Traditionally a 3D platformer, Tak: Mojo Mistake makes the transition to two dimensions remarkably well. The controls are tight and don't rely on the touch-screen too much while still providing a decent amount of gameplay variety and the new perspective allows for some amusing visual designs as well. Environment repetition becomes a problem later on, but the brief length of the typical quest is perfectly suited for the short play sessions Nintendo's handheld is known for. In the end, Tak: Mojo Mistake may not be the next New Super Mario Bros. but it does provide a few hours of old-school 2D platforming entertainment for gamers of all ages.
Presentation - 7.0
Graphics - 7.5
Sound - 5.0
Gameplay - 7.5
Lasting Appeal - 7.5
Overall -
Joshua Clark writes:
"One of the hardest parts of witnessing the rise of 3D gaming had to be the inevitable decline of the two-dimensional, side-scrolling platformer. Super Mario 64 proved to the world that great platformers were indeed possible in three dimensions and the technological arms race that is the videogame industry basically required platforming games to be 3D from that point on. Thankfully, the introduction of the Virtual Console as well as retro titles like New Super Mario Bros. have managed to keep 2D platforming alive, but new titles in the genre are becoming increasingly rare. Enter Tak: Mojo Mistake, a brand new 2D platformer for the Nintendo DS that finally answers the oft-ignored prayers of gamers dying for that old-school platforming fix."
GameVortex writes: "All of these small additions to the typical 2D platformer experience make Tak: Mojo Mistake a very competitive and entertaining game for both new gamers and those looking to reminisce a little back to the days of old when all games played with this style. The alchemy strategies of combining certain objects together add another dimension to the experience as well, but since the combinations are essentially given to you, it makes for an easy addition to the game. Unfortunately, this 2D version of the popular Tak franchise doesn't offer a whole lot of different levels, as you will end up revisiting the same areas multiple times because this platformer is more mission-based. When all is said and done, however, Tak: Mojo Mistake is a worthy title that fans of the series and fans of platformers in general should be willing to check out".
Sooner or later, all 2D action/adventures go 3D, and all 3D action/adventures do the reverse. Crash started out in the third dimension then morphed into a grand side-scroller for the Game Boy Advance. Sonic and Mario have gone back and forth because, as gamers all know, hedgehogs and plumbers just can't make up their minds.
Tak, the likable hero and explorer from Nickelodeon and THQ, has mostly stayed on the 3D side of the fence. He dabbled in the second dimension a few years ago but was hesitant to take the plunge. Now it would seem that he is no longer fearful: with a staff in his hand and a feather in his hair, Tak is now part of the side-scroller world. His second DS adventure, Tak: Mojo Mistake, takes him on a journey you won't recognize. And though the game has an abundance of flaws, overall the project was not a mistake.
Gameplay 7.2
Graphics 6
Sound 7
Difficulty Easy
Concept 7.4
Overall 7.2
