bit-tech Shopping: Konami Kororinpa: Marble Mania (WII)

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Fun marble tilting game with solid Wii controls

Weaknesses: Nunchuk analog stick control option would be nice

Summary: Kororinpa Marble Mania takes the Super Monkey Ball mechanic and makes a much better game out of it. Like Super Monkey Ball you hold the Wii remote flat and control the tilt of the game world by tilting the remote in all directions. By doing this you hope to guide your marble to different colored gems that open up the exit for that world. It is a pretty simple concept and executed very well here. The control is pretty good, though it would be nice to have an option for nunchuk analog stick control in addition to the Wii remote tilting which some may find too sensitive. However, the control is implemented more smoothly than in Super Monkey Ball. The graphics are bright and colorful - one of the best on the Wii in fact. You can upgrade your marble with different ones like a Panda or Cat one that not only make funny sounds when they roll but also have different characteristics. Some are slower and easier to control (but you give up speed and fast times mean better scores). There is also a 2-player head-to-head mode using splitscreen that is pretty fun. You can either use 2 Wii remotes, or one person can use the nunchuk (tilting control only, not the analog stick) and the other can use the connected Wii remote. Overall this is a very solid game for quick pick up and play sessions.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Takes GREAT advantage of the wii remote and the 3d control. Can play a quick game. The multiplayer race was also fun.

Weaknesses: Most levels feel the same, and there are not enough of them, also they are short.

Summary: GREAT game if you can pick up for a deal. It was alot of fun to play but the levels are short. The main challenge, besides not falling off the world, is to collect the crystals. The new balls do add a fun challenge to the levels you have already past. As the balls all have a personality to them. Most levels were quite easy but there were those that kept you playing over and over until you finally got it. You can also change the soundtrack with others you win in the levels. I just wish there was more to each level. Also feels that the developers could of done more to harness the actual power of the wii. Most levels feel like past generation consoles. They attempt to add lavish backgrounds but noting to spend any time gazing at. If you like fast paced, do it and move along games. This will be for you. Also the multi player race is great if you have a group sitting round to make fun of each other. Overall I have enjoyed it, just not all it should of been.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 15 Days

Strengths: Fun and addictive

Weaknesses: Instruction needs to be improved

Summary: The levels go from easy to challenging and you can collect different balls with different characteristics to help you get through levels. The game also really takes advantage of both the 3d and the Wii controller. There are many areas of the game where you have to turn the board 90 degrees to continue the course.Once you finish the 45 levels, you can go back and play through them again in mirror mode. Overall I rate this game very highly for a Wii game.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1

Strengths: Perfect game for the Wii

Weaknesses: Like any great game, you are left wanting more

Summary: To this day, Marble Madness for the Nes does not get enough praise for its brilliant and simple gameplay mechanics. And much like it, Kororinpa shares a similar fate. This game doesn't have the marketability of Monkey Ball, nor the best name going for it, but it is a ton of fun while it lasts. In Twilight Princess, there is a minigame in the Fish Shop where you use the wiimote to roll a ball through a series of levels. Because of the level design and touch of the controls, it was frustrating. With Kororinpa, the gameplay is more responsive and the levels more varied and open to allow multiple solutions when reaching the end or collecting items. Unfortunately- and much like Marble Madness-you can rush through the game in an afternoon. Had the developers added trickier items/secrets to uncover in the levels, the replay value could be increased. I don't have a problem with the length since it is great fun while it lasts. The problem is that unlike other short games, this one was expensive. Which is why it would have been- and still would be- perfect as a wiiware title for $15 or $20. And if it does see a second chance on that venue, I urge you to pick it up. This much fun deserves a sequel

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: challenging and fun

Weaknesses: na

Summary: Kororinpa is a balance game that is both fun and challenging. The point of the game is to roll the ball through obstacles and get it to the final hole. Much like super monkey ball. The Wii controls are great, and once you get used to the sensitivity the game is a blast.