In fact, in normal play, we were very impressed with the Nunchuck's space-recognition capabilities. Considering the Wii-mote has infra-red to confirm a reference point, the Nunchuk only has accelerometers to judge its movement. Yet, like your left glove in Wii Boxing, it seems just as responsive as the right hand. Perhaps we were too tall for the default setting, but the 'middle' margin for the controllers seemed a bit small and hard to hit. But we did manage a 96% rating on only our third play, so it must be accurate enough. You do have to hold it properly, though - shake towards the screen and hold each peripheral upright. Anywhere else just isn't as precise.
Above: No Wii screens have beenreleased yet, so this is the DC version
There was only one song available for play on the version we played, but we heard a cover version of 'La Vida Loca' on the demo screen. If the original game's track-list and the 'ver. 2000' update's tracklist make it in, we'd be happy enough, but Sega is promising some new tunes too. Let's just hope that continental feel is kept intact - something like Basshunter's When You're Gone would be up-to-the minute but adding new songs for the sake of modernity might upset the atmosphere of the game. We'll know soon enough when the track list is announced - watch this space.
So, Samba de Amigo is back and looking as fresh as ever. And monkeys are still awesome, even if they are wearing sombreros and a scary fixed grin. Whether a maraca add-on makes it to store shelves remains to be seen, but we wouldn't bet against it, especially seeing as everything else from tennis racquets to baseball bats have been given a try. And, after all, it was one of the original game's unique gaming opportunities. Few joys in this life are as pure and simple as shaking maracas to cheesy tunes. Amigo FTW!
