VG Review: Zack and Wiki

"ZACK AND WIKI: QUEST FOR BARBAROS' TREASURE"
Capcom, for the Wii, rated E for Everyone (cartoon violence), $39.99.

There have been a number of enjoyable games for the Wii recently, but very few that have taken advantage of the system's unique capabilities

"Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure" on the other hand, does a splendid job of integrating the console's motion controls, making it an integral part of the gameplay and not just a gimmick. What's more, it manages to revive an old genre that I had long given up for lost: the classic point and click adventure game (i.e. "Myst," "Syberia.")

The story involves a pint-sized pirate and his pet monkey (at least I think it's a monkey) as they attempt to acquire different pieces of a long-lost treasure that just happens also to be the skeleton of a pirate king.

Each level requires you to figure out a way to access a seemingly inaccessible treasure chest. Getting from A to B usually involves using tools like saws, bells, blocks and fishing rods.

To aid in your quest, certain creatures can be turned into helpful objects. A frog, for example, can become a bomb with the ring of a bell.

If half the fun is sussing out what you're required to do, the other half is using the Wii controller in inventive ways, as if it were a hammer, saw, lever or key.

For the most part, the puzzles are challenging without seeming impossible, though there are several that will have you flinging your controller across the room in frustration.

My only -- and big -- problem with the game is the save system. Make a wrong move and you'll have to start all the way back from the beginning unless you've spent serious cash on a "Platinum Ticket." Considering some levels take a half hour or more to finish, that's a serious annoyance.

There's no denying however, that "Zack and Wiki" is one of the most original and fun titles to come out for the Wii in all of 2007. Those who miss the PC puzzle games of yesteryear would do well to check it out.

Copyright The Patriot-News, 2007

Swag of note: Lost Planet and Phoenix Wright

I thought it might be fun to start taking an occasional look at some of the goofy stuff I get in the mail from various publishers, video game and otherwise.

Well, it'll be fun for me at any rate.

A recent package from Capcom came with two little oddities. First up is this promotional item:

This little mech suit on skis is taken from Capcom's new game, "Lost Planet." I haven't had a chance to check the game out yet (I hope to start tomorrow), so I can't tell you much about the figure. Just that it's a "vital suit" and it came included with the game if you preordered it (I think you can still get it if you purchase it from EBgames.com).

I must admit he does look kind of keen. I wonder if they plan on releasing a full line of figures from the game?

More significant to me though was this little tie in item to the new lawyer-cum-mystery Phoenix Wright game: "Justice for All":

Yes, that is indeed a finger-shaped pointer for the DS, complete with wrist-strap and little spongy Japanese exclamation (I'm guessing it says "Objection" though it could also say "Hold It" I suppose).

I'm pretty psyched about this little doo-dad. Now I can point at my wife and kids and yell "Objection!" all day long. Finding a new way to annoy your family is always a cause for celebration!