Gameplay over graphics. This is perhaps the best way to describe the philosophy behind Nintendo's Wii, sure we still have upcoming titles that can more than hold their own in a potential contest for “most aesthetically pleasing title”. Twilight Princess alone proves that the Wii is more than capable at producing stunning visuals due to it's own brilliant style which focuses more on lush and lavish fantasy environments as opposed to just recreating idealistic versions of mundane reality.

However the Wii will also deliver more importantly in the gameplay department as is amply displayed in titles such as Wario Ware Smooth moves, Mario Strikers Charged and the superbly simple and straightforward Wii Sports. From what we have seen of the title thus far the two key words to describe it are most definitely fun and functionality, or, to coin a phrase for simplicity “FUNctionality” (that sounded much better in my head by the way)…

Basically, the premise for what is essentially a collection of mini-games is based around ease of play for non and existing gamers alike. Consisting officially of three titles that have been shown; Tennis, Golf and Baseball with the “fourth” (Airplane) not being confirmed as part of the package, of course, all this could change in the run up to launch day with Nintendo maybe choosing to chop and change what games will be included but for now lets focus on the confirmed aforementioned three.

First up is Wii Tennis which is pretty much the default showcase example for the accessibility and ease of use of the Wii-mote as well as being the most widely received of the three. Conceptually, Tennis could not be any simpler; it's like a user friendly version of the real thing and as a result is much easier to play. You don't control the direct movement of the player instead you merely play the shots that are served to you.

As well as working against the traditional way of playing such a title where you are used to having to control both movement and shots simultaneously this approach actually works more in favor than it does in hindrance. Though it may sound oversimplified because you are essentially just hitting a ball, there is actually a bit more depth to it thanks to the unique interface.

Indeed, just as if you were playing actual tennis, there are multiple shots that you can play ranging from volleys and slams to slices and backhands, all of which are gesture and force dependent with the theory being that players will be able to pick up the Wii-mote and play just as they might in real life. Visually the game is limited, but seeing as the graphics are merely a reference point that set the stage for what your actually doing, it really won't matter. Your main focus will be on the game itself which is looking to be pure, simple and fun.

Next up we have Wii Golf which again pretty much does what you would expect it to in the respect that it provides a graphically simple but technically accurate recreation of the titular sport that's fun to play. Controls are kept simple yet responsive with the D-pad being used to set the direction of the shot and the A button is pressed when you are ready to take your shot. Prior to pressing the A button, you are free to take practice shots that don't actually affect the game until you're ready to take the shot for real, this is a good idea because it allows the user to get used to taking shots with the Wii-mote.

With that said though the actual controls for hitting the ball couldn't really be any simpler; all that's required is for you to hold the controller as you would a golf club much like the way in that you hold it like a racket in Tennis. Admittedly, there is a little bit more to learn for golf as there are a few more variables to consider but it's still an instinctive experience.

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The control mechanism has been well implemented making the game both accurate and responsive which contributes to the immersion factor. It's a credit to the games refined programming that it meets its aim in being easy to pick up and fun to play. It may not be quite as enjoyable as Tennis but it's basically a similar concept and should prove quite popular with anyone who has wanted to play the sport without the hassle and expense it entails in reality.

Finally, we have Baseball. It's essentially a simulation like the two aforementioned examples but this time the game has you focusing more on timing and force of swing as opposed to accuracy and distance.

Additionally owing to recent information following the launch details of the Wii in Europe, it has been confirmed that two additional games will be included in the final retail build. The titles in question are Bowling which incorporates swinging the Wii-mote ala bowling style while holding and releasing a button at the right moment and Boxing. This is easily likened to the immortal classic Punch-out and, with any luck, will emulate some of its success due to its simple control mechanic which allows you to swing punches with both the Wii-mote and nunchuk attachment.

Incidentally, it's now known that Wii Sports will not be sold as a standalone title but instead will be bundled with the Wii itself (In European territories) come launch day. This is a brilliant move on Nintendo's part which not only ensures that the title will reach the largest target audience possible but it will also give potential Wii adopters something extra for what is already a reasonable price.

As basic as it may seem overall, this complementary Wii game of sorts is set to more than make up for any graphical shortcomings due to the sheer amount of potential fun to be had out of the box on launch day. Add to that the recent confirmation that Mii's (self designed game characters from a choice of facial parts etc) will be fully integral for each of the sports based games and you have quite a reasonable well rounded package which amicably shows a good proportion of what the Wii can do on the levels of player involvement and immersion alone.

Wii Sports has been in the spotlight a lot over the past few months and rightly so, especially now as it's set to be the first port of call for initial Wii purchases being that it's a pack-in. Expectations for the title are high as it shows much promise on the level of interactivity and potential enjoyment alone contained in such a deceptively simple piece of software.

If Nintendo's E3 tag-line “Playing is believing” is to be, well, erm, believed, then assuming the majority of Wii owners decide to rally a few shots, go a couple of rounds in the ring or even hit a home run as their first experience with the console then the company's latest slogan will also undoubtedly ring true “Wii move you”.

You have been warned, on December 8th prepare to play, believe and be moved. Wii will rock you.