Fun game, crappy gun

In late 2007, Nintendo debuted the Wii Zapper, a plastic gun accessory that came packaged with a game, Link's Crossbow Training.<

Truthfully, the best part about the Wii Zapper isn't the Zapper itself, but Link's Crossbow Training. The game is addictively fun -- in some ways it's a sequel to the Shooting Range game that was part of the earlier Wii Play game that came packaged with a Wiimote. Up until now, the last real shooting game Nintendo produced was the original Duck Hunt for the NES.

Link's Crossbow Training takes Duck Hunt a step further, however. The title isn't a static shooting gallery-style game. Link's is divided into a series of levels, and each of the levels is subdivided into a series of three challenges. In some instances, the game takes a shooting gallery approach, but other challenges have the player running through a fortress and shooting enemies, paddling down a river shooting at moving and stationary targets, or spinning around to shoot skeletons who come at you from 360 degrees.

The game does allow for multiplayer competition or single-player games. Users can even practice on levels of their choice to sharpen their skills, as only the first three levels are accessible until the player earns enough points to move on.

The Zapper itself, however, is a completely different matter.

When Nintendo originally announced it was creating the Zapper, the prototype looked like a shotgun. However, when the Zapper hit the streets, it's shape was more akin to the Tommy Guns used by 1920s-era gangsters.

The disappointing thing about the Zapper is the ergonomics. The Wiimote is mounted forward, with the Nunchuk placed at the back of the gun. For someone whose trigger finger is on the right hand, this forces some awkward positioning, as the right hand is thrust forward to shoot, while the left hand is pushed closer to the stomach to maneuver.

Making matters worse, the Zapper's trigger feels rather mushy, making rapid shooting extremely difficult.

To be truthful, the Zapper is no more a necessity to game playing than the tennis racquets, swords, or other plastic add-ons sold by third-party vendors. Some have even argued that Link's is easier to play without the Zapper.

Luckily, the Wii Zapper retails for $20, and the price alone is worth it just to get Link's Crossbow Training. Folks who want a better gun accessory might want to check out what some other companies offer, such as the Nyko Perfect Shot, which has received decent reviews.

Buyers who are interested in Link's Crossbow Training but don't want the Zapper might consider buying the game used at a local GameStop store or online at an auction site such as eBay. A used copy of the game retails for approximately $8.