When a game features a hero named Konki the Stellar Guardian and a bad guy called Dr. Dark Matter, the review sort of writes itself. It isn't the absurd childish character names that make Evasive Space an awful slog though; it's the controls. This WiiWare top-down shooter with a twist (there's no shooting) is based on an impressive premise of escaping every nasty situation that enemies throw at you, which gives the game an addictive puzzle vibe. Unfortunately, the game is also based on the not-so-impressive premise of using the Wii Remote to guide your every movement, which is just about as enjoyable and as painful as slamming a car door on your hand. Repeatedly.
The Good:
* Having to evade enemies instead of shoot them is interesting.
The Bad:
* Control scheme is a total mess
* Level design is far too exacting
* Time limits are too tight.
Mygamer writes: "From the game's screenshots and initial first impression, it is not hard to mistake Evasive Space as another classic shooter. This is definitely not the case as avoiding obstacles and reaching the finish line before time runs out is the basis of gameplay. A game like this can only be created using the Wii's unique controller, but this style of gameplay really could have been done with an analog stick. Unfortunately, the loose play control, cheap level design, unavoidable enemies, and a terrible in-game timer really make the cost of 1000 Wii Points unjustifiable".
Evasive Space came close to being one of the most intriguing games on WiiWare, but frustrating controls really ruin the experience. Simple analog controls would've made this inspired and polished game a must-buy.
TVGB: How does this old school game stand up in the world of the new school Wii? Is it a bit of glorious past brought into the present or is it a bone the dog dug up that was better left buried?
