Latest Previews
Street Fighter IV - Hands OnSpider-Man: Web of Shadows - Hands OnFamily Trainer - First Lookde Blob - Hands OnGC08 - Resident Evil 5 Hands OnUser Reviews
There are currently 0 User Reviews for Sheep, Dog `n` WolfWrite your own review for this game today and you will receive 100 Gamer Points.
Click here to register
Sheep, Dog `n` Wolf Preview
Chris Leyton
00/12/0000
Join Ralph Wolf in this unique puzzle/adventure title.
Take one-part Lemmings, one-part 3D platformer, one part Metal Gear Solid and mix in an ACME crate, more then likely the result will end up looking something like Sheep, Dog āNā Wolf.
SDnW places you in the position of Ralph Wolf, a Wile E.Coyote look-alike that seems to share the same misfortunes. Itās up to you to pull the wool over Sam the Sheepdogās eyes by rustling his flock of sheep, sounds simple, but believe me popping down the local McDonalds would be so much easier.
On initial viewing SDnW looks little more then a kiddieās title, the vivid graphics along with the simplistic levels could initially deceive but rest assured this game will tax geniuses.
In this respect SDnW is best compared to Lemmings, as in that title you have to work out the correct plan of attack to overcome the obstacles and progress through the 15 different levels. For example after stealthily crossing the paddock, you must entice the sheep to your end. A quick look at your inventory reveals a particularly nice brand of Sheep perfume and a handheld fan. Simply open the perfume and blow the odour towards the flock, attract their attention and watch as they mercifully skip in to your clutches.
Not exactly rocket science however they do get progressively harder and help to merge the difference between game and cartoon. At times youāll believe itās the cartoon, as you plan out the next devious plot complete with blueprints and an endless supply of ACME components.
The style of gameplay lends itself to repeated play until you suss out the solution, which when poorly designed can lead to a frustrating experience. Thankfully Infogrames have thought this through and got it spot on, sure some of the puzzles will take dozens of attempts before you work out the solution, however because you start at that particular puzzle rather then the beginning of the level or at the last checkpoint you can jump straight back into it. This along with the perfectly balanced learning curve helps to produce a game that oozes that āone-more-goā appeal.
Itās not all puzzle solving, thereās a strong platform element requiring you to run, jump and well anything else that ends up in your hands, around the levels, whilst also keeping an eye out for Sam the Sheepdog. When youāre in the same area as Sam the game takes on a MGS approach, players have to be sneaky and watch out as Sam keeps a watchful eye on his flock. The trick is legging it whilst heās not looking and staying concealed when he is, thanks to the onscreen head youāll know exactly when to run and when to hide.
Graphically SDnW uses the flavour-of-the-month technique, yep you guessed it Cell-Shading, pioneered by Sega and abused by just about everybody else. I am beginning to get sick of the sight of it, however Iām relieved to say it works well in SDnW. The thick lines and vibrant colours lend themselves well to the WB style, after all thatās where the idea originated so I canāt really complain. Especially when the animation is as good as this, Ralph runs, jumps and gets pummelled just as he does in the cartoons. Popping the run button will result in a blurred frenzy around your feet, giving you the opportunity to cross small crevices. Smash into objects and youāll stagger around whilst the stars circle around your head. At times this really does look like the cartoon, which along with the trademark sounds and effects helps to create that sense of authenticity.
ogi_patak
Date Added:Sat 13th Jan 2007 11:52