|
By WebWiz66
When I first turned on my XBox with Munchs in it, I was truly excited. I had given in to the hype, and was anticipating one of the greatest gaming experiences ever. In many ways, Munchs delivered. Before I go into detail, Id like to say that this game is a fun, rewarding experience whose shortcomings are few and far between.
The story of this game goes something like this: Munch, the last of the amphibious Gabbits, has just escaped from Vykkers labs and finds himself in the care of Abe, the greatest Mudoken hero ever. Together they have 2 objectives: to free Abes enslaved and unborn brethren from the clutches of the greedy Glukkons, and to get the last can of Gabbiar (Gabbit eggs) when they are auctioned off. This story is a crucial part of the game, and adds to the overall hilarity considerably. The characters are very funny and compelling, making you care about them by the end of the game. The game is a platformer, but a platformer unlike the world has ever seen. The concept of switching between Abe and Munch to solve puzzles is a great one, and creates great gameplay situations. Many 3D platformers have problems with the camera, but Munchs has a good camera, and the option to move it around in sticky situations. Coupled with breathtaking, only-on-XBox graphics this makes for an awesome game.
Munchs starts out at a slower pace than most games. It eases you into the game, but it takes longer than it should to do so. Many people will drop the game after the first half-hour or so because of this, but they are really missing out on something special. Unfortunately, if the humor doesnt appeal to you, there is a good chance this game may not be interesting for you at all. Fortunately, unless your under 6 or over 65, you will laugh at things you thought you would never laugh at again, such as bodily humor. It really is hilarious when Abe lets one rip and all the surrounding Mudokens start cracking up. Once the compelling story carries you into the real meat of the game, you wont want to put the controller down. There is a good chance that every time you lose a Fuzzle (Munchs furry lab buddies) or a Mudoken to the forces of Sligs (Munchs basic baddies) you will say something like, Damn you Slig bastards!!! Actually, you probably wont say that, but the game is that good. When you reach the end of the game, you will be rewarded with an appropriately chuckle-inducing ending. This is a great game, but if either of these two things happens, the game just isnt for you: 1) You dont find humor appealing or 2) you dont have the patience to play through the first part of the game.
Graphics: 9.5 The graphics in this game are jaw-dropping; the environments look real, and the characters are animated perfectly.
Sound: 8.5 The sound effects are great, and often hilarious, and some of the techno jams are completely infectious, but the game could have used a bit more music in the slower parts of the game.
Control: 9.0 The control in this game is ingenious, using the A button for action, the D-Pad for camera, and the other buttons for GameSpeak. However, I have some grudges, such as not being able to use GameSpeak while moving.
Replay: 7.0 At the end of the game, you are given the option to play again and perfect everything, but many may not want to play the whole quest over.
Overall: 9.0 This game is an enthralling experience, and most will enjoy it thoroughly, but some may not have the patience to get through the games beginning, or a sense of humor, which is almost a requirement for this game. |
