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How Metascores Are Calculated
60
Adventure Island: The Beginning
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games. |
Legend has it that a revered pirate named Barbaros once stole the world's treasure and hid it on a mysterious island. Though no one knows of its exact location, stories about the untold riches that lay in wait have been passed down through the ages, driving pirates from all walks of life to pursue the alluring prizes. One of these treasure seekers, a young apprentice pirate named Zack happens upon a mysterious talking skull, the skull of Barbaros himself. Barbaros promises to reveal the key to the island, if Zack will help to lift the curse he is under. Players explore a variety of wondrous environments and stages, solving puzzles and interacting with the world in search of a legendary pirate ship and the ultimate pursuit of becoming the greatest pirate the world has ever seen. Inventive gameplay mechanics and controller movements allow players to move and open objects, transform items, unlock new pathways and navigate through perilous stages based on a variety of themes including a jungle, ice temple, volcanic caves and more, each with multiple sub-areas. Players will use the Wii Remote controller in various ways - rotate handles, turn keys to open doors, play a piccolo and much more in order to solve the progressively difficult puzzle stages and collect key items that will lead to the legendary pirate ship. [Capcom]
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more... 100
Gaming Age
As such, Zack and Wiki stands as one of the best games I've played in a long time, with my only (aforementioned) complaint being the ridiculously steep hill that the rather odd name puts between it and consumers.
 95
Digital Entertainment News
This is the kind of game we were promised when the Wii was in development, and it is nice to see someone other than Nintendo deliver on those promises. Capcom has a real gem here, but you have to play it to understand.
94
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
Never have we been so amused, challenged and impressed by a game all at the same time. [Christmas 2007, p.68]
91
GameShark
With so many publishers looking to cash in on the Wii’s success, it’s always nice to see a game appear that is nothing but quality from top to bottom—the fact that this game is ten bucks cheaper than other Wii offerings makes it an even sweeter deal.
91
Game Revolution
It’s a classic adventure game at heart.
91
Pelit (Finland)
An excellent puzzler in the vein of old-school point'n'click-adventures. You need both brains and braw to complete this one. [Feb 2008]
91
The Wiire
One of the best games made for the Wii so far. It combines the puzzle-solving adventure of Twilight Princess with the varied environments of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, but still incorporates originality in the point-and-click gameplay and seemingly endless fun activities.
91
IGN AU
Zack & Wiki is very much what happens when talented Japanese game designers decide to revisit classic point-and-click adventure gameplay, and proceed to inject it with their own aesthetics and sensibilities, all with a modern coat of paint.
90
PALGN
While some may find retrying certain sections repeatedly due to some of the puzzles being genuinely challenging a little bit annoying, the entire game is so compelling that you'll more than likely just be more inspired to give it another go when you happen to make a mistake.
90
Play.tm
It's a genuinely exciting brand new IP, its Wii exclusive, it has a flawless understanding of how best to use the console's motion sensing controls and it proves there's a use for the adventure game genre in this current generation.
90
Gameplayer
A word of caution however, don’t get fooled by the kiddy visuals presented in Zack & Wiki because some of the puzzles contained within require a fair degree of lateral thinking to beat. With that in mind, older gamers seeking an enjoyable challenge should definitely pick this up.
90
Video Game Talk
I can’t stress enough the great uses of the Wii’s motion controls in this game. Whether it’s something as simple as shaking the controller in time to a song to using the controller to simulate turning a lock, this game gets all the movements right.
90
Zentendo
Its unique if sometimes Japanese-infused presentation sports a snappy visual design and an excellent musical score, but the real hook is the superb puzzle design.
90
N-Europe
Zack & Wiki is a must have in any gamers’ collection and a beacon of hope for quality 3rd party games.
90
GotNext
By testing your brain rather than your brawn, it stands out against the too-common controller-wagglers.
90
Gameplanet
If you are the type of person that enjoys a game that challenges your thinking capacity instead, then Zack and Wiki should be on your wish list.
90
Gamer.nl
Hello Nintendo!! Finally a good game on the Nintendo Wii and you don't give it any attention. Zack & Wiki rocks and we want more!
90
Worth Playing
To put it bluntly, Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure is one of the best games out for the Wii, and any gamers who own Nintendo's new system owe it to themselves to at least give this title a try, if not a buy.
90
1UP
It's a huge world of wonderful puzzles to solve, with creative approaches to even the most mundane solutions; it's also a big game, and it goes on far longer than even the story would imply (though some people may never beat the last couple stages without assistance).
90
GameDaily
The puzzle design is fantastic, though it leans a bit on trial-and-error. The graphics are vibrant, even if the heroes don't have a memorable spark. The game has long-term replayability too, with a neat little co-op game and hidden treasures to uncover. No Wii owner should miss this.
90
GameSpy
Between its extraordinary collection of cerebral trials, its comprehensive menagerie of shape-shifting animal-tools, and its skilled use of almost instinctual motion control, Zack & Wiki reveals itself as an unexpected, must-own treasure.
90
Kombo
When we first started playing Zack & Wiki, we found ourselves instantly liking the adventure. There's something undeniably fun and enthralling about this point-and-click adventure.
90
IGN
One of those welcomed surprises – an unpredictably top-quality undertaking whose winning marriage of sometimes-genius environmental puzzles and beautiful graphics will suck you in. It also perfectly encapsulates what I always hope for but seldom see from third parties: an original Wii project that really makes the most of the console.
90
Nintendo Power
The point-and-click adventure has gone the way of the dodo in recent years, so when one as engaging as Capcom's Zack & Wiki comes along, it's cause for celebration. [Dec 2007, p.86]
90
Destructoid
An absolute blast. Through a combination of normal puzzles -- though admittedly, "normal" is a bit of a misnomer in a game where you use your flying, magical monkey friend to transform deadly enemies into useful items -- and incredibly rewarding motion control scenarios, Zack and Wiki feels like something totally familiar, yet incredibly new and original.
90
n-Revolution Magazine UK
Masterful puzzling plus exemplary Remote use equals a near-classic adventure. Frustrating in places, though. [Issue#17, p.66]
90
Games Master UK
A terrific metal workout. [Feb 2008, p.62]
90
VideoGamer
With wonderfully varied levels, colourful, cel-shaded graphics and mind-bending puzzles that'll have you working those little grey cells into the ground, Zack & Wiki triumphantly makes its debut on Nintendo's Wii, the only console it could have appeared on.
90
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
Zack & Wiki is a brilliant use of the Wii's strengths, and easily one of the best games available for the console. [Dec 2007, p.66]
90
AceGamez
The title may be convoluted, but the gameplay and presentation are anything but. What could have fizzled into a case of undeserving hype is one of 2007's top games - and considering the competition, that is quite a lofty (but nevertheless justified) statement.
90
NGamer UK
The thrill of the eureka moment is Zack And Wiki's currency. Combine this with a control scheme that puts even first-party efforts to shame, and you've got the easiest Zack And Wiki conundrum to solve: should you buy it? The score's a hint.
88
Gamer 2.0
Zack & Wiki is easily the best original Wii game on the system right now, though whether it strikes a chord with the Wii's audience is another discussion all together.
88
GameZone
The point-and-click system may not attract all gamers, but in all seriousness, I fell in love with the controls. As of right now, the gameplay stands out above everything else on the Wii.
88
Cheat Code Central
I can't state this enough; so far, this is one of the best Wii games of the year. With its complex gameplay, beautiful graphics, interesting controls, great sense of humor, and user-friendly approach, this is truly a game that will appeal to virtually any gamer.
88
NZGamer
With any luck, with your purchase of Zack & Wiki we can show Capcom and the rest of the gaming industry that gamers are ready to be challenged, that gamers are open to something new, and that we would welcome a sequel, or something similar – the Wii needs it.
85
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
A great offering from Capcom. Even in a genre that’s not common on consoles, it manages to work perfectly on the Nintendo Wii. If you don’t mind spending a few brain cells and tearing your hair when you fail an objective, you just have to buy this game. [Feb 2008]
85
PTGamers
Zack & Wiki is a catchy and funny adventure, stuffed full of challenges...It’s not perfect, and can become quite frustrating. However, if there was a next-gen Myst, this is the way we would like to see it.
85
Game Almighty
In short, Zack and Wiki made me love these adventuring, puzzle-solving games all over again. Here’s hoping for a sequel and even more innovation.
85
GamerNode
It gives a brand-new feeling to exploration an puzzle-solving.
85
GamePro
What seems like the perfect game for kids is actually a challenging game for adults. Who knew? Still, Zack & Wiki is a terrific game that will stick with you for a long time.
85
GameSpot
Zack & Wiki is a delightful blend of the Wii's motion-sensing technology and challenging yet approachable puzzle design.
85
Console Gameworld
A great title that deserves your time and patience, so long as you have the intellect to match.
85
Nintendojo
Adventure games are often compelling but hinge upon primitive, boring gameplay. Capcom shows how all future adventure games should be designed: with engrossing gameplay that both intuitively and innovatively solves puzzles.
84
GameTrailers
Zack and Wiki is colorful, inventive, and just plain fun. It never manages to transcend the trail-and-error aesthetic endemic to the genre, but for most players, the unique experience and thrill of discovery will be more than worth a little bit of frustration.
84
Jolt Online Gaming UK
Very close to being a near-essential addition to any Wii owner’s collection which we dearly hope will get a sequel.
83
Game Informer
In the Wii's expansivve gutter of shoddy third-party ports and minigame garbage, Capcom is showing that it's possible to make something original and fun. [Nov 2007, p.148]
80
Play Magazine
And only on the Wii could a game like Zack and Wiki make any sense at all, because it's the motion-sensing controls that ultimately make the experience fly. [Nov 2007, p.53]
80
Games Radar (in-house)
The best part of the game is figuring out how to manipulate the tools you're given by utilizing the remote.
80
NintendoWorldReport
One of the best single player experiences on Wii to this point. The basic gameplay is so strong that it easily overcomes a bland story and sometimes frustrating gestures. This game is just begging for a sequel, full of the same point-and-click animal changing fun.
80
GameTap
It's really fun to pull back from the level and look at it as a whole; in fact, it kind of makes me wish that I could have physical playsets of each of these levels.
80
EuroGamer
Far and away the best original IP on the Wii, Zack & Wiki is a compelling reason to own this console. Its superb puzzle design and ingenious mix of humour, cleverness and the occasional bout of trial-and-error recall the best adventure games in history, and yet its gorgeous cartoonish looks and innovative control make it refreshingly modern.
80
Edge Magazine
From simple lever cranks to rotational unscrewing, Zack & Wiki finally puts to use the myriad Remote possibilities touched on in WarioWare: Smooth Moves. [Christmas 2007, p.93]
80
GameCritics
Overall, this is a very fun and slightly quirky game, with a definite challenge to it.
80
Cubed3
Zack & Wiki definitely has the potential to be a rip-roaringly fun series on Wii if Capcom next time chooses to flesh out the story more and refine the control system even more.
80
games(TM)
A joyous Wii game that’s sure to be a jewel in the console’s crown for years to come. [Jan 2008, p.114]
80
Thunderbolt
If Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure leaves any lasting legacy once the dust has well and truly settled, it’s that there is a need for something different. That simplicity and charm go a very long way in this industry clouded by games boasting hyperrealism.
78
Game Positive
Capcom really focused on what makes the Wii special and built a game from the ground up to take advantage of its capabilities. The graphics and sound both hold a high standard, and the gameplay is both fun and rewarding.
73
netjak
At times, the play control can be a bit wonky, but overall Zack & Wiki is a solid addition to the point and click adventure genre.
60
Adventure Gamers
While not spectacular as a game in and of itself, the gameplay innovations it presents to the adventure genre might make it worth a try.
Jorad T gave it a9: James W. gave it a10: Jeff B. gave it a5: Andrew C. gave it a9: Brandon J. gave it a10: Shawna P gave it a9: Rob G. gave it a10: |
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