Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Zack and Wiki still need your help ... for only $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/zack-and-wiki-still-need-your-help-for-only-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/zack-and-wiki-still-need-your-help-for-only-10/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/17/zack-and-wiki-still-need-your-help-for-only-10/#commentsFiled under:

You know what you've forgotten to do this week? Amidst all that hustle and bustle of E3, you haven't had time for anything else except a few rounds of Smash Bros, possibly to let off some steam after getting all distraught over Nintendo's press conference. You haven't had time to buy any games!

It just so happens that Toys R Us has one of the absolute best Wii games ever at a corking price. We originally thought $19.99 was a bargain for Zack and Wiki, but that price is old news. It's now time to contribute to the Buy Zack and Wiki Campaign by picking this excellent adventure up for $10. You can't afford not to.


[Thanks, Mike!]

JoystiqZack and Wiki still need your help ... for only $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureThu, 17 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zack and Wiki: Quest for a Sequel is fruitless]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/zack-and-wiki-quest-for-a-sequel-is-fruitless/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/zack-and-wiki-quest-for-a-sequel-is-fruitless/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/zack-and-wiki-quest-for-a-sequel-is-fruitless/#commentsFiled under:


Oh, Zack & Wiki, what an overflowing treasure chest of delights you were; your demanding (yet fulfilling) puzzles and vibrant, cute visual style won us over in a heartbeat. Even though you consistently made us feel thick, we'd still do anything to spend just another hour in your puzzley company. Even that meanie Yahtzee liked you!

Alas, a new adventure featuring the pirate and his monkey is looking increasingly unlikely. Capcom bossman Christian Svensson seemed to rule out a follow-up on the Capcom forums, noting that he "[wasn't] so sure there will be [a sequel] on any reasonable timeline." That doesn't mean we'll never get one, of course, but we wouldn't go expecting Zack & Wiki 2 in the next decade or anything rash like that. We can't say we blame Capcom, either -- remember how the company was forced to drop the game's price just three months after it launched in the States? That's probably not an experience it wants to revisit.


[Via Nintendo Everything]

JoystiqZack and Wiki: Quest for a Sequel is fruitless originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomchristian-svenssonpoint-and-clicksequelZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureMon, 23 Jun 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another price drop for Zack & Wiki?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/another-price-drop-for-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/another-price-drop-for-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/another-price-drop-for-zack-and-wiki/#commentsFiled under:

Likely sensing our discontent over the lack of pearl necklaces included with US copies of Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure, GameStop is now offering the adventure game for only $19.99!

Just three months ago, Capcom marked down Zack & Wiki to $29.99 from its original $39.99 pricing. Could this be another universal price drop, soon to kick into effect at other retailers?

Though GameStop has discounted copies available online, you can save on shipping by picking one up at a brick and mortar location nearby. Make sure to ask the clerk if the shop will throw in a pearl necklace with the deal.


[Via CAG]

JoystiqAnother price drop for Zack & Wiki? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomgamestopZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureMon, 21 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom gives Koreans pearl necklaces (and mousepads)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/capcom-gives-koreans-pearl-necklaces-and-mousepads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/capcom-gives-koreans-pearl-necklaces-and-mousepads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/16/capcom-gives-koreans-pearl-necklaces-and-mousepads/#commentsFiled under: ,


When the Nintendo Wii launches in South Korea this April 26th, Zack & Wiki will be sitting pretty on store shelves, too, beckoning adventure gaming fans to pick up a copy to accompany their new consoles. Rather than rely on the critically-acclaimed game's looks to generate sales, Capcom is offering two gifts with each preorder -- a Zack & Wiki-decorated mousepad and a treasure box filled with what looks like candy.

If that isn't enough to motivate Korean gamers, one hundred of those treasure boxes will contain a real pearl necklace! What a strange but awesome incentive! We wish someone would offer to give us a pearl necklace. All we ever received when we picked up Zack & Wiki was a look of derision from the GameStop clerk and a dim-witted quip about kiddie graphics.



[Thanks, Nick!]

JoystiqCapcom gives Koreans pearl necklaces (and mousepads) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureCapcomkoreamousepadpearl-necklacepreorderZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureWed, 16 Apr 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero Punctuation spares Zack & Wiki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/zero-punctuation-spares-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/zero-punctuation-spares-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/zero-punctuation-spares-zack-and-wiki/#commentsFiled under: ,


Zack & Wiki is the target of this week's Zero Punctuation review and thankfully the game comes out relatively unscathed. Sure, there are remarks about the Wii being for children, the annoying noises the characters make and the gimmicky use of the Wiimote -- but, really, how many Wii games don't conjure up those ideas?*

The main thing Yahtzee points out is Zack & Wiki delivers on that smug feeling adventure gamers get when they figure out a puzzle without using GameFAQs, which is essentially what will keep players going ... even when they invariably die over and over again for poking something they shouldn't have.

Discover this week's NSFW review of Zack & Wiki using your Wiimote in a counter-clockwise motion while upside down to click on the link below.

*Fanboys: Feel free to leave your list in the comments ... we know you will.

Continue reading Zero Punctuation spares Zack & Wiki

JoystiqZero Punctuation spares Zack & Wiki originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomWiiyahtzeeZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-Treasurezero-punctuationWed, 26 Mar 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Try Zack & Wiki and feel bad about yourself for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/try-zack-and-wiki-and-feel-bad-about-yourself-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/try-zack-and-wiki-and-feel-bad-about-yourself-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/try-zack-and-wiki-and-feel-bad-about-yourself-for-free/#commentsFiled under:


Are you the type of person who enjoys games that make you feel like you're a worthless, sniveling simpleton? If so, you should really pick up Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure. Don't believe us? Then head over to the Nintendo of Europe site (hit the "Gameplay" tab), where there's now a flash demo for Capcom's piratey, puzzley romp. We spent three mugs of coffee and an unhealthy portion of our morning staring slack-jawed at this conundrum, our peanut-sized brains straining at the exertion of it all.

Sadly, those who have played through the adventure game will find nothing new here -- we are reliably informed that this exact same puzzle appears around one-third of the way through the game. Not that we would know, for our copy sits shamefully on our "to do" pile, silently mocking us.

JoystiqTry Zack & Wiki and feel bad about yourself for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureCapcompuzzleZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureWed, 05 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Zack and Wiki Flash demo available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/zack-and-wiki-flash-demo-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/zack-and-wiki-flash-demo-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/zack-and-wiki-flash-demo-available/#commentsFiled under: ,

We know that Zack and Wiki is exceedingly old now. Having been released in the fall of 2007, it's practically an e-octogenarian at this point. But we also know that, for whatever reason, some of you still haven't sampled the delights of the whimsical puzzle adventure. Well, as so rarely happens in life, you are now being given a second chance.

A Flash demo for the game is available right here. Just click on "Gameplay" when the site loads up, you'll see the demo on the right. Keep in mind that the actual game has a bit more to offer (Wiimote action, Zack actually moves, etc.) but this brain-teaser should give you a good idea of what you've been missing.

JoystiqZack and Wiki Flash demo available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomdemodemosflashnintendowiiZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureWed, 05 Mar 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom sees Q3 profit decline, raises full-year forecast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/capcom-sees-q3-profit-decline-raises-full-year-forecast/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/capcom-sees-q3-profit-decline-raises-full-year-forecast/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/capcom-sees-q3-profit-decline-raises-full-year-forecast/#commentsFiled under:

Capcom has announced (via Gamasutra) the results of its fiscal third quarter, showing 51.66 billion yen in net sales (US $484.5 million; a 4.8 percent increase) but net income dropping 17.8 percent to 3.57 billion yen (US $33.5m). Despite the decline and thanks to expected sales of Devil May Cry 4, Capcom raised its expected fiscal year operating profit to 11.5 billion yen (US $107.9m), a 20 percent increase over last year and 15 percent more than previous forecasts.

Strong-selling titles for Capcom include Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles in North America and Monster Hunter 2 in Japan. Zack & Wiki unit sales were noted as growing "steadily" (and given the title's critical praise, it's about time). The publisher's "stagnant" arcade and coin-op divisions and uncertainties in the Japanese and world economies were cited as reasons for its profit drop. Devil May Cry 4 is expected to hit 1.9 million in unit sales by March 31.

JoystiqCapcom sees Q3 profit decline, raises full-year forecast originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomdevil-may-cry-4dmc4FY-2007monster-hunter-2nintendoq3resident-evilumbrella-chronicleswiiZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureWed, 06 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Guess what Zack & Wiki's universal price drop means?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/guess-what-zack-and-wikis-universal-price-drop-means/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/guess-what-zack-and-wikis-universal-price-drop-means/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/23/guess-what-zack-and-wikis-universal-price-drop-means/#commentsFiled under:

Remember how a bunch of you promised that you'd buy Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros Treasure as soon as it hit the bargain bin (sub-$20)? Well, we remember, so you better not go back on your word ... Now that the adventure game has been marked down to around $29 at most retailers, if you've received one of those $10 gift cards Wal-Mart gave out to apologize for its Brawl preorder mess, you can use the $10 to order Zack & Wiki online for only $19.82!

Who could have expected that a blundered Super Smash Bros. Brawl reservation would lead to you buying a cheap copy of Zack & Wiki? Masahiro Sakurai works in mysterious ways!


[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqGuess what Zack & Wiki's universal price drop means? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomgift-cardwal-martzack-and-wikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureWed, 23 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Quest for Bargain Treasure [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/quest-for-bargain-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/quest-for-bargain-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/20/quest-for-bargain-treasure/#commentsFiled under:

Judging by its disappointing sales, very few of you went out and bought Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure when it hit stores lack October. Was it the god-awful title that turned you off? Or perhaps the kiddie colorful art direction? Surely it wasn't the price? Paying $40 for a AAA third-party title -- one developed by Capcom, no less -- seems more than reasonable!

Well, if it was in fact the $40, take note that Amazon has slightly marked down the price, temporarily listing Zack & Wiki for only $32.99 (free shipping). What more do you need to convince you into buying this critically-acclaimed adventure game?

[Update: Best Buy has the game on sale for $29.99! There's still the matter of shipping/handling, but you can probably still find the game at your nearest Best Buy location. Thanks, vidGuy!]


[Via CAG]

JoystiqQuest for Bargain Treasure [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventureamazonbest-buyCapcompuzzleZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureSun, 20 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[For the fans, some Okami swag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/for-the-fans-some-okami-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/for-the-fans-some-okami-swag/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/10/for-the-fans-some-okami-swag/#commentsFiled under:

As we all sit up straight and proper in anticipation for Capcom's port of Okami for the Wii, the folks at the official Capcom blog have decided to snap up some pictures of random things about their offices. Too bad they don't travel around the entire office, because then we wouldn't get so few pictures of so few things.

Hit up past the break to see the other side of the fan, as well as a piece of swag from another Capcom game.

Continue reading For the fans, some Okami swag

JoystiqFor the fans, some Okami swag originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bellCapcomokamiportswagZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureThu, 10 Jan 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/02/best-of-the-rest-ludwigs-picks-of-2007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)

Though its puzzles may occasionally infuriate, the real source of frustration regarding Zack & Wiki stems from the fact that nobody bought it. Every year has its share of titles that deserve an audience yet never find one, and in this regard, Zack & Wiki is easily one of the most tragic games to put an uncontrollable smile on your face. Relentlessly charming and beautifully presented, the debut of Capcom's choc-chomping pirate and his simian sidekick challenges the mind and warms that cynical, meh-spouting lump in your chest. How refreshing it was to overcome obstacles and bosses by choosing the power of the mind over an impossibly large bazooka.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Ludwig's picks of 2007 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Best-of-the-rest-2007BlueDragonDirtDSGOTY-2007Metroid-PrimeMetroidPrime3Pac-ManPCPhantom-HourglassPhantomHourglassPhoenix-WrightPhoenixWrightPS3StrangleholdSuperPaperMarioTheDarknessTomb-RaiderTomb-Raider-AnniversaryUnchartedWiiXbox-360Zack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureZeldaWed, 02 Jan 2008 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oz gets Zack & Wiki in February, Wii Fanboy suggests everyone buy it]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/oz-gets-zack-and-wiki-in-february-wii-fanboy-suggests-everyone-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/oz-gets-zack-and-wiki-in-february-wii-fanboy-suggests-everyone-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/19/oz-gets-zack-and-wiki-in-february-wii-fanboy-suggests-everyone-bu/#commentsFiled under:

Gamers down under are getting a treat come February 21st when Capcom's stellar title Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure hits retail shelves. Australia, we have one thing to ask you: will you please buy this game? Seriously, you need it.

When we reviewed the game, we found it to be one of the absolute best games on the system. It's such an amazing game on all levels that we're incredibly surprised that nobody else thought so, as the game's sales were incredibly poor. We wondered if complex games such as this would even have a future on the Wii. Actually, we still do.

So, Australia, do your part. Make sure you buy this amazing game.


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqOz gets Zack & Wiki in February, Wii Fanboy suggests everyone buy it originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaCapcomozZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureWed, 19 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fanboy Review: Zack & Wiki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/wii-fanboy-review-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/wii-fanboy-review-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/wii-fanboy-review-zack-and-wiki/#commentsFiled under:

They're on a quest to pay off their considerable debt.

Er, scratch that.

They're on a quest for treasure.

It's jokes such as those that are running rampant throughout the entirety of Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure. And, this blogger can easily say it is one of the best games to grace the Wii yet.

Continue reading Wii Fanboy Review: Zack & Wiki

JoystiqWii Fanboy Review: Zack & Wiki originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureFri, 16 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Do complex games face an uncertain future on the Wii?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/do-complex-games-face-an-uncertain-future-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/do-complex-games-face-an-uncertain-future-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/do-complex-games-face-an-uncertain-future-on-the-wii/#commentsFiled under:

During its first four days on sale in the US, Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure sold approximately 30,000 copies. A week later, it had added 15,000 to that total. Hardly breathtaking figures in a nation with over 3.7 million Wiis in its bedrooms and living rooms, and the game also struggled to leave a mark in its homeland, where it is known as Takarajima Z: Barbaros no Hihou. There's no doubt about it: Capcom's splendid piratey adventure has, as much as it saddens us, flopped.

On the face of it, the game's commercial failure might seem odd. After all, Zack & Wiki earned eye-catching scores from a number of reviewers, while IGN's Matt Casamassina loved it so much, he frothed and raved about it non-stop for four months, before slapping a 90% on it come review time. Its bright, attractive visuals, cute character design, and puzzley action were seemingly the perfect ingredients for massmarket appeal. Ultimately however, it sank faster than a holed galleon.

Continue reading Do complex games face an uncertain future on the Wii?

JoystiqDo complex games face an uncertain future on the Wii? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomhardcorehironobu-takeshitajoystiqfeaturesmario-party-8Salessuper-mario-galaxysupermariogalaxyZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureThu, 15 Nov 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo still not overly fussed about Australia, apparently]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/nintendo-still-not-overly-fussed-about-australia-apparently/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/nintendo-still-not-overly-fussed-about-australia-apparently/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/nintendo-still-not-overly-fussed-about-australia-apparently/#commentsFiled under:

As if further proof was needed that Nintendo regards Australia as the red-headed stepchild of the global games market, word reached our ears today that our friends down under will be missing out on a host of first-party and second-party Wii titles in 2007.

Battalion Wars 2, Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast, Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn, and Endless Ocean are the fallen, with all four now rudely shunted back to 2008. Not only that, but Aussies can join Europeans in waving goodbye to Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure this year, after Capcom announced it was pushing back the game's December 13 release to "early 2008."

JoystiqNintendo still not overly fussed about Australia, apparently originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AustraliaBattalion-Wars-2CapcomDelaysDonkey-Kong-Barrel-BlastEndless-OceanFire-Emblem-Radiant-DawnForever-BlueZack-and-WikiMon, 05 Nov 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[European gamers forced to wait before Questing for Barbaros' Treasure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/european-gamers-forced-to-wait-before-questing-for-barbaros-tre/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/european-gamers-forced-to-wait-before-questing-for-barbaros-tre/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/05/european-gamers-forced-to-wait-before-questing-for-barbaros-tre/#commentsFiled under:


Live in Europe? Looking forward to getting your mitts on Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure? Sadly, it looks like you're going to have to wait -- past the holidays, even. The much-hyped Capcom title has been delayed until January '08 for European gamers. But look at it this way: at least it's a good way to kick off the new year, right? Right? No? It's all we had, guys. Sorry. For now, may we recommend consoling yourselves with some of this media?

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqEuropean gamers forced to wait before Questing for Barbaros' Treasure originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdelayeuropezack-and-wikiMon, 05 Nov 2007 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/metareview-zack-and-wiki-quest-for-barbaros-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/metareview-zack-and-wiki-quest-for-barbaros-treasure/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/25/metareview-zack-and-wiki-quest-for-barbaros-treasure/#commentsFiled under:


For once, it looks like something may almost live up to the hype: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure is getting great reviews (though of course, the best comes from the game's biggest fan). Despite the two -- count 'em! -- less-than-awesome titles, the game seems to have managed to pull through into the realm of eminently playable.

IGN -- 90%: After Matt Casamassina stopped hyperventilating over the title, he regained consciousness and found that the control scheme worked really well with the Wii's setup: "It's a strange thing to write, but despite utilizing a control method more akin to classic adventure games - you don't actually control the hero and his sidekick so much as you direct them through levels - Z&W really uses the Wii remote well. If you've been playing videogames as long as we have, you'll be able to recall those old-time favorites - your Kings Quests, Monkey Islands and Full Throttles - whose point-and-click setup and clever hurdles drew you in."

Game Informer (second opinion) -- 78%: Another Matt, Matt Helgeson, to be exact, didn't quite wet himself over the game: "It's certainly charming, and its Wii remote controlled action/puzzle gameplay is nothing if not unique. At its best, it gives you a mix of intriguing puzzles and novel motion-based minigames that's like nothing else out there. However, this game is frustrating as often as it's fun, and at times the Wii control features seem to be doing little more than making the gameplay sloppier and less exact than it should be. It's an interesting concept that could have used a bit more polish."

Gamespot -- 85%: Gamespot let a dude who wasn't named Matt have a crack at the title, and while he thought it was a little disjointed, overall, Zack & Wiki comes out on top: "All told, Zack & Wiki is a winner. It might not win you over with its characters or story, but it will with its wonderfully crafted puzzles and sharp control mechanics. It's just the sort of game Wii owners have been pining for, the sort of game that blends accessibility and challenge into one seamless whole, and does it without devolving into yet another minigame collection."

All in all, it looks like the hype train has pulled through the station and is chugging along at a good clip. Are you on it?

JoystiqMetareview: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Oct 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurecapcompuzzleQuest-for-Barbaros-TreasureZack-and-WikiThu, 25 Oct 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/metareview-zack-and-wiki-quest-for-barbaros-treasure-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/metareview-zack-and-wiki-quest-for-barbaros-treasure-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/24/metareview-zack-and-wiki-quest-for-barbaros-treasure-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Once you get past its generic and overly long title, So-and-So & Friend: Quest for the Something Or Other, you'll come to discover that Capcom's latest Wii endeavor sees them gracefully leaping across the pitfalls, mires and traps so many third-party developers have encountered on the road to Wii mega success. If the $40 point-and-click-ish adventures of a pint-sized pirate kid and his flying golden monkey (!!) fail to melt the block of ice in your chest, perhaps these glowing reviews will:
  • IGN (90/100): "The end product is one of those welcomed surprises - an unpredictably top-quality undertaking whose winning marriage of sometimes-genius environmental puzzles and beautiful graphics will suck you in. It also perfectly encapsulates what I always hope for but seldom see from third parties: an original Wii project that really makes the most of the console."
  • Gamespot (85/100): "Zack & Wiki is one of those sink-or-swim kind of games, the sort of thing that is conceptually so offbeat that if the execution isn't spot-on, the whole thing could drown. Good thing this one's got water wings. Essentially a puzzle game pretending to be a more traditional adventure, Zack & Wiki is the sort of weirdly engaging game that, dare we say it, probably could only really be done on the Wii hardware."
  • Game Informer (82.5/100): "In the Wii's expansive gutter of shoddy third-party ports and minigame garbage, Capcom is showing that it's possible to make something original and fun. I just hope that the presentation doesn't kill Zack & Wiki's chances."

JoystiqMetareview: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomnintendowiiZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureWed, 24 Oct 2007 21:09:00 EST<![CDATA[A 20 minute glimpse into Zack and Wiki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/a-20-minute-glimpse-into-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/a-20-minute-glimpse-into-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/19/a-20-minute-glimpse-into-zack-and-wiki/#commentsFiled under: ,

For a lot of you, Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure is one of the best-looking games on its way to the Wii. Capcom looks like they have quite the hit on their hands here, and this 20 minute long video over at GameSpot only strengthens our desire for the game. Of course, we don't understand a bit of the speech, because it's all in Japanese, but it doesn't get in the way much. The focus is on the gameplay, and it looks amazing.

JoystiqA 20 minute glimpse into Zack and Wiki originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomjapanZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureFri, 19 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Zack, Wiki, and hats]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/friday-video-zack-wiki-and-hats/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/friday-video-zack-wiki-and-hats/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/05/friday-video-zack-wiki-and-hats/#commentsFiled under:

After this promo for Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure, we just may be buying a ticket on the hype train. Not only is this trailer long and content-rich (in fact, those who don't like to see a lot from a game may want to watch only the beginning), but it's full of hilarious cartoon clichés. We just couldn't resist a chance to show off adorable pirates in this week's video spotlight.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqFriday Video: Zack, Wiki, and hats originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Oct 2007 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcompromotrailerZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureFri, 05 Oct 2007 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Zack and Wiki on ice]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/zack-and-wiki-on-ice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/zack-and-wiki-on-ice/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/zack-and-wiki-on-ice/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some kind of Ice World may be standard fare for video games, but the one in Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure at least has looks going for it. The cartoony art style found throughout the game lends the ice level a beautiful, clean appearance that is enhanced by the bright blues used to render the ice. But that's just our opinion, of course.

The latest screens from Capcom's pirate adventure also highlight (get it) the multiplayer screen-writing mode, which nobody will ever use for its intended purpose, ever. We still love it, because we like being childish. For more Zack and Wiki, check Dengeki for a new WMV video of the game.

JoystiqZack and Wiki on ice originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureTue, 02 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Zack and Wiki inspired by Princess Tomato]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/zack-and-wiki-inspired-by-princess-tomato/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/zack-and-wiki-inspired-by-princess-tomato/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/zack-and-wiki-inspired-by-princess-tomato/#commentsFiled under: ,

That's not the entire message of Chris Kohler's interview with Hironobu Takeshita, producer of Zack and Wiki: Quest for etc., but it's the part that makes us grin the most. When Takeshita mentioned that the game was indeed inspired by classic adventure games, Kohler asked which games in particular were most influential.

Apparently this has been the subject of some conversation between Takeshita and the game's director, Eiichiro Sasaki (who did Power Stone!). He cited the following games: " Princess Tomato In The Salad Kingdom, and (obscure, horrible-looking Japanese adventure game) Dezeniland. Also Spelunker, which is that game where you die really quickly."

Spelunker, it would seem, got the team to consider how death would work in the game; Takeshita goes on to talk about the system of buying continues with tokens, and restarting at a particular puzzle. It's comforting to know that the guys in charge of this title have some experience with classic adventure games-- maybe they'll have learned what works in an adventure game, and what kind of illogical puzzles and game-ending mistakes don't work.

The interview also covers We Love Golf, and gives some information about how swinging the club actually works in that game. As expected, it's significantly more complicated than Wii Sports Golf.

JoystiqZack and Wiki inspired by Princess Tomato originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomDezenilandPrincess-TomatoPrincess-Tomato-In-The-Salad-KingdomSpelunkerZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureThu, 27 Sep 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS07: Scribbling mustaches on Zack and Wiki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/tgs07-scribbling-mustaches-on-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/tgs07-scribbling-mustaches-on-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/tgs07-scribbling-mustaches-on-zack-and-wiki/#commentsFiled under:


Game|Life's hands-on impressions of Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure at the Tokyo Game Show uncovered a pretty interesting pseudo-multiplayer feature: up to three of your friends can draw on the screen with their remotes. They'll be able to direct you to clues, point out characters that resemble C-list celebrities, and doodle enlarged genitalia over every square inch of the adventure title.

Remember when you used to watch your friends or siblings play a video game while you idly waited your turn? Unless they were playing something like Sonic 2, you didn't have much to do except hope that they would died soon, both in the game and in real life. Now you'll have something else besides murderous plots to keep your mind busy! Capcom's effort to turn spectators into participants really speaks a lot of the developer's commitment to making Zack & Wiki as fun as possible for everyone.

JoystiqTGS07: Scribbling mustaches on Zack and Wiki originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomTGS-2007tgs07Zack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureFri, 21 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zack & Wiki: Quest for some wallpapers and stuff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/zack-and-wiki-quest-for-some-wallpapers-and-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/zack-and-wiki-quest-for-some-wallpapers-and-stuff/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/zack-and-wiki-quest-for-some-wallpapers-and-stuff/#comments The website for everyone's favorite kid-friendly Wii pirate adventure game that features a magical monkey and is made by Capcom (that's a fairly safe statement) has updated with things to do and see. You can download some desktop wallpapers and chat-program buddy icons, enjoy some screenshots and video of Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure, and read about the game.

Our favorite part of the website, however, is the activities page. It contains a maze, a connect-the-dots picture, a little web game, and a printable template for a paper hat. It's like going to Long John Silver's, but slightly less delicious and much less likely to kill you!

[Via Capcom USA Blog]

JoystiqZack & Wiki: Quest for some wallpapers and stuff originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureFri, 14 Sep 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zack and Wiki steal their own section of the internet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/zack-and-wiki-steal-their-own-section-of-the-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/zack-and-wiki-steal-their-own-section-of-the-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/zack-and-wiki-steal-their-own-section-of-the-internet/#commentsFiled under:

The official site for Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure has launched and looks are deceiving. We say that because upon loading up the front page, it really does look like a treasure trove of content awaits the eager clicker. The truth is more disturbing.

At the moment, the site lacks just about anything to do, save staring at the front page. It taunts us with a "coming soon" message when scrolling over its different sections, including video, downloads and screens. So, just keep it bookmarked and check it so often if you're anxious for new Zack & Wiki content.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqZack and Wiki steal their own section of the internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureTue, 28 Aug 2007 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LGC07 hands-on: Zack & Wiki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/lgc07-hands-on-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/lgc07-hands-on-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/28/lgc07-hands-on-zack-and-wiki/#commentsFiled under: ,

Throughout the '90s many of our favorite PC gaming experiences were point-and-click adventures: Discworld, Monkey Island, King's Quest VI, Day of the Tentacle and Sam and Max, to name a few. Sadly, with the development of 3D graphics the old 2D point-and-click gameplay mechanic was left behind. Grim Fandango is the only game, in our opinion, to successfully carry over the formula into 3D.

Enter Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure, the out-of-left-field hit which promises to resurrect the point-and-click gameplay of yesteryear. Tucked away in the back corner of Nintendo's press-only booth stood a single Zack & Wiki display kiosk to which no one was paying any attention (having to walk past various Pokémon, Mario and Metroid stands to get there might have something to do with it). This worked in our favor, however, as we had time to play a few levels before anyone else turned up.

Gallery: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)

Continue reading LGC07 hands-on: Zack & Wiki

JoystiqLGC07 hands-on: Zack & Wiki originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomnintendowiiZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureTue, 28 Aug 2007 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Straight outta Leipzig, a crazy mofo named Zack (and Wiki)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/23/straight-outta-leipzig-a-crazy-mofo-named-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/23/straight-outta-leipzig-a-crazy-mofo-named-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/23/straight-outta-leipzig-a-crazy-mofo-named-zack-and-wiki/#commentsFiled under:


It's not Lowcash and they aren't CB4, but we bet Zack & Wiki can still hold it down with the best of them. From all we've seen, they can definitely get themselves out of a jam. That has to make them gangsta, right?
Well, regardless of how you feel, here's the newest trailer for the game (focusing on the different ways you can use the Wiimote to interact with your environment) to supplement those new screens we saw last week.

JoystiqStraight outta Leipzig, a crazy mofo named Zack (and Wiki) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Aug 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureThu, 23 Aug 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Yet more Zack & Wiki screens for you to ogle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/yet-more-zack-and-wiki-screens-for-you-to-ogle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/yet-more-zack-and-wiki-screens-for-you-to-ogle/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/yet-more-zack-and-wiki-screens-for-you-to-ogle/#commentsFiled under:

At this rate, we're pretty sure we may see every inch of Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure before it ever touches a shelf. It seems that not only is the hype out of control for Capcom's latest adventure title, but the media is as well. We've updated our already-expansive gallery with some new shots. Maybe if you print 'em out and make a flip book, you can get an early preview. Or you could just get radical and watch a video.

JoystiqYet more Zack & Wiki screens for you to ogle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureTue, 14 Aug 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Zack & Wiki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/wii-warm-up-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/wii-warm-up-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/10/wii-warm-up-zack-and-wiki/#commentsFiled under:

So, are you on the hype train for Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure? We know there are a lot of pirate fans out there -- and we like YARRRring as much as anyone else -- but we just aren't Matt C.-ing ourselves for this one. Not to say that we won't be puzzling it up come October, but it's hard to put it on top of our wishlists for the fall with everything else that's coming out for our favored systems. We love to hear what you think, though!

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Zack & Wiki originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureFri, 10 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Zack & Wiki video may not offend you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/new-zack-and-wiki-video-may-not-offend-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/new-zack-and-wiki-video-may-not-offend-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/new-zack-and-wiki-video-may-not-offend-you/#commentsFiled under: ,


Unless overacting disgusts you, there's nothing here to get upset about. Capcom seems to be marketing Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure as a party adventure game, which, it seems, is an interesting shift for a genre that has always been about solitary play.

They aren't going so far as implementing a multiplayer mode, but this video is set up like any other Wii game commercial: a bunch of people having fun together. We used to play single-player games with others around, but try as we might, we could never get them that interested in what we were doing. Even when we totally found the sailors in Shenmue, we couldn't elicit a couch-hop or even a "waaaaaaaa."

JoystiqNew Zack & Wiki video may not offend you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureFri, 03 Aug 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Zack & Wiki censored]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/zack-and-wiki-censored/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/zack-and-wiki-censored/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/zack-and-wiki-censored/#commentsFiled under:

Don't worry, it's not a big deal. It's not as if they removed the fatalities* from Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure. Capcom, responding to complaints from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, removed a short sound sample from the game, because it contained the phrase "Allahu akbar," which means "God is the greatest."

We'd love to understand the thinking that led to religious speech being included in the soundtrack to the children's pirate adventure game. We're sure it was just included to give the game an "exotic" feeling. We're glad Capcom removed the offending sample, else they could have pulled a Kakuto Chojin-- by which we mean "get recalled because of inappropriate Islam-related sound samples," not "be a crappy fighting game."

*There aren't any, we're pretty sure.

JoystiqZack & Wiki censored originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureWed, 01 Aug 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Zack & Wiki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/15/joystiq-hands-on-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/15/joystiq-hands-on-zack-and-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/15/joystiq-hands-on-zack-and-wiki/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Here's the scenario: the treasure chest is overhead and guarded by a wall of fire that can be deactivated once you fill a statue full of water using a seemingly unreachable fountain below. Capcom's Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure is a fun game that is almost guaranteed to be ignored because of its cartoonish visuals. And it's a shame, too, because we had a lot of fun.

The motion controls of Wii remote are used extensively. Movement is done via pointing our protagonist to objects he can interact with. Creatures can be turned into useful items -- here a column that can be used to fill a birdge and plug a lava hold. Our favorite little detail came with using the empty bottle. We couldn't figure out how to draw water from the well until we actually turned our wrist over and filled up the bottle as if we were in real life. It's not a megaton feature, but it certainly shows the attention to detail being taken with the title.

We're not going to start a campaign to buy the game, but we'd definitely recommend you check it out. Zack & Wiki is a great example of how to utilize the Wii remote and a smart adventure / puzzler. The game is due out later this year.

Gallery: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Zack & Wiki originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jul 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcome3e307nintendowiiZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureSun, 15 Jul 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom reveals Zack & Wiki story in press release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/capcom-reveals-zack-and-wiki-story-in-press-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/capcom-reveals-zack-and-wiki-story-in-press-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/22/capcom-reveals-zack-and-wiki-story-in-press-release/#commentsFiled under:

We didn't know much about the story for Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure except for the obvious ("Hey, treasure! Dude, let's quest for it!") Thankfully, Capcom detailed some of the plot in a press release about the game.

Zack & Wiki involves a young pirate named Zack who happens upon the talking skull of the legendary pirate Barbaros. And, like anyone who finds a magically animated skull, Zack decides to do what it tells him. Luckily, it tells him to go on an adventure leading to treasure, which is courteous for a hallucination/undead pirate.

The full press release is after the break. The skull says READ IT! And the animated skull of Matt Casamassina says BUY THE GAME!

Continue reading Capcom reveals Zack & Wiki story in press release

JoystiqCapcom reveals Zack & Wiki story in press release originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Jun 2007 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureFri, 22 Jun 2007 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN conducting the Zack & Wiki hype train]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ign-conducting-the-zack-and-wiki-hype-train/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ign-conducting-the-zack-and-wiki-hype-train/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/19/ign-conducting-the-zack-and-wiki-hype-train/#commentsFiled under:


IGN's Matt Casamassina wants you to buy Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure. Is he communicating this by being effusive in his previews? Not exactly. He outright wrote an article called "Buy Zack & Wiki Campaign 2007."

He goes on to say that the last time IGN shattered the illusion of objectivity to promote a game (our words) was for Eternal Darkness. Because Zack & Wiki is such a competent and fun game, reminiscent of the classic PC adventure games, it is absolutely worth buying and evangelizing, in his opinion, but it may need help getting noticed.

Bafflingly, Casamassina thinks that the game could be in sales trouble because it's cartoony and doesn't depict realistic, gritty violence. That may have been the case a couple of years ago, but ... has he heard of this "Wii" thing?

JoystiqIGN conducting the Zack & Wiki hype train originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomignZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureTue, 19 Jun 2007 17:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Zack and Wiki's wacky puzzle technique]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/zack-and-wikis-wacky-puzzle-technique/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/zack-and-wikis-wacky-puzzle-technique/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/31/zack-and-wikis-wacky-puzzle-technique/#commentsFiled under:

Capcom's adorable treasure-hunting adventure Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure uses the Wiimote in context-sensitive orientations and movements to solve puzzles. Different items use the Wiimote in different ways. The trick is that it doesn't seem to tell the player how the Wiimote is to be used in a particular situation.

In this example found on GAME Watch, players are asked to insert a crank handle into a mechanism and then operate the crank. How you get the thing in there is a matter of figuring out which side goes in and then manipulating the Wiimote in some way to make that happen. Rather than just telling us how to do it, GAME Watch gave readers the choice above for the proper method. We're guessing temporary swinging. This example seems simple enough, but we can see how not knowing how to use the Wiimote will amplify the difficulty of some puzzles.

We've also filled our gallery with new treasures from the game. Yarrr.

JoystiqZack and Wiki's wacky puzzle technique originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 May 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureThu, 31 May 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Treasure Island Z for Wii renamed extravagantly]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/project-treasure-island-z-for-wii-renamed-extravagantly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/project-treasure-island-z-for-wii-renamed-extravagantly/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/project-treasure-island-z-for-wii-renamed-extravagantly/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Oh, and if you're like us and pronounce the "Z" as "zed", you just completely ruined the headline. Never mind, the importance of the information about to be conveyed far outweighs such a triviality. In a quick e-mail blast, Capcom has announced that the Wii's gesture-based puzzle adventure game, Project Treasure Island Z, has been been given the final title of Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure.

It's undoubtedly an improvement, especially from a marketing perspective. A glance at the name tells us all we need to know:
  • The game stars two wacky and lovable characters. You know, just like Jak & Daxter, Sonic & Mario and, err, Kane & Lynch!
  • It involves a quest!
  • For treasure!
  • That belongs to someone else! This is sure to be a major hit with the GTA crowd.

Gallery: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)

JoystiqProject Treasure Island Z for Wii renamed extravagantly originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 21:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomnintendoProject-Treasure-Island-ZwiiZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureWed, 16 May 2007 21:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq hands-on: Project Treasure Island Z (Wii)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/joystiq-hands-on-project-treasure-island-z-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/joystiq-hands-on-project-treasure-island-z-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/13/joystiq-hands-on-project-treasure-island-z-wii/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Officially unveiled at Capcom's San Francisco Gamer's Day, Project Treasure Island Z is scheduled for a Fall, 2007 Wii release. (The title's name may change before then.) The adventure/puzzle game is based on many -- Capcom says 80 -- different Wii Remote gestures, like twisting keys and scooping water. After playing the game, I'm interested in its final version; Capcom seems to be living up to its innovation-and-risk ideal.

Gamers, especially the American audience, will first notice the risky kiddie graphic and character style in the single-player-only game. Project Treasure Island Z has a lot of substance beneath that saccharine layer, but Capcom faces a significant challenge in selling the game to older players.

I asked about the target audience and age for the title, and a company representative admitted that it skewed young at first glance. However, she mentioned that Capcom will work to market the game to a broader group, including hardcore, dual-system gamers.

After getting past the graphics, I picked up the Remote -- the only means to control the game -- and swung into action. I moved my character by pointing and clicking on-screen. "Zack" (no relation) interacted with the environment when I clicked on objects. But the point of Project Treasure Island Z is the method of those interactions.

Gallery: Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (Wii)

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JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Project Treasure Island Z (Wii) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Capcomcapcomgd07nintendoProject-Treasure-Island-ZwiiZack-and-WikiZack-and-Wiki-Quest-for-Barbaros-TreasureFri, 13 Apr 2007 20:00:00 EST