May 14 2009
The Wii game everybody liked but nobody played
Raise your hand if you haven’t played Zack and Wiki: Quest for Barbaros’ Treasure. OK, put your hand down.
Since 2006, there’s been one game that’s been universally overlooked, depite always being hyped as a great game, exclusively for Nintendo Wii. The game is Zack and Wiki, and despite the critical acclaim, the game has gone unnoticed, now relegated to the cheap, “value” shelf of your local Walmart.
It’s cute, but it looks generic and that’s probably why so many gamers pass by this quirky gem.
But that’s good news, because it means if you’re quick, you can pick up a copy now for just $20.
Or, so you’d think.
I’ve had my eye on Zack and Wiki for months after repeated mentions from the gaming press planted it permanently on my radar. Finally, a couple months ago I decided to splurge. After all, pre-owned at GameStop, I wasn’t exactly breaking the bank.
I took the game home, cracked open the case and immediately knew I was screwed. For the first time, I came home with a pre-played disc from GameStop that was ruined beyond repair.
In Zack and Wiki, you point and click your way around the environment, discovering objects like this saw and figuring out how they can help you advance.
And, it was the last copy they had. For weeks I popped into every GameStop looking to use my credit for a replacement. No luck. Finally, I came across the game yesterday at Walmart on the $20 shelves. Coincidentally, I ended up with the last copy there, too.
My impressions will follow, but know that I’m happily surprised. I went in expecting a platforming adventure game with bright primary colors, but the actual gameplay is much more puzzle-based. Instead of traipsing around sprawling landscapes, I’m thinking creatively in small environments, trying to inevitably make my way to each hidden treasure chest.
It’s a novel idea from Capcom that was unique in 2006 and is unique in 2009. Pick it up if you can find it, or live vicariously through my forthcoming impressions like I was forced to do before now.
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I wonder how under-exposed games like Zack & Wiki are doing through Gamefly. The problem is hidden-gem games is that by the time people find out about them, the games are no longer in stock or on sale for a huge mark-up for “rarity” (looking at you, GameStop).
By the way, the first time I even seen anything related to Zack & Wiki was someone’s avatar in a forum. It was a picture of Zack being chased by some lion-things while carrying a chest of chocolate coins (a PhotoShop edit).
I will probably check out the game if I can find it. Thanks for the post.
Man, this game could’ve gone somewhere if they would’ve just ADVERTISED it. That’s all they needed to do. I read about the next game they’re working on for Wii, and Capcom thinks they’ve learned from their mistake.
Lets hope so.
Advertising is key, Zack & Wiki got lost in an early flood of software for the system. Capcom knows how to put together commercial successes, though, so I’m sure they’ve learned from past mistakes.