If there's one genre that's certainly seen a boost from the current generation of online-enabled gaming consoles, its the puzzler.  Although it began its lifecycle on the Xbox 360 and PC platforms, SouthPeak Games is bringing their acclaimed puzzle game Roogoo to the Nintendo Wii with Roogoo Twisted Towers, complete with the same gameplay and style that should please fans, while giving the franchise a look and feel that's entirely its own.  Like previous versions of the game, the Wii version retains its multi-level version of the classic puzzle experience, adding motion controls and several new options to keep things fresh and exciting for some, and possible feature-overload for others.

The core of the game is dubiously simple as you'll match shapes with the according slots, over corresponding platforms until the process starts over for another shape; simple enough for just about anyone to learn and enjoy. The puzzle elements start to kick in when each sphere platform has to be rotated (with B-trigger/Z-button) to match the falling shape to continue the process until an obstacle bars the way or the off-chance you make a mistake. At first there isn’t much to be concerned about, but things gradually get challenging as an assortment of different shapes are introduced, and other objectives involves stacking a number of additional shape (of the same type) on a platform until it’s heavy enough to fall through. If you do happen to make a mistake you have a loss meter that fills when shapes bounce off a different slot, if it fills up before you complete the stage you’ll lose and have to start over.

That simplicity soon takes a backseat when various obstacles such as enemy creatures and cement blocks barricade your path, there are even boss battles that give the basic game some appreciated variety. Even the various in-game tasks of capturing butterflies (or swatting away bats), or capturing lost shapes guarantee that other distractions should keep players on their toes.  When you combine these elements with the primary use of motion controls, Twisted Towers becomes a puzzle that will keep the repetition of fitting shapes from being too dull, or possibly one that adds too many diversions to an otherwise elementary puzzle game.

Although I wasn't able to test them fully, Roogoo Twisted Towers features 4-player gameplay and connection to the Nintendo DS version (Roogoo Attack) to unlock new levels.  Unfortunately, the various bonus levels, such as skydiving for shapes, don't add much depth to the main package as they're practically devoid of puzzle elements.  They almost feel slapped together, rather than cohesively thought-out.

The presentation in Roogoo is fairly simple, sacrificing visual flair for bold colors and preschool-like design.  The look retains much of the original's (Xbox 360/PC) sense of style and is a good fit for the platform.  Ultimately its nothing to get excited about but is passable. Even the storytelling is basic, with cinematics that should please fans of the all-too-familiar Flash-style animation and look, while the music won't have you hunting down the soundtrack anytime soon.  While my opinion of the game's presentation might sound a bit harsh, keep in mind this is a puzzle game we're talking about and even the most mediocre design (which Roogoo is certainly not) should be enough to keep interest up.

It’s safe to say that Roogoo Twisted Towers for the Wii retains much of what fans have come to expect from the growing Roogoo franchise and adds plenty of Wii-specific controls and features to keep things fresh.  The real question is whether or not you'll find the added layers of complexity thrilling or chilling, as Roogoo makes a valiant attempt to add diversity to the genre with bonus features and gameplay additions.  Some may welcome the challenge, while others may prefer a less athletic and more cerebral puzzler.  Fans of the original game will probably find much to love here, as the Wii's motion controls perform intuitively enough and the basic gameplay package is as entertaining as ever.