Unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to check out what Gamecock was showing during E3.  Thankfully however they were displaying their games at PAX this year which gave me an opportunity to check out Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars for Wii.  While they did have the DS version available to play, I have a preview build that I’ll be discussing at a later date.

Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars

Previous to actually getting hands-on time with this title, I had only seen promotional artwork and a few vague videos of it in action.  So going in, I didn’t have that high of expectation.  Slowly however, the game grew on me.

The controls for the game are simple and approachable by first time players.  You move by using the Nunchuk and attack with your Spore Powers by pressing B.  Other attacks when you have weapons can be used by swinging the Wii Remote accordingly.  Although some enemies can be beaten by attacking, it’s best to find a solution by the presented environment.

Trying to solve some of the puzzles in the game brings forth one of the great elements, exploring.  When wandering around for the solutions I found some real treats such as a detailed soda can.  The can, a parody of our times and the fact the US relies on high fructose corn syrup, had full details including ingredient listings and nutrition values.

If the sugar happens to kill you, it’s not too big a deal unless you had completed most of the puzzles in the level since you respawn at the beginning.  On the bright side of dying is the interesting graphics Red Fly Studios made for damage.  When you take damage, a portion of your head vanishes and you’ll see the inside of the cap and all its brainy workings.

So far I think the game is coming together nicely.  Although the combat is quite fun, I had the most fun with simply the platforming action and seeing where my character could get to.  Even if it is limited view, it’s such a large world for Mushroom Men.

Overall

I loved their booth at PAX.  They turned it into a mini-arcade of sorts with each game being housed in cabinet looking cardboard on each side.  Although sometimes I think they’re a bit too flashy for me, I give them full props for their display during PAX.

Keep an eye out for my Mushroom Men: Rise of the Fungi preview shortly!