Product Description

Spectrobes: Origins brings the successful series to Wii™ with a new story that reveals secrets from the past through flashbacks of significant events. Spectrobes: Origins has detailed three-dimensional graphics on the television and all new gameplay features. Players will use the unique Wii controls to explore vast worlds, excavate three-dimensional fossils, battle in real time and unravel an engaging story while discovering the key to preventing a galactic threat.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4172 in Video Games
• Brand: Disney
• Model: 07031700
• Published on: 2009-08
• Released on: 2009-08-18
• ESRB Rating: Everyone 10+
• Platform: Nintendo Wii
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .58" h x 5.39" w x 7.56" l, .36 pounds

Features

• Hone the skills of your adult and evolved form Spectrobes and battle enemies in real-time combat.
• For the first time in Spectrobes franchise history battle as either Rallen or Jeena and master each hero's skills in single player or co-op mode.
• Awaken, train and command over 100 different types of Spectrobes.
• Innovative design with never seen before 3D Spectrobe mini-game excavation system.
• Locate and unearth hidden items with the help of your Spectrobes.

Amazon.com Product Description

An action/adventure game mixing real-time battles, science fiction and monster collection, Spectrobes: Origins brings the successful series known from its previous DS releases to the Wii for the first time. Packed with an exciting new story that reveals secrets from the franchises past, three-dimensional graphics, unique Wii controls and all new gameplay features--including co-op gameplay--Spectrobes: Origins challenges players to prevent a galactic threat by utilizing speed, strategy and of course, Spectrobes. Battle enemies as Rallen. View larger. Or for the first time, as Jeena. View larger. 3D Spectrobe excavation gameplay. View larger. Story As with earlier games in the Spectrobes series, Spectrobes: Origins follows the adventures of Rallen and Jeena. Officers in the futuristic Nanairo Planetary Patrol, Rallen and Jeena are the vanguard of the solar system's defenses against enemies, including the alien scourge known as the Krawl. To combat these menaces they have, and must continue to harness the power of the mysterious creatures known as Spectrobes. What is a Spectrobe? Spectrobes are ancient beings of light that have existed since the beginnings of the galaxy. In fact, they are so ancient that most, although alive, now exist suspended in a fossilized state. Aside from the fact that Spectrobes are large and imposing, the essence of their power resides in their orientation to one of five elemental properties: fire, plant, earth, sky or water. These properties are not all created equal though, instead having particular exploitable strengths when pitted against other forces; for example, fire is strong against plant, water is strong when used against fire, plant is strong against earth, sky is strong against water, etc. Gameplay Gameplay in Spectrobes: Origins centers around the player's ability to successfully utilize and fight along side their stable of collected Spectrobes in battle against a variety of enemies. Unlike earlier Spectrobes games, Spectrobes: Origins is designed around real-time battles. Both the player's character and their current Spectrobe simultaneously engage enemies in combat utilizing standard attacks, as well as combos to gain experience points. The game features more than a hundred different Spectrobes and players are able to carry several at any one time, as well as various character armaments. Each Spectrobe has its own set of distinct attributes, which underlines the importance of developing a strategy for their use in advance, depending on what challenges and different opponents you think you might face. But before a player can plan for this he/she must build a collection of Spectrobes. This is done, as was in previous games by excavating the fossilized creatures. In Origins though this is taken to a whole different level via the Wii's motion sensing capabilities and a time based mini-game. Once players have identified an area containing a Spectrobe they will utilize the Wii remote and nunchuck configuration to put a wide range of tools to work in removing it from the ground. These tools include everything from bombs to hammers, lasers and blowdryers. The game features 3D imaging, so during this process players will see their Spectrobes realistically emerge bit by bit from the the raw earth, and after full excavation will nurture them up close as they heal from any injuries that may have suffered during the digging and take on nourishment in an area called "the incubator." Here players can also bond with and get to know the powers of each Spectrobes before they join the fight. Another difference from earlier releases in the series is the expansion of the Jeena character. Previously occupying more of a support role to Rallen, with specialties in the the fields of communication, research and problem-solving, in this adventure Jeena is a full-fledged playable character, able to team up with Spectrobes against enemies in battle. She also has entirely different personality traits and sensibilities than Rallen, ensuring diverse gameplay and an even male/female balance characterwise. Both Rallen and Jeena are available in the games' co-op mode which allows an additional player to join the fight in the role of the selected Spectrobe. Key Game Features For the first time in Spectrobes franchise history battle as either Rallen or Jeena and master each hero's skills. Awaken, train and command over 100 different types of Spectrobes. Innovative design with never seen before 3D Spectrobe excavation system. Locate and unearth hidden items with the help of your Spectrobes. Hone the skills of your adult and evolved form Spectrobes and battle enemies in real-time combat. Play both in single player mode as Rallen or Jeena, or in co-op mode where a friend joins you playing as the Spectrobe of choice.

Customer Reviews

Not bad for a casual gamer.

Okay, so this will be my first review for the wii. That said let's get to it. I always rate like most other rating systems, on graphics, sound, game play, replay value, and I add a little bit of a suggestion for those who might be interested in this game.

Graphics: Not much special here about the graphics, but they aren't bad either. The different planets you end up visiting are very well designed and look great. The cut scenes are very nicely done. Graphics I would give a 4 out of 5. Not superb but good.

Sound: Not much to say for sound really, it's your standard repeat of music tracks. Its downfall is the constant sounds from the wiimote that come from sending the child forms of the spectrobes to search an area for items. It's a constant "go" and then a noise from the creature that in some cases can be annoying. Also I might add that some of the child forms make a constant noise while just following you around. Sound gets 3 out of 5 due to its instances of annoying repetitive sounds.

Game play: This section is where the game ups it's score for me. There are many aspects to this game though simple, can be a lot of fun. One of my favorite is the excavation system. This is the part of the game where you have to remove the fossils encased in a cube of rock. It uses the wiimote to its potential and can be quite fun in anticipation of what might be in your cube of rock. The creature designs in this game are also very unique and each one has its own unique abilities. The game play is easy for anyone to pick up and can be challenging at the same time, although it does not require any quick thinking. The puzzles in this game are not all that difficult to figure out, but still retain some level of problem solving. Its two main downfalls are that sometimes you will find yourself having to back track to change out your search team, and some features in the game will leave you confused if you have not played any previous games, or like I had to look online to figure out their purpose. Game play I give a 4.5 out of 5 fun and entertaining with some minor annoyances.

Replay Value: Not much to say here as the game is very linear and it is only good for one go around, maybe two if you're feeling bored enough. Replay Value Gets a 2.5 out of 5.

My overall score for this game is 4 out of 5. It is an enjoyable and at times a very entertaining game with some minor flaws. Where this game does pull through is that you don't have to understand or have even played the nerdy card game that this is a spinoff from to enjoy this game. It can also suit to any age group from 5 to 99. It is very mild on the fantasy violence, as well as dialogue. My suggestion is to wait a few months for this one to hit the bargain bins and then purchase it unless you are a hard core spectrobes fan. In that case go out right now and buy it today and sleep with it under your pillow tonight, because you will be a happy nerd.

One of the Best Games I've Ever Played
Spectrobes: Origins is, by far, the best game I have played that uses the Wii as a platform. The graphics are much better than what I am used to, and though it gets a bit monotonous at times, overall, it is very entertaining. The plot is intriguing, in spite of a few inconsistincies.