PixlBit

Prope, founded by Sonic creator, Yuji Naka, is quickly becoming know for their low budget, simplistic games on the Wii. They originally came to market with the quirky Let's Tap, and its equally weird brother, Let's Catch. Since then, Naka had a son and was subsequently inspired to produce a game that would appeal to the toddler. The result of that effort is the undeniably cute, Ivy the Kiwi?.

In keeping with Prope's pedigree, Ivy the Kiwi? is a bite-sized offering that features only a singular concept. It contains about 100 levels, including a multiplayer mode for up-to-four players that uses the same material featured in the single player quest. Though only donning a single mechanic, Ivy the Kiwi? succeeds in being a challenging and entertaining experience.

Players control Ivy by interacting with her as she automatically moves from one side of the level to the other. In order to modify her course, players are given the ability to draw vines on the screen, which are essentially platforms for Ivy to walk on. Drawing these vines is relatively easy, but the depth of their control is definitely not apparent upon first taking use of the ability.

When drawn, the vines anchor to the point where players first click a button on the Wii Remote. From here, players must hold the button and move the other end of the vine to a location that creates a platform for Ivy to walk along. Because Ivy can step on these platforms before you are finished drawing them, you can move Ivy in unique ways to reach challenging locations on the map. While players are ultimately just trying to get Ivy safely to the goal, there are ten feathers scattered about the level to collect along the way.

These feathers are really the cornerstone of the experience, as players will more often than not, be able to easily guide Ivy to the exit. Oftentimes, the feathers are in extremely tough to get spots and players will need to masterfully maneuver Ivy to reach the location. This includes using the vines in some creative ways.

Other than simply being platforms for Ivy, the vines can act as a barrier from spikes, enemies and anything else that might hurt the baby bird. Additionally, after a vine is anchored on both ends, players can pinch the vine with the Wii Remote and use it as a catapult to send Ivy breaking through blocks or to high places.

Much of the game will involve players mastering the vine mechanics, and understanding their every behavior. The better players know and understand the way the vines work, the more apt they will be at figuring out the puzzles presented by the feathers.

While Ivy the Kiwi? is indeed a ton of fun to play, the experience is extremely short-lived. Upon initially importing the title, I reached Level 60 in my first sitting and managed to collect all of the feathers in every level. Unfortunately, my first playthrough only lasted about two hours, demonstrating just how short the game is.

There is some definite replay value though in both collecting all of the feathers and enjoying the multiplayer mode with friends. While the mode uses all of the same levels from the single player game, players have two different methods of play to experience the levels. The first is the Time Trial mode, which is similar in design to the single player quest. The difference here is that players can not only modify the path of their version of Ivy, but they can also mess with other players' Ivys as well. This same concept holds true in the other mode, which is a race to collect as many coins as possible in the level.

It's also worth mentioning just how gorgeous the game's story book presentation is. When I first played the Japanese version of the game, which is sepia-toned, I was blown away. XSEED has gone the extra mile and applied more colors to the game, creating an awe-inspiring look that never fails to impress me.

When it comes down to it, Ivy the Kiwi? is a solid experience that all gamers would enjoy. While the experience may be short-lived, it's great while it lasts, and the game's budget-pricing makes that less of a bitter pill to swallow.