In the theme of "getting it,"
Wizards of Waverly Place: Spellbound does just as good of a job conveying the idea behind a typical episode of the show as it does in nailing the presentation.
As in the show, the game focuses on the adventures of the Russo kids - Alex, Justin and Max - a group of teens who also happen to be wizards. Also following the show's formula, Alex gets in a heap of trouble early on and the rest of the crew needs to join in and help her out. Spellbound is split into several smaller episodes that end up tying into a larger plot involving a magic dress Alex is making for a wizardry fashion show and a new blonde-headed witch who is trying her best to make sure Alex doesn't finish it in time.
Gameplay is a mix of point-and-click adventure game and action, with a heavier emphasis on the adventure aspects. Each episode, the kids learn a new spell, which is then used to solve a series of area-based puzzles. For example, early in the game Alex needs to break out of class in order to get a look at an off-limits globe showing her dress's location. To do so, she must use a "Move" spell to move bookshelves in order find a mouse hole, which she can then use to escape by turning into a hamster. As new spells are unlocked, the kids gain new ways to solve puzzles, which become more complicated as the game progresses.
Between puzzle-based areas, the kids will need to complete action-based areas, which are basically just short mini-games. In one, Alex and Justin need to navigate a hedge maze while in another, Alex needs to quickly serve subs and collect tabs at the sub shop before Harper and her mysterious boyfriend leave.
Both play styles merge in a series of Challenge games unlocked by completing levels. Each builds on some action element introduced in the level, such as the hedge maze, but adds further complication by requiring spell use. For instance, in order to make it though the Challenge hedge maze, you'll need to scurry around as a hamster while also using "Move" and "Reverse" spells to pass certain obstacles.
Completing Challenges, as well accomplishing most in-game tasks, unlocks new D-Gamer outfits and swag for your D-Gamer character.
