If you are looking for a Nintendo Wii video game that is:

a) fun

b) quick and easy to control & play

c) great for parties & get-togethers

then you have found it...in Nintendo Wii's CARNIVAL GAMES

 Come and visit the Carnival! We're open all year round!

I like a video game that is not too difficult to control. If I make a move but my Wii character doesn't (or vice versa), I start to get frustrated. With this game I didn't find the controls to be sluggish or hyper-sensitive, it felt just right. The characters in this game did what you wanted them to, and that made the experience feel more realistic. No delay, no confusion, just fun!

Carnival games is a lot of fun to play by yourself and a blast with friends! In multi-player mode, you can either chose which games you will all play or let the computer choose a random assortment for you. In solo mode you can wander around the park by yourself, playing games and winning tickets and prizes. Of course, you can trade up your smaller prizes for bigger and better ones. If you like to "show off" there is even a place that you can see all the prizes you have won, all at once.

 Show off your cool prizes!

I liked how, as you played, you could unlock all sorts of bonuses! There are 4 ways to unlock bonuses in the game:

1) win games, collect tickets, redeem tickets for prizes (the traditional way)

2) click on/discover secrets hidden in the backgrounds (ex. clicking on a passing flying saucer will reveal a bonus)

3) trade up smaller prizes for the ultimate top prize (this usually unlocks a bonus game)

4) find secrets hidden in the games themselves (ex. getting your ball into the center/gold cup in "Lucky Cups" unlocks a secret)

The secrets that you unlock will either be prizes that you can use to dress your character (ex. funny hats, funny shoes, funny masks, etc) or you may unlock a super bonus game to play!

 Wow! Unlocking hidden secrets is fun!

Speaking of dressing your character up, that was another thing I liked. When you first start the game and create your character, I was disappointed to find that the options were pretty limited. Basically you could choose male or female, adult or child...then you could change minor things like hair color (but not hairstyle or length) and select from a range of clothing options. But as the game progressed and you won accessories, you could dress your character up in almost any way you like! Scuba tank, snorkel and flippers? No problem! Reindeer antlers, monkey mask, rhino boots and a tail? Why not!

 Dress your character up in funny accessories!

I liked how the controls were easy to use and there was a variety of mini games to play. There were many to choose from and though all are fun, some are more physically demanding than others. Watch out for a case of "wii-itis" (sore muscles) the next day if you play a lot of "Test your Strength".

I also really liked the sounds of the game. From the background calliope music to the sound effects of the clinking bottles in ring toss, it all sounded very authentic, which to me, made the game more enjoyable.

Above is a picture of: skee-ball, Shooting Gallery and the Dunk Tank! (3 of my favorites)

One thing I didn't like was the appearance of the carnies and other characters...for some reason thay all looked sedated/stoned, but you do get used to this. 

Will the serious gamer love this game? Probably not. They would probably find it too easy after a while and the "just for fun" nature of this game would probably lose it's appeal to someone who is always striving to be the best...to conquer and move on.

Is this a fun game for kids? Yes...I have watched a 5 year old, an 8 year old and a 14 year old all have a lot of fun with this game.

Is this a fun game for adults? Yes...especially in groups (at a party or get-together)...my parents (who are by no means video-game players) were playing this for hours and having a wonderful time! We all found the game to be a lot of fun and I think you will too.

Did you like this review and the pictures I took to show you? I hope so. If you did, then please vote "YES". Thanks!