Roogoo (Xbox Live Arcade) Review
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 06.24.2008
Another puzzler but with an addicting and entertaining premise.
Released on June 4, 2008
Remember when you were a little kid in elementary school and you used to play with those Fisher Price toys where you grabbed a block and inserted it into the corresponding hole? Well take that concept and turn it into a video game with some turns, twists (literally) and obstacles and you've got the basis for Roogoo. Developed by Spidermonk and published by Southpeak Interactive, Roogoo takes on a life of its own with some added elements of Tetris and Jenga. You begin easily enough with some platforms that you can rotate with the left and right bumper. You then keep an eye on the falling blocks that have specific shapes such as square, triangles and hearts to name a few and you guide them down through each platform until you've collected enough blocks of each shape to bring them down to the final platform. Sounds simple enough right? Well it is...that is until things start getting hectic. Before you know it, you'll start dealing with multiple falling blocks and extra shapes. If that isn't enough to get you a case of twitchy-fingers, then perhaps faster falling blocks along with platforms that flip, Meemoos that get in the way and other game-breaking obstacles.
Things look heavenly....early on.
The game features 45 levels which isn't bad for an XBLA but you won't be running through as quickly as you think. Though the earlier stages are relatively easy, you'll realize that the difficulty level starts to ramp up to the point where you'll be pushing buttons you shouldn't be and getting quicker and more responsive at the same time. On the multiplayer side of things, the game includes online multiplayer though you can't play in co-op as you can in local multiplayer mode. Also when you finish a game, you'll have to start all over from the multiplayer menu as you can't continue playing. Local multiplayer is more enjoyable as you can go head to head with other players or you can work quasi cooperatively. You can each take control of a platform and try to work together to complete a stage though you're still competing with individual scores.
Those Meemoos will give you the fits.
Graphically the game is presented in a cutesy cartoon-like fashion where everything looks very clean and colorful. There isn't a whole lot to see but what would you expect from a puzzler. I also thoroughly enjoyed the in-game music as it's relaxing, inviting and an excellent mood setter that fits the game perfectly.
On the outside, you may think of this as yet another falling block-puzzle game, but once you sink your teeth into it, you'll find yourself quite addicted. I enjoyed my hands-on preview of the game a few months back and I enjoyed the full game even more. At 800 Microsoft Points, there's enough gameplay and fresh ideas to keep you coming back for more. A high recommendation for Roogoo!
Graphics
8.0
Soft pastel colors that lend itself nicely to this type of game. Cute characters - even the baddies.
Gameplay
8.5
Simple controls keep the action going without making you think too hard.
Sound
8.0
Enjoyable music that never feels like it intrudes.
Lasting Appeal
8.0
This is the type of game you can play over and over again. Online leaderboards and a good party game make this a keeper.
Fun Factor
8.5
More addicting that you think. Once you give it a go, it'll be hard to put down.
