Trauma Center: New Blood (Wii) Review
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 01.24.2008
We head back to the ER room for another chance to save lives but is the new blood a step in the right direction or will you be crying for Dr. Styles?
Title: Trauma Center: New Blood
Publisher: Atlus
Type: Simulation
Players: 1-2
Rated T for Teen
When Atlus released Trauma Center: Second Opinion for the Nintendo Wii’s launch, I along with many fans of the DS version were pretty excited. After all, with the Wii’s motion sensing capabilities, the game seemed like a perfect fit and it was. Well for the most part anyway as there were a few omissions that hurt the overall presentation such as a lack of widescreen support, voice over work and multiplayer. I’m happy to report that all of those issues have been addressed for Second Opinion, but how does the rest of the game stack up? Read on to find out.
Gameplay
If you played the first Trauma Center offering on the Wii, then you’ll know what to expect from the controls. You’ll still be using the nunchuck and remote to select and move your tools though I’ve noticed that the controls are a tad more responsive than in the previous game. You get a brand new storyline here that can be played by either the male or female protagonist but the story remains the same. There are a few different scenarios where you’ll have to choose one particular character however. To add to the fun this time around, you’ll have the option of playing with two players. Which is not only more realistic but quite helpful as some of the later episodes become extremely difficult. If you’re a novice player, you’ll really want to take advantage of having a partner in the ER room as you’ll likely get frustrated with some of the surgeries that require speed, pin-point accuracy and the ability to multitask while keeping an eye on the clock. In this aspect, Trauma Center succeeds in making you feel like you’re really at the operating table with someone’s life on the line. I found myself on a few occasions sweating while I tried to operate under extreme pressure.
Though there are plenty of missions to complete, you can also jump into tutorials that show you various techniques before you get down and dirty with a real patient. Aside from the tutorials, you will also have access to bonus missions that will help add to your score which is useful since Atlus has added online leaderboards this time around.
The storyline seems to flow a little more naturally with this sequel now that complete voice-overs have been added making it seem like you’re watching a TV series. The only issue I have with the presentation is that the cut scenes if you can call them that stick with the style of the previous game in which the characters don’t move as they are presented in a comic book style narrative. The voice overs are great, but it would have helped the presentation to have these characters animated.
Graphics & Sound
Just as in Trauma Center: Second Opinion, the game maintains the same visual hand-drawn style. The difference in the sequel is that we now have full 16:9 widescreen support and 480p video output. So if you’re playing on a widescreen television, you’ll immediately notice that the game no longer appears stretched out. The characters and patients look the same and the gore is kept to a bare minimum so little Billy won’t freak out when he accidentally makes an incision in the wrong spot.
The added voice overs are a nice touch that adds to the game in a way that makes things more personal. You’ll feel better connected to the protagonists as well as the patients that you interact with. The in-game music has also received an overhaul and is no longer based off the DS version of the first Trauma Center. The music is a little moodier and you’ll still hear the same effects from the various medical tools.
Fun Factor
Honestly, though a rehash of the original DS title, I had fun with Trauma Center: Second Opinion. That being said, New Blood gives me the same kind of satisfaction from saving virtual lives with the added bonus of playing with an “assistant” and tackling brand new objectives. It’s quite the joy to play in 2-player mode especially when you get to shout instructions to your assistant in the heat of the moment. Now you can actually shout out instructions like “I need antibiotics on those wounds, stat!” Of course at one point I shouted “Hurry up and drain the fucking blood before she bleeds to death!” to my dimwitted brother. If that’s not fun, I just don’t know what is!
Lasting Appeal
Depending on how skilled you are in the “medical arts” so to speak, you may take a while to beat the game; at least on your own. That being said, even after you do, you’ll likely enjoy jumping into random surgical procedures with different assistants just for the hell of it. The addition of the online leaderboards will keep you coming back to improve your score. No one will be happy with “Rookie Doctor” status unless you don’t give a damn about your profession. I want to be a master surgeon and you should too.
The 411
Trauma Center: New Blood is a fine addition to the Wii library and is a solid sequel to last year’s Second Opinion. The gameplay mechanics works pretty well and the improved presentation gives it a more enjoyable flare. Could online co-op be far behind? Hopefully not as that would be the next logical step in a franchise that has a ton of potential. New Blood is a game you should definitely pick up whether you are a veteran doctor or the new kid on the block. Now go suture that wound!!!
Graphics
7.5
A stylized look reminiscent of the first game. Could really use some animations though.
Gameplay
8.0
At times can be frustrating, but once you get your hands trained, you'll be performing surgery like a pro.
Sound
7.5
Moody music that lends itself to the game's settings. Voice overs now included in the game.
Lasting Appeal
8.0
Online leaderboards will give it extra legs while the difficulty will have you playing for a while.
Fun Factor
8.5
Nothing like playing doctor with a friend. Vulgarities will likely spout from your mouth if your assistant is an idiot.
