I tried this game once when I first snagged it, but felt it was very cartoony and simple, and quickly put it down about 1/2 hour into it. However, all I kept hearing about was how good it was, and that it wasnt a kids game, and blah blah blah. So about two weeks ago I picked it back up, and played it a bit more. It was then that I realized what a jewel this game is.
I think its very easy to compare it to Boom Blox. Both games have a very “kiddy” title and graphics, so at first glance it appears to be a children’s game. However, both games are actually complex puzzlers, and will leave you scratching your head in frustration. You play as Zack, a young pirate, who runs around with a golden robot monkey searching for treasure. Basically, you meet an undead pirate, and agree to help him rebuild his scattered body parts. Thus, each level is a huge puzzle, with multiple steps which must be completed in order to finish it and claim the next body part.
However, these steps require taking a step back and really examing the environment. Every action you take has a reaction, and sometimes these reactions can result in your death. For example, say theres a rope. If you cut it, a rock will fall on your head and crush you. Thus, you have to find a way to protect yourself before you cut the rope, so that you dont get crushed when you do cut it.
Since the puzzles are really tough at times, its nice that there is no time limit during each level. You can take your time exploring the environment and experimenting until you figure out the right process. The controls are also very simple. You use the Wiimote to control a cursor on screen. The cursor moves Zack around, and also interacts with objects. You then use the Wiimote to do the actions needed for that object. For example, you pull back on the Wiimote if you want to pull a lever, or make a scooping motion if youre using a shovel or scooping water.
This game is one of the definitive Wii games, simply based on its controls and fun factor. This game will keep you occupied for quite some time, and right now you can buy it really cheap in stores. I highly recommend spending the $10 and adding this bad boy to your game collection.
