If you follow gaming news and reviews on a regular basis then you're sure to have come across a news article, preview or review clamoring about how Capcom's first original Wii title - Zack & Wiki: Quest For Barbaros' Treasure - is a can't miss title that deserves your full attention despite its childish packaging. But hype has a way of turning against itself, especially when attempting to simultaneously attract the casual and hardcore gaming set, giving way to some doubt. After fiddling with a somewhat confusing demo at E3, I wasn't quite sure what to expect from the final product; but within thirty minutes of playing this with my wife, all undecided feelings I had for Zack & Wiki were eradicated on contact by this lovable yet challenging point-and-click puzzle game that brings back fond memories of comedic PC gems of the Nineties such as the recently reborn Sam & Max and Day of the Tentacle. One of those rare games that satisfies both the hardcore gamer's need for innovation and challenge and the casual gamer's desire for accessibility and tangibility, Zack & Wiki is an instant classic that should be high on the wish list of every single Wii owner.

The story in Zack & Wiki begins with one simple question: "what would you do if the ghost of the infamous pirate Barbaros asked you for help in recovering the scattered pieces of his body?" Of course, the answer is, "ask him for his storied ship in return so you can take his place as the greatest pirate that ever lived" or that's at least what up-and-coming pirate and Sea Rabbits crew member Zack and his flying sarcastic monkey companion Wiki thought to reply. As they travel around the island their base is located on looking for Barbaros' body parts, they come across furry natives, perfectionist cleaning robots, a humungous ice lion's head and many other quirky locales that stand in the way of pay day. All in a day's pirating I guess!

Getting hold of each of Barbaros' body parts is easier said than done though and it will take quite a bit of ingenuity and inventiveness to unravel the puzzles that this island has in store. Using an on-screen pointer, you control Zack in standard adventure game fashion, using the Wiimote to click on an area to get Zack to move there, or clicking on an object to get Zack to examine it. All interactive objects turn the cursor purple to avoid falling into a helpless puddle of clicking on anything and everything - then he marches right over and the perspective changes to first person for a better view. Once in this view, interactivity can range from inserting an object you're carrying to utilizing one of over a dozen gestures, such as pulling, sawing, twisting and jerking, adding a new dimension to adventure gaming that only the Wii can provide. Up to three other players can provide on-screen suggestions via their own cursor too, which can point at and circle anything that they find interesting.

The Wii is, of course, tailored for such gameplay and for the most part it doesn't disappoint with such a natural fitting. Using the cursor is a trouble free endeavor, as is pointing and clicking. Zack's reactions to your instructions are generally fine, although moving him around - especially long and short distances - can be a hassle, as not everywhere that appears is clickable space and some of that space can be read as you wanting to send Zack to a place you didn't intend. Having to interact with many of the objects and puzzles in the game directly with gestures is brilliant and engaging, adding a much-needed tangible touch to the adventure genre. The in-game gesture tutorials are mostly helpful, though a bit more depth for the casual and younger gamer would have been appreciated.

But the greatest motion controls in the world mean nothing without excellent gameplay to take advantage of them - and Zack & Wiki does not in any fashion fail at such a feat. The folks at Capcom have really outdone themselves when it comes to the puzzles occupying this game and I was constantly challenged to think outside of the box to solve them. Part of this fun stems from the adorable creatures that can be transformed into tools and items when Wiki is shaken like a bell (flying monkey bell - I know - but stick with me). Frogs can be transformed into bombs, goblins into totems, moles into drills, centipedes into saws - you get the off-kilter idea. To go along with what can be made, each level has items strewn about, nearly all of which are needed to complete that level's main puzzle.

One particular puzzle asks you to reach a treasure chest whose location is blocked by a large fish that's the crown catch of an extremely hungry goblin, who is attempting to catch it using a fishing pole. You cannot attempt to swim to the treasure with the fish intact or walk up to goblin, as both actions end with Zack in the respective creature's belly. Since Zack knows where the tool to catch the fish is - in the possession of the goblin - he must find a way to retrieve it without becoming a snack. By transforming a nearby frog and sending him down a water slide, it's possible to blow the goblin into a dazed state and steal his fishing pole! That is just one part of one of the game's easier puzzles - the difficulty ramps up in a haste and having a second person on hand to help work through the problems will be key to keep the attention of anyone not quite ready for a steep mental challenge.

Parents - this is where you come in. It has been quite a while since I have played a game that I believe will not only provide both parent and child with entertainment but strengthen their bond together through teamwork and instill problem solving abilities that they may not even know they possess. These puzzles are no cakewalk, so working with someone who approaches each puzzle with a different take to your own helps ease the frustration of getting stuck and having to go through the motions of trial and error. You don't even need to actively play the game to bond and help your child; ask them to explain what a level wants you to do and offer suggestions in the form of questions, even if you have no idea what is going on. Simply asking "what does the frog do?" or "can the snake slither through holes?" could point them in the right direction, even if this wasn't your intention. Much like putting together a model or playing a board game, participating in the process rather than leaving the child alone to figure it out, and possibly fail, on their own will encourage creativity and forge lasting memories. And anyway - I'd like to see any of you make it through the later levels in one try! I dare you - triple dog dare!

If there is one complaint that truly hurts Zack & Wiki, it is the fact that if you have done something detrimental to accomplishing the goals and finishing the level then the game doesn't let you know. You have to continue on until you realize the folly of your ways, whether this be right away or after twenty minutes of setting up the rest of the puzzle. Since each level is self-contained, I'm scratching my head in disbelief as to why this feature is missing. There is nothing more disheartening and aggravating than figuring out that you messed up beyond repair twenty minutes after the fact, if you figure it out at all! This could derail many a casual and younger gamer's fun, being stuck in a puzzle where they are unsure if they are missing something or have messed something up. I could live with a hint feature that you can turn on or off, but to leave it out altogether was a large party foul, albeit the game's only real weakness.

To go with the stellar gameplay, Capcom have crafted a stellar presentation that rivals the mighty Nintendo in quality and hardware pushing potential. Vibrant (especially when viewed in 480p) cel-shaded graphics and textures that lose little detail upon inspection make up a world where every level and area on the island is vastly different from the next. An abundance of amazing special effects, such as heat blurring, particle effects and reflective surfaces, only further compliment what the rendered graphics provide. There is some minor slowdown when the effects become too heavy - due to the title toping out at thirty frames-per-second - but for the most part it's not noticeable. Ambient sounds, such as roaring fires, flowing lava and howling winds, mix with adventurous tunes that neither annoy nor distract and amusing voice snippets to create a very satisfying audio tour de force. Some might complain about the lack of full voiceover work, but with limited storytelling and what is here being in Japanese, I don't see any reason to second-guess Capcom's decision.

Finishing the main storyline can greatly vary in time based on how often you become stuck or spend on each puzzle, but around fifteen to twenty hours is a decent estimate. Each level can be replayed for a high score and some even have multiple solutions, giving plenty of reasons to return for a second play through. As I have said before, this title is perfect for multiple players, so sharing the experience afterwards with someone else, especially a usual non-gamer such as my wife, can even further its lifespan. If that's not enough, then Capcom has set the price at $39.99, $10 less than plenty of garbage titles that are taking up shelf space and attempting to steal your money.

With the holiday shopping season more than upon us, making those last minute shopping decisions and prioritizing those 'me' gaming dollars are high on many peoples' to do lists. With more and more high-profile games landing at the feet of retailers every week, this is becoming an increasing burdensome task. So take my advice and let Capcom make at least one of those decisions hassle-free; purchase Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure. The title may be convoluted, but the gameplay and presentation are anything but. What could have fizzled into a case of undeserving hype is one of 2007's top games - and considering the competition, that is quite a lofty (but nevertheless justified) statement.

Reviewed by Tony Peters for AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).