Ivy the Kiwi? is a platforming game developed by Prope for the Nintendo DS and Wii. With its adorable protagonist and unique gameplay mechanics, Ivy the Kiwi? had the potential to be a standout title in the genre. However, while the game has its moments, it falls short in a few key areas.
One of the strengths of Ivy the Kiwi? is its charming art style. The hand-drawn graphics are simple yet beautiful, giving the game a storybook-like feel. The protagonist, Ivy, is an adorable little kiwi bird, and her animations are delightful to watch. The game's environments are also well-designed, with each level offering a unique and colorful backdrop.
The gameplay in Ivy the Kiwi? revolves around guiding Ivy through various levels by drawing vines for her to walk on. This mechanic is innovative and initially feels fresh and exciting. However, as the game progresses, it becomes repetitive and lacks depth. The levels are often linear, with little room for exploration or strategic thinking. This can make the game feel monotonous and tedious after a while.
Another issue with Ivy the Kiwi? is the controls. While the touch controls on the DS version are responsive and intuitive, the Wii version suffers from imprecise motion controls. Trying to draw precise vines with the Wii remote can be frustrating, and it hampers the overall gameplay experience.
The level design in Ivy the Kiwi? is a mixed bag. While some levels are well-designed and offer a good challenge, others feel poorly thought out. Some levels have frustratingly difficult obstacles or require pixel-perfect timing, which can be frustrating for players looking for a more relaxed gameplay experience.
Ivy the Kiwi? does have its strengths, though. The game's soundtrack is delightful, with catchy tunes that match the whimsical atmosphere of the game. Additionally, the game offers a decent amount of content, with over 50 levels to complete and bonus levels to unlock.
In conclusion, Ivy the Kiwi? is a charming platformer with a unique concept and beautiful art style. However, its repetitive gameplay, imprecise controls, and inconsistent level design hold it back from reaching its full potential. While it may still appeal to fans of the genre or those looking for a cute and relaxing experience, it falls short compared to other platforming games on the market.
