Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure Wii Game Reviews
Overview
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure is one of the few gems on the Wii console. This swashbuckling adventure takes gamers through a variety of exciting environments in search of several unusual items. Zack, a young pirate, and his best friend Wiki, who happens to be a magical monkey, discover a secret treasure chest. Inside is the skull of the infamous pirate Barbaros. The skull of Barbaros strikes a deal with Zack promising to give him any wish he desires if he can find the rest of his body parts and put him back together. Players embark on this fun world-wide adventure searching for the rest of Barbaros and avoiding a rival group of pirates known as the Rose Rock gang.
Gameplay (4 out of 5)
Although this game appears very colorful and cutesy, the gameplay itself is quite complex. Each level has an assortment of mind-boggling puzzles players have to solve to progress further. Zack is given various random items during the level. The objective is to decipher how to use that particular object to solve the puzzle. As stages progress they can become very challenging. One puzzle took me an entire hour to figure out. The puzzles in Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure are what makes the gameplay so engaging. You know the solution is right in front of you, but it’s difficult to pinpoint it exactly. Since these puzzles are no cake-walk, Capcom threw gamers a bone in the form of the hub area. There you can actually buy hints or extra lives if you’re at your wits end. Occasionally players will be attacked by Rose Rock Pirates. A dash of magic from your Wii Remote is usually all it takes to defeat an enemy. Another great aspect about this game is the multiplayer mode. It’s set-up where one to three other players can join Zack on his adventure. The additional players only serve as sidekicks. Advanced gamers may not like this multiplayer feature but it adds Zack & Wiki on the list of excellent family wii games to play. Parents or other siblings can join in on the fun and help guide the journey.
Controls (5 out of 5)
The entire game is played using the Wii Remote. Magic is expelled by a brisk shake of the Wii Remote. Troublesome enemies are turned into handy take-along items. The puzzles are all effortlessly manuvered through the Wii Remote’s motion control. Movement of Zack is executed by a swift point at the desired location on the screen and by hitting the A button. Turning and opening of objects are completed virtually by moving the remote in the same manner. Most activities in the game can be controlled by using the Zack & Wiki screen options that appear. Overall, the controls are seamless.
Graphics & Sound (4 out of 5)
The graphics are visually impressive. The entire game looks like a vivid animated movie. All of the environments are filled with intricate details that bring them to life. Whether it’s a wild jungle or a mystical castle the design is authentic. Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure is a beautiful Wii game. The upbeat soundtrack fits perfectly into the game. It’s what you’d expect from one of the top Wii puzzle games on the market today. You actually feel like you’re going on a pirate treasure hunting expedition.
Zack & Wiki Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure Screenshots
Overall Rating: (5 out of 5)
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure is a brightly animated puzzle game with loads of complex brain-teasers that the whole family can enjoy. With over 18 engaging levels and an assortment of amazing environments to explore, this is a true adventure. This game takes a different approach to traditional pirate themed games. It’s filled with lovable characters and enough challenging puzzles to keep any gamer busy. The family element featured in the multiplayer mode makes this one of the best Wii family games I’ve seen so far. It’s definitely worth playing.
