Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

"Zack and Wiki: A Treasure of it's Own."

Once in awhile very rarely, there comes a game where it just slaps you in the face and knocks you unconscious. No, not because it is bad but because it is really good. Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure hits the Nintendo Wii and quite frankly, it's one of the most underrated game of it's time. Why is that? you ask. Well first thing is the title. Zack and Wiki. I will admit I was not an ounce interested in this game and I also done something I usually don't do and that is just a book by it's cover. Seeing a kid and a monkey on the cover of the box I was shaking my head and thinking "oh what kind of games we have for the Wii" However, after actually reading up on the game, I decided one day to buy it because I love puzzle games, hell I love all genres.

There are many game companies that I like, one of them being my favorite is Capcom. Who can forget the Megaman series, Street Fighter series and Resident Evil series, just to name a few. So when I saw that Capcom logo on the bottom right, I was sure that the game wouldn't be too bad. When I popped in the game and just by watching the introduction, I was already in love with the game. Remember my reviews are told as is, it is my opinion and you all shouldn't take it too personal. I respect others opinions and I expect mine to be respected back. With that out of way, let's begin!

What is this game about you might ask. Well, first it is a puzzle game. A sort of point and click puzzle game. You are to use your wiimote to the fullest, like Wii sports and Cooking Mama. You are a young boy pirate named Zack that one day wants to make a name for himself while being accompanied by a gold monkey named Wiki who can turn into various objects throughout the game. Zack's character reminds of a laid back, whatever character where he just takes things as they are and don't worry about much. Wiki is more of the comedic, sarcastic funny slash guardian of the game. He is always cracking jokes and helping you the player in the game.

Wiki is the main weapon you have. By shaking the wiimote left to right, Wiki turns into a bell that defeats enemies and sometimes turns them into items which is vital in completing the stage and getting the treasure. Most of the time you are moving the cursor and exploring an area for clues, keys and anything else to help you progress. Your ranking for each of these stages are determined by how many mistakes you make and how fast you can complete the stage itself. Rank is also determined by points you get where if you do something that is suppose to be done, you get the maximum amount of points. This is very important in achieving the perfect ranking.

The main story of the game is that Zack and Wiki find the skull of the legendary Barbaros and it is up to Zack and Wiki to find all the missing pieces of Barboros throughout the land. Barbaros promises Zack to give him his ship if he does him this deed but when Barbaros sees Wiki he acts very strangely. What could be their connection? That is for you to find out when you buy the game!

The main thing I love about this game is the graphics. It combines an anime style along with some adult humor. The cute graphics with the hilarious facial expressions is where the humor shine. The character designs are very memorable and once you play this game, you will never forget the characters. There are array of different characters from the main bad pirate that is always trying to ruin Zack's plans to different enemies and bosses trying to do the same. The rabbits that are Zack's crew is pretty cute and funny too. Besides the characters, everything in this game looks good and simple. Backgrounds are colorful and well animated which is good since you need to click almost everywhere to find clues and solve puzzles.

The music and sound for this game is nothing too special to talk about. None of the characters can talk, they make like a noise, like a Pokemon if you would to compare. But they all do have certain noises where if you were to close your eyes, you would know who is talking. As for the music, I haven't really noticed it too much since I am busy trying not die! But if I am not complaining about it, then it isn't bad.

Now this game doesn't have multiplayer but it does allow up to three other wiimotes to help you with the puzzles. Others can click and find clues for you which is in a way sort of cheating I would think. When a game grades you for what you do in each puzzle/stage, you know that the replay value is high because you would want to get the best perfect ranks available. You also want to collect everything you in the game and one thing I am sure all of us aim for is to have the least deaths in the game. That is something that isn't easy to accomplish unless you have in front of you all the answers to the puzzles but then if you do, what is the point of playing?!

In closing, if you love a feel good game with a challenge and I am not talking about a button smashing fighting game challenge, I am talking about a game where you have to think and learn from your mistakes. If you are into what I just said, then this is a must buy. However, if you are still sort of shaky about the "kiddy" look, rent it. I am certain you will not regret it.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/14/08

Game Release: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (US, 10/23/07)