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Welcome back loyal readers. This time around, we're going to take a look at an innovative game for the Nintendo Wii called ''Wii Play.''

Wii Play has a financial incentive for the thrifty gamers among us. For just $49.99, the same price as the average Wii game, you can get both a Wii Remote, which has motion sensors and normally retails for $39.99, plus a game pack with nine cool little party games to play. Not too shabby, eh?

The graphics are fine. Nothing that'll make you want to write poetry comparing it to Final Fantasy or Super Smash Bros. Brawl, mind you. Just the simple, cartoony imagery you'd expect in a game of its caliber and genre. You play as your ''Mii'' from Wii Play, so creativity, is on your side. Using a Mii that looks like yourself, your boss, or Darth Vader makes things much more entertaining.

The games are, well, incredible! It's not a story- or quest-oriented game (they are party games, after all), but there is a great deal of ''let's go race cows'' fun to be had here. Yes, racing cows. And knocking down scarecrows with the huge bovines, too. For some reason, I can't insert the game disc without saying something incomprehensible about that particular activity. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one suffering from this condition.

Cow racing is only one of the activities awaiting you on Wii Play. You can play a strategic game of Tanks, especially fun with a second player in co-op mode; or shoot ducks, targets, and UFOs in the Shooting Range. And, if you want something more relaxing, Laser Hockey is just a point, click away. You've also got Find Mii, a ''Where's Waldo?'' style minigame; Pool; Ping Pong; Pose Mii , (just turn your Mii to fit into the slot!); and Fishing. Those of you with sensitive ears may want to invest in some earplugs: the ensuing laughter at your party may do some unanticipated damage to your ear buds, if your iPod hasn't hurt them enough already.

How would I know?

I've played this with my friends and family, even my parents are Tank-addicts.

Wii Play definitely takes advantage of the Wii Remote's innovative control style for all the fun-seeking gamers who have flocked to the system. For me, there's nothing more fun than knocking down a line of scarecrows on, what appears to be, a crocheted cow that moos when you  jump. A Darth Vader Mii clinging to a cow for dear life is the best thing I've seen yet, with a Yoda Mii clinging to a second heifer being a close second.

Some of the games can get repetitive pretty fast, mind you. There is only so much entertainment value in shooting ducks and tanks. But the true value of the game lies in the Wii Remote, the addition of new games to your collection, and the racing cows. Ten dollars for a bunch of minigames isn't too bad.

All in all, Wii Play is an entertaining bargain for your Wii and wallet. Gather your friends around the Wii, distribute the necessary Wii Remotes, and let the Laser Hockey tournament and, party begin!

Until next time, my friends, I shall leave you with these words of wisdom:

Run, little cow! Run for your animated life!