Trauma Center: New Blood

"Nice follow up to the original"

I enjoyed the original Trauma Center for what it was. I think I liked the DS version better than the remake that was for the Wii. Either way I think the story dropped it all for me as it changed the game play as well. Does this game make it all better though?

You're a doctor in Alaska. A storm has hit a previous patient of yours shows up with something you put in her acting up. You soon find out a co-worker has come down with a little something. And the story makes its connection to the original which took place 10 years before this title. The characters aren't as interesting but they get the job done.

The graphics still remain the same. Bland bodies and parts are what you work on and I think it's a good thing since I doubt I'd jump up and down about looking at a spleen being cut open. The cut scenes, if you can call them that, are stills with characters portraits moving into the frame when they talk. A little boring if I must say so.

This time around our cast of characters have been given voice actors which is a big plus. While they aren't the best I've ever heard they do get the job done nicely. Music is about on par with the original. Fairly relaxing considering the type of game it is. The sound effects are almost non-existent.

The game uses the Wii controls rather well. They seem to have been tightened just a little since the last game. I love selecting my tool using the analog stick. Feels very natural. I had no problems with the controls after a few operations. Nicely done.

Just like the previous game this one is split up into chapters and each chapter has so many episodes to it. Some are story driven and others (most) have mild plot with an operation.

The operating is the main idea. The first few cases are simple. A broken bone, a failing heart and even replacing a part inside someone's body.

Then the game throws in the virus strains and it becomes hectic quickly. The game teaches you the healing touch very early in the game.

This technique slows down time, allowing you to work faster than you normally could and allows the patients health to stay up.

But again the game ends up relying on this move and it's about using it when you need to. Not that big of a deal but my arms grew tired after a few operations so I found myself needing breaks as some of the later operations are tough.

The game isn't very long but it's about the same length as the original. And again this game offers some bonus missions afterwards. Not only that but you can pick between two playable characters and I believe the game has some sort of co-op mode but I'm uncertain on that factor as no one I know likes to game.

Trauma Center 2 is my biggest surprise of 2007 for the Wii. It's a solid follow up to the original launch game and fans should get a lot out of this entry. The refined controls really help the game out as well.

Story - 7/10
Graphics - 7/10
Sound - 7/10
Game Play - 9/10
Replay value - 6/10

Final Score - 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 12/21/07

Game Release: Trauma Center: New Blood (US, 11/20/07)