ESPN Sports Connection

 Wii U
  • Publisher: Ubisoft
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2012
Metascore
31

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 13 out of 13
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  1. Games Master UK
    Jan 15, 2013
    40
    Insanely long loading times. [Feb 2013, p.76]
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  2. GamingXP
    Jan 8, 2013
    40
    Sports Connection tries to ride the Wii Sports-esque wave of success. It fails horribly at doing so, it isn't even fun. Graphics and sound are weak, loading times are too long, the handling simply isn't accurate ... in short: This isn't the party game you're looking for.
  3. SpazioGames
    Dec 10, 2012
    40
    Not the evolution we expected.
  5. Nintendo Life
    Nov 28, 2012
    40
    ESPN Sports Connection's biggest problem is that it feels like it was slapped together in a manner of months, with seemingly little interest to exist beyond merely existing - someone had to make motion-controlled tennis, right? Noble perhaps to take one for the team like that, but families looking to replicate that Wii Sports magic this hardware launch are better off with a ticket to Nintendo Land.
  6. 3DJuegos
    Dec 21, 2012
    38
    The best location for this game is a shelf, but not a shelf in your home exactly. A party game that lacks fun. There are definitely better alternatives for Wii U.
  7. ZTGD
    Nov 27, 2012
    35
    Overall, things just feel broken here. The visuals have issues in every sport, and the game just doesn't look that good. The navigation is also confusing at times, and the title doesn't feel like it was designed solely for the Gamepad. It is also troubling that you are required to have a Wiimote for half of the titles. This just screams "rush job." There is nothing redeeming about ESPN Sports Connection.
  8. GameFocus
    Dec 3, 2012
    30
    Overall, ESPN Sports Connection was a frustrating experience from every angle. It's sad, but it feels like the game tries to fill a void that simply isn't there.
  9. IGN
    Dec 3, 2012
    30
    Everything ESPN Sports Connection does has been achieved already. Older sports games - including the original Wii's pack-in, Wii Sports - accomplished the same goals better and without embarrassing technical issues.
  10. COGconnected
    Dec 9, 2012
    27
    Even the most casual gamers will find little in the way of redeeming qualities with this mish-mash of mini-games.
  11. NintendoWorldReport
    Nov 21, 2012
    25
    One or two interesting ideas show up in ESPN Sports Connection. Sadly, these ideas do not make up for the rest of the game's shortcomings. Between terrible controls, iffy graphics, and lack of any coherency, I cannot recommend this to anyone to play. This is one of the worst Wii U launch titles and should be avoided like a baseball to the face.
  12. JeuxActu
    Dec 13, 2012
    20
    Sports Connection is the kind of game you won't find pleasure playing with. The different sports available are clearly unexciting, the game never fully use the GamePad, and the graphics are poor. The Wii MotionPlus requirement won't help either. A game to avoid purchasing.
  13. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    Jan 7, 2013
    18
    Absolute dross: a joyless, inept, tedious, ugly, lazy, messy waste of your time and money. We hoped games this bad might die out with the Wii.
  14. 4P.de
    Dec 12, 2012
    13
    Sports Connection fails from start to finish: Controls are sloppy, visuals are boring, fun is absent.

Awards & Rankings

33
#33 Best Wii U Game of 2012
26
#26 Most Discussed Wii U Game of 2012
18
#18 Most Shared Wii U Game of 2012

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.0

Generally unfavorable reviews- based on 27 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 27
  3. Negative: 16 out of 27
  1. Beastprogamer
    Apr 18, 2015
    0
    Total failure. Wii Sports is WAY better. The graphics look bad. The characters look craptastic. Also, WHY ARE Miis LEFT OUT?!?!?! This is aTotal failure. Wii Sports is WAY better. The graphics look bad. The characters look craptastic. Also, WHY ARE Miis LEFT OUT?!?!?! This is a very crappy sports game and I recommend you stay away from it at all costs. Buy Mario Party 8 instead.… Full Review »
  2. Code_Geek
    Sep 6, 2020
    0
    While playing the game, it runs at 15 frames per second because off all of the butterfly effects in the background, making the games lastWhile playing the game, it runs at 15 frames per second because off all of the butterfly effects in the background, making the games last longer than they should, and it makes me want to throw up.… Full Review »
  3. smpark12
    Nov 2, 2019
    10
    Very fun once you get the hang of it. Although there are some flaws, baseball is very fun to play with multiplayer. Also the racing is sort ofVery fun once you get the hang of it. Although there are some flaws, baseball is very fun to play with multiplayer. Also the racing is sort of like Mario Kart but less good. The game also uses the gamepad in a way that isn't TOO gimmicky (but anything that uses the gamepad is at least somewhat gimmicky).… Full Review »
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