PixlBit

When WiiWare initially launched, the platform/adventure title, LostWinds drew a lot of attention due to its high production value and excellent gameplay. The sequel, LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias retains the pedigree of its predecessor and adds many more unique elements, which ultimately create a gaming experience that is much more satisfying than the original. LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is not only a fantastic sequel, but also one of the best games currently available on Wii.

Following the formula of the original game, Toku is once again the protagonist, however this time he is trying to save his mother from a terrible curse that will eventually turn her into stone. Fortunately, Toku, with the help of Enril the Wind Spirit, has all of his abilities from the first game. As the game progresses, he learns several new skills, such as cyclone creation and the ability to manipulate seasons with the help of special shrines located throughout the game.

In order to progress through the game players will have to solve cleverly crafted puzzles with the powers at the player's disposal. For example, Toku's new power, the cyclone, allows him to reach higher platforms and funnel water, which turns to precipitation in order to transport water from one area to another. Once this skill is upgraded, players can even create cyclones to drill loose rocks.

Similar to its predecessor Toku is controlled with the Nunchuk's analog stick, and all the wind powers are controlled with the Wii Remote. The controls still work well without any major issues and are one of the best examples of motion controls on the system.

Because Toku is a very weak character who has no attacks of his own, players will have to exploit their wind powers as well as the environment in order to defeat enemies. Most enemies don't have to be defeated in order to advance but in rare instances, the game’s boss for example, players will have to destroy several in order to advance.

LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias includes several upgrades from its predecessor. One of the best improvements is the map system. Though it isn't the most sophisticated map, it is very functional and will prevent players from getting lost, which was somewhat of an issue in the first game. The puzzles are also more sophisticated, since at times players will have to switch seasons and do something in one season and then turn back to the other season in order to finish the puzzle and advance.

While the original game looked beautiful, the sequel looks even better. The locales and particle effects are simply breathtaking, in both the winter and summer. If Toku walks behind a transparent ice pillar, players will see Toku's reflection warp, just as it would naturally. All of the environmental effects in the game seem very natural as well. Like its predecessor, the game is graphically impressive. The visuals are some of the prettiest on WiiWare and they are more impressive than many proper Wii titles.

Even though this game is longer than the first title, the game only lasts about four to six hours. Once the game is completed there really isn't any incentive for replay, unless players wish to collect all of the 48 statues (small collectibles located throughout the game). Another minor issue is that the game isn't very challenging with the exception of a few very clever puzzles. Furthermore, it's almost impossible to die given the abundance of save statues and the barely threatening enemies.

Despite its length, LostWinds: Winter of the Melodias is worth its price tag of 1000 Wii Points. It’s a must have, especially if you enjoy puzzle-platformers or are a fan of the original LostWinds.