The Adventures of Cookie & Cream

"C&C is the most original game for the PS2... and the most addictive!"

Here we go. Don't be fooled by the title and the cute Japanese graphics. Underneath all this lies one of the most original games in quite sometime. The Adventures of Cookie and Cream is one of the best games for the PS2 that you've never heard of.
What was the last time you played a video game with a concept that had never been done before? It’s been awhile, hasn't it? The Adventures of Cookie and Cream is so unique that you have to play it to believe it. To complete each level, two rabbits, Cookie and Cream, have to work together through a number of obstacles to get to the level goal. Each level is presented in split screen. For example, for Cream to get past a huge alligator that wants to make a snack out of her, Cookie has to pull on its leash to restrain it. The tasks that have to be accomplished only get more creative from here. The catch to all this is that you have to control both characters at the same time. This makes for some frustrating, yet oddly and extremely addictive gameplay that will have your brain going in a dozen different directions at once. Cookie and Cream is quite frustrating, but in a good way. It’s more of an “I could play this game ‘til my thumbs bleed” frustrating than an “I want to throw the controller through the TV screen” frustrating. The one player mode presents a tough challenge (very tough!), but you can also play it cooperatively with a friend. This is considerably easier since each player controls just one of the two rabbits. In the graphics department, The Adventures of Cookie and Cream is no Final Fantasy, but the graphics are surprisingly crisp for a game of this type. All of the levels flow smoothly with no slowdown, and there are even some decent cutscenes before the boss fights. There are some catchy tunes that are just as cute as the graphics too, but you’ll be so focused on the gameplay that you won’t notice them. The tune during the menus is the only music that sticks out, but not in an annoying way. All of this put together makes for an amazing game that will have you thinking about it even when your not at your PS2.
Buy or Rent? - Everyone needs to play this game just to see what it is. At least give it a chance and go with a rental. Then if you can really get into it, (like I did!) it’s definitely worth the 40 bucks you'll pay for it.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/11/01, Updated 06/11/01