Kororinpa: Marble Mania Review

System: Wii
Dev: Hudson
Pub: Konami & Hudson
Release: March 20, 2007
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Review by Maria Montoro

Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

In addition to background music, the other perk of playing through the diverse stages is obtaining new marbles. They have different motifs: some of them are animals and they play cute sounds while you play, when they drop onto a ramp, or when they hit a wall; fruit marbles control differently; the sport-themed marbles present extra challenge on the gameplay: some bounce more, some slide faster, etc. You can try to play all the stages with each marble to see if you can deal with the extra challenge, or just choose a favorite and master your skills! In my opinion, nothing beats the cute little pug.

Kororinpa: Marble Mania screenshot

You can choose to play this game with another player as well. The other player can use another Wii-mote or the Nunchuk to play and, if you go to the options screen, you can select horizontal or vertical split-screen mode. I found the vertical mode to be a little more practical, as you can see more of what is coming next. When you play against somebody, you'll want to collect all the red crystals first and get to the goal. You won't be sharing the same red crystals, you'll each be able to pick up your own, but you can interfere with each other on the screen as your partner's marble will appear in a translucent form when he (or she) is near you. It's really fun to play against somebody else. It's a game that you can pick up anytime when you're bored and just have a good time. When one player wins, the other can continue playing in order to reach the goal or you can just select "Give Up" on the options menu.

Kororinpa: Marble Mania is a good game. It's been nicely designed and it uses the Wii-mote's tilt motion-sensors to perfection. Those who need more action and get easily frustrated might not enjoy the game as much. Nonetheless, people that like to have a variety of games in their library and enjoy titles that one can just pick up and play in the spare time will be happy with this purchase. Getting through each level is rewarding and, although the game is not extremely challenging or long, one could always find reasons to go back to it. It's also a nice showpiece for those who have yet to try the Wii. If you have visitors, you might want to have them give it a try, they'll probably have a good time.

By Maria Montoro
CCC Co-Site Director

Features:

A steady hand and a keen strategic eye are key to keep your favorite ball on the right track in Kororinpa. As the maze is tilted the ball will move as it would in real life, as if pulled by gravity. But beware, too much slant could see the ball roll out of control off the edge of the maze sending the player back to the start! Whilst progressing along the course, players must also collect all the Red Crystals to unlock the goal, which in turn unlocks the next maze adding yet more precision and strategy to the challenges.

To prove yourself as the ball master, you can also go head to head against a friend using one Wii Remote and Nunchuk controller, splitting the screen either horizontally or vertically. In multiplayer mode, the first player to reach the end of the maze collecting all their red crystals will reign victorious over their fellow contender!

With over 50 quirky mazes available to unlock and five different environments to experience, there will always be a new and exciting challenge around the corner. Each environment has its own unique music, obstacles, and visual style for the player to enjoy. Whilst advancing through the game players should also keep a look out for green crystals that unlock secret environments and even more stages to challenge even the most experienced puzzlers.

As if that wasn't tricky enough, each of your balls has a varying level of Response, Speed, Slide, and Bounce. Players must therefore select their ball carefully in order to successfully complete Kororinpa. As more levels are completed the types of balls that can be selected will increase, including balls such as a ladybug, cat, penguin, watermelon, and even a pig, each boasting different characteristics and varying levels of control.

Screen Resolution: 480i (Standard TV)

Rating out of 5	Rating Description
3.5	Graphics We're getting used to seeing graphics on the Wii that don't quite meet our expectations. The game has attractive and colorful visuals though, and cute themes.
4.5	Control What's more simple than moving the stage to your liking by just twisting the Wii-mote?
3.8	Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting Nice soundtrack, with lots of catchy songs to keep you focused on your gameplay.
3.8	Play Value It's a simple, entertaining game, with somewhat challenging gameplay to keep you entertained. You can play against your friend or just try to beat your records when you've cleared all the stages. Unlockable marble designs and background music add some appeal as well.
3.6	Overall Rating - Good Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

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Yes, everyday!
Yes, a couple times a week
Yes, every now and then
No, it's collecting dust
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I never bought it in the first place
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I rented it instead of buying it
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Kororinpa: Marble Mania Review

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