In Roogoo, players rotate a series of circular platforms with cut-outs for different shapes. A set of colorful triangles, squares, and other blocks descend from the sky, and the goal is to rotate the platforms so that the blocks fall through all of them and reach the bottom. If the correctly-shaped hole is not placed properly, the block will bounce away and be lost; lose enough of them and it is game over. Yet Roogoo goes beyond these basic concepts and implements even more ideas that make the game both exciting and extremely confusing.
Players can use an on-screen net to catch butterflies and bats to add to the score. In some stages, the holes are blocked, but a flick of the Wii Remote causes the dropping blocks to forcibly spin into the obstruction, allowing the blocks to pass through. Enemies can also appear and block the holes, forcing players to use the blocks falling at high speeds to knock them out. Finally, there are boss battles that combine every gameplay element into a single fast-paced stage.
There are mini-games, such as butterfly catching, block catching, and even a flying activity in which you control Roogoo, the title's adorable and adventurous protagonist, as he flies through enemies and collects blocks for the highest score possible.
The single-player mode features over 90 levels scattered across nine worlds, each with its own theme (forest, ice world, caves etc.). There are three levels of difficulty: Casual, Normal and Roogoo Guru. The speed of the blocks changes in each mode. There are also two multiplayer modes. In Split-Screen Race, two players compete to see who can complete the tower first. It's a solid mode, though it doesn't do much to keep players at it for hours. Party Mode allows up to 4 players to compete in mini-games. As an added bonus, players can connect the DS version of Roogoo to unlock extra stages.
Roogoo is a very robust package, which is both great and problematic. A variety of different gameplay elements make each stage unique and keep things interesting and fresh, especially during the later levels. However, the additional gameplay elements, such as bat catching and enemy destruction, in addition to a camera that makes it hard to follow the action, make the game a very confusing one to follow. Unfortunately, the confusion doesnt actually makes the game more challenging; it just makes the game annoying. There are too many concepts in play, harming what is an otherwise solid experience. It doesnt help that the game can get repetitive during long gameplay sessions. Roogoo is a title best enjoyed in small doses, and players may also find it a little too easy.
Roogoo, however, impresses with its style. It takes place in a magical world filled with wonderful looking creatures brimming with personality and charm. The game doesnt push the Wii hardware, but it does feature beautiful 2D character artwork, and the levels themselves shine thanks to simplistic yet colorful details.
Roogoo Twisted Towers is a solid puzzler that might garner some fans thanks to its compelling gameplay concepts and interesting character designs. Unfortunately, its sometimes overcomplicated gameplay causes it to fall short of greatness.
Pros:
Lastability: 7.0
If you dedicate yourself to Roogoo, the title will be in your Wii for a long time. With over ninety levels to conquer and additional game modes, theres a lot to discover in Roogoos colorful world.
Final: 6.5
Roogoo Twisted Towers is a Wii title worth trying at least once. The additional game modes and expansive levels will appeal to many a gamer. Its too bad, however, that the attempt to make the game more complex just makes it confusing at times. Sometimes less is truly more.