The Charge

Resistance is…fun!

Opening Statement

Who says there’s only room in the Gears of War universe for violence-loving, grown-up gamers? Not Jack! While Marcus is shooting and killing, Jack has other things to do. Like play Jenga!

Facts of the Case

In this casual game spin-off from Epic’s hugely successful Gears franchise (and published under the recently created Epic Kids label), players assumes the role of Jack, the Gears‘ robotic sidekick who typically appears only to unlock doors or gather data. As Gears devotees recall, Jack often removes himself from the scene when the situation gets dicey.

So what is he doing while Delta Squad reign down death and suffering upon the Locust Horde? This game seeks to answer that question and that answer is: minigames!

The Evidence

While Marcus and Dom and Baird and Cole are doing their thing with chainsaw bayonets and liberating humanity from the oppressive menace of the Locust Horde, Jack has his own adventure to follow, and that path leads through a series of mediocre to decent minigames, which include:

“Color Match”–Using the Wiimote, players must match colored squares before the timer runs out and Dom is crushed to death by debris.

“Lefty Loosey”–By shaking the Wiimote, players must help Jack in loosening a rusted-on bolt that is holding a door in place that Delta Squad needs to get through. (Pro-tip: simultaneously pulling the trigger will release a squirt of WD-40, or the Sera equivalent.)

“Maze Craze”–The Locust are attacking and Marcus needs you to navigate the sewer system to open up a water main and flood the enemies out!

Screen shot from Jack's Adventure

“Number Crunch”–Jack has run into a particularly tough door code. Using the Wiimote, can you perform the necessary long division to save the day?

“Block Bobble”–Oh no, a Brumak has Delta Squad cornered! It’s up to Jack to dislodge the rocks above the Brumak’s head and start an avalanche but that will require some vigorous waggling. Are you up to it?

“Report Writer”–Marcus needs to file a briefing to central command but he’s too busy defending children from a Theron Guard attack. It’s up to Jack to type up the report, then fax it (using the Wiimote).

“Clean Sweep”–Those Lancers get dirty and someone has to clean them in between battles. That someone is Jack. Can you waggle enough to sweep away every piece of grit and brain tissue fragment from the gun barrels?

“Jenga”–Boss fights can take a while. Why not pass the time with some Jenga?

These are the on-disc minigames, though Epic Kids has promised expansion packs that will offer future content. In an effort to cultivate the Jack character, a new cartoon called “Jack’s Amazing Adventures!” will launch on Nick Jr. and will reportedly feature Diego as a special guest who helps Jack find and free Dora from the clutches of a pair of lewd Boomers.

It is obvious that Epic Kids is looking to build a new franchise to supplement the success of their Mature counterparts and though a few of the minigames weren’t great, overall the selection is nice. I think young fans who can’t yet try a Mature game will have their Gears curiosity satiated by this release.

The graphics are built on the Unreal Yay! engine, which was specifically designed by Epic for the Wii. Though simplistic, the graphics are pleasing to the eye, full of bright, vibrant colors. The cutscenes were produced by the same animation company behind the My Little Pony series and are charming; Baird’s cheeks have never looked rosier!

Unfortunately, there is no online play available, though the game does support up to four friends.  Additional players assume the role of Jack’s robot helpers, Bert, Kevin and Aisha.

The Verdict

Not Guilty! Hooray!