I enjoy playing casual games from time to time, mostly on the
lines of Diner Dash or Cake Mania, where players have to perform tasks quickly
under a time constraint. Cake Mania is probably my favorite, and I really enjoy
the DS version over the PC version, because it is easy to use the stylus to
choose the options.
Now Cake Mania is on the Wii. This sounds like a great idea; just use the
WiiMote and point at the menus in a similar manner as in using the stylus with
the DS or the mouse with the PC. However, not all good ideas are good in
reality. Cake Mania does not translate well to the Wii, partly due to the
WiiMote itself and partly due to the game interface.
Cake Mania: In the Mix! is the same as other Cake Mania games,
where Jill is working in a bakery and trying to serve complicated cakes to picky
customers. The customers will choose cakes from a menu, with each cake having
different features. At first, they will only differ in the basic shape and
frosting type. Later in the game, more features like double cakes and cake
toppings will appear. Some levels will also have specially shaped cakes to fit
the level theme. Besides making and delivering the correct cakes, Jill will have
to pick up menus and money. Jill can upgrade kitchen items with the money she
earns.
The interface utilizes the WiiMote "A" and "B" buttons. Players will use the "A"
button to choose the menu options, and the "B" button to pick up and give away
items. This may sound simple enough, but it is already more complicated than in
the PC or DS versions, where only one input device is used, not two. In the
early, easy levels, this is not a problem, but it does become a hindrance in the
harder levels, where it is almost impossible to earn enough money to win the
level.
The WiiMote itself becomes a problem when choosing menu options. The arrow
wobbles around and is not anywhere close to the precision of a mouse arrow.
Further aggravation is caused by bad design in some levels, where the ovens are
lined up one in front of the other, rather than side by side. This creates more
problems when trying to choose one oven rather than the other to bake a certain
cake.
There is an interesting co-op
multiplayer mode, but I can’t play these types of games with other people. That
is just entirely too distracting. My niece and her friends tried it out and
didn’t like it, either.
Cake Mania looks good on the Wii, and has the same style of graphics, albeit
with a more 3D look to the characters. Very bright, very colorful. The music is
in the same style as previous versions, as well.
It is a shame that Cake Mania didn’t work out better on the Wii. It is mainly
the fault of the overly sensitive WiiMote, which constantly moves in reaction to
any hand motions of the user. Even if only one button was used for all actions,
it would still be difficult to navigate the menus with the WiiMote. While this
is not a bad game when considered by singly, the truth is that the PC and DS
versions are much better and way more fun comparatively. As they are also less
expensive, I have to recommend that players pick the PC or DS versions over the
Wii version.
|
Review |
Gameplay: 6
The clumsy interface
makes everything less fun. The basic game is the same as the other versions, but
these types of fast-paced casual games demand a smooth interface. The Wii is not
a good fit for Cake Mania
Graphics: 7
The game looks good
on the Wii, with cheerful, cartoon-style animation.
Sound: 7
The music is average
and sounds pretty much like previous Cake Mania games.
Difficulty: Hard
This game begins
easily enough, but the difficulty level quickly ratchets up. Couple the normal
difficulty of keeping up with all the cake orders with a cumbersome interface,
for a frustrating time later in the game.
Concept: 6
The concept is the
same as in previous Cake Mania games, but new to the Wii. I’m not sure if the
game would be a whole lot better with a different interface design, but the
existing one doesn’t work that well.
Multiplayer: 5
The multiplayer mode seems like
an interesting way to play, but it’s not. It just makes it all more difficult.
Overall: 6
Cake Mania: In the
Mix isn’t a bad game, nor is it a good game. This is mainly due to the method of
play on the Wii, rather than any inherent flaws in the gameplay. Some things
just aren’t meant to be.
