Link's Crossbow Training -- A Real Game.

Link's Crossbow Training has three modes. Practice allows you to practice any of the game's twenty-seven individual challenges. You create a profile and your scores are recorded for each challenge. The other mode is multiplayer where you can compete on said challenges. The main mode of the game is called score attack. That's where you go through three challenges at a time spread over nine levels. Your scores on each challenge are carried over towards a goal of earning a medal for that level. Medals unlock new stages in both score attack and practice modes. You can earn medals for bronze, silver, gold, and platinum, at 20k, 40k, 60k, and 80k respectively. Accuracy is the key in chaining hits together to increase your score multiplier. Miss and the multiplier is reset to zero. The game uses the trigger mapped to the B button of the Wii Remote with the Z button on the nunchuck providing zoom. The stick on the nunchuck is used to move Link around certain stages. You can hold the trigger on the Wii Zapper to charge up a shot that will act more as an explosive. That's it as far as mechanics go. It really is a simple game. But that works in its favor. As the game allows you to concentrate on good old-fashioned target shooting like the early days of arcades and console gaming. I was expecting a simple little throwaway tech demo along the lines of Wii Sports but instead have found a genuinely fun little game. I've earned platinum medals through the five of the nine levels. All the standard variants of stationary and moving target shooting are present as well as skeet shooting. A few of the stages allow you to move through the stages controlling Link. And others still scroll you through the level as in Link's canoe from Twilight Princess. Others still have you locked in a central point and you can turn 360 degrees to defend yourself from incoming attackers. It's not a large game, but it's well varied given the theme, and it'll will provide real fun. I'm impressed with the game. The final opinion will cover the Wii Zapper's worth itself. Does it add anything to the mix?