Roogoo is a fun and cozy game all the way, but it could have used a couple of extra, challenging levels.
It's almost fantastic how far into the 40 levels that the game keeps up introducing new gameplay elements. This also results in a somewhat challenging game, even though it incorporates such a cute style. However, not once did I fail and not feel that it was my own fault. The urge to throw my controller towards my screen was never there. This might have been said by reviewers about a lot of games, but this is the first time I truly get the feeling. It's magical.
One of the components that keeps the game from driving you insane, is the music. The game is filled with all sorts of musical tracks, that, even though they are just short segments of music set into a loop, really contribute to the overall feel of the game. They are both ear-hanging and (for the most part) cozy.
If something is to be said about Roogoo, it's that this is a game that you gradually learn to play. This might be easy to say, but the difference between a new, and experienced player is huge, yet anonymous. A simple level can piss you off at first, but when you return to it the second time, while trying to score all par-times and 100 %, you will notice how easy the level suddenly seems to be.
So what are these "par-times" and "100 %s" I am talking about?
These are bonus objectives that you can attend to increase the replay value.
Par-time means that you have to beat a level in a certain time frame. Not only does this require you to be fast, but it is also tactically demanding at some points, for example; in a certain level, you have to sacrifice one or more figures to make the par-time.
100 % simply means to beat a level without losing a single figure.
For the most part, par-time is the hardest of the two, but there are certain levels where the roles are exchanged.
This is unfortunately where I have to introduce the game's first, and most avoidable flaw; the lack of a replay-button.
It is absolutely ridicules for a game that almost begs you to try it, with challenges in mind, to lack a replay-button. It is quite frustrating that you have to exit to the menu, and then find your level on a list, to restart.
Once you are done with all that; there is multiplayer.
First off, you have party mode. In this offline feature, up to 4 people, each with their individual controller, are constantly being switching between, for the control. Try this with a couple of friends who haven't tried Roogoo, and get ready to be entertained.
People will gradually panic because of the switching and control, and I promise that the most heard sentence is going to be "wait, it was my turn?" Absolutely hilarious all the way.
Of course, you also have your rudimentary online multiplayer. In this mode, the host chooses a level, and then the game is on; who is the fastest to win? Actually the end result is based on a lot of factors, but speed play a big part of it.
Contrary to what you might expect, this mode is actually split-screen, even though it is online from console to console. This way, you will be able to experience whenever your rival **** up and embarrasses himself. This also means that there is a vertical line in the middle of the screen. On that line, two portraits - one per player- work their way down towards the bottom. Technically, the portrait which is lower is leading, however, you will easily notice it when your enemies drop a stack of figures in the wrong hole, and his portrait takes a drastic step up. This increases the feeling of stress and rush (in a good way.)
With this being said, there has to be a lot to do in Roogoo, right?
Not quite.
In good or bad, Roogoo is a game you learn; a game you master.
Once you learn how everything works, and you beat every level without taking damage, the game actually ends up a little too simple. What started as a challenging and demanding game, suddenly transforms into child's play. The game could really use a couple of extra, and more challenging, levels.
All said and done, Roogoo is still a fantastic game.
It's simple, easy to pick up and play, addictive and entertaining. There are lots of good musical tracks to be heard, and cozy hours to be spent.
What more can you ask from an Xbox Live Arcade game?