The Adventures of Cookie & Cream

"One Of The Best Cooperative Play Experiences On The PS2"

If you can't find this game in Europe or Japan under Gamefaq's title, it's because here it's known as Kuri Kuri Mix… I really don't know why they changed it though, the mysteries of localisation. I didn't really know what to think when I was first forced to play this, but the game is stupidly easy to pick up and play, and while obviously aimed at younger players, it offers a cooperative play experience far better than most high budget games.

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Storyline (5/10)
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As the player, you take control of two rabbits; Cookie and Cream. On the night before the “moon festival” the moon suddenly disappears and then two chickens appears and take our rabbits away to an island with the intention of finding the moon. It sounds like something out of a children's fairytale, and while it is very simplistic it at least sets out a reason for what you're doing. In fact, it's simplicity is an advantage, since it means the story doesn't bog down the game and you aren't given cutscenes every five seconds, you're just set the goal of getting to the end of the stage and told to get on with it. So even though there's no major storytelling going on, it is aimed at kids and doesn't lose sight of that by trying to do anything complicated which would be detrimental to the game.

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Gameplay (8/10)
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The PS2 has a serious lack of decent multiplayer games, so it strikes me as odd that a simplistic game aimed at kids seems to be able to pull it off so well. The game has the right balance of action and quick thinking to the extent that it keeps both players engaged, even while their character is only waiting for the other character to finish their action, there's still cooperation required in timing.

The basic gameplay consists of each player taking control of a rabbit each, and with a vertical split down the screen, each player is on one side of the screen. Going forwards, a variety of puzzles await the players, for example, on one side there'll be a pulley which when pulled and held raises a platform for the other player to jump onto and across a ravine. It sounds simple, but there's such a variety that the game rarely gets boring or frustrating and provides enough action on both sides that each player has something to do. Some of the puzzles are pretty taxing as well, so you'll pretty often find the chickens on the level that will offer some advice about what you could try to do to get past the obstacle. There is a single player mode, however, while it is done in the best way that it could be, it just doesn't work very well since the player is required to control two rabbits at the same time with one controller. It can be done, but it's extremely difficult and thus this game really needs to be played with two players, which in a way heightens the sense of cooperation. There is also a Vs mode on offer, but it's not that good, and while there are extra characters to unlock, they don't really add to the mode.

This game is designed to played by two players, and is designed perfectly to encourage cooperation. As I said, I can't believe how many games are released that advertise cooperative play, but usually just end up each player doing their own thing. This features true cooperation since you literally can't advance without working together. Simplistic and fun, something a lot of games aren't managing to accomplish nowadays.

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Graphics (7/10)
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Nothing outstanding, but there's enough difference in the different levels to distinguish them from each other. Considering the age and the relative lack of budget this game probably had, the graphics are quite good. Certainly nothing that's good to amaze, but they're bright and colourful and considering the target age group I'd say the graphics are pretty much spot on. The main characters while lacking great detail are in a way enhanced because of this, because it keeps in tune with the cute and cuddly effect that the game is after.

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Sounds (6/10)
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Again, nothing outstanding, but they don't distract from the game, and aren't so loud they distract from the gameplay, which I've experienced from many other games. The main title theme is kind of annoying at first, but catches on after a while. As with the graphics, I'd say the sounds are good for the age group that are likely to play this game, and also for the older gamers.

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Lifespan (6/10)
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Despite being aimed at children and starting easy enough, some of the later levels are pretty difficult and require a lot of trial and error and a great detail of cooperation. But that's what this game is all about, and that's where it's charm and success lies. While there's not a huge amount to do, there are some puzzle pieces to collect and there are enough stages to keep players at it for a while.

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Summary (7/10)
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It's aimed at children, and considering that other games aimed at children generally aren't very good, it's nice to find a game that breaks that mould. In fact it goes further than that and offers a multiplayer experience that's far superior than most games from more well known developers. It's definitely not for everybody, and many people may be put off by the colourful graphics, but these are usually the same people who will go crazy over terrible games with flashy graphics. Worth a purchase especially since it's pretty cheap now it's been out for a while.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 06/15/07