Fresh off the success of the Wii Fit which simulates sports such as snow boarding, ski jumping and kitten chasing based on an interactive stand-on platform, Wii Handyman is the latest offering on the cards at next months Asia-Pacific technology fair.
The Wii Handyman replaces the interactive stand-on platform with a 16 gigabyte strap-on tool belt with a variety of tool-styled game controllers.
The basic claw hammer controller is used for rough carpentry nailing together virtual two-by-fours into a virtual house framing platform that escalates with skill from a one-story bungalow to split-level up to a rock star McMansion crib level. Players have a choice to construct the house solo or two players can play at once competing to see how fast the house model selected can be built. Controllers come with a safety warning cautioning players to avoid hitting their thumbs while playing.
The variable speed power drill controller features reversible drive and uses the same virtual house framing platform to secure drywall sheets to the house interior complete with authentic dimpling ratchet-stop sound effects.
Drywall taping and mudding is done with two Wii nunchuk controllers; one for the drywall hawk and one for the trowel. This is the most challenging games of the new suite and takes considerable practice to avoid making a mess and having points deducted.
Perhaps the most enjoyable feature of the new game is the air powered pin-nailer which is used to apply bevel siding to the exterior of the houses. The pin-nailer provides a powerful and satisfying Thwunk! sound effect with little effort and is easily operated providing quick results and high scores.
A complementary homemaker add-on suite is in the developmental stage with plans to include virtual vacuuming, dish washing, couch sitting and ironing.
