PixlBit

FlingSmash is the latest Nintendo title to be packaged with a new peripheral. Like Wii Play and Link's Crossbow Training, FlingSmash is predominantly a game focused on achieving the highest score possible. Though similar, FlingSmash is more clearly a complete adventure comprised of eight worlds, each sporting their own gimmick to vary up the simple concept of the game.

Being packaged with the Wii Remote Plus, FlingSmash takes use of the new peripheral in an interesting way. Rather than your typical 3D world 1-to-1 implementation, FlingSmash is a 2D game that is something like a side-scrolling pinball game mashed-up with Breakout. Players control the main character, Zip, by swinging the Wii Remote, and with the help of the Wii MotionPlus, the game is able to calculate the exact direction in which he should be directed.

As I have come to learn after a few hours with the game, the key to success is patience and accurate motions. Up till now, most people have played the Wii with copious amounts of waggling. FlingSmash bucks the trend by creating a game that not only tracks exact motions, but requires them to successfully complete the game. At first, it's easy to write-off FlingSmash for its controls, but some time with the game proves that the whole purpose for its existence is the Wii MotionPlus 1-to-1 tracking.

Admittedly, initially it isn't easy to adjust to this change, especially with the frantic action. However, to be successful, players will need to calm down and precisely swing the Wii Remote in the right direction at the right time. In a way, controlling Zip is turn-based. After each move, players will need to wait for him to move around before making their next move, if they plan to be effective. The game fortunately provides the A button as a stopping mechanism, allowing players to start their next move from a given spot without waiting for Zip to smash through the blocks in the level.

This method of control is tough to master, but extremely gratifying when executed properly. I found myself enjoying the art of mastering the controls to become as effective as possible. Of course, it doesn't help that you are always followed closely by a multi-headed dragon that is waiting to eat you if you take too long to prepare for your next move.

The levels have a variety of blocks strewn about them, all of which act differently and serve a different purpose. The game's standard blocks can be smashed through for points, while the stronger blocks force players to charge up and will cause the player to bounce back after breaking. Typically, these stronger blocks are strategically placed in the level to make it difficult to collect the coins, of which there are five, with three being required to unlock the pearl at the end of the level. Three levels exist in each world, as well as a boss fight, which requires players to collect the pearl in each level to unlock.

Each world in the game introduces a new gimmick to help vary the basic charge and smash gameplay found in the first two worlds. In one world, players will be transformed into metal, which limits movement and causes gravity to have a stronger effect on Zip - magnets also come into play, further varying the gameplay. This world was one of my favorites because it so drastically altered the way in which I played the game to that point. Another world makes Zip miniature and removes his charge ability, but makes him faster. This provides for some frantic action because any imprecise movements will have him bouncing off a variety of walls rapidly. Upward scrolling is yet another gimmick, as are wind streams throughout the level, and movement underwater, all of which greatly affect how Zip moves within the world.

As players complete the levels they will be graded on their performance, either B, A, or S for a superb performance. Because FlingSmash isn't horribly challenging if you are looking to simply complete a level, the grades, which are tied to your score, become the primary motivation for replay and are the true hook of the game. Attaining an S rank in any level is a feat, and it requires knowledge of the level and a spectacular execution of Fling's movements. If players can manage to get all A rankings in a world, they will unlock a mini-game, whereas if the acquire all S rankings, the will unlock a special level.

Collecting points in a level is an enjoyable task in general, because it typically involves hitting a certain spot with great accuracy against all odds. Additionally, there are often branching paths that will produce a different number of collectibles, giving players the ability to score two different sums of points depending on their choices. The game's power-ups are also fun, as they greatly modify Zip and his abilities. Melons make him larger, apples give him constant power, cherries allow him to split into three, and grapes cause fireworks to explode each time he's flung. They are all great fun and help you score far more points in the mission, if you happen to collect the three cards necessary to invoke the power.

If you aren't into perfecting your runs through a level, FlingSmash is going to have some extremely limited appeal. Going through the game from beginning to end won't take any more than two or three hours. However, given that the game is a pack-in title, from a consumer standpoint, the short length is a bit forgiveable. Co-op play also helps bolster the package, both making the game a tad easier and more frantic, but ultimately providing for some great fun for two simultaneous players.

There's no question that FlingSmash is a fun game, but it's one that won't likely appeal to everyone. Though the game controlled as expected for me, those who aren't able to get past the typical Wii Remote waggle usage will struggle with the controls. Furthermore, those who get easily flustered will likely panic, making it even harder to control the game. Forcing high scores for replay value further limits the appeal, but the bottom line is that as a pack-in title with the Wii Remote Plus, FlingSmash is well worth the ten extra dollars if you already plan to grab the controller.