Metacritic Games

Death Jr.: Root of Evil (Wii)

Experience life after death as the Grim Reaper’s teenage son Death Jr. (aka DJ), and his school sweetheart Pandora, as they embark on a journey to free DJ’s captured father and complete their school science project at the same time! Rebuilt exclusive for the Wii, Death Jr.: Root of Evil uses new simple gameplay control methods based on ranged and melee combat, and a full 3D camera that makes for a fast and fun experience. [Eidos Interactive]

Eidos Interactive
Action, Platform
Players: 2
T (Teen)
Developer: Backbone Entertainment
Released May 27, 2008

Overall Metascore

This is a weighted, normalized average of all individual scores given by critics, on a scale of 0 (worst) to 100 (best).

70 / 100

Critic Reviews

90 Play Magazine
Wicked cool character design, cutting edge Wii visuals, great level design, a double-shot of great gameplay, massive bosses and a quirky score that ties it all together...what more could you ask for? [May 2008, p.56]
90 GameSpy
Though it could be viewed at first glance as a warmed-over port of a middling PSP title, DJ finds new life on the Wii through its tight control scheme and clever writing
82 Cheat Code Central
Overall, Death Jr.: Root of Evil is another solid platform entry in this largely successful franchise.
75 1UP
Ultimately, however, we think you'll prefer to have a friend close by as you experience the game. Root of Evil may not be to die for, but for $40, it's an easy way to kill a weekend.
74 IGN
It’s still not an “amazing” title by any account, as the core game was fairly simple, short, and mainly a generic pocket version of a competent action/platformer, but the added Wii IR controls and stylistic offering of Root of Evil Wii could still make it a solid purchase for Wii owners that – rightfully – are looking for an entertaining action game with some decent co-op and competent controls.
73 Ferrago
Death Jr. Root of Evil manages to convincingly sidestep the bargain bucket graveyard thanks to its character appeal, solid platform action, amusing and inventive weaponry, and a control system that largely succeeds in papering over any emergent sense of creeping mediocrity.
73 Game Informer
The great art style and smart writing sometimes mask the staid gameplay, but, in the end, the cookie cutter platforming buries the game's strengths.
70 Nintendo Power
Using the Wii remote to look around and shoot is a big improvement that addresses the PSP version's camera issues, and it's an overall better-looking game. [July 2008, p.88]
70 Gamervision
Forty dollars is a little steep for a cookie-cutter game with bad camera control and repetitive levels.
65 GameSpot
Improvements over the PSP game make the Wii version of Root of Evil a competent, stylish platformer.
60 n-Revolution Magazine UK
Great for young kids, but not so much fun for serious gamers. [Issue#23, p.64]
47 Games Master UK
The levels are colorful but dull, and after a mere five minutes a lurking sense of deja vu descends. Dead poor. [July 2008, p.82]
40 NGamer UK
Bone idle. Soulless. Death warmed up. Putting the grim in Grim Reaper. Afterlife? No life. We could go on, but we can't will ourselves to. Avoid.

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