Nintendo Wii Review: Target Terror

A light gun arcade on a modern console like the Wii can be a high quality title, but a straight -on transfer of the same arcade game (2D graphics, sound booth voices and all) to a modern console like the Wii…um, not so high quality due to lack of innovation or enhanced production values. When you get into a good flow the game can be fun, especially with two players, but not all the memories of arcade shooters transfer over to this title. Players have the advantage of automatic movement throughout the missions and you get a high level challenges throughout most gameplay.

It’s almost impossible to get a great success rate as one player just because of the sheer volume of baddies that do the standard “peek a boo” from behind a box or jump in front of an innocent bystander (no ‘red X’ icons to help you here). You’re just concentrating on hitting targets most of the time and not die. Even though you have 40 lives, death comes quickly if you’re not paying attention to the screen. Usually, the game should get more exciting with large waves of baddies…your accuracy rate goes up and so does your body count…things are looking good right? Instead the movement and graphics slow down when there are multiple movements and targets, which hurts the flow of the game, especially when you’re taking multiple shots at the slower moving terrorists.

The graphics practically scream “dated material here” based on the terrorists’ clothing style…not entirely a bad thing because you might get a few laughs out of their appearance and quirky 2D action. The puzzling settings include a golf course (one of the nine mini games) and the Golden Gate Bridge, but you can expect the standard warehouse/power plants settings. The game does have double digit missions (just barely) which make a low replay value where the only incentive to try again is to get your name higher in the standings. Game makers could’ve done much more with the theme, which doesn’t evoke much terror, plus your base character has no background, introduction or role playing elements — just some cheesy news footage and surprisingly long loading times.

From a production/graphic standpoint it’s probably better to start from scratch with a new concept instead of remediating this recognizable arcade experience, originally designed by Eugene Jarvis (Defender). A missed opportunity to make a high quality shooter/multiplayer/rated M game, all in demand on the Wii, though gamers craving a “no-brainer” with endless shooting will find some appeal here plus save a LOT of quarters. The high challenge and M rating (which could’ve easily been taken down to a T with less gore and smaller gun shot wounds) won’t appeal to casual gamers even at a slightly reduced price, but the retro graphics and occasionally funny (unintentional and intentional) actions, entertaining mini games and high challenge might hit the mark for some gamers.

Target Terror is rated M (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Crude Humor and Violence.