bit-tech Shopping: Capcom Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)

Rating: 10

Time with product: 3 Weeks

Strengths: -Great puzzles with variety-Clever use of the wiimote that doesn't feel tacked on-Long adventure that spans multiple themed areas such as forest, ice, etc.-Great value

Weaknesses: If you don't like puzzles, pirates, treasure, and a monkey, then you won't like this game.

Summary: Zack and Wiki is one of the few original 3rd party Wii titles that is not a minigame collection. The story involves pirate Zack and his monkey friend Wiki as they travel to various areas in search for treasure. Gameplay involves pointing and clicking to move Zack around as well as to investigate objects. The player can also transform animals into tools that Zack can use to solve puzzles in each level. For example, in one of the earlier levels a centipede can be transformed into a saw, which is then used to saw a tree. In order to saw the tree, the player must perform a sawing motion back and forth with the wiimote, which brings a more interactive experience overall. This game may seem like a children's game by the character art, but it is not overly simple. As the game progresses, the puzzles become more complicated and more challenging, so it would be good for puzzle lovers. Overall, I would highly recommend this game to anyone who wants a change of pace from the other games in wii library.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: Point and click classic for the Wii

Weaknesses: None

Summary: Zack & Wiki is a unique made-for-the-Wii game that makes probably the best use of the Wii remote since Wii Sports. You direct the main characters through over 20 levels trying to figure out puzzles and avoid enemies. Some are harder than others and many will take several tries to get through so the game has a good length to it. Interaction involves pointing at various items on screen and then using the remote to mimic various actions (such as turning cranks, hammering, etc). These are mostly very well done and makes this a game that could not be done on any other console. While this game has gotten great reviews, it has been overlooked by the majority of Wii owners and that is a real shame. This is a game for the whole family (though perhaps too challenging for young children) with a great art style and engaging gameplay and deserves to be the library of every Wii owner.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: great pure puzzle game that creates some nostalgia

Weaknesses: can get very hard at times

Summary: This game reminds me of when I was younger, playing old-time adventure computer games on our old "Tandy" PC. The puzzles are interesting and unique, and sometimes quite difficult. Graphics are decent enough for Wii, a console which was never in contention for "best graphics ever." Gameplay is critical and that's where the game shines. Nobody really knows about this game, and that's a shame. I think I may pick it up as a gift for my younger sisters. It's also not as expensive as some games are these days, so that's a plus. I am nowhere near a hard-core gamer, so I am quite selective when picking up video games. This is a solid purchase for those seeking something different and fun.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Weeks

Strengths: Interesting, challenging puzzles. Innovative use of wii remote. Lots of game depth.

Weaknesses: Frustrating when get stuck. May be too difficult for younger kids.

Summary: Very interesting puzzle game in which the object in each level is to get to the treasure chest. The hard part is using things in the environment and the wii remote to get there. An added challenge is obtaining the highest scores by completely levels in a particular way. In addition, the game has secondary objectives such as finding old capcom characters in the environment and obtaining maps for more treasures. Solving a level can be quite difficult and frustating, and may be too challenging for kids under 10. In summary, this game is truly an innovative puzzle game that will challenge your brain.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 10 Days

Strengths: Anime-like animationExcellent and innovative implementation of wii motion controlsFun and challenging for all ages.

Weaknesses: Horrible product name.Poor advertisement.Hidden gem; emphasis on hidden.Weak storyWeird voice actors

Summary: If your Wii is lacking a game and you're tired of hunting down errant stars on "Mario Galaxy", then "Zack & Wiki : Quest for Barbaros' Treasure" is the game you're missing.Unfortunately saddled with the longest and most horrifically intimidating name ever, so terrible as to include a floating apostrophe, Zack and Wiki is the best game that no one is playing or buying.Right from the start, it is as though you're playing a cartoon. The cel-shaded animation is similar to, yet heads and shoulders above, that used in "Zelda Wind Waker". The characters are entertaining and the uses of the Wiimote are innovative to say the least. You can pull levers, use tools, and transform animals on your hunt for treasure.The puzzles that you are required to solve to progress in the game are both fun and challenging, as well as entertaining (from the character's perspective). The Wiimote use comes natural here as you twist it, turn it and manipulate it to solve each challenge.If you're looking for a game to round out a collection (or surprise a Wii-owning child who very likely does not have this game), pick up Zack and Wiki; it will instantly become a favorite. Plus, I hear it's been discounted.