bit-tech Shopping: Nintendo Odama + Microphone (GC)

Rating: 6

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Creative and innovative design

Weaknesses: Overly complex controls, sharp learning curve

Summary: Odama is a game that could benefit from the refinement of a sequel. The initial outing showed some great ideas for a new game mechanic, combining standard controls with voice-commands. Essentially a game of strategic pinball, you attempted to overcome an enemy army with an army of your own... aided (or hindered) by a giant pinball.The control could be very difficult to get a handle on, but a few tweaks (or a control scheme adapted to a new interface like the Wiimote) would be greatly beneficial. This one is worth grabbing if you're looking for something unique.

Rating: 6

Time with product:

Strengths: A bold, unique new concept from Nintendo

Weaknesses: Execution of said concept is somewhat disappointing - graphics and framerate suffer, mic use frustrating

Summary: Odama is a microphone-controlled pinball war battle game. Those 3 main game concepts mashed up in one make this an intriguing title. You control the Odama (a giant ball) in pinball like fashion while also controlling your ground forces with the microphone. You are attempting to defeat the enemy forces across several stages. That's all there is to it, but it needs to experienced to fully understand how it all works together. It comes with a microphone peripheral for those who don't have one from the Mario Party 6 or 7 games. The game is quirky fun and Nintendo gets credit for coming up with a truly unique game experience. Unlike the other quirky, new IP that Nintendo released around the same time, Chibi-Robo, the execution of this one is somewhat disappointing. The graphics are sub-par and the game can be frustrating due to control issues (both with the ball and with your troops via voice command). However, this game can be found cheap now and if you are into off-beat games it is definitely worth a shot.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 6 Months

Strengths: Innovative Concept

Weaknesses: Graphics, Short, Hit Detection At Times.

Summary: Odama is a pinball game with real time strategy throw in over the pinball boards with a Feudal Japan type theme to the game. Odama is an interesting mix for a game that has never been done before but it falls somewhat short without more work put into the game to polish it up. The first thing noticed while playing it is that the graphics ain't as good as most GameCube games and could even be considered outdated with the low polygon count on the troops on the field. Odama also at times will have some minor issues with hit detection in which it may go right though bad guys ignoring them when it should have registered hit detection as the pinball (or Odama) goes smashing right though them. The game is also fairly short with barely more then 10 levels also. With some problems holding Odama back from being better it is still an interesting concept for a game and I would still recommend it but as a rental since only a few gamers will play it enough to warrent buying it.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Strange but appealing gameplay

Weaknesses: Steep learning curve

Summary: To my knowledge Odama represents the first fusion of pinball and real-time strategy. It works, too, though the learning curve is extremely steep and the challenge level is extremely high. The voice commands work surprisingly well, and the pinball action is spot-on. Recommended for those looking for something different or for a challenge.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 90 Days

Strengths: different than other games

Weaknesses:

Summary: Odama is a RTS/pinball game that takes place on a battlefield. You give commands to your army using the microphone. You control the Odama(ball) up the battlefield using the flippers. Odama is definately different than most RTS and pinball games but once you get used to giving commands and controlling the ball it somewhat enjoyable for a while.