Ju- On (The Grudge) Wii Review
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Yes this a very late review. But I have enough info and understanding to finally give a proper review. Ju-On The Grudge is a survival horror game developed by Xseed Games. The game follows four people plus a special level, as they try to survive the night of fear with the Kayako not far behind. But is this horror game worth the trip, or will you have grudge with Ju-On The Grudge?
Story - There is no story in this game at all. The game is divided into four episodes and one bonus level. You take a different character through various location such as Abandon Factory, Hospital and Abandon Apartments. There is no characterization at all. Truthfully you won't care what fate good or bad lies for these characters. I felt that this was a missed opportunity on Xseed's part. They could've had a really great story that delivers into the psyche of the players.
Gameplay - The gameplay is played in the first person perspective. There are no weapons, or any sort of combat. The player only has a flashlight. Using the Wii as the flashlight, you search the area to find keys or items to help you move to the next area. The B button is use to move you forward. If you play with a friend, they can take the second Wii remote and press the button anytime to scare you. Too bad the scares don't work. Very simple gameplay right? Wrong! This is extremely flawed and frustrating. The Wii remote does not respond quick enough when you want to turn. Good luck looking up because bringing the flashlight back down is a headache. When moving forward with B button, you will probably turn the game off. It's so slow, the tortoise move faster on Looney Tunes. On the bright side of things, the game does deliver on the scares. Kayako stalking you and popping up will make you jump. I won't tell you the scares, but it does deliver on that. Also when you are grab by Kayako the Wii mote motion control works for the quick time events.
Gameplay Video
Graphics - The graphics is not bad and but not great either. I feel that for a game with simple gameplay. I was hoping that graphics would at least use the Wii full potential (see game like Metroid Prime 3 Corruption). The graphics are on the Gamecube level. Nothing wrong with that but was hoping for a little more effort. The atmosphere although dark and gritty, just doesn't capture the fear level. Maybe a little more effort I would have been impressed.
Sound - This is where Ju-On shines. The sound is wonderful. Kayako signature noise will freak you out, when it comes from the Wii remote. The music keys in at all the right moments. The constant footsteps coming from any direction will have you turning your Wii mote. Xseed really excel on the sound.
Replayability/Value - The game only last about for five hours. This doesn't have any reply value, unless you missed the secret items to unlock the last level. Other than that this game is a one trip deal.
Final Grade - C- This game is pure rental and very disappointing. It brings the scares, but the control scheme is more scarier. You'll have a grudge with this game.
Story - There is no story in this game at all. The game is divided into four episodes and one bonus level. You take a different character through various location such as Abandon Factory, Hospital and Abandon Apartments. There is no characterization at all. Truthfully you won't care what fate good or bad lies for these characters. I felt that this was a missed opportunity on Xseed's part. They could've had a really great story that delivers into the psyche of the players.
Gameplay - The gameplay is played in the first person perspective. There are no weapons, or any sort of combat. The player only has a flashlight. Using the Wii as the flashlight, you search the area to find keys or items to help you move to the next area. The B button is use to move you forward. If you play with a friend, they can take the second Wii remote and press the button anytime to scare you. Too bad the scares don't work. Very simple gameplay right? Wrong! This is extremely flawed and frustrating. The Wii remote does not respond quick enough when you want to turn. Good luck looking up because bringing the flashlight back down is a headache. When moving forward with B button, you will probably turn the game off. It's so slow, the tortoise move faster on Looney Tunes. On the bright side of things, the game does deliver on the scares. Kayako stalking you and popping up will make you jump. I won't tell you the scares, but it does deliver on that. Also when you are grab by Kayako the Wii mote motion control works for the quick time events.
Gameplay Video
Graphics - The graphics is not bad and but not great either. I feel that for a game with simple gameplay. I was hoping that graphics would at least use the Wii full potential (see game like Metroid Prime 3 Corruption). The graphics are on the Gamecube level. Nothing wrong with that but was hoping for a little more effort. The atmosphere although dark and gritty, just doesn't capture the fear level. Maybe a little more effort I would have been impressed.
Sound - This is where Ju-On shines. The sound is wonderful. Kayako signature noise will freak you out, when it comes from the Wii remote. The music keys in at all the right moments. The constant footsteps coming from any direction will have you turning your Wii mote. Xseed really excel on the sound.
Replayability/Value - The game only last about for five hours. This doesn't have any reply value, unless you missed the secret items to unlock the last level. Other than that this game is a one trip deal.
Final Grade - C- This game is pure rental and very disappointing. It brings the scares, but the control scheme is more scarier. You'll have a grudge with this game.
