Ubisoft has announced that Cranium Kabookii has shipped to retailers in the U.S. and is exclusive to the Wii. Developed by Ubisoft's Quebec studio, in collaboration with five-time Toy Industry Association Game of the Year winner Cranium, Inc., Cranium Kabookii celebrates the amazing things friends and family can do as they create, perform, discover and connect with one another. Cranium Kabookii is rated "E" for Everyone and has an MSRP of $49.99.
The biggest head-scratcher about Cranium: Kabookii is why would you buy it for the Wii, when all interactions are restricted to what you can do with a Wiimote. Instead, why not get the board game, which is much cheaper and allows you to draw with a pen and paper and mold with clay? WorthPlaying would understand if Kabookii had some sort of online multiplayer option or single-player campaign, but absent those things, there's really no reason to skip the non-digital version.
While the title is enjoyable, it can't escape two simple truths: It's a minigame collection, and it's based on a game that is more fun when played in the traditional fashion with friends gathered around the playing board rather than the Wii console. There's nothing particularly wrong with Kabookii, but sometimes, you just can't beat the original.
This is a fun family game that's burdened with some unfortunate technical issues. Beyond that, Kabookii's only flaw is that it's essentially a digital board game at video-game prices. If it comes down in price, it will be a much easier recommendation, but as it stands, there's just not enough game here for the money. Try the board game version first.
Gameplay - 6.7
Graphics - 7.6
Sound - 7.1
Difficulty - Medium
Concept - 8.5
Overall -
Ubisoft has revealed its is bringing 'Cranium Kabookii' exclusively to Wii, based on the award-winning board game. The new edition will feature dancing and singing as well, comes with special glasses that add to the 'fun' and is set for release this Christmas in Europe.
