This game is so much fun, and it's an utter travesty that it does not have as much recognition as games like Super Mario Galaxy or Metroid Prime 3, as it stands right with them as some of the best games on the Wii. Full of absolutely amazing puzzles (seriously; some of the best in gaming), a very nice art style, great music and by far the best use of the Wii remote, Zack and Wiki is an adventure classic.… Expand

Zack and Wiki is one of the few "point-and-click- adventure games a la the early 1990s that has been released on a console. It would be a superb game if not for multiple annoyances that drastically detract from the overall experience.
The graphics, sounds, and most importantly the puzzles are excellent. The puzzles hit the sweet spot of not being too easy or too esoteric, and most veteran adventure game players should get by without needing any hints whatsoever. However Zack and Wiki suffers from 3 huge problems that bring down the score:
1. Story - A non-existent story is not a problem in a game that does note contain emotive characters, but Zack and Wiki is full of colorful characters, lengthy cut scenes, villains, danger and intrigue. Yet nothing is done to advance the characters beyond blasse anime tropes. Either flesh out the characters, or just place the puzzles in disconnected rooms with a faceless protagonist and cut out the rest of the garbage.
2. Death, saving, and dead ends - Dying in adventure games pretty well expired with the Space Quest series, and it hasn't been missed. But even in those games, while death was annoying the ability to save at any point meant it was only a setback of a few minutes of time. Dead ends, a situation where the game becomes impossible because a critical item was destroyed, has also been eliminated from modern adventure games and for good reason. Zack and Wiki tragically suffers from 2 problems: Puzzles that contain dead-ends (fortunately not many) and puzzles where death can occur suddenly, without warning, and without the ability to save. You can buy 'platinum tickets' which will revive you moments before death, but these cost money, and worse, the price of each successive ticket increases exponentially. I was very frugal with my tickets and I still ended up using a lot of them toward the later levels. Having to repeat 20-30 steps to get to the point where I died is inexcusable in a modern video game.
3. Wii-mote usage. This is strangely one of the most praised features of the game yet is a big drawback. Items are used by waggling the Wiimote in the same manner as the item in question. The only problem is in many instances you simply cannot get the item to behave how you want it to. This is infuriating in time sensitive puzzles especially when they case death (see point #1). Since the actual usage of the item is generally straight forward, making us use the motion controls adds nothing to the game except frustration.

The above 3 points should not take away from the actual level design, which is fantastic. It is tragic that such well crafted levels had to be shackled inside such awful restraints.… Expand

The puzzles are truly fun and make the game worthy of much of its praise but I think most reviewers are ignoring all the incredibly annoying garbage between puzzles. This game also has the longest and most useless intro to any game I've played on the Wii. I also think the puzzles go from too easy to too hard a little too quickly.

A decent game which is probably better than most games on the Wii, but coming from and old school point and click adventure gamer, it doesnt compare. Ill give it that it is hard, but the puzzles are too random and not logical to the point where its trial and error. In otherwords, you have to die about 10 times before you can figure out what to do. Its not witty enough. The sounds are APPALLING! The voices especially. It is the worst game for sounds i can possibly think of. I actually thought the graphics were fine for this type of game, some people pick on that.… Expand

This is BY FAR my favorite Wii Game. I love the reviewers that complain about the graphics. You don't buy a Wii for graphics. You buy it for gameplay, and this game is the Wii at its challenging best. I'm SO sad to hear (and hoping they reconsider) that Capcom does not intend on making a Sequel. It has become a cult hit and I think a follow up would sell really well. This game is perfection on the Wii! LOVE it!!! I recommend it to anyone who has a Wii. Challenging and fun! We play it over and over since there is no Zack and Wiki 2 yet.… Expand

Don't let the childish characters or cartoonish graphics fool you. This game rapidly becomes a challenge for adults. My wife is constantly saying "What am I supposed to do now?", and I am always responding "Think about, what tools, opportunities and challenges do you see?". (what if you break the stick, put it in the fire to make a torch and then go into the cave?) This is a GREAT GAME. The first couple of tutorial levels will not impress you, but by the time you get to the 5th or 6th screen, you will be pleasantly surprised and challenged. And to top it off, the game has a great sense of humor. It's been a long time since I laughed out loud at a video game. I buy all my games used on Ebay, but if none were available used, I would not hesitate to pay full retail for this game, it… Expand

This game is fantastic. It's just geniunely fun to play. It offers a great challenge whilst at the same time you go through the whole game using a good amont of simple logic (for the exception of a couple of levels). The controls are innovative and interesting and the game will last you quite a while.

A travesty it didn't sell well, forget Okami. Every oozes charm and humour, and no game has been this hard without seeming unfair: you just feel stupid when you're stuck. The lack of saving during a level encourages you to really think hard about the solution, so no boring, game-ruining trial and error. You need this game.

Way too high scores: this is an average game. Why? Graphics and sounds are good but navigation with the camera is not easy and since timing counts to succeed in many levels it's really bad. And the ugliest: why in hell can't we save anywhere on a level...it's soooo easy to die and it's so boring starting again from the beginning doing the same sequence of action...maybe it's a way to artificially extend the lenght of the game. They should patch it with maybe 2 saves a level...it would then earn an 8 in my book.… Expand

I must have missed a memo somewhere that said how AWSOME this game would be. I have seen it many times in Stores and online but ignored it as a childish simplistic game. I could not have been more wrong. This game is alot of fun. The puzzles are unique and colorful. It is hard to describe a game like this. It probably is not for everyone, but recently this games price has been $20. It is worth every penny!I think a wide range of ages can enjoy this. I am in college and some of the early puzzles stumped me. Summary - Pleasant Surprise!… Collapse

A perfect example of why Capcom is still one of the top video game developers around. These types of titles are what I and even Nintendo I think were aiming to provide with the Wii.

This game I would recommend. It is fun for the whole family. It has cute scenes, some challenging puzzles, and high entertainment. We purchsed it on sale and now believe that it is one of the better games for the wii. If you enjoy thinking outside the box, you will enjoy this. I would give it a ten but there is one downfall. If you are rythmically challenged like me, you will find the minigame with Bonelich next to impossible. However, he is not required for the game so you wont be missing out of too much.… Expand

Innovative, brilliant, addictive. There is nothing else out there like this.

Nice game - similar to the SCUMM VM based classics, but broken down into small levels rather than big sprawling maps. This cuts down on the tedious journeys between areas but also limits the scope of each problem making the game far too easy to complete. The "Wii Remote" functionality doesn't add much other than requiring you to pull handles / turning keys etc. Bit of a disappointment after all the high scoring reviews, but not bad all the same. Rent it for a weekend and you'll probably complete it.… Expand

Got this with high hopes based on the score I saw. Yes it does use the wii-mote but the slow pace and the puzzles were more an exercise in aggravating repetition than challenging game play. The point and click navigation is not the easiest way to move around and I just felt thoroughly bored by the experience.

A gem of a game that reminds me of the old point & click adventure games. Truly clever puzzles and brilliant use of the wii remote. I wish more people would buy this game.

It is definately a rent first. I found a lot of the controls to be wonky, the repetitive animation and lack of options when it comes to playing the levels also holds it back. The fact you can finish the game in 10-15 hours if you're smart makes this a great rental. However, if you were (are) a huge fan of point click adventures from the old PC days, love puzzle games, and don't mind the kiddied down animation and story you can buy it outright. The rest of you should rent it though.… Expand

This is definitely a thinking man's (or woman's) game. Underneath the cutesy graphics and (occassionally grating) sound effects is one of the most challenging adventure/puzzle games around. There's no need to worry, though - The game is only difficult for people--like me--who refuse to use the Hints available in the game. My only complaint would be that some trial-and-error aspects, where death is pretty much unavoidable even when you are doing something seemingly logical at the time. Also, there isn't much of a story to go along with the gameplay. It's too bad this game isn't finding a wider audience. I think this would have been a perfect "Young Indiana Jones" game.… Expand

Read the reviews: it is hard to find a more critically well received game, and for great reason -- if you are a fan of the old Monkey Island games from Lucasarts, or the great Sierra games of the mid 90s, then this is a wonderful fix for your gaming needs. A fantastic use of the Wii remote, and genuine fun. Perhaps the best game on the Wii right now, certainly true if you are into adventure games.… Expand

The reviews for this game were so overly full of praise that I bought the game without first renting. I warn you not to do the same. This game tries to be cute to the point of being annoyingly. The action sequence of shaking your bell to defeat any enemy just doesn't make any sense. The puzzles are neat. Nothing revolutionary, Although it was kind of cool to see this old school style of gaming again. This game has no other redeeming value. But hey, I'm the exception here. So rent it; might be your favorite game ever. I hope so. Enjoy.… Expand

I'm in a rush, so I'll make this short and sweet. A great puzzle game for all of those older folks out there! The gameplay might be a bit challenging for the younger audience (Which this game cries out to), but still solid. The artwork is very nice, and once again cries out to the child, especially those who's parents actually listened to ratings on movies and game and did not buy nor see Pirates of the Carribean (ERSB and that stuff ratings, not critic ratings). First of all, Zack kind of misses the candy bar while eating it, and it's noticable. Secondly, the characters seem to phase through everything, especially Wiki. This is a great game that many people will cherish and adore as a solid addition to their library. No loose pixels included. 9.25!… Expand

I always hated the point-and-click genre until Hotel Dusk came around, which brought me closer to liking it, so I bought Zack & Wiki. I then realized there was no game like it, and there aren't many other games on Wii make better use of the console. While not perfect, it is an excellent example of why the Wii is an excellent console, even if it's technically inferior to the other next-generation systems. The graphics and setting are somewhat reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Wing Waker, with its own beautifully Japanese take on the world of pirates. But the real hook of this game is the Wii controls and puzzles. With your partner, Wiki, a yellow flying monkey, you can shake the Wii remote to turn animals into items to help solve puzzles, which shows just how uniquely this game forces you use the environment, My only problems with the game are that the puzzles become overwhelmingly hard, and the story is mediocre at best. Otherwise, along with Zelda, Galaxy, Paper Mario, Metroid, and Resident Evil 4, Zack & Wiki is another essential single-player experience in the Wii's library.… Expand

The graphics, title, and box cover art might put off people who think they might be too old for the game but this could not be more farther from the truth. The game requires attention to detail as well as requiring the player to change their approach to problems. Extremely fun game that is very innovative game and makes great use of the Wii mote.

This game is fun! My 9yr and 5 yr old sons have been playing this the past week and they love it. The level design is very imaginative with beautiful artwork, sound, and cutscenes, and makes good use of the Wii remote as you pull levers, saw/drill/hammer things, turn a crank,grab stuff, sweep -- lots of variety. The puzzles are also clever but not frustrating; The game is too hard for my 5 yr old to play by himself but the 9 yr old has been able to figure it out, although they had to ask for hints a few times. Even the way you ask for hints is well done. They give you a small visual clue and text hint about what you need to do next. The quality and polish is as good or better than the nintendo games. This is the first 3rd party Wii game that I can rate highly since Elebits came out last year. For pure family fun for preteen boys, our top 5 Wii games right now are Super Mario Galaxy (Nintendo), Lego Star Wars (Lucas Arts), Zack and Wiki (Capcom), Super Paper Mario (Nintendo), and Elebits (Konami).… Expand

Really fantastic and innovative game. You guys say you are sick of cookie cutter nonsense, so go out and support new ideas! This game is a lot of fun and a great break from the endless stream of FPS we are getting

Fantastic. Cleverly designed puzzles. This is one of the rare Wii games that shines.

An overall amazing game. BUY IT RIGHT NOW!

This game is amazing. The puzzles range from absurd to ingenious, and it's some of the most polished group gaming I've had in years. Everyone considering it should buy it, especially at only $40.

This product is what I purchased a Wii for - easy to pick up and difficult to put down, i can honestly say that you won't regret purchasing this one. Supporting Zack and Wiki despite it's weird name and strange humor is almost a true gamers duty. You don't believe me - do a rental at least. (this one was comparable to old Sierra point and clicks or Goblins if you can remember that one).… Expand

Beautifully effective art style; engaging, addictive gameplay; lots of fun. Don't be afraid of the difficulty level if you're a parent, this game is a lot of fun for adults on their own but offers a great opportunity for parents to share a video game with their child. About as perfect of a Wii game there is.

Another game that shows the strengths of the Wii. The unique motion controls and fun puzzles make this my new favorite, until Galaxy comes.

Incredible puzzles and the biggest fun since Metroid Prime 3 on the wii.

Finally, a great game that caters to the Wii's strengths. Even more unexpected is the fact that it's a great game that Nintendo didn't make! Zack & Wiki feels like a crazy marriage between Zelda's puzzles and Warioware's clever use of the wii-remote. Highly recommended.

A very well thought out game. It kind of reminds me of a sophisticated version of the Lemmings. Highly recommended!

OK, so I'm a capcom fanboy, its true and i wouldn't deny it if you threatened me with a near-sighted firing squad. That doesn't change the FACT that this game is PURE MAGIC! Seriously, I JUST started it and I'm already in love. Truly unique and with a very fresh sense of openness heretofore UNHEARD of in the puzzle genre, if you are a treasure hunter at heart this game is a dream come true, RIPE with tear-jerking old school capcom nods that can't stop & won't stop uhuh uhuh. Seriously, one of the first few levels has a WATERSLIDE with a huge underwater seamonster at the end, and you'll STILL ride it & die MORE THAN ONCE because it's just so darn FUN! If that alone doesn't make you want to buy a wii just to play this game, look down... you probably have a fork in you. (ya'done)… Expand

A gorgeous looking title that makes excellent use of the Wii's capabilities to a degree that few... very few titles have thus far. Ignore the goofy title and silly looking characters on the package and *buy* *this* *game*. An impressive reincarnation of the point and click adventure puzzler and a must have for any gamer. Yeah, you hardcore gamers too. There's little chance of anybody calling this one soft or easy once you really get into the game, but it's all in an accessible and achievable format. The hidden gem of the Wii lineup thus far.… Expand

Awesome game overall. Some of the tools don't quite work the way one would expect them to, but it's not that big of a deal. The puzzles are fun to solve and the visuals are captivating!! If you own a Wii this title is a buyer.

I have beat alot of this game probably 3/4 through. and i'm planning on beating the entire game with no hints and no continues. puzzles get pretty tricky - although the game looks very child orientated - it's way too hard for lil kids. thats why its not a 10 out of ten 10. this game challenges you to think outside the box. all i can say is play this game get and beat level 3 before you make an impression and choose to overlook the gameplay mechanics… Expand

Thought the gestures aren't perfectly polished, the remaining package well than makes up for it. The amount of time solving the many different ways the puzzles are presented should merit the purchase alone. I love this game!

Great 3rd party Wii Game, could not be done on any other console. It perfectly masks the point and click part of the game, and makes you feel like your playing an adventure game, the puzzles are masked well, you don't think your solving a puzzle, you just need to know how to get to that spot, and use your enviroment to do so. the fact that you can solve each "puzzle" (more like scenario) in different ways is also a plus! Everything in this game's presentation is great. Graphics/Music/Controls/Story. If you want 3rd party to make good Wii games, support this game!… Expand

The visuals, the mechanics, the characters simply rock. This game was made for the Wii, and the system needs more like this. I hope Capcom is making this an on-going franchise.