Rabbids Land Review for Wii U - Cheat Code Central

System: Wii U
Dev: Ubisoft Paris
Pub: Ubisoft
Release: November 18, 2012
Players: 1-4
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p	Cartoon Violence, Crude Humor, Mild Language

The in-game music is forgettable, but it does fit the setting and zany characters. The sound effects fare much better, with original noises for every type of destructive shenanigans those Rabbids get into, as well as their signature cry, "DAAAAAAAAGH!" filling the airwaves when they get even the slightest bit flustered.

Rabbids Land Screenshot

The visuals are definitely a step up from any past games in the series. The vibrant colors are lively and add energy to the setting, both on an HDTV and the GamePad. But I was most impressed at how the Rabbids—who are nothing more than pure white characters with two bulging eyes—could look so much nicer with the Wii U's upgraded HD graphics. All the blooper reel cinematics are equally impressive, though some cutscenes that play over loading screens are frequently choppy. Rabbids Land may not push the boundaries of the Wii U's graphical power, but it does more than it needs to make the game look polished.

So let's sum up my criticisms. The minigames are all 1-vs-1. There's only one game board. The games themselves are only moderately fun. There's no groundbreaking use of the Wii U's new functionality. The single-player matches only use the GamePad (there's no Wii Remote option for playing minigames). You'll unlock all the extras very quickly, and they're nothing more than quick skits of Rabbids doing silly things. Oh, and there's no online multiplayer either. The game you're left with is fun, yes, but all of these issues to me seem like Ubisoft either didn't have the time, or didn't have the care to implement them properly.

Rabbids Land isn't the game that all your friends are going to be dying to come over and play. It's rather a casual game for a group of people who are just sitting around looking to kill about thirty minutes to an hour. I would love to see some free DLC for this game, because the fifty-dollar asking price is a little steep for the modest offering. Overall though, it's fun to play, addictive, and certainly worth adding to the collection of those Rabbid fans out there.

By
Sean Engemann
Freelance Writer
Date: November 19, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.2

Graphics
It doesn't push the limits of the Wii U hardware, but it's the best looking Rabbids game yet.

3.7

Control
Both the GamePad and Wii Remote controls are smooth, but there's nothing innovative in Rabbids Land.

3.6

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The sound effects are as quirky and priceless as ever. The music is okay, but nothing more.

3.0

Play Value
There really isn't a whole lot of content, just one board to play and a few videos to unlock.

3.6

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Discover how the Rabbids take over the attractions: Rabbids will have a lot on their plate: the princess castle, pirate boat, haunted house, tunnel of love, roller coaster... there are over 20 + attractions waiting to be invaded!

Use the Wii U controller in delirious ways: Whether you aim with it, tilt it, shout at it, watch it, steer it, share it, touch it, draw on it, or use it to plan your next move... Rabbids Land is going to make you see your console in a brand new light through its wacky interactions.

There is always two sides to a story: The Wii U controller demonstrates its core value through the asymmetrical gameplay it offers, allowing you to play co-op as well as versus mode. Not only will the game be experienced differently from one player to another, but the replay value is considerably high.

Fun on & off screen: Some attractions will challenge you and your friends to shout at each other, make one another dance, and push you to interact not only with the controller, but also between your buddies.

Use Wii U without TV: Is someone else camping out in front the TV? No problem! With the Wii U controller, you'll be able to play the full game.