Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams
Score: 89% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: THQ Developer: Avalanche Software Media: DVD/1 Players: 1 - 2 Genre: Platformer (3D)/ Action/ Adventure
Graphics & Sound: Tak 2’s environments and characters are very stylistic, but presented in an amazing way. The lush look to the entire game drives THQ’s Tak 2 from the moment you power on the console. Whether our hero is in either the real world, or a dream world, the design of each and every level is outstanding. Most impressive would certainly be the water levels, not only due to the look, but also to the feel presented as Tak floats downstream. On the audio front, Tak 2 delivers familiar sound fx accustomed to most platformers. However, where Tak 2’s audio takes off is in the great voice acting and dialog that help drive the story. The story is presented in a fun way to go along with a fun game.
Gameplay: As an apprentice Shaman, Tak sets out on a quest to unite the two halves of The Staff of Dreams, save the princess, and close the rifts that are allowing nightmare creatures from the dream world to enter into his world. Along the way, Tak will continually improve his skills by using the power of Juju. With this power, he must defeat the evil Pins, and sidekick Needles, to restore peace to the land. In a typical platforming manner, Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams has our hero setting out on a quest. His quest is not all that unfamiliar either, which adds to the comedic aspect of the storyline. Tak 2 draws from many previous games in the genre, and puts them all together in what ends up being a very fun outing. The level design of each area is outstanding, which allows for a mix of linear gameplay, but adds a touch of free-roaming on some levels. Tak has a wide repertoire of moves that he can perform, which is very helpful against the strange set of enemies that cross his path. Throughout his journey, Tak will continually receive advice that allows him to perform many moves that have more and more destructive power, thanks mainly to the power of Juju Magic. While Tak 2 does contain, search, and retrieve elements, as well as elements of "coin collecting" (with feathers), the overall platforming experience doesn’t hinder the game in any way. What makes The Staff of Dreams most unique is Tak’s ability to use a variety of forest and swamp critters to help him accomplish his missions. Whether frogs and flies or squirrels and bears, Tak 2 utilizes nature to both add obstacles, and avoid them. In addition, Tak later gains the ability to transform himself, which offers gamers yet another element that takes Tak 2 beyond that of a typical platformer. Tak 2 also offers unlockable characters and mini-games that can be played in multiplayer fashion. Many of these modes must be discovered within the main story mode, so keep a sharp eye out!
Difficulty: Tak 2 is flat-out weird when it comes to its difficulty. In some respects, the game is easy... way too easy. In the early stages, as well as parts of the later stages, Tak will have no trouble killing off baddies. However, in later stages, our hero will not only encounter more difficult foes, but also more difficult puzzles. It’s not that these puzzles are hard to understand, but that they can sometimes take a few attempts before being able to overcome them. The reason to mention this is because on the surface, Tak 2 appears to be a game targeted at a younger audience. And while youngsters will certainly be able to pick it up and play quite easily, there may be times when getting through certain situations may be more complicated.
Game Mechanics: As a whole, Tak 2’s basic controlling scheme is quite simple. It isn’t until Tak begins using his many Juju-powered moves that controlling him can get a bit daunting. Even still, Juju is controlled by the Left Trigger, and is more or less used as a modifier to previously learned moves. Once these moves are learned, killing enemies becomes second nature again. It’s strange how a game that draws from so many old platformer clichés can at the same time be very refreshing. Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams adds just enough originality to an often tired genre, and the result is a very fun game that can be played by nearly anyone. Don’t let the ‘toony look fool you, because Tak 2 will appeal to younger and older gamers alike. Despite a few frustrating moments when not knowing exactly what to do next, Tak 2 is a solid and surprisingly long game that almost anyone will appreciate.
-Woody, GameVortex Communications AKA Shane Wodele
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