Wacky Darts

Copyright : Codemasters | Reviewed by : Ritchardo

Take on the best players in the universe as you strive to become the Greatest Darts Player Who Ever Lived! Well.. It makes a nice change from playing for a pint anywayâ?¦

Codemastersâ?? take on the last sport which Britain could claim to be the best in the world at (except Snookerâ?¦ weâ??re not bad at thatâ?¦). A tongue on cheek pastiche of 180 and the Jocky Wilson games.

Graphics

Despite featuring the same dartboard view as every other dart game since the dawn of time, Wacky Darts still has a nice streak of design that appears like an updated version of Mastertronicâ??s 180.

Featuring the same â??wackyâ?? type of characters, the opponents you face are all clearly distinguishable and well drawn. The orange haze over all the proceedings works quite well and is a better choice than the usual spectrum blues and purples.

Each of your opponents has a different look and theme which covers not only their portrait shots but also how they look on the oche and the way they throw their darts. Packed with details - itâ??s a joy to watch some of the players.

One major graphical flaw, however, which does have an adverse affect on the gameplay is the collision detection which can prove fatal in a game were points are everything. On more than one occasion youâ??ll be left spitting feathers at a dart which is clealy in the double 20 segment being given as a double 5.

Sound

Very lightweight effects to signal the throw of the dart and opponent selection. A big disappointment and Iâ??d expect much more from Codemasters particularly in what is such an aesthetically pleasing game.

Gameplay

Each of your opponents has their own characteristics and some are luckier than others, some start strong and some are consistent. This variety, while not exactly allowing you the opportunity to have any real tactics, does mean that each match opponent is a different kettle of fish and youâ??re likely to have a different match with each.

Unlike other games of this type a random draw determines who plays whom in each competition and it is possible that one of your least favoured opponents could be knocked out by a player you can beatâ?¦ doesnâ??t happen very often but it does give you a chance of scooping the title every now and again!

Control of your disembodied hand (another darting game staple) is easier than in most of its peers and you feel as if you have more control than in other games - this doesnâ??t make things too easy of course and momentum still has its part to play.

As mentioned earlier, however, the collision detection is a fatal flaw for a sport simulation that requires precision and at the end of the day despite the many good points in Wacky Darts favour, proves to be its ultimate undoing