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Very Nice Movie-Themed Game

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 17 / 17
Date: July 21, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Typically, I'm not a huge fan of movie-themed games. However, this is a good one! Not fantastic, but good. The graphics are quite nice (in terms of the Wii) and the dialogue and storylines are entertaining. Not a difficult game to play for an adult. I had hoped it would be simple enough for my younger children. But, ages 6 and up should be just fine. Ratatouille uses both the Wii-mote and the nunchuck controllers and at least four buttons across both controllers. My biggest complaint is that the game does not make the most out of the Wii controllers. Most of the gameplay could be done on a keyboard on a PC-based game. There are a few rudimentary adaptations of the wii controllers unique capabilities in both the main game and the mini-games, such as pointing at vegetables that need to go into a soup pot. Hardly the innovations we have come to expect from Wii mini-games. Nevertheless, its an enjoyable game. Solid gameplay and good stroytelling make this a game that can hold your interest. I continue to maintain that movie-themed games would benefit from having a lower price-point than mainstream games, since few of them live up to the production standards of other titles. However, this is one of the more enjoyable movie-themed titles I've played and if you were a huge fan of the movie, you will enjoy the game. I have to admist, I really liked the "smell-o-vision" graphic representations.

3.5; fun for the kiddies, pleasant for everyone else

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 10 / 12
Date: June 28, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Another Pixar movie, another tie-in. And like a lot of tie-ins, they tend to be more based on using the license rather than making a solid game. The Incredibles was a pretty alright game but its frustration factor and repetitiveness was aggravating and Cars was kind of a boring racing game. Now we can finally get into platformers which will no doubt please the kiddies. How much fun they have or even how much you'll have will probably be slightly minimal. It's a fun game but it's been done better although maybe not as cuter.

Story: Remy is a thin blue rat living in France. Thanks to a mishap, he ends up in the sewers of Paris. Nearby is the restaurant Gustave's, the late owner being Remy's hero who's slogan "anyone can cook" gets him on the mission to become a great chef. But who would let a rat cook, let alone cook in a restaurant in France? Well lowly kitchen worker Linguini would and both of them fulfill their dreams of both of them becoming a great chef.

Graphics: Like a lot of Wii games, the graphics here look nice but maybe not at the level as top-tier games such as Gears of War or Twilight Princess. In-game cinematics can range from pretty well-done and textured to almost blurry and kind of too much light bloom. But gameplay is quite animated with my favorite animation being Remy's feet when he turns sharp corners.

Sound/Music: Very well done actually, normally I kind of tune out the music but using a French inspiration with instruments such as musettes, the music is quite nice to listen to. Voice acting is of course spot on with Patton Oswalt providing the voice of Remy, Lou Romano as Linguini and Janeane Garafalo as Colette, a fellow chef Linguini likes. Unlike some tie-ins like the Spider-Man series, these VA's seem genuinely interested in giving good performances and not just "I'm just doing this for the kids".

Gameplay: Where the game suffers or excels depending on who old you are. Controlling Remy with the control stick, Z button is used to make him sprint like a rat out of hell (I just had to use that pun) and C for the camera. On the Wii-mote, A is used for jumping while B is kind of like Zelda's context-sensitive button such as using spoons as a weapon, boxes for shield or interact with things in the environment. Shaking the controller makes Remy do a spin attack, perfect for bags and bugs.

The game is quite repetitive. Remy's in a Parisian area, has to coordinate with rats which will end in getting a big haul of food. Afterwards you go through a pipe to head back home in the sewers. It's not that the game doesn't have an inviting atmosphere with all the cute rats everywhere but after awhile you feel like "oh boy, here comes those aggravating chase scenes again". The fun parts though are the mini-games in the kitchen as Remy as to control Linguini and make food which range from a cake using DDR-like moves to yes or no choice salads and rotating potatoes and waving up and down to cut them. These are probably the more funner segments even though there's not a whole lot of different ones.

Make no mistake, despite its Disney/Pixar name, this thing can get aggravating. From its end-level chase scenes to the special levels up in the sky, there's going to be lots of re-tries. But despite that, it's still a game your kids will like although adults might not find much depth.

A movie based game that is really fun!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 11
Date: June 27, 2007
Author: Amazon User

I saw the sneak preview for Ratatouille in mid June and played the demo of the PC version. The movie was great and demo promising enough to warrant picking this up on release day.

The controls are a LOT better than the PC version, but so far there haven't been too many instances where wiimote specific gestures make a huge difference between what can be done on a 360 or PS3.

Voice work is excellent (as one would expect).

Wii graphics are toned down a bit, but are still quite deep.

Overall game play is a blast. As you progress through the game you accumulate Gusteau points which you can use to unlock in game power-ups, movie clips, mini games, cheat codes and more. I am still having a lot of fun in the game, so I haven't used any points yet, but they will be nice to have for later.

I can't comment on multi player mode, but the game is well worth the price.

Eh

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: July 23, 2007
Author: Amazon User

The game play was nice. It starts out in a fun way. It does get repetitive though, and easily boring.
The main reason why I wanted to play this game was for the multi player. Unfortunately you have to unlock it. I've completed 60% of the game and used the unlock codes for the multi player and it still wont let me play. I'm disappointed that this yet another game where you have to unlock multi player. Can we please get some games out there that you don't have to end the game three thousand times before you can play with your friends?

For Once, A Good Movie Based Game!!!!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: August 19, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Ratatoullie for wii is a ton of fun. Playing as Remy (the rat) is probably the best part of the game. The game can get boring and repetitive at hte end though, but is still worth buying.

Graphics-The game looks good, but could be better.Graphics don't matter though. The worlds are very detailed and fun to explore.
Gameplay- You have to complete missions that other rats give you. You have to avoid human, dogs, cats, lobsters, and more enemies.

Controlls- They actually work really good. I'm impressed. The rat always does what you want him to do.

Ratatoullie is a really well-crafted game that you should buy

Too Much Salt, Not Enough Substance

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 2 / 4
Date: July 09, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Despite the Wii's having a rather modest game gallery as of yet in its early history, the system has already featured innumerable licensed games from CGI film animators. First there was 'Ice Age 2: The Meltdown,' then 'Cars,' followed by 'Surf's Up,' and now, Pixar's own pet-project (excuse the pun) 'Ratatouille.' Although the motion picture's virtual variant does indeed feature some worthwhile and wholly redeeming attributes, our rodent friend Remy never really snatches the proverbial cheese.

Based on the feature film of the same name, 'Ratatouille' allows gamers to embody the fiendishly cute, though devious, Remy, an adolescent street rat living a rather unorthodox life in and around the metropolis of Paris. With the Wiimote and its peripheral Nunchuck in-hand, one embarks on numerous mini-missions, nearly all of which somehow involve food in one way or another. Whether you find yourself jumping from cantaloupe to watermelon in Remy's tripped out dream world or scampering around the city streets in an attempt to escape a chef's capture, Remy can never stray all too far from the culinary scene. The missions, though somewhat short, are (with a few exceptions) generally well designed. Each vignette is self-contained and follows a cut-scene during which your objectives are examined through character interactions and well-executed voice performances. Curiously enough, this kid-friendly title does not allow for user-enabled saves; that is, the gamer does not choose when and where he or she saves his or her progress. Instead, 'Ratatouille's' developers have implemented an automatic progression save system, through which the software periodically saves your advances when it deems necessary (usually at a mission's halfway point as well as after its conclusion). Unfortunately, this deficit of user input diminishes the game's 'pick up and play' appeal. Although the thrills are rather shallow, they cannot be experienced in the short-term; one must provide ample time to play in order to ensure that his or her progress will be saved. Otherwise, fifteen minutes of gaming may prove entirely fruitless, should you not reach a predetermined save point.

Graphically speaking, 'Ratatouille' shines but paradoxically enough, such a statement is actually a somewhat backhanded compliment. All things considered, the title has decent next-generation graphics; that being said, the Wii can most certainly do better and although 'Ratatouille' remains one of the sharpest Wii games currently available on the market graphically, the title still suffers from several presentation snares. But before we dig in with our criticisms, let's congratulate the designers on their numerous successes.

For one, the lighting is downright sensational. Although occasionally bombastic (nearly every surface, even those which would normally feature matte finishes, are shiny), the title's boom lighting mechanics are nothing short of remarkable. Dark shadows, dainty glows, and even the occasional streaks of garish sunlight are all featured and to my surprise, all look incredibly realistic. Whilst bouncing around an environment, Remy's bluish-grey coat will undergo countless hue and saturation overhauls depending on the lighting elements in and around his location. His tail might feature a green glow from a far away lamppost while simultaneously, his face reflects red from a motorist's tail light. The Wii's dynamic lighting capabilities are just one of its many graphical improvements over the Gamecube, its parent company's last generation console.

Also added to the mix and experienced in 'Ratatouille' is improved motion blurring, mouth/speech synchronization, and interactivity. Despite all of these apparent visual successes, several somewhat sizeable graphical flaws remain. For one, the title's in-game texture mapping is downright deplorable. Considering your character is a rodent, you will frequently find yourself low to the ground, scrambling about from place to place. Sadly enough, Remy does not run about a high-resolution three-dimensional floor, nor even a normal resolution picture map, but instead, along a tired and excessively pixilated low-resolution grid. Expect this trend to be maintained throughout the entirety of the title and to include all of its environmental surfaces, not just the lowly platforms upon which you tread. Because of the exemplary lighting dynamics, every setting appears glossy and glorious upon first glance but as soon as you start moving and the initial 'Wow!' factor diminishes, modest disappointment sets in.

As far as gameplay is concerned, 'Ratatouille' serves up a casserole containing both sweet and sour components. Some levels are as savory as can be while others border on tedium and monotony. Upon progressing say one-fifth of the way through the game, you will begin to notice a rather unsettling trend; not only is the game designed to be played in a linear fashion but worse, the 'style' and 'feel' of a given episode is repeated countless times over and over again throughout the progression of the plot. The game features a cycle of about three mission styles and having played all three once, boredom awaits you. Style one is your basic platformer - you scurry about, collecting objects, avoiding enemies, and performing jumps and leaps in order to complete objectives. Style two is a proverbial pipe dream - Remy will be placed in a cylindrical environment and the gamer must prevent him from falling through holes and the like as he slides downward toward a given destination. Style three is a generic, though somewhat challenging, chase scene - In hot pursuit of Remy will be any number of aggressors, all of which follow closely behind the rodent as you steer him out of harm's way. The camera here actually acts as an impediment, seeing as Remy scrambles forward but the camera provides only glimpses backward. This wouldn't be a huge problem if Remy's movements and leaps were controlled by the computer but alas, such is not the case. Gamers are given about one second's notice before a jump or turn must be made and should they react slowly or erroneously, the mission will abruptly end and the chase resume from a previous save point. Aggravating.

All in all, 'Ratatouille' succeeds but does so with countless difficulties along the way. If you can endure the unsavory moments of this largely-tasty title, then a good time will be had...that is, while it lasts. The central gaming experience is actually a rather short-lived experience and being as such, will take the average gamer less than five hours to complete. That being said, those five hours can be wholly enjoyable in so long as one maintains an open-mind and a healthy degree of patience.

PROS -
+ The Wiimote and Nunchuck controls are sufficient but nothing extraordinary; expect somewhat standard interactivity and immersion.
+ Extraordinary lighting effects and character designs; some of the best graphics yet to be experienced on the Wii.
+ Brilliant voice acting from the film's original cast; character mouth movements and expressions convincingly relay corresponding emotions.
+ The game's fantasy environments provide some unique thrills and despite their somewhat dizzying array of vivid colors and frenzied motions, prove wholly satisfying.

CONS -
-- Incredibly poor texture mapping; expect Remy to be running along a floor composed of what appear to be enlarged print-outs from an inkjet printer on the fritz.
-- Unreasonable pricing; once again, $39.99 would more than fit the bill.
-- Level variety is lacking; three variations exist and those same generic designs are recycled again and again.
-- The game's casing features a sticker advertising free admission to the film's screening but neglects to inform a potential gamer that said ticket is limited to ONE CHILD's admission; adults cannot utilize the promotional discount.

It's Great to be a Kid Sometimes!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: June 30, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Ratatouille is a down to heart fun game. The game is designed for kids but who says grown ups like us cant play games like this. Sure we have all the blood, shooting, and violence in other games but its good to have a balance. And this game just down rite evens it all out. The gaming cinematics are great, not far off from the movie considering it is animation, I would have to say that this game is by far the summers greatest movie tie in game, it really stays true to the movie. Although it is quite fast, and easy you are sure to have a great time, go ahead and buy this game!

Not for an inexperienced gamer.....

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: April 14, 2008
Author: Amazon User

My husband and I recently bought a Wii. I haven't honestly had a game system since my Colecovision back in the 1980's, so this was all new to us! While I have loved some of the games -- especially the Carnival game -- this one is a little more challenging and it takes forever to master the different challenges. As far as we can tell, you have to master the challenges or else you go back to where you were in the story to do it over and over again. Not too fun.

The graphics are really great though and the story is cute. I'm sure this is a great game for some people, but it just wasn't for us. We'll stick to the Carnival game and the racing ones for him. We just picked up the Bully game, too, and that one seems a little challenging but not nearly as hard to navigate with the controls.

Skip this game. It is not casual-gamer or kid-friendly.

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: March 31, 2008
Author: Amazon User

I can only speak for the Wii version of this game, but both I and my son have spent weeks trying to get past the 1st level. We have MANY other Wii games and we've never encountered this kind of early-on difficulty, but the controls on this game are very loose during the Destiny River level, which is level 1 of the main game. I have yet to meet another Wii gamer who has gotten past this first level. I don't know what the programmers were thinking when they made the Wii version of Ratatouille. Other game consoles don't seem to have this problem with Ratatouille. Looking for a good, kid-friendly movie-based game? Try Meet the Robinsons. That was a really good one.

Ratatouille for Wii

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: August 18, 2008
Author: Amazon User

This game is fun and some parts are very easy and some parts are kind of hard. I think it will be a great challenge for my child to play it.

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