TomTom ONE 130. Buy Now $149.95
-
CNET editors' rating:
3.0 stars
Good
Detailed editors' rating -
Average user rating:
Write your own review
Product summary
Improvements over the PSP game make the Wii version of Root of Evil a competent, stylish platformer.
Specifications: ESRB: Teen; Genre: Action; Number of players: 1-2 Players See full specs
Price range: $32.99 - $39.99
Gamespot editors' review
- Reviewed on: 06/13/2008
- Released on: 05/27/2008
Death Jr. has always been just shy of reaching his potential. As one of the first games to debut for the PSP system, Death Jr.'s endearing character design and art style looked promising. Unfortunately, frustrating controls and a pesky camera system made the pint-sized son of the Grim Reaper fall short of expectations. The game's sequel improved on some of its predecessor's shortcomings by offering better camera control and weapon combat. Death Jr.: Root of Evil for the Wii is a port of the PSP sequel, and it, too, improves the formula. The new game suffers from a few poor design choices but it's still an able, entertaining platformer.
The game opens as Death Jr. and his ragtag bunch of classmates are hunting for cocoons in the forest. In their search for a biology project, they inadvertently unleash Furi, a maniacal villain who bears a striking resemblance to the Hulk. While Furi escapes and goes after DJ's dad, DJ and his gal pal, Pandora, set off to correct their mistake. It's an amusing premise that makes for some funny moments, but the storyline is rarely in focus. Expository cutscenes are few and far between, and most of the underdeveloped plot is revealed through in-game conversations with friends. DJ and his pals have a great sense of humor, and their observations of the world around them are always amusing, but great characters like Stigmartha (a girl who bleeds from her hands when she gets nervous) and Dead Guppy are underused.
Although you'll have a scythe or whip for melee combat, ranged attacks are available through the array of firearms at your disposal. DJ's creative weaponry showcases the game's twisted humor. Whether it's a flaming-toilet-paper launcher or a hamster with C4 strapped to its back, the selection is sure to give you a chuckle. Hidden throughout each of the 19 levels are spare parts that you can use to upgrade weapons, as well as orbs to collect and trade in for new melee attacks. The game sticks fairly close to the traditional action platforming conventions, so there's plenty of swinging from ropes, clearing rooms of enemies to unlock doors, and collecting various doodads. Though not particularly inventive, Root of Evil's time-tested formula is still fun.
You can play as either Death Jr. or Pandora, whose move sets are almost identical. Cooperative play is also available through a split-screen mode, but you'll need a separate save file to play with a buddy. The multiplayer mode is really no different than playing by yourself because the story and gameplay are identical. The only advantage of playing with a friend is having an ally to help mow down the hordes of enemies that the game throws at you.
Continue reading- See more CNET content tagged:
- Nintendo Wii,
- Sony PSP,
- Eidos Interactive Ltd.,
- camera,
- attack
User reviews
Write your own review Be the first one to review Death Jr.: Root of Evil (Wii) and share your experience with the CNET community!
Submit your review
Where to buy
Death Jr.: Root of Evil (Wii):
$32.99 - $39.99
| store | price | in stock? | rating |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$38.99 | No |
|
|
$39.99 | Yes |
|
|
Amazon.com
|
$32.99 | Yes |
|
|
$39.99 | Yes |
|
|
Amazon.com Marketplace
|
$39.99 | Yes |
|
%20Wii%20Game%20reviews%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/wii-games/death-jr-root-of/4505-9993_7-32863379.html){kind=small}