Tak: The Great Juju Challenge Review

Game: Tak: The Great Juju Challenge

System: Gamecube (also PS2, Xbox, GBA, DS)
Genre: Platform
Developer: Avalanche Software
Release date: September 19, 2005


Pros:Co-op works well, good sense of humor
Cons: Vertical split screen makes it difficult to move around, game is short


You might know Tak from the short-lived Nickelodeon series Tak and the Power of Juju, but he began his career as a video game hero. The original Tak game, Tak and the Power of Juju, is, surprisingly, one of the better platform games ever made. Its direct sequel, Tak 2: The Staff of Dreams, is excellent also. Enter the third game in the series, Tak: The Great Juju Challenge, which mixes up the standard Tak formula. Instead of a story-based single-player adventure, The Great Juju Challenge opts for a series of timed challenges. It also features co-op for the first time. DBtC contributors Evan and Beth sat down to play the game this month...

What were your first impressions of the game?

Tak

Evan (Tak): The first thing that struck me was the inferiority of the split screen setup. Instead of dividing the screen into two parts along a horizontal line, the game splits the screen along a vertical line. The result is a limited view of the action in the game. It wasn't a dealbreaker, but it did make progress through the game's levels more difficult.

Beth (Lok): Possibly the first thing I noticed about Tak: The Great Juju Challenge, was the graphics. Though not necessarily spectacular, they are appealing, and set the mood for the game. They put you in mind of a magical wooden village at dusk. Apart from the graphics, I probably noticed immediately that the game has a great sense of humor. Specifically, Lok's character is an endless source of humor.


How does The Great Juju Challenge compare to earlier games in the series?

Lok

Evan: Like the first two games, The Great Juju Challenge has gorgeous graphics and outstanding sound and music. It also has a great sense of humor. However, unlike the earlier titles, this game revolves around cooperative actions. Either two players control Tak and Lok or one player controls both, alternating between the dynamic duo. In general, the series has been in decline. The first game is a brilliant platform game, the second game is excellent, and this third game is the least impressive.

Beth: Unfortunately, I haven't played the other games in the Tak series, but I enjoyed this one and would be interested in playing the first two.


What was your favorite part?

Evan: I think my favorite parts involved areas where Beth and I had to split apart to accomplish a mission. In these areas, where Beth might need to flip a switch and I collect an item, it became much easier playing with a partner. We could move and react more quickly than if only one of us was controlling both characters.

Beth: I played as Lok, and my favorite part was getting to wear the lobster suit. Exploring the sea bottom and swimming around as a lobster isn't something you get to do in every video game, and I really enjoyed the opportunity. Other than that, I'd say that the "Proving Grounds" were unique and I enjoyed bombing around in my car in a bumper-cars style setting.

Lok in his lobster suit.

What was your least favorite part?

Evan: My least favorite part was the vertical split screen setup and also the disjointed nature of the game. The levels were designed well, but they didn't translate into a cohesive whole. They just felt random.

Beth: My least favorite part was that some of timing felt tight, and I felt rushed. I enjoyed playing through the levels but felt like if I got stuck at a particular part, it would really negate all the good work we'd already done in that level because we'd lose so much time we'd basically have to play through it again. Also, it was a bit dark in the ocean sometimes which made it tricky to see where I was going. 

The vertical split screen.

How much is your character like you, if at all?

Evan: I guess I'm somewhat like Tak. He's the responsible, dependable hero of the game, but he doesn't mind cracking a few jokes or getting silly with Lok now and then.

Beth: I sincerely hope I'm not like Lok at all (he's a bit of a blockhead). On the other hand, Lok is strong and he's a good assistant to Tak and a dedicated friend, so I hope that I have those qualities. Also, he's funny (possibly funnier than I am). 


What score would you give Tak: The Great Juju Challenge?

Evan: This is a difficult game to score. One one hand the game is frustrating because of its split-screen during co-op play and because the story, levels, and characters never really merge into a unified game experience. On the other hand, the graphics, sound, and presentation are impressive, and the level design is excellent. Two and a half stars for me.

 

Beth: I would give Tak: The Great Juju Challenge an overall score of 3 stars. It could be a bit better with more story development, perhaps more levels, and a little bit more creativity with the different challenges, but I enjoyed it and recommend it, especially for co-op play.