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This is not the gaming console your kids are looking for. But it just might be the one your family wants.
Ever wanted to host a game show at home? Something like "Wheel of Fortune", or "Jeopardy" maybe? They've released game show style games for the computer and various consoles for decades now but something has usually been missing. It's just too hard for multiple players to sit comfortably in front of a computer and even with a console system and television, you're limited to the single controller that comes with the system or buying multiple controllers that cost almost as much as new games themselves.
Interactive DVD game maker ZapIt thinks they have the answer to this problem and the bad news is, well, it amounts to another new console-style system for your already crowded TV. The good news is, this is one console system everyone from junior to grandma can master and enjoy.
The product is called "Game Wave" and it's basically a bulky silver DVD player that ships with one game and four clever color-coded remotes (you can buy two more for $28 to let six players play). It plays DVDs, naturally, and aside from the included "Trivial Pursuit" style trivia game called "Arc of Trivia, Vol 1" games are sold separately. Other games include a cool little "Wheel of Fortune" style game called "Click!", a "Bewjeweled" style puzzler called "Gems", a poker game, and other trivia packages that focus on current events from various years, or Bible trivia.
The games are simple, clean, and work without any kind of lag or problems. Instructional videos make sure everyone is on board, and there's none of that daunting "you better be a gamer if you want to play this" nonsense. This game system is for everyone - it plays simply and quick, and offers a lot of clever replay value. The remotes have large friendly buttons and are familiar and comfortable. No strange shoulder buttons, motion sensing, or quick reflexes required. This is pick up and play, right away.
$110 MSRP for the system seems a little steep (the games start at around $30) but for non-gamers, trivia gamers, and for people looking for a game style party that'll include everyone from 10-80 on a (mostly) level playing field, this might not be the future of video gaming but it is a true family gaming console. A wonderful compliment to your fancy Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii systems, for those days when shooting aliens and arm waggling aren't required.
This is not the gaming console your kids are looking for. But it just might be the one your family wants. At GamerDad we tested the Game Wave with neighbors, hardcore video game playing teens, as well as older folks. Everyone got into it right away and found something to love with the simple and playable games offered. The polish, care, and craft that went into these simple trivia games and game show knock offs is clear and even though we have all the fancy systems of today we know the Game Wave is going to get quite a bit of use, even on those days when we don't have non-gamers over.
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