The Adventures of Cookie & Cream (PlayStation 2)

GameSpot editors' review

• CNET editors' rating: 4.0 stars Excellent
  Detailed editors' rating
  Overall score: 8.1 (4.0 stars)

• Reviewed by:
  Tim Tracy
• Reviewed on: 04/27/2001
• Updated on: 05/17/2006
• Released on: 04/30/2001
• Originally published on GameSpot: The Adventures of Cookie & Cream (PlayStation 2) Review

To put it simply, The Adventures of Cookie & Cream from Agetec is a game that deviates from the norm. While on the outside it may seem like a standard multiplayer party game, the new twists brought on by some completely original gameplay elements make this game an absolute blast to play.

As the story goes, Cookie and Cream are two bunnies who are on their way home on the night before their clan's yearly moon festival. This year, for some reason, the moon has decided to run away, and if Cookie and Cream aren't able to find it, there will never be another festival. Fearing this, the duo sets out to make sure that it doesn't come true. As a symbol of their courage, they are given two "crowns" to wear on their heads. Staying true to the slightly off-kilter style of the game, the crowns are in fact an umbrella and a flowerpot. While these headpieces have no effect on the game, they add to its cartoony feel.

What makes this game so interesting to play is the extreme amount of cooperation that it takes to complete each and every level. The bulk of the game is viewed from an overhead perspective on a split screen, with Cookie and Cream on either side. From here, it's a race against the clock to get to the end of the level, and there are many traps, doors, and puzzles along the way to slow your progress. You can add to your time by picking up the clocks strewn throughout the level. The clocks are a key part of the game, as each time you are hit by an enemy, time is deducted.

To successfully finish each level, you must work with your partner on the other side of the screen to reach the goal. For example, there may be a door barring you from moving any further in the level, but your counterpart will always have a switch or something similar available to use to allow you to progress. Each level moves along in a similar fashion, with the players helping one another along. In this game, there is truly no way to win if you don't work together.

The control scheme used in the game is very easy to grasp, as there are really only three things to keep track of. The analog sticks control character movement, and depending on the configuration used, your jump and use buttons are mapped to either the shoulder or face buttons. While your character can jump at any point throughout the game, the use button is only available when there is something immediately near your character, such as a switch that will open a door for your partner.

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