Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

[jonathan_phang]

Well, picked this up on Friday, when it was released. The 2 chaps over at IGN Wii have been banging on about this for absolutely ages (it was out in th US in October last year) and have been campaigning to get this promoted more. Thought that I would chuck in my 2p worth.

Well, for those that dont know, its basically like a point and click adventure of old, with a little twist. You point you click, you can click and change enemies into items. The hook here is that instead of verbs to describe what you are going to do, when you get to a point, you use the Wii remote to manipulate things, flipping things over, twisting blocks, opening umbrellas, shovelling snow, sawing trees, all using pretty intuitive actions.

Those two things combined made me want to buy it - the initial thoughts are good. The graphics are great (IMO), they use a fantastic cel shaded look aking to Wind Waker. It does come across very chidish, the sounds in particular are a bit odd, like straight out of a kids program, but once you get past a tedious intro 15 minutes, and then get to a level, its what i had hoped for.

Of the levels that I have played, just a few for now, there isnt a real onus on being super fast and quick, but on analysing the level and puzzle solving. The levels are laid out so that everything is interconnected and you are instantly thinking "Hmmm.... I need to so this here, but what do I need, where is it..." and when things come off its mighty satisfying. Can be a bit annoying when you just do something and then you die, but hey, this is old school adventuring, and I used to be fine with that in the old days!!!

Well here are some links to the US and UK reviews:
UK Review
US Review

You can see from the scores what they think. I really havent heard too much about this on this forum, though I have been tracking it for some time, so if anyone else has picked this up, then post your thoughts too. If you havent heard of it, then read the reviews and then try it out - its worth the money - honest!!!

JP

[SmileyUK]

i have just completed the jungle set of levels and i am really enjoying it. It can get a bit annoying when you die right at the end, but apart from that it rocks

[jonathan_phang]

I really cant believe how unnoticed this game has gone. I guess it’s a tough game to market – basically an adults game dressed up (down?) as a kids one! I’m working my way through it and though it still annoyingly childish at points, the level design is great.

The only thing that is stopping me from playing it more is the fact that I don’t want to complete it too fast – even though I don’t want to stop playing! Once its done, I guess the replay value is low, but its been a great experience so far. Now onto different elemental levels – namely Ice and fire – and the levels are varied enough to keep it enjoyable.

Go get it!!!! 

[Blademrk]

I've pointed this one to my brother as he likes his point and click games.

He was dissapointed last week when he found (and bought) a copy of Indianna Jones and the Infernal Machine for PC and found it it was more like a Tomb Raider game than the previous Indy PnC game (Fate of Atlantis).

[jonathan_phang]

Cool - he might want to rent it for a day or two, just incase he cant get over the style of it...

[rainsong]

I'm definately gonna get this one. Looks like a good way to get the missus into gaming a bit.... doesn't seem so scary to play as metroid or something.

After all, isn't that the main reason why most guys have a Wii? or am i missing something?

[Peppyman]

Everyone says this game is fantastic I really need to pick it up sometime as I'm done with Mario Kart and Smash Bros now I could use another great game like this.