Tiny Diggers – An iPad Construction Truck Game for Kids Age 2-5

Years ago when Konami first announced the original Death Jr game for PSP, I was intrigued. In addition to the fact that I pay attention to just about anything Konami (an honor they’ve earned for years of Castlevania) the game really looked like the kind of game I’d enjoy: a 3D platformer starring a little skeleton. Death, himself. What’s not to like?

Well, in the end, what’s not to like is that the franchise’s games have been mediocre at best. I watched with waning interest as the games continued to disappoint reviewers, culminating with the awful Science Fair of Doom on DS, and I was surprised to see today that the newest episode, the first episode on Wii, which is actually a port of the second PSP game, reviewed very well at 1up. It seems in the process of the port, the developers actually fixed most of what was wrong with the original game, bringing it from a C grade on the PSP up to a B+ on Wii.

Here are some choice excerpts.

With numerous upgrades and changes — the game’s producer called the Wii revision a “special edition” in 1UP’s first preview — Root of Evil Wii fixes most of the problems that stood out in the portable release, including a tighter focus on the splitscreen co-op mode that was much clumsier on the PSP.

I love 3D platformers, and as a connoisseur of this endangered species of game, Root of Evil’s clever level design greatly impressed me. Jumping across hooks and navigating precarious platforms is sublime — it’s nothing that hasn’t been done before, but the execution is terrific.

Don’t let the cartoony visuals fool you into thinking this is a kiddie game — the dialogue’s often delightfully mature. Much of the story content is witty and even dirty, especially when it comes to the Seep, a bald baby-man with a crude sense of humor. Well-executed voice acting throughout Root of Evil makes the narrative especially entertaining.

While they make it clear the game is not without its flaws, it really sounds like it’s become the kind of game I was hoping Death Jr. would be from the beginning, and it’s become so just in time to appear on my system of choice, and at a budget price no less. Most excellent.

I was surprised to see that Konami’s no longer involved with the franchise it appears, and Backbone’s developing these games for Eidos now.

Source: Death Jr 2: Root of Evil Wii review at 1up.com