Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)
Do brain-straining puzzles and cartoons mix? Sort of.
1/31/2008 12:00 AM | 0 Comments | Page 2 of 2
What's Hot: Charming characters; Clever, challenging puzzles; Easy-to-master controls
What's Not: High difficulty level; Little to no replay value; Can be very frustrating
Unlike more abstract adventure games, the puzzles in
Zack & Wiki make sense, with actions producing predictable and logical reactions. The difficulty is in figuring out the number and sequence of events that must occur. For example, you might see a key at the bottom of a dry well and realize immediately that you have to raise the water level, but realizing that to do that you must first find the worm to bait the hook to catch the fish and clear the way for you to swim to the bottom of the lake and pull the plug is something else entirely. And don't even get me started on what you have to do to get to the fishing pole in the first place.
As frustrating and mind-melting as it can be,
Zack & Wiki is beautifully constructed and charming, but it's tough to say just who it's meant for. Kids will warm instantly to the game's cartoony look and silly jokes, but quickly be turned off by the difficulty. Adult players will appreciate the healthy mental workout the puzzles provide, but may be turned off by the game's 'Saturday morning cartoon' vibe. Well done though it may be,
Zack & Wiki is definitely an acquired taste. Proceed with caution.
This review was based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
