Kororinpa: Marble Madness...

WetDaddy

Anyone got any opinions on this game?

It's getting just luke-warm reviews, which is a shame. I'd buy it in a heart beat if it were considered to be better all-around, because I love the concept...!

nedd

i read the review on Play.com and it just sounds like a Monkey Ball clone to me. using the tilt on the wii-mote to control a ball.

maybe i'm missing something though.

WetDaddy

Yeah, that's what I thought when I first heard about it. Apparently it's better than Monkey Ball, though. I've played neither, so I don't know myself

I have to say, for once, that the cutesy/bizarre Japanese ethos to the whole game actually appeals to me! Normally, I don't go in for that style, but I think it seems to work with such a simple game.

Overall, I feel that this is the kinda game I bought the Wii for; more interactive than your typical FPS or Sports Sim (at least conceptually). I'll be using my new PC build for the more hardcore games. If only CoD3 was out on the goddamn PC!

nedd

i was hoping to use my wii for stuff like that as well but once i start playing Zelda it became the same as any other console. Zelda rocks.

i have monkey ball but got stuck on a level and havent played it since. will have to get back into it.

if i was going for hardcore gaming i would get the 360. that is hot at the moment.

Mr E

Its a very good game, held back from being excellent by a couple of things:

- Graphics/textures are a bit dated (standard themed sets, like garden, confectionary etc.)
- Music is pretty mind numbing (new music tracks are unlocked as you go along, but nothing special).
- Limited number of levels (45 regular + 5 bonus + 50 mirrored + 15 secret). Really only 65 unique levels.
- Although the game makes great use of the wiimote, the UI doesn't (you have to use the D-pad to navigate the menus)

On the plus side:

- Its a fun one-more-go type of game.
- It does get fairly challenging.
- You have to use the wiimote on 3 axes - some of the level designs are very clever. You can also find some great shortcuts...
- To unlock the secret/bonus tracks, you have to meet certain conditions (collect special gems, get certain ratings on tracks), so there is a bit of longevity if you want to see the whole game and get 100%)

Grab it for €45 in Smyths this week with a loyalty card... its definitely worth a go.

7/10

WetDaddy

Cheers for the verbose review, TmB! Given I've a €20 HMV card left since Christmas, I might just grab it tonight on the way home from work.

The longevity of it and the genuine challenge were two things I was worried about. Am I correct in assuming there's no 2-player function? A time-trial / race would be great...!

Mr E

There is 2 player split screen race .... Haven't had a chance to try it out yet.

CiDeRmAn

Seems a little short, with only 45 main stages, not including a mirror mode and the 10 bonus levels, seems a but thin.
But I am enjoying it, music and graphic design is all quite relexing, can;t help bet feel that Marble Blast Ultra does it all already while looking better, being cheaper and having a sight more levels, in fact it only really lacks the control method to being almost the same game.