain trials (such as buggy racing) require use of the Nunchuk attachment as well.

The issue with having 101 mini-games crammed into one package is that there are bound to be some real stinkers mixed in. Ivolgamus’ Ninja Captains was dragged down because the poor offerings out-weighed the impressive ideas due to only 20 mini-games being included in it. However, in 101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix there is such a wide selection that some of the frustrating inclusions can be overlooked as there is always something else to pass the time around the corner. There are times where it definitely feels like the addition of MotionPlus would have massively benefited the action, with directions on the Nunchuk plus a quick waggle of the Wii Remote not feeling satisfactory after the delights of Wii Sports Resort and FlingSmash, and timed jerks of both controllers feel very inaccurate.

If you love your party games and are looking for more bang for your buck, 101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix is by no means the worst game to gamble on. With a wide range of different mini-sports jam-packed onto one Wii disc, there should be enough to satisfy the needs of most gamers, with the family atmosphere this is meant to be played in helping people to overcome some of the frustration with the limited control system. This may not look gorgeous, or come complete with a stunning soundtrack, but for a quick-and-dirty bit of party fun, 101-in-1 Sports Party Megamix is great value for money.