I have to say, I am really happy to see my inbox flooded with emails from European readers. All of you have had the same focus this week. You’ve wanted me to spread the word on Zack and Wiki. Your emails have been read, your cries have been heard, and it’s my pleasure to give Z&W another push.

As most of you know, GoNintendo teamed up with IGN to try and push Zack and Wiki. Both outlets had gotten some hands-on time with the title, and after playing a good amount, we knew that spreading awareness for the game was the right thing to do. Zack and Wiki was going to have a tough road ahead of it. The gameplay was phenomenal, and the Wii controls were top-notch. Zack and Wiki’s controller integration gave us a game that truly wouldn’t work out nearly as well on another platform. The problem was, the graphical approach wasn’t really something that would stick out for the core gamer. Well actually, it would stick out…but in a bad way. (Most) core gamers just don’t like the cel-shaded approach. It tends to give off a kiddy vibe in their minds. On top of that, the game’s characters were cutesy and harmless, something else that doesn’t sit well with the core crowd. These were huge hurdles for the game to overcome.

Unfortunately, no matter how much we pushed, the game just couldn’t get past its visual approach. The game was praised by media outlets, but ignored by the consumer. Last I heard, the game managed to move under 35,000 copies. I do not know where the game is at right now in terms of sales, but needless to say, it’s not anywhere near what you would consider a hit. It’s so hard for a new character/game to get a start in the game industry. Gamers like characters they know, and will eat up sequels afterwards. Sometimes these sequels are very worthy of your gaming dollars, and other times they are abominations that sell based on the character’s name. With the industry’s reliance on sequels and established characters, it is increasingly hard for anything new to get a chance. This was another area in which Zack and Wiki were up against the 8-ball.

There is still a chance for Zack and Wiki though. The title will be launching this Friday in Europe. Zack and Wiki has had a lot more time to build buzz in Europe than it did in North America. I am really hoping that all the positive reviews coming out of NA will help boost this game in Europe. I would love to see first-week sales place the title in the top 10 for the week at the very least…top 5 would be even better. As far as I know, there haven’t been any TV spots in Europe, which would help things out even more. Basically, the game is relying on print reviews and ads to do well. I know that many Europeans have been following the game ever since NA launch, and they’ve been eagerly awaiting their chance to own a copy. Just how much support the game has garnered remains to be seen.

It’s as simple as this. Europe…give the game a chance. I am not asking you to run out and buy the game, sight unseen. If you are unsure, give the game a rental. I am positive that you will be sucked into the charm of the title, which will most likely push you to purchase. If the graphics aren’t for you, look past them and give gameplay a try. This is not a game for the weak-minded. You will spend plenty of time scratching your head, trying to figure out what to do. The gameplay is tried-and-true, the controls are spot-on and immersive, and the overall experience is one that we haven’t had from a game in a very long time. Don’t let this game slip by.

Source

-I have this game and it's awesome!!! If you like puzzles games then you will love it cause mustly based around solving puzzle.

Got this yesterday, its great!!! :D

I played the game at my friends house and it has nice graphics although the story seems boring to me. Have fun beating the game! ;)