Wonder Project J2

Originally Written: 4/24/2000, Rewritten: 3/2/2002

Let me start off this review by saying one thing: If heavy use of the Japanese language frightens you than this may not be the best choice for your newest N64 game. Wonder Project is basically a "life" simulator. You are given the task of helping a robotic puppet become human. This is accomplished through completing several tasks. These tasks range from something as simple as learning how to cook all the way up to making friends. You accomplish this through a series of trial and error events. You have the job of telling her, the puppet, what to do. She will respond with either the correct action, or some off the wall stunt. You praise her for completing the task, and let her know she is wrong when she fails. She really has a mind of her own, and as such she learns just like a real child. You must have patience as she is not pre-programed with the highest intelligence. She is also like a child in another way as well, she never shuts up. She is constantly asking you questions about yourself. You are usually limited to a yes or no response. This adds a bit to the interactivity and the language barrier at the same time.

For those of us who do not have a fluid comprehension of Japanese, the game can become quite frustrating, as is expected with the genre. Even if you've got a grasp on the language the game could be a pain. Just as in real life, some things she'll learn quickly, while others take repeated attempts. However, this adds a sense of accomplishment for when you do teach her things. You need patience in spades if you are going to attempt this game. This is multiplied if you cannot read Japanese.

Unfortunately, while the game has a wonderful premise and seems like it'd be great fun, it's not really worth messing with if you cannot read Japanese. As stated above, this game is dripping with Japanese text. While the tasks can still be completed with a lot of trial and error or using a FAQ, it does not evoke the same level of emotion as it would if you could read it. Unfortunately, there was never a Us release for this game (or it's prequel on Super Famicom), so importing is your only option and with all the Japanese it's not even worth it. Truly is a shame that games like this get passed up.

Saving the game is accomplished via a controller pak. Thankfully, they chose to include one packed with the game for the few who do not own one. If you are buying a used one, check to make sure it comes with this little extra. The controller pak comes with a neat little sticker of the girl to stick on the controller pak. Apart from that it is just a standard controller pak, so even if you buy one without the included pak, you can still save on one of your existing controller paks.

The 2D graphics in this game are excellent and surprising considering the N64 isn't exactly known for it's 2D capabilities. The animation is superb. At times it feels like you are playing an anime! I was astounded by the quality of the animation when I received it back in 1997. In addition to the 2D graphics, there are parts of the game that are in 3D. Unfortunately, the 3D areas of the game didn't fare quite as well as the 2D. They look like your typical first generation N64 3D graphics, with the blurry textures and everything else.

The music suits the game well and really fits with the atmosphere. It includes mainly upbeat tunes with the occasional sad sections. The music, in essence, can evoke the emotions that non-Japanese reading gamers miss out on. The music, however, is no substitute for being able to truly immerse yourself in the story. It's just not the same as being able to read the story. Sound FX are pretty good. Just about everything sounds as it should. Clanging pots sound like clanging pots. No complaints here. There are a few speech samples thrown in such as when she runs into a wall and cries out, which is actually quite funny.

Overall, unless you have a firm grasp on the language, I'd say resist any temptation and skip the game. It may sound cool, but if you can't really immerse yourself, it's a waste of time. The coolest premise in the world isn't going to make a game any more fun if you can't play it to it's full potential. However, if you can read Japanese and teaching a young female robot the ways of the world is your thing, than this is your game. Just bring a lot of patience and be prepared because you've got a big task at hand.

©2002 Ed Finnegan

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