WACKY WONDERLAND WOLLOP: A 3D PLATFORMER FOR THE AGES GAME OF THE YEAR GREATEST GAME OF ALL TIME : THE GAME: Review

25/08/2024

This game was reviewed on PC.

Reviewed by:  David Cameron

When a game arrives with a title as bold as WACKY WONDERLAND WALLOP: A 3D PLATFORMER FOR THE AGES GAME OF THE YEAR GREATEST GAME OF ALL TIME : THE GAME (yes, that's the full title), expectations are bound to be sky-high. Developed by the ever-eclectic Crazy Mike, this game promises a wild ride through a whimsical world that embraces the absurd with open arms. And while it delivers on its wacky premise and offers plenty of charm, it also stumbles in a few key areas, making it more of a memorable adventure than a flawless one.

Gameplay: A Mix of Madness and Fun

At its core, WACKY WONDERLAND WALLOP is a 3D platformer that takes players through a series of outlandish levels filled with bizarre enemies, quirky puzzles, and more than a few surprises. The game's platforming mechanics are solid, offering tight controls and responsive movement that make navigating the colorful world a delight. Crazy Mike has clearly put a lot of love into the design of each level, with intricate platforms and hidden areas that encourage exploration.

The game shines brightest in its creativity. Each level feels like a unique experience, with new mechanics and challenges constantly being thrown at the player. One moment you're bouncing on giant marshmallows, the next you're navigating a gravity-defying maze or dodging oversized rubber ducks in a flooded bathtub. It's this variety that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging, even when the platforming itself doesn't break new ground.

However, WACKY WONDERLAND WALLOP is not without its flaws. The camera can be a bit finicky at times, especially in more complex platforming sections, leading to some frustrating moments. Additionally, the game's difficulty spikes unexpectedly in a few places, which can be jarring given the generally light-hearted tone of the rest of the game.

Visuals and Sound: A Feast for the Senses

Visually, the game is a kaleidoscope of color and creativity. Crazy Mike's art direction leans heavily into the whimsical, with levels that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are a test of your platforming skills. The world is filled with oversized, cartoonish objects, vibrant colors, and a level of detail that makes each environment feel alive. It's clear that a lot of effort went into making WACKY WONDERLAND WALLOP visually distinctive.

The soundtrack is equally zany, featuring upbeat tunes that perfectly complement the game's playful aesthetic. Sound effects are appropriately exaggerated, adding to the overall sense of fun. Whether it's the boing of a springboard or the squeak of an enemy, the audio design helps to immerse players in the game's wacky world.

Story: A Lighthearted Romp

The story of WACKY WONDERLAND WALLOP is as over-the-top as its title suggests. You play as an unlikely hero, tasked with saving Wonderland from an evil overlord who's determined to turn the world into a dreary, joyless place. The narrative is filled with humorous dialogue, eccentric characters, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek moments that don't take themselves too seriously. It's a fun, if somewhat shallow, journey that serves more as a backdrop to the gameplay than a driving force.

Final Thoughts: Wacky, Wonderful, and a Little Wonky

WACKY WONDERLAND WALLOP may not live up to its lofty title, but it's a fun, inventive platformer that offers plenty of charm and creativity. The game's vibrant visuals, varied level design, and playful tone make it a joy to play, even if it stumbles in a few areas. Crazy Mike has crafted a world that's worth exploring, even if it doesn't quite reach the heights of the greatest games of all time.

For fans of 3D platformers, WACKY WONDERLAND WALLOP is definitely worth a look. It's not without its flaws, but if you're in the mood for something lighthearted and off-the-wall, it's a game that delivers on its promise of wacky, wonderful fun. Just don't expect it to reinvent the genre.

Reviewed by: David Cameron