Silicon Fusion >> Reviews >> Wallace and Gromit in Project Zoo

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Review:

5th December 2003:
Wallace and Gromit in Project Zoo
The duo finally get a game, but does it do them justice? Read on to find how we were surprised...
Posted by Chris Barnett - PlayStation 2 - UK and Europe

Wallace and Gromit are two characters that you will probably be familiar with. That is not to say that you will like them; in fact, they are a true 'marmite' franchise - you either love them or you hate them. Here at Silicon Fusion we must admit that we like the pair, every time an episode is repeated it is difficult to resist the temptation to watch it once more just to see the gadgets and humour that should tire (but doesn't). So when a game was planned of the pair we were sceptical that it would miss out on either the humour or the innovation. Without either in the correct amount any game would fail from the very start. But this game has definitely surprised us.

Developed by Frontier, they seem to have set about keeping the game as true to the characters as they could, right down to the graphical style. Even the main menu has a security door gadget on it to set off the style. With a style so blatant (Aardman animation is world famous now due to the duo and Chicken Run) it is easy to see how the game could have failed in the visual department. If it did not look like claymation then it would not look like Wallace and Gromit. But as the game begins with a scene setting introduction movie - a mini episode almost - it quickly switches to the game. And the thing that hits you is how good it looks, not only on the whole but in comparison to the introduction.

The opening level is a tutorial that sets the player on the right track, and each time a new element is encountered it is explained fully (in simply, non-patronising terms). This presentation is definitely welcome as it means that any player can pick up the game and play it, no matter how young or old. And that is an important point to mention, this game is for everyone. It can be played by the very young (anyone who can play on a PlayStation 2 will be able to play it, maybe not to completion, but they will certainly enjoy it as much as any other game they play) or the skilled gamer (who will complete it very quickly but will certainly enjoy the whole experience), which is unusual for games these days. Too often games will become polarised towards a particular age range, eliminating an entire player base in the process. But when you have characters as popular as Wallace and Gromit, it is plain to see that there is a multi aged audience there and this game plays that up well.

The game is very simple in its goals, all you (as Gromit) must do is operate gadgets or mechanisms by solving puzzles or collecting tools. This is often fairly simple as you get hints from Wallace (that's the man for those who don't know the names, as most old people don't) at all stages and if you take too long on a section he will repeat himself, often in greater detail. This may seem a little patronising in theory, but with the voice acting and authentic script it never descends into anything tedious. In fact, the voices and sounds are one of the best features of the game as they remind you that you are in the Wallace and Gromit universe.

The whole concept of the characters and their surroundings have been accurately recreated and the gadgets here are all on par with those from the episodes. Even the non-player characters are authentic (although you may not have seen them in episodes before, they are stylised in such a way to blend in with the overall style of the game) and are often as memorable as any that you will have seen on the programme. And since it is authentic to the show, it is not violent. Weapons are gadgets such as a banana gun and only make enemies stunned until they then vanish. The key to the game is, as we have said, puzzles. So that is what the game sets to do, to puzzle you.

Most of the levels take the form of a large puzzle that scales upwards, requiring an ascent to the top of a structure. Along the way you will perform many little actions such as level pulls, that will help you on your way. Every level will involve teamwork between Wallace and Gromit in order for progression, but this usually takes the form of the giving of tools to Wallace. This is a good system for a while, but it quickly becomes tiresome as there is only so much collecting of tools that can remain interesting. After a certain point you will find that you crave the next original gadget to surface, as it is those that give levels a new slant.

Another problem with the game is in the simplicity of it all. The targeting system is mostly auto-aim and there is so little combat due to the puzzle nature of it all that you will demand more action. Maybe this is because other games have taught us that we should be shooting and thinking, not just thinking. But if that is how we have been groomed, that is how we will evaluate, and sadly it takes a lot from this game.

Having said that though, if you are not used to action games (such as a child or simply a fan of the programme) then this would probably be seen as less of a minus point, which would make the game one of the best puzzlers on the PlayStation 2. And to be honest, it comes quite close to being great. This is due to the presentation and authenticity but also due to the fact that there are not many puzzle games being released these days. Usually they are hybrids of puzzle games and another genre (such as shoot-em-up or flight sim), but this is brave and dares to keep it simple.

As a puzzle game, it is an admirable effort (and one of the biggest surprises of the year since we were expecting it - not to offend, but - to be rubbish). As a Wallace and Gromit game, it is nearly perfect.

Chris Barnett

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Review Summary:

An impressive game from a likable franchise. Suitable for all ages and certainly worth a look for anyone who likes the show.

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Wallace and Gromit in Project Zoo
for Xbox

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