‘Hit’ Collection- Let’s Tap Reviewed

Let’s Tap for the Nintendo Wii. Developer: Prope, Publisher: Sega. ESRB: E

From first-party titles such as WarioWare: Smooth Moves to third party fare like the Rayman Raving Rabbids and Carnival Games series, Wii owners are likely familiar with the oversaturated mini-game genre. These compilations typically rely on diversity rather than mechanical profundity to maintain a player’s attention. While these diminutive diversions are amusing in short bursts, they often lack the complexity to hold a gamer’s attention for extended periods of time.

Rhythm Tap’s inspiration emanates from the musical performance of the Samba de Amigo series. Similar in play style to Donkey Konga, players must match the notes shown on a scrolling percussional procession. Player’s strikes must match the strength indicated by on-screen prompts- from light pats to more powerful bangs. After a song completes, gamers are judged how closely their taps met with the title’s rhythms. This activity benefits from a diverse variety of music, and a creative implementation of notes. 

Bubble Voyager is the most novel game on the disk, using the title’s input method to recreate the classic NES title, Balloon Fight. Players are required to navigate increasing perilous labyrinth filled with collectables and obstacles. By maintaining the force and pace of drumbeat, participants can maintain an altitude, as the game’s backdrop scrolls by horizontally. When striking the Let’s Tap surface with a bit more force, gamers can launch a missile that eliminates impediments directly in front of them. Levels are punctuated by a clever landing phase, where players attempt a gentle touch down to refill energy.

Let’s Tap’s gameplay hinges on the accuracy and responsiveness of the Wiimote’s ability to perceive the drumming of a participant. Fortunately, the controller correctly interprets an array of patter. Additionally players can vary the tapping surface; tissue boxes allow for heightened sensitivity, while a hardcover book permitted more physicality. Searching for an ideal playing surface that complemented a player’s tapping style added an unforseen bit of merriment to the proceedings.

Each of the games on Let’s Tap are unified by a distinctive aesthetic that forgoes texturing for a sleek, vibrant, and ultimatly- distictive appearance. Players seeking an inspired Wii title that is well suited for multiplayer gaming sessions could do no better that Naka’s latest creation. With a reduced MSRP, and a generous amount of depth, Let’s Tap belongs in every socially-minded gamer’s library.