Bizenghast: Wicked Labyrinth Review
PROS
- Haunting soundtrack.
- Simple controls and easy to learn gameplay.
- Unlockable artwork by M. Alice LeGrow.
CONS
- Overly simplistic gameplay; repetitive maze-like challenges.
- Only tangentally related to its source material and influences.
VERDICT
Wicked Labyrinth fails to capture the haunting style of Marty's work in Bizenghast by sticking with a series of basic maze-like challenges.
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Although not strictly a Manga, Bizenghast, an ongoing Gothic inspired comic by M. Alice LeGrow (otherwise known as Marty) is none-the-less associated with many of its trappings including cosplay. Wicked Labyrinth by Tokyopop seeks to expand the series in to the gaming frontier, but where the comic cleverly deals with the main character Dinah's need to free trapped ghosts every night, the game takes a less subtle approach.
Each level places Dinah in a 'maze' complete with traps that needs to be navigated to reach the end, with additional levels increasing the challenge slightly until you complete the game. A simple virtual d-pad allows you to move Dinah one square at a time, but holding down a button will cause her to slide along smoothly (though this can be hazardous especially on later levels). It's a fairly tragic affair as players are challenged mostly by their ability to navigate without dying to instant traps, though later levels do add an interesting twist as you try to stave off being poisoned by getting to an antidote in time.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of Wicked Labyrinth is its presentation, with Marty's lovely organic illustrated style being reduced to a bland series of lifeless isometric tiles. In the very least the artwork does try to keep in synch with Gothic theme, but the only real attachment to the comic series and Marty's artwork comes in the form of unlockable extras gained by collecting tarot cards.
While not necessarily the most popular of comic titles, Bizenghast still deserves more than a cursory effort that does little to address the story or style of its source material. Wicked Labyrinth can occasionally prove to be challenging, but its bland gameplay and repetitive levels are far too easy to ignore. Fans may appreciate some of the smaller touches in the game (such as messages after every 10 levels), but it's still a hard title to enjoy.
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