For the most part, Line Rider 2: Unbound on the Wii is essentially the same game as it is on the DS. So to read about the finer details of the game, check out the DS review.
Line Rider 2 is more of a puzzle game than it is a skiing/sports game. The player must guide the skiing avatar, named Bosh, from the starting line to the finish line. Each stage proves to be tremendously challenging as the slightest bump, curve, or hill can drastically change the speed, rotation or pitch of the skier. Because of the touchy gameplay, Line Rider 2 quickly becomes a very frustrating game and demands nothing but absolute perfection. Patience is definitely required for this game.
The main different between the DS and Wii version is the Wii version uses the wiimote instead of the stylus. I actually found the wiimote to be a little more inaccurate than the DS stylus control. This is definitely a negative aspect because having pinpoint control is critical to the player’s success, especially since the gameplay is so demanding.
Just like the DS version, the player will use a number of tools, including the normal line, the slow down line, and the speed up line, to guide the skier to the goal. Whereas the DS version clearly displayed the difference in lines by using different colors, the Wii version makes it nearly impossible to distinguish the difference in lines that the user creates. Because each line that is drawn is quite thin, it makes it very difficult to determine which type of line was just drawn. This game almost demands that you need to sit closer to the TV to increase the accuracy of your wiimote and to see the details in your lines. And once you lay down your line, there is no way to back and edit it. You must completely erase the whole thing and start over again.
All the modes that were in the DS version are in the Wii version as well. Besides the story mode, the player is free to participate in the free style mode or even create your own puzzles. One of the best features about this sequel is logging online and downloading new user created stages. This feature alone gives the game tons of replay value.
This game can be classified as a puzzle game, but it actually relies more on trial and error. Even the first stages in the game will take many tries to complete. Hell, it took me over 30 minutes to beat level 1. This is partially to do with a slightly steeper learning curve, but I already learned how the game functions when I played the DS version. The meticulous detail in each drawn line can have extreme consequences. Simply put, this game is very, very difficult.
All the problems that were in the DS version are also present here in the Wii version. But because the wiimote is a little less accurate than the DS stylus, and I had some trouble finding downloadable content on this Wii version of NWC, I give a slightly higher score to the handheld edition. When you take a step back and analyze Line Rider 2 for what it is, it can be considered more of a creative instrument than an actual game. This title seems like it will tailor to the casual gamer, a perfect fit for Wii gamers, but its gameplay is so technical, it is bound to piss off players more than please them. But for a cheaper price point of the $30 range, Line Rider 2: Unbound is still worthy to be at least a rental. Or go find the original version online for free.
