Girl Gamer Score:7.0
Users Score:
Critics Score:
'Minute' Brings Zany Game Show to Wii, DS
By GG-dubblebee on Nov. 27, 2010.
This is a cute, family-friendly party style game that could turn out to be a hit with teen and family Wii-party crowds. What it lacks in creativity and originality it makes up for energy and enthusiasm; die-hard fans of the show will no doubt be all over this game, finding it a suitable addition to their catalog. Advanced gamers, however, might get bored quickly with the game and its limited episodes. With only four episodes, anyone who masters the games efficiently won’t find much upside in repeat play, but the casual gamer will have fun around the Wii with friends and family.
7.0
Gameplay
Inconsistent levels & challenging controls are tedious; love the show, you'll figure it out.
8.0
Visuals
Bright background and fun characters are appropriate to game play.
9.0
Sound
Catchy song and sound effects capture fun, upbeat tone of game.
6.5
Controls
Descriptions and explanations are tough to understand and execute.
6.5
Replay Value
Limited episodes and fixed games.
0.0
Online Factor
N/A - Didn't play online.
7.0
Overall
Great game for families, parties and fans of the show. Not a winner for the advanced gamer.
Minute to Win It (M2W) It is a video game based on the popular television game show of the same name. The object is exactly the same as the show. Players need to complete a series of tasks in 60 seconds using “household items” to advance through each level in an attempt to win $1 million dollars. (Video game dollars, that is.)
M2W is the third title published by Zoo Games based on a game show after “Deal or No Deal” (Wii, DS) and “1 vs. 100” (DS only) Following form, the game uses video, graphics and even voice-over by celeb chef/game host Guy Fieri.
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Visuals
The flashing lights and colors of this game aren’t going to blow anyone away from a graphics perspective the way that current sports games do, but they do reflect the exciting and enthusiastic tone of the show. The character designs are simple and fun and for the purposes of this game. Players can “shop” for new duds for their characters after unlocking certain items through their game play. I did not play the game long enough to bother changing outfits but based on the number of locked spaces, the changes are minimal. Sorry, Rock Band fans, you’re not going to be setting any fashion trends here.
One problem with the game is that if you play on a television that isn’t a fancy Hi-Def flat screen it can be difficult to see what the controls and actions are for the remote. My advice to you in this case is step it up and get a better TV.
Gameplay & Controls
If the game falls short anywhere, it is in the area of gameplay and controls. While the game does offer a training mode where players can practice the games, the explanation of how to use the controller to get the character to respond isn’t as clear as it should be – especially when the bulk of players for this game will likely be families not as savvy with controller manipulation. The box does indicate that the game can be played with either the original remote or the Wii Motion Plus, and I tried it with both. The play with the Motion-Plus controller is better, but I had difficulty throughout getting the controller to do what I wanted it to do. During the competition portion of the game it was frustrating not understanding what it was the game needed me to do. After a handful of tries I was able to figure most of the games out but repeating what I had done in order to finish the game was tedious.
Another part of the game that doesn’t make sense is the degree of difficulty; it just isn’t logical. The games did not get progressively more difficult. Some towards the end were simpler than those at the very beginning. Players will find the game interesting and competitive at first, but may get bored easily the more they play due to the limited number of games and challenges.
Sound
If you ever wanted a catchy pop song stuck in your head you came to the right place. As with the television show, the game’s theme song “Get Up” will supplant its dance beat and fun lyrics firmly in your brain. I promise you that you’ll be singing it long after you stop playing.
The sound effects throughout the game are consistent with the show and crowd cheering “ohs” and “awws” will have you feeling like you’re actually on the verge of taking home some cash. Guy Fieri doesn’t sound quite as enthusiastic on the game voice over as he does on the show, but it doesn’t deter the experience.
