The Three Musketeers: One for All! Review for Nintendo Wii

The Three Musketeers: One for All! box art

System: Wii (WiiWare)	Review Rating Legend
Dev: Legendo Ent.	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: Legendo Ent.	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: July 27, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

In a well-designed game, this doesn't happen. Not to mention that there is absolutely nothing more infuriating for a player than working diligently through a long level, and then dying right at the end due to a problem with the controls, yelling, "But I swung the #$%!* remote!" Of course, ideally, the developers would have added an option to attack with a button, but barring that, they should at least have put the save points closer together and given new lives.

The Three Musketeers: One for All! screenshot

In terms of presentation, The Three Musketeers is a mixed bag. The graphics will divide gamers. It's definitely a unique-looking game with a fun art style, and there's a good variety of environments, but it looks a little too simple. Often, the parallax scrolling and barebones drawings make the game seem more like a 16-bit platformer than the modern-day work of art it obviously aspires to be.

In between levels, the story plays out in a series of comic-book panels complemented by music and voice-acting. Unfortunately, the panels don't simply play in a slideshow; you have to push A to bring up each one, which disrupts the music and throws off the flow. What could have been an entertaining break becomes an awkward and disjointed experience. The same could sometimes be said of the game itself. Within each level, you have to deal with too-long load times between some of the screens.

However, the music itself is very good, evoking the time period the game depicts without ever becoming annoying or grating. Also, the sound effects and voice acting are superb; somehow, the developers found someone to play Porthos who could use a 17th century European accent without sounding over-the-top or flat-out ridiculous.

Diehard fans of the action platformer will find a lot to like in The Three Musketeers: One for All! The game features excellent platforming, great level design, and a fresh (if debatable) art style. However, the game's many problems might make it a bad purchase for those looking for a more polished experience.

By Robert VerBruggen
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.8

Graphics
The visuals definitely have a unique and interesting style, but they look a little too simple much of the time.

1.6

Control
The only attack is mapped to a flick of the Wii-mote. Enough said.

4.3

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The voice acting is great, the music captures the time period, and the sound effects do their job

2.8

Play Value
The game can be a lot of fun, but its many flaws detract from its playability. There are multiple endings for those who play through more than once, though.

3.2

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

Game Features:

Immerse yourself in a swashbuckling platform adventure, duel countless enemies, solve fun puzzles, and avoid fiendish traps.

Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls allow you to interact directly with the game. Swing the Wii Remote to launch blistering sword attacks on your foes, run and leap over rooftops, and discover hidden collectables.

Explore a multitude of breathtaking levels teeming with challenging bosses and distinctive environments that include lush forests, dark dungeons, towering castles, a haunted Abbey, the historical town of Normandy, and more!