Just when you thought 2-D platform games were dead, Nintendo releases a challenging, well-designed side-scrolling game that could easily inspire a resurgence of this classic style of gaming.
Mischief Makers chronicles the adventures of Marina, a cleaning robot who must rescue her inventor, Prof. Theo, from an evil emperor who of course wants to take over the world.
Before confronting the emperor, Marina must get through five beautifully crafted worlds containing 12 levels. Players must solve puzzles and use some of Marina’s talents such as hovering, rolling, flying and shaking things to find hidden items. The first couple of stages are a tutorial, which helps you master some of the more difficult moves required to complete all of the levels.
Mischief Makers doesn’t break any new ground with its graphics, but it more than makes up for it by reinventing a seldom-used gaming style. The combination of puzzle solving and the unique grab-and-shake move helps to create a worthwhile action game.
If the quirky gaming style of Mischief Maker doesn’t turn you off, this could be a great addition to your video game library (it’s $60). If you are still not sure, then rent the game. After you play it, you’ll be hooked.
———-
For more game reviews, go to http://chicago.tribune.com/tempo.




