Game Details

ESRB Rating: 

E (Everyone)

Number of Players: 

1-4

2! 4! 6! 8! Which of these games do we think is great?

Cheerleading games are a natural fit for the Wii, and since they all follow roughly the same control scheme (Are you picturing it before I even describe it?), which rises to the top of the human pyramid? We pit THQ's All Star Cheer Squad 2 against Bandai Namco's We Cheer 2 for a virtual cheer-off.

Ready? O! K!

We Cheer 2 (WC2) keeps control simple. Using only the Wiimote, players follow on screen arrows to mimic the movements like a 1-armed Dance Dance Revolution. All-Star Cheer Squad 2 (ASCS2) steps it up literally with more control combinations, incorporating the Nunchuck, and additional Wiimote, and/or the Balance Board. These additional control options will already entice many players for the more realistic experience.

Both games let you create your own character with many options for character face, costume designs, colors, and more. WC2 offers squad-wide options for its animé-esque models, plus players can spend points for special additional accessories and options. ASCS2 offers a much more detailed (and realistic) character creation system, down to face shape and eye color. ASCS2 also includes a Routine Designer, allowing players to create a custom routine with a music mixer for an accompanying custom soundtrack. While WC2 doesn't offer these customization options, it includes abridged versions of 30 popular songs by artists like Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne.

In all, just looking at the list of features, ASCS2 easily rises to the top as the clear winner, yet my 8-year-old daughter loves WC2 and prefers not to play ASCS2 at all. Why? Because while she loves the Routine Designer of ASCS2, WC2 is easier to play. She's 8. She loves WC2, because she can just pick it up and play. It's not too difficult, and she's not overwhelmed by details. She assured me, though, that in a few years, she'll prefer ASCS2, but she's just not ready for it yet. Ironically, WC2 is rated E10+, but ASCS2 is rated E.

So as a dad, I prefer ASCS2, but this game was not designed for me, unless I want to get it out to embarrass my teenage daughter when her friends are over. These games were designed for your kids (and yes, both allow you to play as a boy), so you know your kids, and I hope this description will help you choose the best match. Both are very good games, and I recommend that you buy one, not both, but once again, this is why we don't generally use a numbering system here at Tech Talk for Families—because your kids aren't numbers.