Free play is just that, players competing in any of the chosen games, which each contain a bit of a remix and/or twist on the original board games. There is also a single player option, which will allow the player to customize or dress up game host Mr. Potato Head, by unlocking additional face and body pieces. I do have to say that Mr. Potato Head makes a fun and giggle-inducing game show host, the poor guy does get a bit out of breath as he runs up to the player wheel in the Game Show Mode.
Now, on to the games. There is some great potential here, but overall I was not blown away or impressed with this Wii version. Pictureka is a game that is tons of fun on the computer, as well as the board game version and isn't half bad on the Wii. It is probably my favorite, in this particular Family Game Night collection. As in the original version, you are given things to look for within a board containing several objects. Players are given a time limit and are awarded points depending on how well they did. A pretty straight forward and fun game. Connect 4x4 is an adaption of the newest form of Connect 4 where there is a front and a back side to the platform and players play as they do in the original version, however one side is a solid chip and the other, a hollow one. So you have to pay attention and be observant of both sides, adding a bit of a challenge. Do take note that there is an option to play the game as the original version, using one side or the newer version, which uses both sides. Connect 4x4 would rate as my second favorite in this collection.
Next, we have Bop It! which I love as a hand-held game. It is both addicting and tons of fun. However, I was not thrilled with this version. At times it is just plain difficult to figure out exactly what the game is asking you to do. This adds some frustration with arms thrown up in the air. Operation, a game that I adored as a child and still don't mind, just is not one that is meant for the Wii. Not only could we not work the Wii remote to do what it was suppose to, it is nearly impossible to remove objects. That brings us to the final game on Family Game Night 2, Jenga. A classic and fun game, when played with the actual pieces, is great, however it just plain sucks in the Wii version. Perhaps it is just our inaptness, but my family and I, simply could not figure out how to pull out blocks without toppling over the tower. The most turns we got through was two, which is just not much fun. No matter what way we tried to use the remote, the slowness or care that we used, we just had no luck. Therefore, Jenga on Wii is not one that we will play often, if at all.
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