[2010]
Developer: Torus Games | Featuring Frank Welker, Matthew Lillard, Grey Griffin, Mindy Cohn | Published by: Warner Bros. Interactive
Oh, I did not like this game…
As mentioned in my last review, “Scooby-Doo First Frights” was an enjoyable game boasting multiple stages, unique mysteries, and an excellent pastiche of the “Scooby-Doo: Where Are You!” era of storytelling. The graphics were so-so, (mostly because of the odd art style) the controls were fun, (especially on the Wii) and the story was entertaining.
This game does just about everything in an exact 180 direction.
While I didn’t mention this in my “First Frights” review, that game allowed players to ‘double jump’ by tapping the jump button twice – essentially allowing the players to catch a bit of air and propel themselves slightly higher and farther for unique parkour maneuvers. And the developers perfectly laid out their levels to reflect this fact.
“Spooky Swamp,” on the other hand, only allows you to jump once. For someone who’s played the original for years and years, this is very frustrating. It might not sound like much, but this change really messes with your timing and predictability. Moving platforms and the like are guaranteed death traps and, while dying in this game isn’t such a bad thing (you respawn and continue on, only a few hundred Scooby Snacks poorer) it quickly tests the nerves.
On top of that, in the original game, a smash combo could be done by jumping twice and then holding the attack button – sending said character down with a great force, knocking out multiple enemies with a powerful stun. With this game, that is achieved (albeit less effectively) by jumping only once and then pressing attack. While this doesn’t sound like it’s the end of the world, it actually is.
You see, in both games there are flying enemies and Scooby Snack hording objects (street lamps, objects on tables, and the like) scattered throughout the different stages that can only really be gotten by jumping and then attacking. In “First Frights” characters like Shaggy and Velma had a clear advantage here, as they both had ranged attacks. (Shaggy shoots a slingshot, Velma discus throws books) In this game, it’s nearly impossible to get these unless you wait for the enemies to land (which can take 30 second or more) and by attempting to jump on top of said high-up objects. However, both feats are a lot harder than they sound and end up making the playing experience so much less enjoyable when you’re hindered by this. (The flying enemies, by the way, will jump back up and fly when you get anywhere near them, or even hit them with a projectile too many times without defeating them)
On top of that, many of the animations this time around were altered to ‘slow up’ the characters to look less ‘arcade’y and more ‘realistic’ (and make gameplay outright torturous) while also making the enemies 2x harder.
I am convinced that if someone was introduced to this game first, and then visited “First Frights,” they would find themselves liking the original game much better than this 2010 sequel.
To further add insult to injury, while the last game had 4 distinct locations and many levels and areas within that (along with separate mysteries) this game has only 3 locations (2 “travel to” locations and the swamp, which serves as a hub) and the entire plot revolves around solving what is essentially a large, single mystery.
The justification for this cut is that this time around, each location functions more like an open-world environment rather than a linear level with separated stages. But even then you’ll find yourself blocked off from an area for an arbitrary reason and can only unlock it after speaking to the right person, or solving a simon-says like minigame with Velma. (the latter you have to re-do EVERY TIME YOU RETURN) Needless to say, it gets very frustrating very fast.
On top of all that, this game, while billing itself as a sequel and even re-using some side-character from “First Frights,” replaces Scott Innes as the voice of Shaggy with Matthew Lillard. Whose portrayal you prefer is certainly a matter of opinion; but this change kinda breaks your suspension of disbelief (as well as continuity) as everyone else acts like nothing’s changed between now and last time. Not a major issue, but, still an issue nevertheless. It would have been nice to see the same cast return for the sequel game – especially since it went with such a connected storyline. (and featured some returning side characters)
Last time I praised the Wii version for the allowance of multiple different unique control schemes. However, this time around, the game refuses to proceed unless you play with the Wii remote and nunchuk configuration. While, for me, this was a fairly easy adaptation (it’s essentially the same control scheme I used in “First Frights”) it was especially hard for my brother to adapt to, as he had gone with a different set-up for the first game, and had to re-learn all the controls in the new set-up.
Story was definitely disappointing in comparison to the original and, while in theory the open-world should lend itself for extra re-playability as with a game like “My Sims Agents” here it only further drives you away. The levels are convolutedly designed this time around and I can’t see myself returning to 100% this any time soon.
But I’d gladly fire up “First Frights” again and play it from scratch any random weekend.
I’d give this game a 2 out of 5 stars. If you think I’m going hard on it, then play it for yourself. As a sequel, it’s horrible on returning players as it’s basically like learning to play a completely different game. And for new-comers, the confusing level design, tough enemies, and far too short of a story makes it a solid pass.
Plus the absolute wimpening of the Werewolf bosses from the previous game was a little jarring. They were so OP in the original game, and such a challenge to beat as baddies. When you finally unlock them as playable characters, they’re absolute beasts and make every level a breeze. This time around, they’re often times one hit kills. Packs are now so unintimidating…
If you like this game, that’s perfectly fine. It just wasn’t for me.
The CinematiCritic 