INTRODUCTION
Are you feeling brave enough for an action-packed escapade? “Disney/Pixar Brave” on the Wii has you covered! Based on the eponymous animated film, the game transports players to a mystical Scotland, where they fill the boots of Merida, the redheaded princess. Her royal lineage and the marriage deal get twisted when Merida stumbles upon a witch who casts a spell that morphs her mom into a bear. The game starts you off right at this transmogrification junction, gradually unraveling its narrative in bite-sized portions during your quests. Your mission? Undo the spell, return Mama Bear to her royal self, and sort out a cursed forest. Easy peasy, right?
LINEAR PATH AND DYNAMIC CAMERA WORK
The game design ensures you don’t get lost wandering the highlands by setting you on a linear course with a camera that likes to switch perspectives. It’s as if the camera has a personality of its own—sometimes, it prefers a side view, and other times, it wants to show you the action from behind. Merida can run, jump (yes, wall and double both count), and dish out some swordplay. There’s also a bow for all you sharpshooters, handy for ranged attacks.
MASTERING ELEMENTS AND SKILLS
What’s a fantasy game without some elemental magic? Just as the Earth’s magnetic pull gives you a bad hair day, here it can cure plants and affect other organisms. This power isn’t just for botany enthusiasts; it’s also a practical tool for turning flora into platforms you can use to reach new heights. And if Mother Earth isn’t your thing, fear not—fire, air, and ice elements are also up for grabs. Burn things, freeze stuff, or go complete Airbender; the choice is yours.
THE JOY OF MINI-GAMES AND PUZZLES
Who doesn’t love shooting targets with a bow or figuring out a sequence of stepping stones like it’s a medieval version of Dance Dance Revolution? Mini-games and puzzles are sprinkled throughout the game to keep you intellectually engaged. And if you think Merida gets to have all the fun, her brothers—adorably turned into bears—are here to solve some complex tasks for you.
THE BEAR ESSENTIALS: ELINOR IN ACTION
When she’s not hibernating, Elinor the Bear—formerly known as Queen Elinor—takes on arena-style battle stages. She might have traded her crown for some fur, but she’s even more potent than her daughter. Elinor can swipe like she’s on a dating app for bears, pound the ground to create seismic waves, and charge at her enemies like she’s late for a royal appointment.
COINS, SKILLS, AND MULTIPLAYER MADNESS
Breaking stuff has never been so profitable! In “Disney/Pixar Brave,” you can smash objects in the environment to earn coins. These shiny tokens can be used to acquire skills like dodging slam attacks or executing power attacks and charged shots. Various bows and abilities can be found and enhanced, giving you an edge in your journey. As for multiplayer, a second player can join as a wisp, providing a more collaborative gaming experience.
GIMMICKY CONTROLS FOR THE WIN
Oh, and did I mention the controls? Whether you’re a fan of waving your Wii remote or aiming with precision, the game’s got you covered. And if you happen to own Kinect (Xbox 360) or Move (PS3), there’s an archery range mode to tickle your Robin Hood fantasies.
So there you have it, six pillars of fun that make “Disney/Pixar Brave” more addictive than a Scottish reel. With its captivating storyline, dynamic camera work, elemental magic, challenging mini-games, and robust multiplayer options, the game guarantees an adventurous ride through mystical Scotland without needing any actual haggis. What’s not to love?
