ShadowPlay Review for Nintendo Wii

System: Wii (WiiWare)	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Deep Fried Entertainment	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Deep Fried Entertainment	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Jan. 11, 2010	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-2	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The music is entertaining and relaxing, and it will help you stay focused for a while. Unfortunately, soon enough you'll realize it keeps looping and looping non-stop. A change of tune could have really helped to keep the game fresh, but between the repetitive music and the redundant gameplay, the game ends up becoming a bit monotonous. That's why it's best played in small doses, plus it'll last you longer that way. As far as graphics go, you'll notice the objects look detailed and realistic, and the diverse themes and backgrounds are somewhat refreshing. However, this is not a game to admire by its looks. It's more about the puzzling gameplay and its power of addiction.

ShadowPlay screenshot

ShadowPlay is not made for everyone, but certainly those who enjoy a tough puzzle challenge and are used to the Wii's motion controls will be able to enjoy it quite a bit. There are over 100 shadow brainteasers to solve, 100 different objects to use and unlock, and 10 different themes. In addition, there's a Free Play mode that lets you unleash your imagination and use the unlocked objects to project whatever shadow figures you can think of. I started off by designing a monkey. I made it with a couple of candy canes, a basketball, squash, and a vise. After some tweaks, it turned out pretty nice, but then the truth struck: there wasn't a way to save it! I guess it kept me busy and it was fun while it lasted, but why wouldn't we want to keep our creations or even share them with friends?

If you turn on a second controller, you'll be able to enter a co-op mode, which lets players join forces to try and figure out the puzzles. Sadly, few people will be willing to share a game like this. It's definitely meant to be a single-player experience, and preferably for adults, as kids may become easily frustrated in later levels. The $8 price point seems fair for this kind of puzzler, as 100 levels offer some lasting appeal. However, once you're done with them, the replayability value will depend on how much you care for gold medals, better timing, or the Free Play mode. If you're ready for a break from Tetris-style puzzle games or are sick and tired of riddles and point-and-click adventures, ShadowPlay might be a refreshing change.

By Maria Montoro
CCC Site Director

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
The game looks sharp and the objects are detailed, but the themes and backgrounds are not overly exciting.

3.8

Control
Wii MotionPlus controls are accurate, yet oftentimes they require too much precision. Nunchuk controls can be used as well.

2.8

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Relaxed tunes are fit for the game, but they keep looping, which becomes tiresome. There are just a few sound effects when you clear the levels.

3.5

Play Value
The game contains 100 puzzles with different themes and objects. It'll keep you busy for a while, especially if you're enjoying it.

3.5

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

ShadowPlay is a unique game that combines your creativity and your keen problem solving skills to tackle one-of-a-kind puzzles. Using shadows as the core mechanism, whimsical brainteasers will keep you entertained for hours.

With 10 exciting themes, 100 unique objects, and 100 exciting puzzles, ShadowPlay provides fun for all ages. For more excitement, team up with a friend on co-op mode and put your heads together to complete the challenges!

Every time you complete a level, you unlock more items to use in the FreePlay mode where you can let loose and create your own funky shadow art!