With the influx of light-gun shooter games being released recently, Wii gamers around the world can finally rejoice that we can actually make good use of all these light gun attachments that are available. I stated before that general design of the Wii and the wii-mote itself makes for a very versitile game system, allowing for more immersive and interactive gameplay - especially for light gun shooter games. Now is the time to enhance the experience a little more with bountiful number of attachments that are available.

Among the light gun games available right now include : Resident Evil : Umbrella Chronicles, Link’s Crossbow Training, Ghost Squad, and in an included special mode with Medal of Honors Heroes 2. The granddaddy of arcade light gun shooter, “House of the Dead” has also been reported to be coming to the Wii in the near future. Not to mention that some gamers has even been playing games such as Metroid Prime 3, and Resident Evil 4 with light gun attachments (although I’m not quite sure how).

I have yet to actually try out a light gun attachment myself, but is definitely looking forward to trying one out in the near future. In the mean time, let us examines the ones that are available now.

The Wii Zapper

This is the official light gun wii-mote attachment from Nintendo themselves. Shigeru Miyamoto states that the concept for this attachment was formed when the wii-mote was created. Unfortunately Nintendo couldn’t get it out faster than the other 3rd party peripheral makers. The Wii Zapper is named in reference to Nintendo’s first light gun, the NES Zapper. Original designs in 2006 showed the Wii Zapper to resemble more of a shot-gun type shape attachment, rather than sub-machine design of its finalized state. The setup would require the player to use two hands to hold the Wii Zapper, but since most players are more likely to hold the num-chuck in their dominant hand and the trigger with the other would lead to a very awkward experience.

Personally, I don’t think the Wii Zapper is designed very well at all (see my Umbrella Chronicles review) but then again, I haven’t tried it so who knows. Currently you can only get the Wii Zapper by buying it with Link’s Crossbow training for $19.99 USD, but expect some issues trying to find one. Unless of course, you get it at Amazon.com for a higher price.

Wii 2 in 1 Combined Light Gun

There’s actually no official name for this particular light gun attachment, or at-least none that I’m sure of. However it seems to be to most practical one to me considering the obvious. The nun-chuck compartment is detachable from the main body itself, allowing for a two-handed sub-machine gun configuration or just a regular hand gun configuration. Simply, you get the best part of both worlds with this attachment and don’t have to conform to one configuration or the other, unlike the Wii Zapper.

However, durability of this particular attachment is still of a mystery as I have not heard too much about it. Not to mention the strange aesthetic design of it is not exactly the most appealing, but then again, does it really matter when all that you’re doing is shooting at the screen anyways? Actually, it still would for some people. Thats why we have other light gun attachments to look at.

I haven’t actually seen the “Wii 2 in 1 Combined Light Gun” in any local stores, but it can be found online at Videogame.brando.com.hk for $18.00 USD.

 Wii Blaster

I personally think this is the coolest looking light gun attachment. If anyone ever wanted to blast zombies around, nothing could be better than using a shot-gun. The Wii Blaster does not separates like the “Combined Lightgun” so you’re still required to hold it with both hands - although I would assume that all the cool gamers will try to use one hand (hell Arnold Schwarzenegger does!).  And for a reason that I’m not quite sure of, it also unlock at the hinges for something, but it still looks cool (as seen in the pic).  The main issue here is that the trigger button appears to be towards the end of the gun itself, which is going to be unseemingly unnatural to shoot with especially since its suppose to be a shotgun - so I guess you really can’t hold it with one hand after all.

Had it not be for the trigger location, this particular attachment would be something to definitely have. The visual design of it is quite appealing, although I’m not sure if the orange color markings may turn some gamers off - since the orange markings are require for all toy guns (not that anyone can actually confuse the Wii Blaster for a real shot gun). Nonetheless, if you want some shot-gun action, this is the attachment for you. Pick it up here for $18.00 USD.

Nyko Perfect Shot

This particular attachment was just recently released not too long ago so I doubt many will even have this by the end of the year. It’s designed by Nyko (the maker of Nyko Intercooler for the Wii) so you can expect some durable quality from this. Its also noted that this is a hand gun design, unlike the other light gun attachments. I personally think this single hand gun configuration is the best for light gun games on the Wii since now you can aim a lot easier (or not aim at all), and you’re not limited to having to hold the gun with both hands unless you really want to. The Nyko Perfect Shot allows for the nun-chuck to be attached so you can freely control it with your free hand - a perfect setup for playing games like Resident Evil : Umbrella Chronicles.

The visual design is very pleasing and the trigger and site all seems to be in the right spots. In fact, this light gun attachment may be the best one to get out of all the ones mentioned here. You probably won’t see this around in stores anytime soon, but if you must have this then you can pre-order one from Amazon for $12.99 USD.

Brando Wii Light Gun

So you want a hand gun attachment but can’t get a hold of the Nyko Perfect Shot? Try out the Brando Wii Light Gun. It more or less looks like Nyko’s attachment. The reviews on Amazon.com claims that it’s “bulky” and is bad for rapid firing. Since it’s doesn’t seem to be locked in place like how the Nyko’s attachment is, the wii-mote tends to pop out of it’s casing when ever you press the trigger. Doesn’t sound like a good idea to me, but if you want to try it out for yourself, get it here on Amazon for $14.00 USD or at Brando for $19.00 USD (ahem..rip off!).

Wii Cyber Gun

This light gun attachment is appears to be a near identical configuration to the Wii Zapper, except that it’s shaped like an MP5 sub-machine gun. The odd thing is that the trigger location seems to be the actual wii-motes trigger itself. Probably not that good of an attachment, but if you’re an MP5 lover, then this is for you. You can get it here for $16.00 USD.

Wii Gun Hazard

This attachment looks to be a smaller version of the Wii Blaster, but due to it’s size I’m not sure if it make sense for it to actually be considered a shot-gun type attachment. Perhaps its suppose to be some sort of larger hand gun like the Magnum or even that “Broken Butterfly” from Resident Evil 4? Guess it would make sense since it “Hazard” in its name.

Nonetheless, some folks may prefer the simple design of the Wii Gun Hazard. A bit too simple for my taste. Pick one up here for $17.00 USD.

Conclusion

So which lightgun attachment is the best to use? Well this is a tough decision considering that I haven’t even tried out any of them yet. And then again, it all comes down to the gamer’s preferences and the game itself. Some gamers may prefer to use the Wii Blaster for blasting zombies in the Resident Evil games. Link’s Crossbow Training may actually “feel” best with the Wii Zapper. And Ghost Squad gamers may prefer to use the Nyko Perfect Shot. But what it all comes down to is whatever feels best for you and what you’re willing to spend. I mean, would you really want to spend close to $20.00 for nothing more than a plastic extension of the wii-mote?

Most gamers would be just fine without using any light gun attachments at all, which is probably the route I’ll be going. All these games here were design to work first and foremost without any attachments so getting one may just be overkill (just like many of the current Wii peripherals available now anyways). But if I were to choose one right now, based on pricing and features, I’m definitely leaning towards the Nyko Perfect Shot.