World of Goo

"World of Gooey Greatness"

World of Goo (WiiWare) is a puzzle game by indie game developers, 2D Boy. It's also a physics game in a way, that sort of reminds me of LocoRoco. You interact with little creatures called Goo Balls. They behave sort of like Lemmings, simple minded and almost always moving. To learn more, Wiki it.

Story - 7/10
There isn't much of a story to be honest. What is there is simplistic, yet it's quirky and neat. The presentation of the story through the cutscenes, and especially the signs left by the Sign Painter, are well put together. It isn't some grand plot or anything, but it can pull you in well. The ending is incredible, which is something many games seem to fall short on having.

Gameplay - 10/10
The gameplay is flawless. Controls are done with the Wiimote, and the Wiimote only. The Wiimote is used in the same way as in the Wii Menu. Like a pointer. It's basically a physics engine for you to play with. Use the goo balls to create towers and bridges and get them to the pipe at the end. You have to get your goo balls across chasms, and around obstacles and hazards. The physics of the game are topnotch. Everything from gravity, to inertia, to momentum, and even tension. The goo balls clearly have mass, and you can see the effects of their weight as you build. You can't just build single segmented bridges to your goal, as the goo balls are not invincible. Too much tension, and the lines will snap. As for replay value, every level has an OCD (Obsessive Completion Distinction) flag which is like an Achievements system. Along with that, you have an area where you simply try to build the largest tower of goo you can, competing with other people around the world. That's about it.

Graphics - 8/10
I like the graphics of this game. The art style is appealing and simplistic. The goo balls themselves look very nice as well. It's nothing eye-popping, but it's very pleasant.

Music - 9/10
The music is awesome. Some of the tracks are epic, and some fast paced. It sets the atmosphere well, which is funny considering the goo balls. It's almost like the game makes light of the music being epic sounding. Still, it kind of personifies the goo balls a bit. Their struggle to get to the pipe. Especially on the Blustery level. Damn nice choice of music on that one.

Sound - 7/10
I give Sound it's own category because SFX are separate from the music to me. Anyways, the sound effects are neat as well. The goo balls make realistic sounds, which is kinda disconcerting. Also, the sounds they make as you build are sort of funny, and make them more alive. The only sound that doesn't fit to me, is the vacuum cleaner sound that happens when the pipe is on. It kind of makes sense, but I think some other sound should be used.

Overall: 41/50. That's just over four out of five stars. This is easily one of the best WiiWare titles out there.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 05/09/09

Game Release: World of Goo (US, 10/13/08)