Next-Gen Reviews

Once your given projectile has left the ballista you are able to take control of its movements to some extent.  Swipe with your left hand to move it right, swipe with your right hand to move it left, use both hands in an upward swipe motions to speed it up/keep it up and use both hands in a downward swipe motion to push it down.  This is all very simple and essential in getting maximum damage points.

 

Some of the projectiles have special abilities once they’re airborne and require more than the basic movements mentioned above.  Split shot allows you to split the projectile up into 4 separate boulders. Once the boulders have split you will need to use your arms in order to control their direction which usually ends in major destruction. Bomb shot can be detonated at anytime giving you more of a radius due to the blast. Flying shot allows you to take control of the projectile and fly it around as you wish. Lift shot has 3 bounces that can be used before impact and the speed shot will go in a straight line taking out everything in its path like a bullet.

 

Controlling the ballista is very simple.  Put your hands together to lock in the projectile, step backwards in order to create tension on the bow and then throw your hands out to the side and watch the havoc commence.  Even though controlling the ballista is simple you need to bare in mind that the kinect has a slight delay in picking up your movements so wait to make sure you have everything in place before releasing the projectile.  I was caught out a few times because of this and it did get frustrating!

 

Throughout the game you will have to meet score targets in order to progress to the next level/city.  Each time you wipe out a castle or part of it, depending on your score, you will gain points and a X multiplier.  As long as you reach bronze at the least you will succeed and be able to continue.

 

On most levels there are icons that you can collect in order to up your score and get to a better position to cause maximum damage.  Point shields add points, bounce shields cause you to bounce once (maybe to get over an obstacle) and lightening shields cause your projectile to move straight and very fast like a bullet which will penetrate all walls in its path.  These icons are vital on some levels if you’re to get gold medals so make sure to use them to your advantage.

 

 

Obviously things don’t always go to plan but luckily you’re covered if things don’t go according to plan.  Whenever you wipe out a goblin (smug little green monsters on or near the castle grounds) you’re given a mulligan.  A mulligan allows you take that shot again but remember to learn by your mistakes and use them wisely otherwise you will have to restart.  To use a mulligan simply raise your left arm as if you were waiting to ask a teacher a question at school.  If for some reason you are adamant you will be failing the task based on your already horrible score and bad shots, you can raise your right hand and restart.

 

There is a multiplayer mode but it simply adds another person into the mix (locally) so that you can compete for the highest score.  This mode would be great for those of you that love to compete in your living room but it’s not really for me.  I always feel online multiplayer should be added where it can so here I am feeling a little let down.

 

Wreckateer looks really clean and crisp.  The locations are set in pastille colours which suit the game very well.  I was pleasantly surprised to see the amount of detail that had been put into wreckateer and enjoyed exploring the castle grounds whilst using the flying projectile.

 

Overall I really enjoyed Wreckateer.  If you don’t mind playing games whilst standing, are forgiving to the slight delay in kinect hardware and enjoy Angry Birds you will definitely get some enjoyment out of this.  Don’t be fooled by the cartoony type characters and gameplay videos because Wreckateer really isn’t just for kids.

 

7/10