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87 Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure

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Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure wii Game Reviews
Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure
Critic Score
Metascore: 87 Metascore out of 100
User Score  
9.2 out of 10
based on 48 reviews
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How did we calculate this?
based on 48 votes
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Legend has it that a revered pirate named Barbaros once stole the world's treasure and hid it on a mysterious island. Though no one knows of its exact location, stories about the untold riches that lay in wait have been passed down through the ages, driving pirates from all walks of life to pursue the alluring prizes. One of these treasure seekers, a young apprentice pirate named Zack happens upon a mysterious talking skull, the skull of Barbaros himself. Barbaros promises to reveal the key to the island, if Zack will help to lift the curse he is under. Players explore a variety of wondrous environments and stages, solving puzzles and interacting with the world in search of a legendary pirate ship and the ultimate pursuit of becoming the greatest pirate the world has ever seen. Inventive gameplay mechanics and controller movements allow players to move and open objects, transform items, unlock new pathways and navigate through perilous stages based on a variety of themes including a jungle, ice temple, volcanic caves and more, each with multiple sub-areas. Players will use the Wii Remote controller in various ways - rotate handles, turn keys to open doors, play a piccolo and much more in order to solve the progressively difficult puzzle stages and collect key items that will lead to the legendary pirate ship. [Capcom]

PUBLISHER: Capcom
DEVELOPER: Capcom
GENRE(S): Adventure, Puzzle
PLAYERS: 1
ESRB RATING: E (Everyone)
RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2007

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100
Gaming Age
As such, Zack and Wiki stands as one of the best games I've played in a long time, with my only (aforementioned) complaint being the ridiculously steep hill that the rather odd name puts between it and consumers.
Read Full Review
95
Digital Entertainment News
This is the kind of game we were promised when the Wii was in development, and it is nice to see someone other than Nintendo deliver on those promises. Capcom has a real gem here, but you have to play it to understand.
Read Full Review
94
Official Nintendo Magazine UK
Never have we been so amused, challenged and impressed by a game all at the same time. [Christmas 2007, p.68]
91
GameShark
With so many publishers looking to cash in on the Wii’s success, it’s always nice to see a game appear that is nothing but quality from top to bottom—the fact that this game is ten bucks cheaper than other Wii offerings makes it an even sweeter deal.
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91
Game Revolution
It’s a classic adventure game at heart.
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91
Pelit (Finland)
An excellent puzzler in the vein of old-school point'n'click-adventures. You need both brains and braw to complete this one. [Feb 2008]
91
The Wiire
One of the best games made for the Wii so far. It combines the puzzle-solving adventure of Twilight Princess with the varied environments of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, but still incorporates originality in the point-and-click gameplay and seemingly endless fun activities.
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90
Gamer.nl
Hello Nintendo!! Finally a good game on the Nintendo Wii and you don't give it any attention. Zack & Wiki rocks and we want more!
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90
Ferrago
It's a genuinely exciting brand new IP, its Wii exclusive, it has a flawless understanding of how best to use the console's motion sensing controls and it proves there's a use for the adventure game genre in this current generation.
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90
Video Game Talk
I can’t stress enough the great uses of the Wii’s motion controls in this game. Whether it’s something as simple as shaking the controller in time to a song to using the controller to simulate turning a lock, this game gets all the movements right.
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90
Zentendo
Its unique if sometimes Japanese-infused presentation sports a snappy visual design and an excellent musical score, but the real hook is the superb puzzle design.
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90
Worth Playing
To put it bluntly, Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure is one of the best games out for the Wii, and any gamers who own Nintendo's new system owe it to themselves to at least give this title a try, if not a buy.
Read Full Review
90
1UP
It's a huge world of wonderful puzzles to solve, with creative approaches to even the most mundane solutions; it's also a big game, and it goes on far longer than even the story would imply (though some people may never beat the last couple stages without assistance).
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90
GameDaily
The puzzle design is fantastic, though it leans a bit on trial-and-error. The graphics are vibrant, even if the heroes don't have a memorable spark. The game has long-term replayability too, with a neat little co-op game and hidden treasures to uncover. No Wii owner should miss this.
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90
GameSpy
Between its extraordinary collection of cerebral trials, its comprehensive menagerie of shape-shifting animal-tools, and its skilled use of almost instinctual motion control, Zack & Wiki reveals itself as an unexpected, must-own treasure.
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90
Kombo
When we first started playing Zack & Wiki, we found ourselves instantly liking the adventure. There's something undeniably fun and enthralling about this point-and-click adventure.
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90
IGN
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.
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90
Nintendo Power
The point-and-click adventure has gone the way of the dodo in recent years, so when one as engaging as Capcom's Zack & Wiki comes along, it's cause for celebration. [Dec 2007, p.86]
90
Destructoid
An absolute blast. Through a combination of normal puzzles -- though admittedly, "normal" is a bit of a misnomer in a game where you use your flying, magical monkey friend to transform deadly enemies into useful items -- and incredibly rewarding motion control scenarios, Zack and Wiki feels like something totally familiar, yet incredibly new and original.
Read Full Review
90
n-Revolution Magazine UK
Masterful puzzling plus exemplary Remote use equals a near-classic adventure. Frustrating in places, though. [Issue#17, p.66]
90
Games Master UK
A terrific metal workout. [Feb 2008, p.62]
90
VideoGamer
With wonderfully varied levels, colourful, cel-shaded graphics and mind-bending puzzles that'll have you working those little grey cells into the ground, Zack & Wiki triumphantly makes its debut on Nintendo's Wii, the only console it could have appeared on.
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90
Hardcore Gamer Magazine
Zack & Wiki is a brilliant use of the Wii's strengths, and easily one of the best games available for the console. [Dec 2007, p.66]
90
AceGamez
The title may be convoluted, but the gameplay and presentation are anything but. What could have fizzled into a case of undeserving hype is one of 2007's top games - and considering the competition, that is quite a lofty (but nevertheless justified) statement.
Read Full Review
90
NGamer UK
The thrill of the eureka moment is Zack And Wiki's currency. Combine this with a control scheme that puts even first-party efforts to shame, and you've got the easiest Zack And Wiki conundrum to solve: should you buy it? The score's a hint.
Read Full Review
88
Gamer 2.0
Zack & Wiki is easily the best original Wii game on the system right now, though whether it strikes a chord with the Wii's audience is another discussion all together.
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88
GameZone
The point-and-click system may not attract all gamers, but in all seriousness, I fell in love with the controls. As of right now, the gameplay stands out above everything else on the Wii.
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88
Cheat Code Central
I can't state this enough; so far, this is one of the best Wii games of the year. With its complex gameplay, beautiful graphics, interesting controls, great sense of humor, and user-friendly approach, this is truly a game that will appeal to virtually any gamer.
Read Full Review
85
Game Almighty
In short, Zack and Wiki made me love these adventuring, puzzle-solving games all over again. Here’s hoping for a sequel and even more innovation.
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85
GamerNode
It gives a brand-new feeling to exploration an puzzle-solving.
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85
GamePro
What seems like the perfect game for kids is actually a challenging game for adults. Who knew? Still, Zack & Wiki is a terrific game that will stick with you for a long time.
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85
GameSpot
Zack & Wiki is a delightful blend of the Wii's motion-sensing technology and challenging yet approachable puzzle design.
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85
Console Gameworld
A great title that deserves your time and patience, so long as you have the intellect to match.
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85
Nintendojo
Adventure games are often compelling but hinge upon primitive, boring gameplay. Capcom shows how all future adventure games should be designed: with engrossing gameplay that both intuitively and innovatively solves puzzles.
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85
Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
A great offering from Capcom. Even in a genre that’s not common on consoles, it manages to work perfectly on the Nintendo Wii. If you don’t mind spending a few brain cells and tearing your hair when you fail an objective, you just have to buy this game. [Feb 2008]
85
PTGamers
Zack & Wiki is a catchy and funny adventure, stuffed full of challenges...It’s not perfect, and can become quite frustrating. However, if there was a next-gen Myst, this is the way we would like to see it.
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84
GameTrailers
Zack and Wiki is colorful, inventive, and just plain fun. It never manages to transcend the trail-and-error aesthetic endemic to the genre, but for most players, the unique experience and thrill of discovery will be more than worth a little bit of frustration.
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83
Game Informer
In the Wii's expansivve gutter of shoddy third-party ports and minigame garbage, Capcom is showing that it's possible to make something original and fun. [Nov 2007, p.148]
Read Full Review
80
Play Magazine
And only on the Wii could a game like Zack and Wiki make any sense at all, because it's the motion-sensing controls that ultimately make the experience fly. [Nov 2007, p.53]
80
Games Radar
The best part of the game is figuring out how to manipulate the tools you're given by utilizing the remote.
Read Full Review
80
NintendoWorldReport
One of the best single player experiences on Wii to this point. The basic gameplay is so strong that it easily overcomes a bland story and sometimes frustrating gestures. This game is just begging for a sequel, full of the same point-and-click animal changing fun.
Read Full Review
80
GameTap
It's really fun to pull back from the level and look at it as a whole; in fact, it kind of makes me wish that I could have physical playsets of each of these levels.
Read Full Review
80
EuroGamer
Far and away the best original IP on the Wii, Zack & Wiki is a compelling reason to own this console. Its superb puzzle design and ingenious mix of humour, cleverness and the occasional bout of trial-and-error recall the best adventure games in history, and yet its gorgeous cartoonish looks and innovative control make it refreshingly modern.
Read Full Review
80
Edge Magazine
From simple lever cranks to rotational unscrewing, Zack & Wiki finally puts to use the myriad Remote possibilities touched on in WarioWare: Smooth Moves. [Christmas 2007, p.93]
80
games(TM)
A joyous Wii game that’s sure to be a jewel in the console’s crown for years to come. [Jan 2008, p.114]
80
Cubed3
Zack & Wiki definitely has the potential to be a rip-roaringly fun series on Wii if Capcom next time chooses to flesh out the story more and refine the control system even more.
Read Full Review
73
netjak
At times, the play control can be a bit wonky, but overall Zack & Wiki is a solid addition to the point and click adventure genre.
Read Full Review
60
Adventure Gamers
While not spectacular as a game in and of itself, the gameplay innovations it presents to the adventure genre might make it worth a try.
Read Full Review

What Our Users Said

Vote Now! The average user rating for this game is 9.2 (out of 10) based on 48 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Erlend T. gave it a10:
A gem of a game that reminds me of the old point & click adventure games. Truly clever puzzles and brilliant use of the wii remote. I wish more people would buy this game.

Raahsnavj gave it a7:
It is definately a rent first. I found a lot of the controls to be wonky, the repetitive animation and lack of options when it comes to playing the levels also holds it back. The fact you can finish the game in 10-15 hours if you're smart makes this a great rental. However, if you were (are) a huge fan of point click adventures from the old PC days, love puzzle games, and don't mind the kiddied down animation and story you can buy it outright. The rest of you should rent it though.

Ted E. gave it an8:
This is definitely a thinking man's (or woman's) game. Underneath the cutesy graphics and (occassionally grating) sound effects is one of the most challenging adventure/puzzle games around. There's no need to worry, though - The game is only difficult for people--like me--who refuse to use the Hints available in the game. My only complaint would be that some trial-and-error aspects, where death is pretty much unavoidable even when you are doing something seemingly logical at the time. Also, there isn't much of a story to go along with the gameplay. It's too bad this game isn't finding a wider audience. I think this would have been a perfect "Young Indiana Jones" game.

Miles J. gave it a10:
Read the reviews: it is hard to find a more critically well received game, and for great reason -- if you are a fan of the old Monkey Island games from Lucasarts, or the great Sierra games of the mid 90s, then this is a wonderful fix for your gaming needs. A fantastic use of the Wii remote, and genuine fun. Perhaps the best game on the Wii right now, certainly true if you are into adventure games.

Eric H. gave it a5:
The reviews for this game were so overly full of praise that I bought the game without first renting. I warn you not to do the same. This game tries to be cute to the point of being annoyingly. The action sequence of shaking your bell to defeat any enemy just doesn't make any sense. The puzzles are neat. Nothing revolutionary, Although it was kind of cool to see this old school style of gaming again. This game has no other redeeming value. But hey, I'm the exception here. So rent it; might be your favorite game ever. I hope so. Enjoy.

Mr. Anonymous gave it a9:
I'm in a rush, so I'll make this short and sweet. A great puzzle game for all of those older folks out there! The gameplay might be a bit challenging for the younger audience (Which this game cries out to), but still solid. The artwork is very nice, and once again cries out to the child, especially those who's parents actually listened to ratings on movies and game and did not buy nor see Pirates of the Carribean (ERSB and that stuff ratings, not critic ratings). First of all, Zack kind of misses the candy bar while eating it, and it's noticable. Secondly, the characters seem to phase through everything, especially Wiki. This is a great game that many people will cherish and adore as a solid addition to their library. No loose pixels included. 9.25!

Adam O. gave it a9:
I always hated the point-and-click genre until Hotel Dusk came around, which brought me closer to liking it, so I bought Zack & Wiki. I then realized there was no game like it, and there aren't many other games on Wii make better use of the console. While not perfect, it is an excellent example of why the Wii is an excellent console, even if it's technically inferior to the other next-generation systems. The graphics and setting are somewhat reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Wing Waker, with its own beautifully Japanese take on the world of pirates. But the real hook of this game is the Wii controls and puzzles. With your partner, Wiki, a yellow flying monkey, you can shake the Wii remote to turn animals into items to help solve puzzles, which shows just how uniquely this game forces you use the environment, My only problems with the game are that the puzzles become overwhelmingly hard, and the story is mediocre at best. Otherwise, along with Zelda, Galaxy, Paper Mario, Metroid, and Resident Evil 4, Zack & Wiki is another essential single-player experience in the Wii's library.

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