Elebits is the first game (in my opinion) built around the Wii controller. There is no way this game could be played on other consoles. The pointer movement has to be fast and precise if you are to meet your objectives. Elebits has worked wonders with the Wii remote, as aiming the pointer is fast and accurate. The tilt aspect (for opening doors and rotating objects) could be stronger, but it works well enough that it isn't frustrating. The art style is really cartoony, but it works in the context of the game. The cut scenes open up like a storybook with a similar art style. The problem with the cut scenes is the voice acting. It's nice that the developers tried to do more than text bubbles, but the voice actors are terrible. Fortunately these cutscenes don't pop up too often.
In order to beat each mission, you must collect a set number of watts (by capturing elebits) in a set amount of time. This is great and really fun, it's when you start adding more to the formula that things could improve. Some missions require you to keep the noise level down, or to not break things. This was a smart move on the developers part to try to make the game more difficult, but it really draws the fun out of throwing things around the room to capture Elebits.
Some will probably get bored with the game if you follow the simple search and capture method, but the game is much deeper under the surface. For example, if you collect a certain number of elebits then objects in the house will be electrified. If you flip the switch on these objects a stream of elebits will burst forth. Most of the elebits will be gold colored, these elebits make your capture gun stronger so you can lift heavier objects.
There are also puzzles and actions scattered throughout the house (arranging books on a shelf in order, putting a turkey in the oven, inserting a DVD into the DVD player, to name a few). If you take the time to look you will find a lot to do. The single player game isn't particularly challenging, you could probably get to the end without much struggle.
Another feature of Elebits that makes it stand out is the fact that it is the first Wii game to incorporate online (in japan, america has yet to have full online functioning yet). The online lets you trade stages that you created yourself to other players. The edit mode where you create the stages has about as much customization as you would ever need, allowing you to place objects from single player in any of the environments you've seen in single player. You can place the elebits wherever you want, and even create action for players to complete.
My Rating
8.5 out of 10
However many strong points the game has, people may find it boring after a while. The missions that force you to keep destruction to a minimum lower the fun factor.
