It quite surprised me when I checked, that no one had actually reviewed this game, so here is my effort:
Game: Link’s Crossbow Training
RRP: £19.99
PEGI rating: 12+
Wifi: No
Players: 1-4
Controls: Remote & Nunchuk – zapper compatible
Graphics
Personally, I think the graphics on this game are stunning, but then it is part of the Zelda franchise, one of Nintendo’s flagships, so they would not allow it to let the side down!
The detail to the background is wonderful, and you find yourself forgetting to aim at targets as you study the scenes in admiration.
The only game I have seen with better graphics than this is Super Mario Galaxy.
Graphics score: 8/10
Audio
The sound of the crossbow firing is satisfyingly accurate, and the background noises sound realistic. The music, unfortunately, is not exactly inspiring, and a lot of the time, simply reminds me of the suspense music on gameshows such as “Who Wants to be a Millionaire”.
But then, I didn’t buy this game for the soundtrack!
Audio score: 5/10
Gameplay
Now most of you probably already know that this game is basically a set of 27 timed shooting mini-games. They are in groups of 3, named 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 etc. You start off with the first 9 – 1-1 to 3-3 unlocked to get you started.
On the menu screen, you can choose to calibrate your crossbow using the “Adjust alignment” option, and then you are free to choose between “Score Attack”, “Multiplayer” or “Practice”.
In Practice mode you are able to choose from any unlocked mini-game and practice on it to your heart’s content.
Multiplayer allows up to 4 people to take it in turns using the same controller (there is no multiple controller option) to compete against each other, again only in mini-games that have been unlocked to date. The game will basically keep score until you end Multiplayer Mode and then announce the over-all winner.
When setting up a user file, you must select a Mii from your Plaza, although you do not see the Mii in any of the mini-games, only in the multiplayer home screen. Up to 8 user profiles can be stored in the game’s memory.
Score Attack allows you to select a group of mini-games, from those that you have unlocked, and you must then play all 3 games in that set. A score of 20,000 points or more will give you a bronze medal and will unlock the next group of 3 games. Gold and silver medals can also be won.
There are three different types of mini-game: Target shooting, fixed combat and free movement combat.
Target shooting is a great starting point and allows you to get used to using the zapper. You move on rails between each section and simply shoot the targets as they appear. More points are awarded with combo chains, so accuracy is the key to success.
Fixed Combat is also on rails although now you are shooting your enemies as they flood towards you. You are able to turn to view different directions by pointing the crosshair to the edge of the screen. There is generally a radar screen visible in the bottom right corner of the screen, so you know when to turn round!
Free Movement Combat involves use of the thumb stick on the nunchuk to move while you shoot, and is therefore the more articulate of the three types of game. Again, a radar screen is in view, and you must use this to locate each enemy, as they may be hiding behind walls etc.
There are three ways to shoot with your crossbow: single shot (use accurately to gain combo points), Exploding arrows (hold down the B button until you power up, then release) for a mega-powerful shot for those troublesome enemies, plus automatic arrows. Your radar screen will show some glowing green enemies, which when shot, win you 100 automatic bullets to shoot continuously.
Level 8-3 is a Boss round entitled “Darknut Duel”, and is obviously a Free Movement Combat round. By the time you reach this stage, you should have mastered all the necessary tricks required to defeat this mysterious enemy.
The final boss round, level F-3, is entitled “Fossil Stallord Battle”, and is a fixed combat round. In this round, you must defeat a giant opponent by aiming for targets on his hands, feet and head, as they become visible. Timing and accuracy are important here, as failure to hit targets will result in him rushing up to kill you.
The gameplay is innovative and fun, and you do not tire of repeating rounds again and again.
Gameplay score: 9/10
Summary
Speaking as someone who is unfamiliar with the Zelda franchise, I bought this game as it came with the Zapper. I had no pre-conceived ideas about it, and was extremely surprised at how much fun it was. Considering that the £20 price tag includes the zapper, I was expecting a 5 minute mini-game to be on the disc, and how wrong I was! Nearly three months after buying it, my whole family still loves this game and play it regularly together on Sunday afternoons! Anyone who is concerned about the 12+ rating can rest assured that there is no gore at all – the rating is probably necessary because this is a shooting game that aims at enemies rather than just targets.
If you are able to get your hands on this rare game, I suggest you grab it, as you will not be disappointed!
SUMMARY
GRAPHICS: 8
AUDIO: 5
GAMEPLAY: 9
INNOVATION: 9
VALUE FOR MONEY: 10
OVERALL RATING: 82%
Link's Crossbow Training Review
Linear Mode
