Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero
Score: 80% ESRB: Everyone Publisher: Konami Developer: Konami Media: Cartridge/1 Players: 1; 2 - 4 (Online) Genre: Action/ Adventure
Graphics & Sound: Elebits was one of the first really unique experiences on the Wii. Playing from a first-person view, the game charged you with thrashing environments as your ferreted out tiny, electrically-charged creatures. The DS sequel, Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero, hangs on to the same concept, but replaces trashing areas with puzzle-solving. While this doesn't translate into the most original of experiences, it's still loads of fun. One of the original's real standout features was the art style used to convey the few, short story moments. Unfortunately, the style didn't carry over into the game itself, making for a flat, bland experience. The sequel's visuals are a bit of an improvement; there's an attempt to bring the water-colored style into the game, but it's only noticeable when characters speak; the rest looks fairly standard. It isn't bad by any means, but after reviewing games like The Spiderwick Chronicles, one of the DS's more visually distinct games, I was a little disappointed with Elebits. Voicework is a bit of a downer as well. I get that Kai is a little kid, but that isn't a reason to have him whine through every line. I almost expected Kai to break out in tears at any given moment - even when he was happy. The background music isn't much better and if it weren't for a few puzzles requiring audio clues, I probably would have killed the sound on my DS when playing.
Gameplay: The shift from an FPS to an overhead perspective is the least of the changes Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero brings to the series. The game serves as a direct sequel and opens with Kai stumbling across a time-traveling bus. Although the bus is able to hop through time and talk, it has a terrible sense of direction, leading Kai and Zero on a dimension-hopping adventure as they try to find their way home. Each level is independent from the last and offer a few hours of gameplay, so in a way, you're getting several interconnected mini-adventures rather than one giant one. However, each level boils down to the same thing - capture the Elebits hiding in trees, rocks and other objects in the environment. Tapping on objects sends the electric rodents scurrying, and tapping on the Elebits snares them with an energy beam. Collecting Elebits requires a fast hand, and the faster you can grab them, the more energy you'll net. This mechanic carries through into the multiplayer aspect. Both local and WiFi modes are available and revolve around players collecting Elebits in a set time limit.
Difficulty: Generally, Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero isn't hard, but it can get a bit frustrating. Since you're using the Elebits for everything, it's possible to not have enough when you really need them. At one point, I managed to trap myself on an island due to a lack of power. I was eventually able to escape once the Elebits began to repopulate the small stretch of land, but things like that always rub me the wrong way. It's just sloppy design. Some puzzle solutions could stand to be a little clearer. Usually the game is really good about letting you know where to go, but every now and again, solutions will leave you running in circles until you find one obscure path. Even if you find the right path, it usually takes some coaxing to get Omegas to use their abilities. I had a really hard time getting the swimming one to actually swim and the "ground-pound" one would sometimes refuse to use its ability. Both are rare occasions, but still happen enough to either confuse or frustrate.
Game Mechanics: Levels are heavy on the puzzle-solving elements and usually involve Kai searching for special Omega Elebits, the only type with enough power to kick-start the bus. Obtaining Omegas is a task; they like to hang out in hard to reach spots. Luckily, Omegas have special powers that can aide Kai in reaching these spots. There are nearly twenty Omegas to find, though the number is less impressive once you realize that most are fairly redundant. For instance, there are at least three water-based Omegas. Each has its own use, but at times, it really feels like the developers tried to force instances where you would need to use each. On top of that, each can be leveled up via a useless leveling system. The common sense answer would be to merge the two, resulting in fewer, more flexible Omegas. You're only allowed a few slots in the quick-swap menu, so switching an Omega into play just to solve one puzzle becomes a cumbersome hassle. It's totally playable, but the system teeters on annoying once you obtain a large collection. Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero has its issues, though none are game breakers. At most they're annoyances, but there's still fun to uncover.
-Starscream, GameVortex Communications AKA Ricky Tucker
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